Yaesu GS-232A Computer Control Interface for Antenna Rotators

General Description

The GS-232A provides digital control of most models of Yaesu antenna rotators from the serial port of an external personal computer.

The GS-232A contains its own microprocessor with ROM and RAM (memory), and a 10-bit analog-to-digital (A-D) converter. The 3-wire async serial line can be configured for serial data rates from 150 to 9600 baud. The GS-232A has a DB-9 "male" connector for connection to the (RS-232C) COM port of your computer. A "straight" type serial cable is recommended, ensuring it has the correct gender and number of pins for connection to your system.

Firmware on the GS-232A supports either direct keyboard control, or commands from programs written specifically to support it (software is not supplied by Yaesu). In addition to reading and setting antenna angle and rotation speed, the firmware includes clocked positioning routines to automatically step the antenna through up to 3800 angles at programmable intervals, such as for tracking band openings or satellites (with an elevation rotator).

Please read this manual carefully to install the GS-232A. If also installing a G-400, G-500A or G-550 with the GX-500 Automatic Control Adapter, follow the procedures in the GX-500 manual before installing the GS-232A.

Compatible Rotators: G-800DXA/G-1000DXA/G-2800DXA Azimuth Rotator, G-800DXC/G-1000DXC/G-2800DXC Azimuth Rotator, G-400 Azimuth Rotator, G-500A/G-550 Elevation Rotator, G-5400B/G-5600B/G-5500 Az-EL Rotator, and combinations thereof. G-400 Azimuth Rotator and G-500A/G-550 Elevation Rotator require one GX-500 Automatic Control Adapter each.

Specifications

General

• Power Requirements: DC 12 V, 110 mA
• Case Size: 110 (W) x 21 (H) x 138 (D) mm
• Weight (approx.): 380 g

Semiconductors

• Microprocessor: HD6303XP
• ROM: 27C64
• RAM: 6264
• A/D Converter: HD46508PA (10 bits)
• Serial Comms: 3-wire Async. DCE, RS-232C voltage levels, 150 to 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no handshake

Connector Pinouts

Serial I/O (9-pin DB-9 connector)

• Pin 2 - Tx Data
• Pin 3 - Rx Data
• Pin 5 - Signal Ground

Rotator Control (5-pin EL connector)

• Pin 1 - UP switch (open collector)
• Pin 2 - DOWN switch (open collector)
• Pin 3 - analog output (0.5 - 4.5 V, four steps)
• Pin 4 - analog input (0-5V elevation)
• Pin 5 - analog ground

Rotator Control (5-pin AZ connector)

• Pin 1 - RIGHT switch (open collector)
• Pin 2 - LEFT switch (open collector)
• Pin 3 - analog output (0.5 - 4.5 V, four steps)
• Pin 4 - analog input (0-5V azimuth)
• Pin 5 - analog ground

Accessories & Options

Supplied Accessories

• Control cable for the Azimuth Rotator*1 (5-pin ↔ "Min-DIN" cable) - 1 pc
• Control cable for the Az/EL Rotator*2 ("Dual 5-pin" ↔ "DIN" cable) - 1 pc
• DC cable w/coaxial plug - 1 pc
• Hook & loop fasteners (for mounting) - 1 pc

*1: G-5400B-G-5600B/G-5500

*2: G-800DXA/G-1000DXA/G-2800DXA & G-800DXC/G-1000DXC/G-2800DXC

Available Options

• GX-500 (GS-232A version) Control Adapter (Check with your dealer)
• C-1000 Connection Cable (for SDX series Azimuth Rotator)
• NC-72B/C/F/U*3 AC Adapter

*3: "B" suffix for 117 VAC, "C" for 220-240 VAC, "F" for 220 VAC, or "U" for 230 VAC.

Installation

General Installation Note

During installation, a personal computer with a serial port and terminal software is required to calibrate trimmers on the Controller and on the Control Interface. Any simple interactive terminal program can be used; it only has to transmit keystrokes as typed, and display characters received from the GS-232A.

Power & Control Connections

DXA or DXC Series Azimuth Rotator

• Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source. Red lead to Positive (+), black lead to Negative (-). The GS-232A requires 110 mA. The supplied cable has a 500-mA fast-blow fuse; use only the same type for replacement.
• Plug the coaxial power connector into the DC 12V jack on the GS-232A rear panel.
• Connect the supplied Control cable ("5-pin" ↔ "Mini-DIN") between the rotator's EXT CONTROL connector and the GS-232A's AZ connector on the rear panel.

Figure 1: Diagram showing the connection of a DXA or DXC series Azimuth Rotator to the GS-232A and a computer. Includes connections for 12V DC power, computer serial port, and the rotator control cable.

