Alan and Erich, Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it. It is good to know that there is someone or some ones out there that are ready to help when asked.
So, if I read correctly, I should be able to use my KCT to tune the radio along with the rotors. With no other cables other than what the KCT has. Right? I will go back through the setup info and see if I can figure it out. Also, I could bypass KCT and use a separate data cable to tune the radio thru the serial port using a converter cable, RS-232 -> TTL. But what about the rotor? Is there an interface schematic for that? That would require an additional serial port? Right? Thanks for the help. Jim KE4KOL -----Original Message----- From: Erich Eichmann [mailto:erich.eichm...@t-online.de] Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 5:51 AM To: Jim Bennett Cc: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] SatPC32, Yaesu FT-736, and KCT Hello Jim, as Alan, VE4YZ, wrote already you can run the FT-736R with SatPC32 directly at a serial port of the PC. You need a CAT interface for level conversion RS-232 > TTL. In the sub folder KCT in the SatPC32 program folder you will find a schematic of an interface that can easily be built by yourself. You can run the FT-736R also at one of the 2 serial ports of the KCT Tuner (ports A and B). The KCT can be configured for TTL level (see the KCT manual p. 15). So, you save a COM port and don't need an external CAT interface for level conversion. You will find detailed instructions regarding rotor AND CAT steering with the KCT in the file Readme(KCT).txt. The text can be displayed from the SatPC32 menu "?", "Hints[Rotor] ....KCT". (I just tested CAT steering of my the FT-736R with the KCT-Tuner again and it works. Let me know if you want to know my settings.) Regarding performance it makes no difference whether you steer the FT-736R via the PC's serial port or the KCT Tuner. The CAT system of the FT-736R does not allow to read the VFO frequencies. So, with CW/SSB sats it can only be tuned around the passband with the mouse or keyboard but not with the VFO knob ("transparent tuning"). With other radios CAT steering directly via a COM port has the advantage that it allows "transparent" tuning. That doesn't work if you steer the radio via a KCT Tuner port, because the SatPC32 software for the KCT only sends commands but does not read from the port. 73s, Erich, DK1TB ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Bennett" <jlb...@bellsouth.net> To: <amsat-bb@amsat.org> Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 3:08 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SatPC32, Yaesu FT-736, and KCT > Has anyone got this configuration working? My current setup is: > > > > Yaesu FT-736, WISP, Kansas City Tracker/Tuner with Yaesu 5400 rotor > control > box. > > > > I have try to use Satpc32 with the KCT and it will interface with the > rotor > control, but will not tune the radio. > > > > Do I need a separate cable for the data link? Or will Satpc32 interface > with KTC and tune thru the KTC board? > > > > Thanks for any info. > > > > Jim > > KE4KOL > > > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb > _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
