-----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces@amsat.org]On Behalf Of Tony Sent: Friday, May 02, 2008 23:19 UTC To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Computer Controll for old Yaesu Rotators
All,
I have an old Yaesu G-500A elevation rotator mated to a Yaesu G-800SDX and would like to use computer controll for both. They each have their own controller, but they do not have buit-in computer controll boards.
Idiom ( http://www.idiompress.com/rotorcard.html ) makes a board for the G-800SDX, but I can't find anything for the G-500A.
What would be the best inteface / boads to use with this set-up? The Yaesu GS-232 interface is a bit pricy and was wondering about an alternative. I use NOVA software for tracking.
Thanks,
Tony -K2MO
Hello,
I use Kansas City Tracker to operate my CDE Ham II azimuth rotor and Yaesu/Kenpro G500a elevation rotor. Modifying the G500a control box was a breeze! The rear panel has an eight wire terminal strip, although only wires 1-6 are actually used. I ran the common motor control wire to terminal #8. Now all necessary wires for automatic control are available at the back panel.
I found my KCT board here on the BB a couple of years ago. . Seems like there should be a few more out there for sale? I think that the going rate is in the $40-$50 range? Just make sure that you have a PC with an available ISA slot. The most modern PC I've found with an ISA slot is a Pentium 2 450 MHz. It runs Windows 98 quite nicely, and SATPC32 operates my Icom radios and KCT quite nicely. I also use InstantTrack/Instanttune, which can be run in Windoze or DOS.
Of course. the LVB tracker looks really nice, too! Some day.... <grin>
73,
Kyle Yoksh K0KN Olathe, Kansas