Joe, I suppose you didn't install the additional line between the radio's ACC jacket and the CTS pin of the COM port? Without that line the program will not steer the frequencies of the IC-706MKIIG. Please read the detailed instructions in the "Readme(Icom).txt" file. The file can be opened from the SatPC32 menu "?", "Hints[Radio] for ....Icom users". It is contained in the sub folder "Icom" in the SatPC32 program folder. There you will also find a schematic of that line.
With the Icom semi duplex radios (when used as a single radio for satellite operation) the program must not change frequencies while the radio is in TX mode. Otherwise frequency errors will occur (VFO A and B will swap their frequencies). Unfortunately the IC-706MKIIG doesn't provide a CAT command to check the radio's PTT status via the software (the newer IC-7000 does). Therefore the program checks the voltage at pin 7 of the ACC jacket. The voltage at that pin is appr. 3 - 4 V during RX mode and drops to 0 during TX mode. The program outputs frequency commands to the radio only if the CTS pin of the COM port has been pulled up by that voltage.
BTW: The same problem occurs with the IC-910H in non-satellite mode with SatPC32ISS. The IC-910H allows to check the PTT status via the software, however. Therefore I have recently uploaded a patch file on my website that makes the additional line unnecesary with SatPC32ISS and the IC-910H. I will soon upload also a patch file for the IC-7000.
73s, Erich, DK1TB
----- Original Message ----- From: "joe" jbarkley@bellsouth.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 3:03 AM Subject: [amsat-bb] SATPC32 and Rigexpert
Hi All,
I downloaded SATPC32 and installed. I cannot get it to see my 706mkiig or at least it does snot seems to want to control it. I am using a Rigexpert plus for an interface. It works great with all other programs and radios using the CAT control features. I have tried a few different baud rates and settings but no joy. Would it be possible anyone is using this type of interface with this type rig? This looks like it is the only program that will control this half duplex radio on both VFOs at once. Thanks Joe KI4TZ _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@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