![]() ![]() With this setup, WSJT-x will display the downlink frequency. Using the USB serial port for MacDoppler gives the best results. Since the IC-9700 has a USB and CI-V jack (remote) serial port, one can be used for the MacLoggerDX/WSJT-x combo and the other for MacDoppler.This does not bother MacLoggerDX, it shows a warning window and rotor control is disabled. When MacDoppler is started first, it connects to your rotor controller, thus blocking access for MacLoggerDX.There is a separate page on the Dog Park website that describes this setup in detail. Only one serial port is required when using WSJT-x together with MacLoggerDX. WSJT-x integrates with MacLoggerDX for CAT control and logging.Also you can lookup a call through the MacDoppler GUI. For SSB contacts, MacDoppler can log directly into MacLoggerDX, transferring satellite info like sat name, up and downlink freq.The following features are the basis of my setup for FT4 on sats. Since Dog Park Software also sells a logbook program called MacLoggerDX (same price) I tried that one first. Unfortunately, the selection of full featured logbook programs for Mac is limited. But how about integration with WSJT-x and logbook? Switching from SSB to FT4 is a single select from a drop down list. After adding the FT4 frequencies for the FT4 ‘capable’ sats the fun can start. Also rotor control supports my ERC rotor controller. The latest version supports doppler updates up to 10 per second, satisfying FT4 requirements. Kepler updates are automatic and transponder frequencies, including beacons, are pre-programmed. Getting up and running with MacDoppler is easy. So I started to look into MacDoppler, which you can download for testing for free. Also being a hardware solution from a US company, order-test-(possible) return-refund is not as simple compared to, let’s say Amazon. Which makes it not really plug and play for me. Since I use my Sat antennas for terrestrial communications as well, I would have to integrate the S.A.T. Cost about 250 Euro (Shipping, Tax, Customs). controller, a standalone hardware solution that controls IC-9700 and G-5500 rotor directly, no PC needed. Since programs such as WSJT-x, fldigi and gridtracker run perfect on Mac, I went looking for a SatPC32 alternative. However, when configured and up and running, it’s a very powerful and accurate program. This is a windows only program, and not really intuitive to configure and use. The de-facto standard for doppler control is SatPC32. However, FT4 requires accurate doppler control and a stable transceiver, especially given the fact that many sats have a 70cm uplink. Or, with Yagis and elevation, you can reduce power to below 1 W. With FT4, there is less need for yagi antennas and elevation control, given the (at least) 10 dB gain over SSB communication. FT4 via LEO satellites is becoming more and more popular. ![]()
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