Hi Scott,
I assume you are using RS232 from the PC to the controller? It would be challenging to have a 200' serial connection on copper. The first RS232 specification talks about 50' maximum length at 19k2 but in practice this can be higher when speed is dropped. However, worth a try and if it doesn't work you can consider RS232 extenders. These typically use Cat5 cable.
BR, -- //\arc
Scott Townley schreef:
Contemplating my Yaesu G-5400 and not so fond of the idea of running 2x 6x18AWG cables nearly 200'...(more accurately, paying for them). Has anyone ever put the controller at the antenna base and instead ran the computer<->controller wires the long distance between the computer interface and the control box? Seems like it would be a lot cheaper, in the sense of fewer wires of a smaller gauge, and not so much worry about voltage drop etc. My setup is low to the ground, so the control box would be ground-mounted in a weatherproof shelter. The "digital" run would be the 200' or more, and the "analog" or "power" run only 20' or so. If done the traditional way these lengths would be reversed. Or is this a stunningly dumb idea for reasons yet-unknown to me?
Scott Townley NX7U Gilbert, AZ DM43di mailto:nx7u@arrl.net http://members.cox.net/nx7u
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