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Yaesu GS-232A Computer Control Interface for Antenna Rotators

Manufacturer: Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd.

Addresses:

General Description

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

It 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 features a DB-9 "male" connector for connection to the (RS-232C) COM port of your computer. A "straight" type serial cable is required, ensuring correct gender and pin configuration.

The GS-232A firmware supports direct keyboard control or commands from custom programs (software not supplied by Yaesu). It can read and set antenna angle and rotation speed, and includes clocked positioning routines to automatically step the antenna through up to 3800 angles at programmable intervals, useful for tracking band openings or satellites (with an elevation rotator).

Read this manual carefully for installation. If installing a G-400, G-500A, or G-550 with the GX-500 Automatic Control Adapter, follow the GX-500 manual procedures before installing the GS-232A.

Compatible Rotators include:

  • 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 above Azimuth and Elevation rotator combinations.

The G-400 Azimuth Rotator and G-500A/G-550 Elevation Rotator each require one GX-500 Automatic Control Adapter.

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

Note 1: For G-5400B, G-5600B, G-5500

Note 2: For 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 AC Adapter
    • "B" suffix: 117 VAC
    • "C" suffix: 220-240 VAC
    • "F" suffix: 220 VAC
    • "U" suffix: 230 VAC

Installation

A personal computer with a serial port and terminal software is required for installation and calibration. Any simple interactive terminal program can be used to transmit keystrokes and display characters received from the GS-232A.

Power & Control Connections

DXA or DXC Series Azimuth Rotator

Diagram Description (Figure 1): Shows a computer connected via serial port to the GS-232A. The GS-232A is connected to a DXA or DXC series Azimuth Rotator controller. A 12V DC power source is connected to the GS-232A.

  • Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source. Red lead to Positive (+) DC terminal, black lead to Negative (-) DC terminal. The GS-232A requires 110 mA. The supplied cable has a 500-mA fast-blow fuse.
  • 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 EXT CONTROL connector on the rotator's controller and the AZ connector on the GS-232A rear panel.

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

Diagram Description (Figure 2): Shows a computer connected via serial port to the GS-232A. The GS-232A is connected to a G-5400B/G-5600B Az/EL Rotator controller. A 12V DC power source is connected to the GS-232A.

  • Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source (Red to Positive, Black to Negative). GS-232A requires 110 mA. Use the supplied 500-mA fast-blow fuse.
  • 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 "AZ" and "EL" labels on the cable with the corresponding labels on the GS-232A rear panel.

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

Diagram Description (Figure 3): Shows a computer connected via serial port to the GS-232A. The GS-232A is connected to one or two GX-500 units, which in turn connect to G-400/G-500 or G-400/G-550 controllers. A 12V DC power source is connected to the GS-232A.

  • Connect the supplied DC cable to a 12 VDC source (Red to Positive, Black to Negative). GS-232A requires 110 mA. Use the supplied 500-mA fast-blow fuse.
  • 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 GX-500; requires two sets) between the GX-500(s) and the GS-232A.

SDX Series Azimuth Rotator

Diagram Description (Figure 4): Shows a computer connected via serial port to the GS-232A. The GS-232A is connected to an SDX series Azimuth Rotator controller via an optional C-1000 Connection Cable. A 12V DC power source is connected to the GS-232A.

  • 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 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 Positive, Black to Negative). GS-232A requires 110 mA. Use the supplied 500-mA fast-blow fuse.
  • Plug the coaxial power connector into the DC 12V jack on the GS-232A rear panel.

Computer Connection

Diagram Description: Shows the rear panel of the GS-232A with its DB-9 serial port and power jack. Also shows the bottom case with the DIP switch bank, EL Trimmer, and AZ Trimmer.

  • With the computer switched off, connect the RS-232C cable to the computer's serial port and then to the RS-232C connector on the GS-232A rear panel. Only three wires are used for serial control; no hardware handshaking is required.
  • DIP Switch Settings:
    • For G-400 Azimuth Rotator or G-5400B/G-5600B Az-EL Rotator, set GS-232A DIP switch 5 to "OFF" to disable the 450° rotate operation.
    • For other rotators (except G-400/G-5400B and G-5600B), keep GS-232A DIP switch 5 "ON."
  • Select the desired data baud rate using the DIP switch bank on the GS-232A bottom case.
Baud Setting DIP Switches
Baud1234
150ONONONON
300OFFONONON
600ONOFFONON
1200ONONOFFON
2400ONONONOFF
4800OFFOFFONON
9600ONONOFFOFF
  • The Control Interface serial data format is 8 data bits, no parity, and one stop bit, with no handshaking.
  • Turn on the computer, controller, and GS-232A. Configure your terminal program for this format and your selected data rate.