G-5400B/-5600B Az-EL Rotator

• Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source (Red to +, Black to -). The GS-232A requires 110 mA. The supplied cable has a 500-mA fast-blow fuse; use only the same type for replacement.
• Plug the coaxial power connector into the DC 12V jack on the GS-232A rear panel.
• Connect the supplied Control cable ("Dual 5-pin" ↔ "DIN") between the rotator's controller and the GS-232A. Match the "AZ" and "EL" labels on the cable with the corresponding labels on the GS-232A rear panel.

Figure 2: Diagram showing the connection of a G-5400B/-5600B or G-5500 Az/EL Rotator to the GS-232A and a computer. Includes connections for 12V DC power, computer serial port, and the dual 5-pin to DIN control cable for AZ and EL.

G-400/G-500 or G-400/G-550 & pair of GX-500

• Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source (Red to +, Black to -). The GS-232A requires 110 mA. The supplied cable has a 500-mA fast-blow fuse; use only the same type for replacement.
• Plug the coaxial power connector into the DC 12V jack on the GS-232A rear panel.
• Connect the 5-pin to 5-pin cable (supplied with the GX-500; requires two sets) between the GX-500(s) and the GS-232A.

Figure 3: Diagram showing the connection of G-400/G-500 or G-400/G-550 rotators with GX-500 adapters to the GS-232A and a computer. Includes connections for 12V DC power, computer serial port, and two GX-500 units connecting to the GS-232A.

SDX Series Azimuth Rotator

• Prepare the optional C-1000 Connection Cable.
• Remove the Top cover from the controller.
• Connect the 8-pin connector of the C-1000 Connection cable to the exposed 8-pin connector on the rear left corner of the controller.
• Route the 5-pin connector of the C-1000 Connection cable through the rubber grommet on the controller's rear panel and connect it to the AZ connector on the GS-232A rear panel.
• Replace the Top Cover.
• Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source (Red to +, Black to -). The GS-232A requires 110 mA. The supplied cable has a 500-mA fast-blow fuse; use only the same type for replacement.
• Plug the coaxial power connector into the DC 12V jack on the GS-232A rear panel.

Figure 4: Diagram showing the connection of an SDX series Azimuth Rotator with an optional C-1000 Connection Cable to the GS-232A and a computer. Includes connections for 12V DC power, computer serial port, and the C-1000 cable.

Computer Connection

• With the computer switched off, connect the RS-232C cable to the computer's serial port and the other end to the GS-232A's RS-232C connector. Only three wires are used; no hardware handshaking is required.
• For G-400 Azimuth Rotator or G-5400B/G-5600B Az-EL Rotator, set the GS-232A's DIP switch (switch 5) to "OFF" to disable 450° rotation. For other rotators (except G-400/G-5400B/G-5600B), set switch 5 to "ON."
• Select the desired data baud rate using the DIP switch bank on the GS-232A's bottom case.
• The Control Interface uses 8 data bits, no parity, and one stop bit, with no handshaking. Configure your terminal program for this format and the selected data rate.

GS-232A Rear Panel Diagram: Illustrates the rear panel connectors.

GS-232A Bottom Case Diagram: Shows the DIP switch bank and trimmer adjustments (EL Trimmer, AZ Trimmer).

Baud Setting DIP Switches

Calibration

DXA/DXC/SDX Series Azimuth Rotator

Azimuth Offset Null

• Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "ON."
• Set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (0°).
• Press [O] → [1] (letter "oh", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start calibration. Display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
• Adjust the AZ trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until aaaa and bbbb match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

• Set the Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
• Press [F] → [1] ("F", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start A-D calibration. Display should show +aaaa (azimuth heading).
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the controller rear panel to display "0450" (450 degrees, East).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Important Note: If your controller's indicator needle does not start at 0° (North), align it to 0° before calibration. Refer to the rotator's user manual for details on indicator needle alignment.

G-400 Azimuth Rotator

Azimuth Offset Null

• Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "OFF."
• Set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (180°).
• Press [O] → [1] (letter "oh", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start calibration. Display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
• Adjust the AZ trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until aaaa and bbbb match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

• Set the Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
• Press [F] → [1] ("F", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start A-D calibration. Display should show +aaaa (azimuth heading).
• Adjust the FULL SCALE ADJ on the GX-500 to display "0180" (180 degrees, South).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

G-5400B/-5600B Az-EL Rotator

Azimuth Offset Null

• Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "OFF."
• Set the Azimuth Rotator fully counter-clockwise (180°).
• Press [O] → [1] (letter "oh", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start calibration. Display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
• Adjust the AZ trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until aaaa and bbbb match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

• Set the Azimuth Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
• Press [F] → [1] ("F", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start A-D calibration. Display should show +aaaa (azimuth heading).
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "AZIMUTH" side of the controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees, South).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Elevation Offset Null

• Set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
• Press [O2] → [1] (letter "oh", "2", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation calibration. Display will show AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
• Adjust the EL trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until cccc and dddd match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Elevation A-D Calibration

