10-04-2020, 05:03 PM
Well it has been a Good Friday for me, a good week actually.
I'm referring to the project mentioned in my earlier post :
"My project (Just started (or is that finally started ?) a PICAXE project to emulate an enhanced Yaesu GS-232 computer interface for the two G1000DXA rotators in use here. I did a PCB layout and printed a PCB back in Feb 2018 and only put parts on the PCB this last Friday ! (COVID isolation to thank for that) Now working on the software component of the project. By the time it is finished, it will allow computer control of both rotators with the option of some antenna relay switching (haven't built that hardware yet, though the PCB artwork is done)."
The antenna relay switching board still hasn't been built - been waiting for direct sunlight at a suitable time to expose, develop and etch that PCB but the rest of the project I denoted GS-232-X is up and running. I have ended up creating a variant of Yaesu's GS232 protocol in the PICAXE BASIC code, with commands being issued by the Windows control application written in Delphi 7. I can control both my G1000DXA rotators with my application so can rotate my HF/6 antennas (14/21/28 yagi, a 18/24 yagi, plus my 6EL 50MHz yagi) and then the VHF/+ antennas (144 -> 3400MHz) on my second tower all from my Win10 PC. The antenna switching support is already coded in both bits of software. The basic unit is USB powered however the antenna relay switching option requires +12V. These are already catered for in the box with a 5-pin DIN socket on the rear to go to the relay unit.
It provides the basic / useful features in the GS-232B (currently about $AUD 900-1150) and I have the option to write in more features as desired. I have omitted the non-essential commands from the Yaesu protocol at this stage, particularly as I only have two AZ rotators and don't need satellite tracking support. My project cost really has been minimal with all bits coming from my extensive "parts/junk box".
It also works with the likes of the Yaesu rotator support written into Ham Radio Deluxe - I had fun yesterday clicking on the map display on this application and watched the HF antenna merrily spin to the selected direction !!
There are few project images below :
I'm referring to the project mentioned in my earlier post :
"My project (Just started (or is that finally started ?) a PICAXE project to emulate an enhanced Yaesu GS-232 computer interface for the two G1000DXA rotators in use here. I did a PCB layout and printed a PCB back in Feb 2018 and only put parts on the PCB this last Friday ! (COVID isolation to thank for that) Now working on the software component of the project. By the time it is finished, it will allow computer control of both rotators with the option of some antenna relay switching (haven't built that hardware yet, though the PCB artwork is done)."
The antenna relay switching board still hasn't been built - been waiting for direct sunlight at a suitable time to expose, develop and etch that PCB but the rest of the project I denoted GS-232-X is up and running. I have ended up creating a variant of Yaesu's GS232 protocol in the PICAXE BASIC code, with commands being issued by the Windows control application written in Delphi 7. I can control both my G1000DXA rotators with my application so can rotate my HF/6 antennas (14/21/28 yagi, a 18/24 yagi, plus my 6EL 50MHz yagi) and then the VHF/+ antennas (144 -> 3400MHz) on my second tower all from my Win10 PC. The antenna switching support is already coded in both bits of software. The basic unit is USB powered however the antenna relay switching option requires +12V. These are already catered for in the box with a 5-pin DIN socket on the rear to go to the relay unit.
It provides the basic / useful features in the GS-232B (currently about $AUD 900-1150) and I have the option to write in more features as desired. I have omitted the non-essential commands from the Yaesu protocol at this stage, particularly as I only have two AZ rotators and don't need satellite tracking support. My project cost really has been minimal with all bits coming from my extensive "parts/junk box".
It also works with the likes of the Yaesu rotator support written into Ham Radio Deluxe - I had fun yesterday clicking on the map display on this application and watched the HF antenna merrily spin to the selected direction !!
There are few project images below :
Doug VK4ADC @ QG62LG51
http://www.vk4adc.com
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If you have a comment or question, post it as it may trigger or answer the query in someone else's mind.
http://www.vk4adc.com
This Forum is only going to be as interesting as the posts it contains.
If you have a comment or question, post it as it may trigger or answer the query in someone else's mind.