Host Computer Serial Interface

RCP8 can connect to a host computer over the COM1 RS232C serial line. The default baud rate is 9600. The connector on RCP8 is on the RCP chassis. On some systems, an RS-232 serial cable may be required to connect to the host computer. On most systems, this is referred to as /dev/ttyS0.

Host Computer Serial Interface Protocol
Packet Type Examples Host Computer Display and Testing Interface

Standard status packets from RCP8 to the host computer

Several formats are supported.

Antenna angles and angular speed for AZ and EL, Interlock, Local Mode Switch, and similar. Antenna utility

Standard control packets from the host to RCP8.

Several formats are supported.

Position and velocity servo requests, Radiate On, and similar.
BITE packets from RCP8 to the host based on the auxiliary status input bits. -- Bitex utility
Control packets from the host to RCP8 to set the auxiliary control output bits. --
Q-BITE packets from RCP8 to the host computer. --