ICOM 710 Pro

[tomj]

I have an ICOM 710 SSB with Pactor Modem and do all the usual stuff (voice/Sailmail, etc.) Is there any way in which I can tie into NMEA bus positional data to update the positional data in the Sailmail propagation tables and also into the 710?. Also, is it possible to input MMSI #s along with GPS positional data into the 710 system firmware to allow automatic distress signal positional info to be transmitted by the 710 (as in the newer VHF's).

Thanks,

Tom in Kinsale VA

[richardhula]

Depends which Pactor Modem you have. As the M710 doesn't have a Pro version maybe you are referring to PTC-II Pro.

If it is the the PTC-Pro or USB models there are GPS input terminals on the back that forward position data to Airmail through the normal hook-up - enable Position Reports, select Data Input Window & tick "PTC-II NMEA input".

Other PTC models don't have this facility so you need to provide a separate COM port (with USB/COM adapter) to squirt GPS position into your PC then set Airmail's Position Report Data Input to that COM port.

Once Airmail has your position it will auto update the propagation plug-in.

If you have a ICOM M710 GMDSS version, there is a "DSC" dB9 connector on the back which should allow GPS feed to it - consult the manual on this - its non-standard serial port connections. With this version you should be able to input your MMSI as well to allow DSC emergency calls.

Normal M710 doesn't handle DSC & probably not GPS data either, you need M802 for that.

[tomj]

Thanks for the info. I have the Pactor IIE which has had the firmware upgraded to Pactor III. I'll check to see if we have the GMDSS version.

Tom

[richardhula]

As you have PTC-IIe you will need a second COM port to get the GPS into Airmail.

If you need another adapter for this, suggest buying a two or even four port Edgeport model from Digi which works with just one USB lead - highly recommended by Jim Corenman the writer of Airmail software.

You can use a third COM port to control the frequency on ICOM (assuming your not doing that already) via Airmail, or even from its propagation plug-in .



The M710 GMDSS version has a dB9 connector on the back labeled "DSC" (REMOTE on normal model). It also has "NBDP" (narrow band direct printer) socket.

Check if you have these on the back.