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" [email protected] To: [email protected] 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
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