Hi Peri, SatPC32 has to send the commands as required by the Yaesu GS-232 protocol. There is a single command that causes both rotors  to run to the calculated  target positions, the format is Waaa eee. 73s, Erich, DK1TB

Am 14.12.2019 um 22:07 schrieb Peri Cosseboom AA7WB:

Hi, Attached is an email thread in which a problem affecting Satpc32 due to Yaesu changing the G5500' motors from AC to DC mid 2019 is discused.Satpc32 sends the A & E commands simultaneously. This worked with the old AC motors, it does not work now. I've asked Yaesu and EA4TX, Pablo to address the problem. They were uninterested. The emails were sent mid September. I've waited until now hoping that I wouldn't be the first to report this problem. I purchased Satpc32 from AMSAT of which I'm a member. I've yet to be able to use it. Thank you in advance for your help. 73 de AA7WB Peri702 979 9750 *****************************************************************Peri, As I said before, EA4TX, DK1TB and other vendors are not responsible for the problem.  It is Yaesu that did not test their controller to see if it could start both motors simultaneously without the controller going into an overload fault.  Hammer Yaesu, no one else is responsible for the problem.  I referred the problem to Yaesu but it is obvious to me that they don't have a g-5500DC in the shop so they can test for the problem in California.  I am not surporsed. You can find a previous pass time by using SatPC32.  Click Tracking and then Preview and set the date/time of interest.  Then use the Arrows to go forward or backward in time with the satellite of interest selected. I use a Heil lightweight headset with my Icom910H.  It is not the one that completely covers the ears.  They are expensive but are very good quality. 73, John K8YSE

On 2019-11-15 16:54, Peri Cosseboom AA7WB wrote:

Hi John,

Nice hearing you today. Good signal, of course. I should sound better: using headphones and getting the hang of using the rotator manually.

I'm a bit disappointed with EA4TX, at first he was giving good advice in a difficult situation. The last couple of evaluations/suggestions were obviously incorrect. I've yet to pass on the problem to AMSAT and Satpc32. Just lazy and playing radio.

Two questions for you: any recommendations for a headset? I'm using a Sony set of earphones that are uncomfortable and of medium audio quality.

Is there any way to get the time of a prior pass? I worked AO85 on Sunday 10 November, AK7DD, DM 27/28. Having difficulty with the controller, I neglected to note the time.

73 de AA7WB

Peri

I have a reservation for a table for one in Valhalla. Just waiting for Odin's call.

-------- Original message -------- From: k8yse@papays.com Date: 11/7/19 11:12 AM (GMT-08:00) To: Peri Cosseboom AA7WB ls5102@cox.net Subject: Re: Satellites

Peri, Based on your experience, I sent an email to Yaesu about the problem.  Maybe I will be surprised but my expectations are low.  This should not be a software fix.  It is a Yaesu design problem.  And we, as consumers of amateur radio products, should not put up with it. 73, John

On 2019-11-06 20:27, Peri Cosseboom AA7WB wrote:

John,

Here's a copy of my summary email to EA4TX, Pablo, the developer of the EA4TX USB rotator interface.

Following the instructions and online tutorials, I couldn't get Satpc32 to drive the Yaesu G5500 rotator.

Midyear, Yaesu changed their motors from 24 Vac to 24 Vdc.

After a couple of weeks of pretty intense remote testing, by Pablo, on my computer it was determined that the problem lies in the fact that the Satpc32 software sends both the azimuth and elevation movement command simultaneously. This results in two motors attempting to start at once which apparently trips protection in the G5500 unit necessitating a cycle of the G5500's power switch to restart. The rotator does not move.

It is my belief that the easiest fix is to modify the Satpc32 to have a delay between movement commands. Pablo tried an approximately 1 second delay between commands to move, and it worked fine.

I am unknown in the amateur radio satellite community. Therefore have little credibility. Eg. it took 3 emails to convince EA4TX that yes Yaesu did change the motor voltage, and no I'm not crazy. Irritating.

So I welcome your comments and encourage you to pass this on to where it will do the most good.

73 de AA7WB

Peri

×********************************************************************

Pablo,

Doing some research it would seem that Yaesu has incorporated current regulating circuitry in their power supply. And Yaesu is unlikely to modify their unit just for me.

To me there are 3 solutions:

1. Use a power supply or power supply of sufficient capacity to power the G5500.

My understanding is that there is quite a bit of current necessary to start 2 DC motors. Perhaps more than can be accommodated by a regular power supply or anything less than a auto battery. Also, the power supply of the G5500 control unit is university used to power the rotator irrespective of the control method.

2. You can modify your unit to incorporate a delay prior to the relay circuitry.

I have no idea how that could be accomplished.

3. Ask the developer of Satpc32 to incorporate a delay in the software commands.

To my way of thinking it's a lot easier to code than to redesign hardware.

I will send the developer of Satpc32 an email explaining the situation. I'll mention your name with your permission.

Nobody knows me but you are well known in the community. It would be best if you could just forward this email to him. His email is on the satpc32 website. It is in everyone's best interest to have everything work with the two of the most popular satellite radio accessories the G5500 and of course your EA4TX. Good for sales if everything works together.

Thanks again for your help today it's very much appreciated.

73 de AA7WB

Peri