Calibration

DXA/DXC/SDX SERIES AZIMUTH ROTATOR

Azimuth Offset Null

  • Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "ON."
  • From the Controller panel, set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (to 0°).
  • Press [0] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth calibration routine. The computer display should show AZaaaa = bbbb, where aaaa and bbbb are four-digit numbers padded with leading zeroes.
  • Adjust the AZ trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) while watching the computer display until aaaa and bbbb are the same (precise values are not critical).
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
  • Press [F] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth A-D converter calibration routine. The computer display should show +aaaa, where aaaa is the azimuth heading in degrees.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the Controller rear panel to display "0450" (450 degrees), corresponding to East.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Important Note: If the 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."
  • From the Controller panel, set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (to 180°).
  • Press [0] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth calibration routine. The computer display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
  • Adjust the AZ trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until aaaa and bbbb are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
  • Press [F] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth A-D converter calibration routine. The computer display should show +aaaa.
  • Adjust the FULL SCALE ADJ on the GX-500 to display "0180" (180 degrees), corresponding to South.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

G-5400B/-5600B AZ-EL ROTATOR

Azimuth Offset Null

  • Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "OFF."
  • From the Controller panel, set the Azimuth Rotator fully counter-clockwise (to 180°).
  • Press [0] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth calibration routine. The computer display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
  • Adjust the AZ trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until aaaa and bbbb are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Azimuth Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
  • Press [F] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth A-D converter calibration routine. The computer display should show +aaaa.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "AZIMUTH" (left) side of the Controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees), corresponding to South.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Elevation Offset Null

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
  • Press [02] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation calibration routine. The computer will return AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
  • Adjust the EL trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until cccc and dddd are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Elevation A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°: "right" horizon).
  • Press [F2] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation A-D converter calibration routine. The computer will display +aaaa+eeee, where eeee is the elevation heading in degrees.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "ELEVATION" (right) side of the Controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees), corresponding to the 180° position.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

G-5500 AZ-EL ROTATOR

Azimuth Offset Null

  • Before calibrating, ensure GS-232A DIP switch 5 is "ON."
  • From the Controller panel, set the Rotator fully counter-clockwise (to 0°).
  • Press [0] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth calibration routine. The computer display should show AZaaaa = bbbb.
  • Adjust the AZ trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until aaaa and bbbb are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Azimuth A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Azimuth Rotator fully clockwise (to the right).
  • Press [F] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the azimuth A-D converter calibration routine. The computer display should show +aaaa.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "AZIMUTH" (left) side of the Controller rear panel to display "0450" (360 degrees + 90 degrees), corresponding to the fully clockwise position.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Elevation Offset Null

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
  • Press [02] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation calibration routine. The computer will return AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
  • Adjust the EL trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until cccc and dddd are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Elevation A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°: "right" horizon).
  • Press [F2] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation A-D converter calibration routine. The computer will display +aaaa+eeee, where eeee is the elevation heading in degrees.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the "ELEVATION" (right) side of the Controller rear panel to display "0180" (180 degrees), corresponding to the 180° position.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

G-500 ELEVATION ROTATOR

Elevation Offset Null

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to the "left" horizon (down, 0°).
  • Press [02] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation calibration routine. The computer will return AZaaaa = bbbb, plus ELcccc = dddd.
  • Adjust the EL trimmer (on the GS-232A bottom case) until cccc and dddd are the same.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Elevation A-D Calibration

  • From the Controller panel, set the Elevation Rotator to full scale (180°: "right" horizon).
  • Press [F2] → [Enter] on the computer keyboard to activate the elevation A-D converter calibration routine. The computer will display +aaaa+eeee, where eeee is the elevation heading in degrees.
  • Adjust the OUT VOL ADJ potentiometer on the GX-500 to display "0180" (180 degrees), corresponding to the 180° position.
  • Turn off the GS-232A's POWER switch to exit, then turn it back on.

