RRC-1216H Green Heron

[w1ajt]

I am trying to get the RRC-1216H working with my RT-21 controller.  I think it needs a standard RS-232 cable (works via computer and Com 1 on my RRC-1258) and not a null modem cable which is how I am configured.  However, when I "power on" via the web interface the message is "Rotor not initialized" and "Live Update" is active.  I have tried both my new 1216H and the one I use for my ACOM 2000 with the same results.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Art - W1AJT

[Jan (Microbit)]

I assume that you have had a look at:

http://www.remoterig.com/downloads/RC1216H-Users_manual.pdf

for a description about the RS-232 connector?

"Rotor not initialized"  means that the RC-1216H is unable to communicate with the RT-21 controller. Could be as you are saying a cable problem for ex.

[w1ajt]

Hi Jan,

Yes, of course I read the manual.  As I said, the same cable was used to interface to Com 1 of my radio 1258 and that works so the cable is good.  The RT-21 communicates at 4800 baud. How is that accomplished with the 1216H given that there is no way to set the serial settings?  Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Art

[Jan (Microbit)]

Hi Jan,

Yes, of course I read the manual.  As I said, the same cable was used to interface to Com 1 of my radio 1258 and that works so the cable is good.  The RT-21 communicates at 4800 baud. How is that accomplished with the 1216H given that there is no way to set the serial settings?  Do you have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Art

I asked because it happens people do not do the obvious 

The baud rate is simply fixed in the RC-1216H.

No other suggestions right now that I can think of.

[w1ajt]

Hi Jan,

If there are no suggestions, and the 1216H does not work then I will have to return the 1216H.  I do have my first 1216H working with my ACOM 2000 perfectly after I replaced the defective RS-232 processor as received from Microbit.  I will try to get the second one working with the RT-21 again this weekend.

Thanks,
Art - W1AJT / VE3UTT

[Jan (Microbit)]

That is a good idea! If the 2nd one works with the RT-21 then there is something to compare with and you will know that RS-232 converter/cables are ok.

It would also be possible to connect the RC-1216H's RS232 port to a PCs RS232's port(with a 3 wire cable, rx, tx and ground) and start a serial terminal program at 4800 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. When clicking on "Power/On" there should appear repetitive "AI2;" printouts. That would at least tell that serial data is getting out of the RC-1216H.

[w1ajt]

Hi Jan,

Yes, I already tried the one working great on my ACOM 2000 and it didn't work on the RT-21 either so I think the new 1216H is probably good.  I will try the new one on the ACOM 2000 and see if that works just to be sure.

I can hook up a terminal program but was already going the test with an RS-232 scanner sitting between the 1216H and the RT-21 next week.  I don't give up easily   

Thanks and I will let you know.

Art

[Jan (Microbit)]

I don't give up easily   

I thought you were about to return it 

[w1ajt]

Hello Jan,

Amazing, three brand new RS-232 cables out of the box were bad from 2 different manufacturers.  Used one of my old RS-232 cables and all worked immediately.  I trouble shot the problem with the Green Heron utility program first.

Thanks for your help and patience.  No wonder you couldn't figure out the problem :-)

I am now fully remote K3/ACOM 2000A/RT-21 - GREAT!

73,
Art - W1AJT/VE3UTT

[Jan (Microbit)]

Thanks for letting us know the RC-1216H was not to blame!