Controlling SteppIR antenna using SmartSDR-Cat

IW7DMH, Enzo

Hello,

I am wondering if I can control a SteppIR antenna just using the SmartSDR-Cat configuring an already "Existent" comport. SteppIR control box should be connected to the PC using a USB-RS232 adapter.
I searched for other similar posts but all of them suggest the DDUtil solution while reading the SSDR-Cat manual, on page 15, it seems SSDR-Cat can do it "as-is".

73' Enzo
iw7dmh
 

Ria

Hi Enzo. It certainly seems that way. You can configure a slice to connect to an "Existing" COM port and connect the SteppIR to that port via a null modem cable. In the SteppIR controller you would select "Kenwood" protocol under the transceiver interface setup. I personally use DDUtil because it allows additional commands such as 180/Bi-Dir.

IW7DMH, Enzo

Thak you very much!

Regards
Enzo

Ria

I should note that I have never gotten it to work in this way, but it should work in theory. 

Mike va3mw

You have 2 published options. You can use DDUTIL, which has a lot of great features, or you can us PSTRotatorAZ which requires OmniRig to work. There is some virtual plumbing you have to do. I have heard from the author of PSTRotator that he will do a direct interface from PSTRotator to the Flex Network at some time in the near future. Several of us have asked for that feature. Codrut is a great guy and writes some amazing good stuff. http://www.qsl.net/yo3dmu/index_Page346.htm. It is the cornerstone product of my remote base and is the glue that keeps everything switch nicely. And, that is saying something as my antenna switches feed other antenna switches. Mike va3mw

Tim - W4TME

For interfacing an SDA-100 check the following:

• You have to use the Data In port not the Data out port on the back of the controller. The Data Out port is for SteppIR protocol only.
• Pins 2/3 have to be crossed in the cable (null modem)
• Pins 7/9 have to be shorted in the SteppIR controller plug
• In the controller setup make sure the baud rate is set to 9600
• In the controller setup make sure the transceiver is set to Kenwood

Info provided courtesy of Steve K5FR

Ria

This seems like it's for DDUtil though. Will it work with just CAT? 

Mike va3mw

Hi Ria It will. You will need a physical port on the PC to plug the SDA into. Then, map the CAT port. I have not tested, but others have. Mike va3mw

IW7DMH, Enzo

Just to confirm everything worked fine, as suggested by Tim.
It seems connection doesn't work using a straight FTDI - USB cable. I had to use a USB-to RS232 (DB9) adapter.

Thank you very much
Enzo
iw7dmh