[amsat-bb] Re: Rotor control interface for FT-736R/G5500

[Wayne Estes]

Dave AA4KN wrote:

What is a recommended computer interface/s (preferably less expensive, 
but reliable) for interfacing a Yaseu FT-736R with a Yaseu G5500 rotor 
system?

Wayne W9AE replies:

I don't think you need to connect your rotor to your FT-736R.  You 
probably want to connect your rotor and FT-836 to a computer.  If your 
computer has a parallel port, FODtrack would probably be the cheapest 
rotor interface you could build - about $25.  Parallel and serial ports 
are going away, so you might want to get a USB interface that is likely 
to work on future computers.  The $99 Labjack U3 and LVB tracker (kit 
sold by AMSAT-UK) are good options for a USB rotor interface.  For the 
Labjack you would need to build a simple interface between the LABjack 
output terminals and your Yaesu rotor.

Wayne Estes W9AE
Oakland, Oregon, USA, CN83ik