[amsat-bb] Re: Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers

[Gary Schuchardt]

Hi Nate
Thank you much for the information.  This has been an interesting learning
experience.  I overlooked the fact that the software programs are designed
to managed the same thing.  You are correct. 
Gary
N0EZH
Chesapeake VA 

-------Original Message-------
 
From: Nate Duehr
Date: 3/4/2008 1:39:19 AM
To: Amsat-Bb
Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Efficient Planning of the FT-847 Memory Registers
 
On Mar 2, 2008, at 2:32 PM, Gary Schuchardt wrote:
 
> I am sure that there are several AMSAT members that have similar
> equipment
> and especially using the FT-847 rig. The rig has 78 general purpose
> memory
> channels and 12 satellite memory registers.  Am I correct in stating
> that
> the rig's general purpose channels are not really good for satellite
> purposes and that I am limited to the 12 satellite memory registers?
> Scanning could be very helpful too.
 
 
Gary,
 
As another FT-847 owner, I would agree with the other's sentiments
regarding the memories.  They're great for "regular" operating, but
for satellite doppler tracking, the "features" of satellite mode on
the rig are kinda one of those -- how do you say it -- gimicky things
that Yaesu added, but really isn't necessary, especially for a
computer-controlled station.
 
The serial interface on the FT-847 and computer tracking software work
*excellently* (unless you have a VERY early serial number FT-847 --
some of those had a bug that didn't allow 2-way serial communication)
and leave tuning to the computer, which knows where the bird is, if
you have your clock well-synchronized with UTC on the PC.  You can go
into the menu and turn the speed up from the default and it usually
does help with "latency" when the PC is tracking, etc.
 
Additionally the FT-847 is one of the ONLY rigs that ever got the damn
serial connector RIGHT... no stupid mini-din, just a standard DB-9
connector that any regular "null modem" cable with TX/RX reversed and
a ground -- is all that's needed to hook it to the PC.
 
No messing around with chopping up mouse cables or any of the other
wacky crud the manufacturers (including Yaesu) switched to, so they
could sell $40 serial cables.  Retarded engineers.  They had it right
and screwed it up on later rigs.
 
Bigger rigs have PLENTY of room on the back for a nice normal DB-9,
and I wish more did have them... That's by far my favorite "feature"
of the FT-847... (I fully understand the "real estate" problems on
small rigs like the FT-857, but on the bigger rigs... if they'd just
put a dang DB-9 on the back... it's SO much simpler.  The only
"better" thing I can think of these days would be to put the USB-to-
serial converter INSIDE the rig and just run a USB cable... haven't
seen anyone do that yet.)
 
Anyway, there's my $0.02... with current prices, it won't get you far
-- but I like the FT-847 as a great solid "all purpose" rig for doing
a whole lot of things, and computer control of the rig is an utter
breeze compared to some... every computer "geek" I know can make up or
has a null-modem cable lying around somewhere... I had two.  One of
them got plugged into the back of the FT-847 and stays there, even
when I take it out roving, etc.  That cable and a solid USB-to-serial
(now that laptops don't have serial ports anymore, really), and I can
talk to the FT-847 with any computer that happens to be handy, as long
as I can find whatever software I want to drive it with or already
have it loaded.
 
73... enjoy the rig... I sold mine off once and then re-purchased it
back... it's one of those rigs that probably won't ever leave my
"collection"...
 
--
Nate Duehr, WY0X
nate at natetech.com
 
 
 
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