Setting up gpredict on linux for use with a Icom IC-9700 radio.
(testing)

settings on the IC-9700: 
CI-V USB Port: Unlink from[REMOTE]
CI-V USB Baud Rate: auto 
CI-V USB Echo Back: OFF 
CI-V DATA Baud Rate: 19200
CI-V DATA Echo Back: OFF
CI-V Address: A2h
CI-V Transceive: ON


When the radio is connected to the PC you should see:

$ lsmod |grep cp

cp210x                 24576 << is the kernel module and memory size, if compiled into the kernel you won't see the module but may still work, try below.

$ lsusb

Bus 001 Device 079: ID 08bb:2901 Texas Instruments PCM2901 Audio Codec
Bus 001 Device 078: ID 10c4:ea60 Silicon Labs CP210x UART Bridge
Bus 001 Device 077: ID 10c4:ea60 Silicon Labs CP210x UART Bridge
Bus 001 Device 076: ID 0451:2046 Texas Instruments, Inc. TUSB2046 Hub

The radio control port is the usually first port:

$ ls /dev/ttyU*
/dev/ttyUSB0  /dev/ttyUSB1


Setting up the daemon from hamlib:
~/Hamlib/Hamlib/tests $ ./rigctld -m 3081 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 --civaddr \0xA2
main: #1 vfo_mode=0
Recommend using --vfo switch for rigctld if client supports it
rigctl and netrigctl will automatically detect vfo mode

Be aware of the hamlib 4.1 parameter -x/--uplink switch for GPredict. Will avoid reading freq from the uplink. 
This will help for a better handling when sweeping over a linear satellite transponder.


The daemon should be running in the background now, "./" is only needed for local execution and testing, if installed from a package:
$ rigctld -m 3081 -r /dev/ttyUSB0 --civaddr \0xA2

Or you can initiate with "systemd/rc-init" once testing is stable.




Radio config in Gpredict:
Edit -> Preferences -> Interfaces -> Add New

Name: IC-9700
Host: localhost
Port: 4532
Radio Type:Duplex TRX
PTT status: None
VFO Up/Down: Main Down Sub Up
LO Down: 0
LO Up: 0
Signalling: unchecked

in Radiocontrol widget:
Settings:
  1. Device: IC-9700
  2. Device: None
  Cycle: 1000
  
 
Note on Cycle:
Faster is possible due to USB use but the Interrupt on the Waterfall and Radio itself may be more noticeable.
Currently working well on firmware revision 1.23

(to be enhanced...)

May. 2020, Brett Coady (VK2KYB)


