(The OTT-847 interface from W4RT-Electronics)
In the past, you indicated on the W4RT Electronics information form you
submitted that you had interest in a One-Touch Tune (OTT) module for the
FT-847.
As we all know, tuning the FT-847 with other than the Yaesu FC-20
Tuner is simply annoying at best. In addition, the FC-20 has a poor tuning
range (3:1 SWR) although it is nicely integrated into the operation of the
FT-847. Oh, did I mention that one can't use CAT when using the
FC-20? This message is to announce that W4RT Electronics and SuperControl
Amateur Radio Software have worked together to solve the problems of no CAT
and to allow autotuning with tuners having a broad tuning range (10:1 SWR)!
During the past two years, W4RT Electronics has developed One-Touch Tune
Modules for the FT-100/D, FT-817, FT-857, and FT-897 radios, which allow
them to be easily used with third-party tuners, particularly LDG
Electronics autotuners. W4RT and LDG are affiliated companies. Unlike the
other radios, the FT-847 has been a particularly challenging radio for
which to develop a One-Touch Tune module.
The following several paragraphs will describe the new system.
The first new feature of FT847-SuperControl� is the support for the new
W4RT Electronics One-Touch Tune (OTT-847) interface. With this interface it
is possible to automatically control antenna autotuners from LDG
Electronics. At present, the LDG autotuners AT-11MP, RT-11, and AT-1000 are
supported, as will be future models.
The OTT-847 connects to either the 9-pin DIN connector on the FT-847 or your
computer port used to control the FT-847 by CAT. The OTT-847 has an internal
null modem, a cable to connect to the FT-847, and a cable to connect to the LDG tuner.
FT847-SuperControl now offers a "One-Touch Tune" function where you can
start a tuning process on a connected LDG autotuner simply by pushing a
button on the computer monitor screen. The software will command the
OTT-847 interface and will change the FT-847 mode to generate a stable
carrier needed for the tuning process. After the successful tuning, the
original operating mode will be restored and you can start operating on the
new frequency (typically 1-3 seconds).
Please see the new "TUNER ON" button in the program main screen
(refer to picture 1.1).
(Picture 1.1 - FT847-SuperControl
main screen)
To enable this new button, please open the pull down menu "NETWORK / MISC. -> TUNER (LDG) SETTINGS" and activate the OTT "One-Touch Tune" function (Refer to picture 1.2).
Of course, the FT847-SuperControl is able to detect when the Tune button on
the LDG autotuner is depressed. In this case, the software will also
command the OTT-847 and the FT-847 to produce a proper signal for the
tuning process.
Now if that isn't great enough, then give the "No-Touch Tune" function,
which is also available in the software, a try! In this mode,
FT847-SuperControl automatically detects a frequency change of the
transceiver. If the frequency change exceeds a user predefined step value,
the software will tell the OTT-847 interface and the LDG tuner to start the
tuning process automatically. In other words, you don't have to push a
button on the screen or the tuner to have the LDG tuner perform a match at
a desired frequency. This will be done automatically. In-band QSY retuning
takes typically about a second while band changes may take several seconds.
You can find the configuration window for the OTT-847 interface by opening
the pull down menu "NETWORK / MISC. -> TUNER (LDG) settings" (refer to picture 1.2).
Please turn on the desired functions "No-Touch Tune" or "One-Touch Tune" there.
(Picture 1.2 - LDG tuner configuration window)
Please be advised that the OTT-847 interface will be shipping in late March 2003.