Computer aided transceiver: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Device for controlling a transceiver radio receiver}}

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A '''computerComputer aided transceiver''' ('''CAT)''') is a devicenon-generic serial protocol<ref>https://circuitdigest.com/tutorial/serial-communication-protocols</ref> used by [[radio amateurs]] for (remotely) controlling a [[transceiver]] [[radio receiver]] equipment using a [[computer]].

Conventional transmitters are manually controlled and used to transmit voice using buttons, dials, etc. However, advances in electronics have come to market devices that can be controlled by a computer and allowingallow digital modes such as [[packet radio]] and also the use of satellite tracking, because it can continuously change the device's frequency according to the [[Doppler effect]]. This is done by connecting a Radio receiver and a PC using a [[CAT interface]] and a [[CAT Program]]

A '''computer aided transceiver (CAT)''' is a device used by [[radio amateurs]] for controlling a [[transceiver]] [[radio receiver]] using a [[computer]].

Additionally, CAT interfaces can also be used to position tracking antennas, in controllers. As a satellite moves overhead.

Conventional transmitters are manually controlled and used to transmit voice using buttons, dials, etc. However, advances in electronics have come to market devices that can be controlled by a computer and allowing digital modes such as [[packet radio]] and also the use of satellite tracking, because it can continuously change the device's frequency according to the [[Doppler effect]].

A CAT interface is a piece of hardware that connects between the PC and a radio that provides a connection to allows the radio and the PC to communicate with each other. The CAT interface provides the signals to and fro via correct voltage levels and in the case of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) CAT interface it requires a "protocol" for communication but communication itself is down to the radio and the software on the PC.

A Software that may be called a CAT program allows a radio to be controlled through the PC. Changes made on the radio through user interactions on the CAT Program is (generally) shown on the PC's screen. Functionality of CAT equipment (software & interface) is down the radio and what features the software writers included in the CAT software. Modern radio systems do have more CAT functionality

If you run a logging program that supports CAT, then that software may take advantage of the CAT system by retrieving information from the radio to help fill in log details, such as the frequency that the contact was made on.

CAT is also useful on many radios were there are many sub-menus in the radios menu system, many of the sub-menu items can be easily changed via the PC. On many HF radios the CAT system is also used to program the memories on the radio, but you would need to use appropriate programming software.

A Software that may be called a CAT program allows a radio to be controlled through the PC. Changes made on the radio through user interactions on the CAT Program isare (generally) shown on the PC's screen. Functionality of CAT equipment (software & interface) is down the radio and what features the software writers included in the CAT software. Modern radio systems do have more CAT functionality

A CAT interface do not revive or transmit any DATA mode, that is the purpose of a DATA interface. Although, both may be used at the same time with correct CAT Equipment.

The functionality of CAT equipment (software & interface) depends on the radio and what features the software writers included in the CAT software. Modern radio systems do have more CAT functionality

DATA modes, and getting audio to and from the PC is the function of a DATA interface. A completely different thing but it is easier and more useful when CAT and DATA are used at the same time. Wouldn't it be nice to have an interface that could operate Frequency-shift keying (FSK), Audio FSK (AFSK), (real) Morse Code (CW), with a CAT interface and its own sound card..... (eg. The DigiMaster Pro3).

If you run a logging program that supports CAT, then that software may take advantage of the CAT system by retrieving information from the radio to help fill in log details, such as the frequency that the contact was made on.

CAT is also useful on many radios werewhere there are many sub-menus in the radios menu system, and many of the sub-menu items can be easily changed via the PC. On many HF radios, the CAT system is also used to program the memories on the radio, but you would need to use appropriate programming software.

A CAT interface dodoes not revivereceive or transmit any DATA mode, that is the purpose of a DATA interface. Although, both may be used at the same time with the correct CAT Equipment.

DATA modes, and getting audio to and from the PC is the function of a DATA interface. A completely different thing but it is easier and more useful when CAT and DATA are used at the same time. Wouldn't it be nice to have an interface that could operate Frequency-shift keying (FSK), Audio FSK (AFSK), (real) Morse Code (CW), with a CAT interface and its own sound card..... (eg. The DigiMaster Pro3).

==References==

{{reflist}}Each radio or controller has unique hardware and a unique set of features. For detailed reference use the specific device's manual/s.

* [[Serial port]]

== SeeExternal alsolinks ==

* [[sourceforge:p/hamlib/wiki/Hamlib/|Hamlib]]&nbsp;: A— a library that allows to exploit the CAT interfaces of many radio transceivers.

* [https://www.socialhams.net/m/tutorials/view/Computer-Aided-Transceiver-for-Ham-Radio Socialhams] :— A blog explaining the use of CAT and it'sits interfaces using [[RS-232|RS232]].

* https://www.icomeurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IC-705_ENG_CI-V_1_20200721.pdf — An example document for general ICOM implementations.

[[Category:Telecommunications]]