Operation

General

The GS-232A can be mounted on top of the 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 program (not supplied by Yaesu). For command summaries:

  • Press [H] → [Enter] for azimuth commands.
  • Press [H2] → [Enter] for elevation commands.

All commands require the ENTER key press after the command letter (or "0Dh" from a control program). Command letters can be in upper or lower case.

Commands are not echoed. A carriage return character ("0Dh") is returned after every command. A line feed character ("0Ah") is returned if the command invoked data.

Invalid commands result in a "? >" response and input buffer clear.

All angles are in degrees, starting at 0° for the most counterclockwise azimuth or horizontal elevation.

Angles sent to the Control Interface must be 3 digits (left-zero-padded). Returned angles may be 4 digits with a leading "+0."

Command List

Basic 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, 4 fastest). Effective immediately. No equivalent for elevation.

Calibration Commands

  • 0 (02): Offset calibration for internal AZ (EL) trimmer. Preset rotator fully counter-clockwise, send command, adjust trimmer until returned values are equal. Turn off GS-232A POWER to store.
  • F (F2): Full Scale Calibration. Preset rotator to full scale, send command, adjust OUT VOL ADJ trimmer until returned data is "+0180" or "+0450" ("+0nnn+0180" for elevation). Turn off GS-232A POWER to save.

Advanced Commands

  • Maaa: Turn to aaa degrees azimuth (3 digits, "000"-"360" or "450"). Rotation starts.
  • Msss aaa bbb ccc: Stores time value (sss seconds) and up to 3800 angles for automatic timed tracking. First parameter (sss) is interval, subsequent are angles. Requires subsequent [T] command to start stepping. Values stored until next [M] command or power cycle.
  • T: Starts automatic stepping routine (azimuth or az-el pair) after an [M] or [W] command. Rotator moves to next memorized angle/pair, waits sss seconds, then moves again.
  • N: Returns serial number of currently selected memorized point [nnnn] and total number of memorized points [mmmm] (format: +nnnn+mmmm). Requires preceding long-form [M] or [W] and a [T] command.
  • Waaa eee: (Az-El operation only) Turn to aaa degrees azimuth and eee degrees elevation (aaa: "000"-"360" or "450"; eee: "000"-"180"). Rotators respond immediately.
  • Wsss aaa eee aaa sss ...: (Az-El operation only) Similar to [Msss aaa bbb ccc], but stores azimuth-elevation pairs (up to 1900 pairs). Requires subsequent [T] command to start stepping.

Command List Summary (Returned by [H] Command)

  • COMMAND LIST 1
  • R: Clockwise Rotation
  • L: Counter Clockwise Rotation
  • A: CW/CCW Rotation Stop
  • C: Antenna Direction Value
  • M: Antenna Direction Setting. MXXX
  • M: Time Interval Direction Setting. MTTT XXX XXX XXX --- (TTT = Step value, XXX = Horizontal Angle)
  • T: Start Command in the time interval direction setting mode.
  • N: Total number of setting angles in "M" mode and traced number of all datas (setting angles)
  • X1: Rotation Speed 1 (Horizontal) Low
  • X2: Rotation Speed 2 (Horizontal) Middle 1
  • X3: Rotation Speed 3 (Horizontal) Middle 2
  • X4: Rotation Speed 4 (Horizontal) High
  • S: All Stop
  • O: Offset Calibration
  • F: Full Scale Calibration

Command List Summary (Returned by [H2] Command)

  • HELP COMMAND 2
  • U: UP Direction Rotation
  • D: DOWN Direction Rotation
  • E: UP/DOWN Direction Rotation Stop
  • C2: Antenna Direction Value
  • W: Antenna Direction Setting. WXXX YYY
  • W: Time Interval Direction Setting. WTTT XXX YYY XXX YYY --- (TTT = Step value, XXX = Horizontal Angle, YYY = Elevation Angle)
  • T: Start Command in the time interval direction setting mode.
  • N: Total number of setting angle in "W" mode and traced number of all datas (setting angles)
  • S: All Stop
  • O2: Offset Calibration
  • B: Elevation Antenna Direction Value
  • F2: Full Scale Calibration

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