Hi Robert, I'm not sure on the CT-16 or equivalent, but I do have a couple of circuits I can share with you that will provide CI-V control from your PC. I have not built any of these, but they look fairly straightforward:

http://www.qsl.net/k0kn/schematics.html

I think you can use the MAX232 or two transistor interface.

I've also attached a schematic for another interface that someone else shared with me as well.

I'd be curious to know if anyone is using two 706's autonomously with PC control for sat work. I would also think you may be able to take two of the aforementioned circuits or equivalent and be able to accomplish the same thing?

Hope that helps.

73's Stephen N1VLV

On 12/25/06, Robert L Lasso rlasso@zianet.com wrote:

I am considering using a Icom CT-16 Sat Interface with two IC-706MKIIG radios. I do not have a CT-16 and want to know if this is the best route or are there other after market interfaces or software that can be used or plans for a homebrew interface. Hard to find a used CT-16 so far on the internet. I assume that I will also need a Icom CT-17 Level Converter or one of the equivalent models out there made by other hams. Appreciate any advice. 73, Robert W6RQR _______________________________________________ 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!

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Hi Robert

A CT-16 communicates with the radios at 1200 Baud only. It works fine, if you want one radio track the other as you change the frequency on one radio. For using a satellite tracking program to control your radios, you still need a signal converter such as the CT-17, but such a thing can be homebrewed easily. If you use a Kansas City Tracker / Tuner for antenna and radio control, it will do the signal conversion for you but needs an ISA slot in a computer. But, if you want to take advantage of tracking provided by a satellite tracking program such as SatPC32, you may run into timing problems unless you let that program communicate with your radios at 9600 Baud. You also have to disconnect the CT-16 every time you use computer control. I have done that for quite a few years, but used relay type switching circuits to easily change from CT-16 to computer control.

The purpose of the CT-17 is to change the signal level of a computer's serial port, e.g. com1, to the signal level needed by the IC-706. The CT-17 works great for that. I have used a CT-16 in the past, but don't use it any more. I use a CT-17 now, through which you can control four radios. I use my CT-17 to let the computer control the frequency settings and Doppler shift corrections on my vintage ICOM radios. At the moment, I am using an IC-275 and an IC-706 for my satellite station, connected to my computer via an IC-17 and a USB serial converter.

I hope that helps. If you need more information, feel free to contact me.

73 de Dieter kx4y

At 13:52 12/25/2006 -0700, you wrote:

I am considering using a Icom CT-16 Sat Interface with two IC-706MKIIG radios. I do not have a CT-16 and want to know if this is the best route or are there other after market interfaces or software that can be used or plans for a homebrew interface. Hard to find a used CT-16 so far on the internet. I assume that I will also need a Icom CT-17 Level Converter or one of the equivalent models out there made by other hams. Appreciate any advice. 73, Robert W6RQR _______________________________________________ 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

Dieter K. Schliemann, kx4y, AMSAT life member LM-1265

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