• Set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°, "right" horizon).
• Press [F2] → [1] (F, 2, "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation A-D calibration. Display will show +aaaa+eeee (elevation heading). Ignore aaaa.
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "ELEVATION" side of the controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

G-5500 Az-EL Rotator

Azimuth Offset Null

• Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "ON."
• Set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (0°).
• Press [O] → [1] (letter "oh", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start calibration. Display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
• Adjust the AZ trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until aaaa and bbbb match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

• Set the Azimuth Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
• Press [F] → [1] (F, "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start A-D calibration. Display should show +aaaa (azimuth heading).
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "AZIMUTH" side of the controller rear panel to display "0450" (360 degrees + 90 degrees, fully clockwise).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Elevation Offset Null

• Set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
• Press [O2] → [1] (letter "oh", "2", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation calibration. Display will show AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
• Adjust the EL trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until cccc and dddd match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Elevation A-D Calibration

• Set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°, "right" horizon).
• Press [F2] → [1] (F, 2, "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation A-D calibration. Display will show +aaaa+eeee (elevation heading). Ignore aaaa.
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "ELEVATION" side of the controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

G-500 Elevation Rotator

Elevation Offset Null

• Set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
• Press [O2] → [1] (letter "oh", "2", "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation calibration. Display will show AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
• Adjust the EL trimmer on the GS-232A bottom case until cccc and dddd match.
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Elevation A-D Calibration

• Set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°, "right" horizon).
• Press [F2] → [1] (F, 2, "ENTER") on the computer keyboard to start elevation A-D calibration. Display will show +aaaa+eeee (elevation heading). Ignore aaaa.
• Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the GX-500 to display "0180" (180 degrees).
• Turn GS-232A POWER off, then on, to exit calibration.

Operation

General

The GS-232A can be mounted on top of your Rotator Controller using the supplied hook-and-loop fastener strips.

After installation and calibration, the Control Interface accepts commands directly from the keyboard or from a support program (not supplied by Yaesu). Press [H] → [1] for azimuth command summaries or [H2] → [1] for elevation command summaries. All commands require pressing the ENTER key. Command letters can be upper or lower case.

Most commands have azimuth and elevation versions. Commands are not echoed, but a carriage return (0Dh) is returned after each command, and a line feed (0Ah) if data is returned. Invalid commands result in "? >" and input buffer clear. All angles are in degrees, starting at 0° for the most counterclockwise azimuth or horizontal elevation. Angles sent must be 3 digits (left-zero-padded); returned angles may be 4 digits with a leading "+0."

Command List

Azimuth Commands

• R (U): Start turning the rotator to the right (up).
• L (D): Start turning the rotator to the left (down).
• A (E): Stop azimuth (elevation) rotation.
• S: Stop; cancel current command before completion.
• C (B): Return current azimuth (elevation) angle in the form "+0nnn" degrees.
• C2: Return azimuth and elevation ("+0aaa+0eee", where aaa = azimuth, eee = elevation).
• Xn: Select azimuth rotator turning speed (n=1 slowest to 4 fastest). Effective immediately. No elevation equivalent.
• Maaa: Turn to 'aaa' degrees azimuth (000-360 or 450). Rotation starts.
• Msss aaa bbb ccc: Automatic, timed tracking. Stores time interval 'sss' (2-3800 seconds) and angles 'aaa', 'bbb', 'ccc', etc. (000-360 or 450). Requires a subsequent [T] command to start stepping. Stored values remain until another [M] command or power cycle.
• T: Start Command in the time interval direction setting mode (used with long-form [M]).
• N: Return serial number of currently selected memorized point [nnnn] and total number of memorized points [mmmm] (e.g., +nnnn+mmmm). Used with long-form [M] and [T]. For [M], nnnn/mmmm up to 3800 points.

Elevation Commands (Require G-5400B, G-5600B, G-5500, or GX-500 adapter with G-500/G-550)

• Waaa eee: Turn to 'aaa' degrees azimuth and 'eee' degrees elevation (aaa: 000-360/450, eee: 000-180). Rotators respond immediately.
• Wsss aaa eee aaa sss ...: Similar to [M] command but for azimuth-elevation pairs. Stores time interval 'sss' (001-999 seconds) and angle pairs (azimuth: 000-360/450, elevation: 000-180). At most 1900 pairs can be stored. Requires a subsequent [T] command to start stepping. Stored values remain until another [W] command or power cycle.
• T: Start Command in the time interval direction setting mode (used with long-form [W]).
• N: Return serial number of currently selected memorized point [nnnn] and total number of memorized points [mmmm] (e.g., +nnnn+mmmm). Used with long-form [W] and [T]. For [W], nnnn/mmmm up to 1900 points (pairs).

Command List Summary (Returned by [H] and [H2])