Erich Eichmann DK1TB has released SatPC32 version 12.8 which contains improvements for Windows Vista compatibility, CAT control of multiple radios, and CAT control of Icom half-duplex radios.

A demo version may be downloaded from the author's web site: http://www.dk1tb.de/indexeng.htm

Here are the changes listed in the 12.8 "What's New" file:

1. The 16-bit setup program has been replaced by the latest 32-bit Vista compatible version of Installshield Express.

2. The CAT steering functions of SatPC32 have been expanded:

a. The program now supports Doppler tuning with a single ICOM IC-706MKIIG, IC-7000 and compatible radios, although these radios are not full duplex satellite transceivers. Previous versions of SatPC32 already support satellite operation with a single one of the Yaesu half duplex radios FT-817, FT-857, FT-897.

With half duplex transceivers you can't hear your own signal on the downlink like you can with full duplex radios. However, the program automatically sets the uplink and downlink frequencies to the correct values. So, it allows voice operation over FM and SSB satellites and also digital operation. Read the "Hints for .... users of Icom radios" how to calibrate SSB frequencies when using a half duplex radio. The file can be opened from the SatPC32 menu "?" / "Hints for...".

b. Full duplex satellite operation with 2 separate radios for uplink and downlink has been improved.

Previously, one had to run the tool TxController (that came with SatPC32) to steer 2 separate radios. SatPC32 then steered the RX radio directly and TxController the second radio as the TX. Via DDE, TxController received the data calculated by SatPC32, using the data to steer the mode and frequency of the TX radio.

A problem occured when the user switched between a V/U satellite (uplink on VHF, downlink on UHF, e.g. AO-51) and an U/V satellite (uplink on UHF, downlink on VHF, e.g. VO-52). With V/U satellites the VHF radio had to run as the TX and the UHF radio as the RX, with U/V satellites the situation was vice versa. Since TxController could only steer the TX radio, a second instance of SatPC32 and TxController and a program re-start were necessary when the user switched between such satellites.

Now SatPC32 itself steers also the second radio directly. The configuration can be done in the "Radio 2" section of the menu "Radio Setup".

Numerous devices can be combined, e.g. the Yaesu semi duplex transceivers with each other or with Icom semi duplex radios or single band radios or Icom radios with each other.

With 2 Icom radios only a single serial port is required. Both radios can be connected in parallel to the CAT interface.

When the user switches from a V/U satellite to a U/V satellite or vice versa the program will (optionally) exchange the roles of both radios as TX and RX. Example: With FO-29 a FT-817 (that is connected to the UHF antenna) runs as RX, an IC-706MKIIG (that is connected to the 2m antenna) runs as TX. When the user tunes the FT-817 with the VFO around the passband the program will automatically tune the frequency of the IC-706MKIIG to the correct uplink frequency and the user will immediately hear his signal on the new frequency. When the user switches to a U/V satellite the IC-706MKIIG will run as the RX on VHF. When the user tunes it's VFO the program will tune the FT-817 to the correct UHF uplink frequency.

3. The Vista compatibility has been improved. Previously the SatPC32 data files were stored in the SatPC32 program folder. They could be edited with Notepad.

Under Windows Vista, however, this method causes problems if the new "User Account Control" (UAC) is activated (recommended by Microsoft). Then Vista inhibits changes of the original data files and creates copies with the changes instead. Vista saves these copies in a hard-to-find "compatibilty" folder.

Therefore the SatPC32 data files are no longer stored in the program folder but in a sub folder 'SatPC32' in the system folder for application data.

The program displays the path of this data folder in the bottom line of the menu 'Satellites'.

4. SatPC32 now includes a simple text editor that can alternatively be used besides Notepad to edit auxiliary files (data files, i.e. Doppler.SQF).

In the file DivOptions.SQF the user can choose whether auxiliary files are to be opened with Notepad or with the built-in editor.

5. Further improvements:

a. SatPC32 supports now the FMN (narrow FM) mode of the IC-910H. In the file Doppler.SQF enter FMN as the mode if this mode is to be set.

b. With previous version the menu "CAT" needed to be closed when the satellite is changed. Otherwise the program could not update the frequency list. That has been changed. So, the CAT window can now be left open during operation. It should then be moved out of the main window.

c. The program now shows the file date of the selected Keplerian data file in the bottom line of the menu "Satellites". So the user immediately knows whether the data should be updated.

d. SatPC32ISS: CAT steering of the FT-736R didn't work reliably when the satellite's uplink and downlink frequency are the same, e.g. the packet frequency of the ISS on 145.825 MHz. This has been fixed.

e. Some minor bugs have been fixed.

"Registered" SatPC32 users may use their existing registration code to activate the downloaded new version. New users are encouraged to purchase a registration code from AMSAT-NA, AMSAT-DL, or AMSAT-UK. The online store is down at the moment but you may purchase a registration code by calling Martha at the AMSAT office at 888-322-6728. Version 12.8 will not be available on CD until the existing stock of 12.7 CDs is depleted.

Erich Eichmann DK1TB has donated SatPC32 to AMSAT, so all proceeds support amateur satellite programs. Please support amateur satellites by registering your copy of SatPC32.

Wayne Estes W9AE AMSAT Area Coordinator Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik