[amsat-bb] Re: Icom CT-16 Sat Interface

[Dieter Schliemann]

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

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