I used a CT-16 with a pair of IC-706's to operate AO-40 on the TZ6RD trip.
It works pretty well, although the 1200 baud speed introduces more latency then is really comfortable. Obviously, doing this with a more capable computer that would take care of Doppler too would be better. And a higher speed unit would be good, but no one has done that, to my knowledge. I think this would be easy to implement in a PIC, but what do I know?
A combination unit, with a USB interface that looked like either one or two serial interfaces to a connected computer, and could function stand-alone like a CT-16 would be ideal, and substitute for a CT-17, too.
Being able to change the configuration with push-push switches is actually very nice and user-friendly, in my view, BTW.
BTW, a CT-16 doesn't require a CT-17 to operate. I always disconnected the one to hook up the other, since I was also using one of the IC-706's for HF operation, with a logging program hookup.
73, doug
Date: Tue, 26 Dec 2006 07:43:45 -0500 From: "Stephen Brown Jr" stephen.brown75@gmail.com
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Hi Robert, I'm not sure on the CT-16 or equivalent, but I do have a couple of circuits I can share with you that will provide CI-V control from your PC. I have not built any of these, but they look fairly straightforward:
http://www.qsl.net/k0kn/schematics.html
I think you can use the MAX232 or two transistor interface.
I've also attached a schematic for another interface that someone else shared with me as well.
I'd be curious to know if anyone is using two 706's autonomously with PC control for sat work. I would also think you may be able to take two of the aforementioned circuits or equivalent and be able to accomplish the same thing?
Hope that helps.
73's Stephen N1VLV
On 12/25/06, Robert L Lasso rlasso@zianet.com wrote:
I am considering using a Icom CT-16 Sat Interface with two IC-706MKIIG radios. I do not have a CT-16 and want to know if this is the best route or are there other after market interfaces or software that can be used or plans for a homebrew interface. Hard to find a used CT-16 so far on the internet. I assume that I will also need a Icom CT-17 Level Converter or one of the equivalent models out there made by other hams. Appreciate any advice. 73, Robert W6RQR