PathFinder — Reference & Parameters

🧭 Application Overview

The PathFinder Configuration Tool is the Windows application used to connect to, configure, calibrate and update the PathFinder interface. All settings are stored in the interface's EEPROM, so they survive power cycles and firmware updates.

PathFinder Configuration Tool main window

Main window — PathFinder Configuration Tool

Main window areas

Area	Description
Connection	Select the COM port and click Connect / Disconnect. The firmware version is shown after a successful connection.
Calibration Azimuth	Shows the current ADC values for each of the 6 azimuth calibration anchor points (0°–450°). The active mode number is shown next to Mode. Click Calibrate to open the calibration wizard.
Calibration Elevation	Shows the current ADC values for the 3 elevation anchor points (0°–180°). Click Calibrate to open the elevation wizard. Expert Mode opens direct ADC editing.
General	Sets the GS232 Protocol (A or B) used by tracking software to communicate with PathFinder.
Configuration Azimuth	Configures Delay before move, Deadband, Offset, Ramp angle, Low Speed and High Speed for the azimuth axis.
Configuration Elevation	Same movement parameters as Azimuth but for the elevation axis.
Console	Shows the raw serial communication between the PC and the interface. Useful for diagnostics and verifying commands.
Read / Update Parameters	Read Parameters loads the current values from the interface into the UI. Update Parameters writes the displayed values to EEPROM.
Backup / Restore	Save all parameters and calibration data to a JSON file or restore from a previously saved file.

First time? Connecting, tuning and calibrating for the first time is covered step by step on the Installation workflow page.

⬆️ Firmware Update

PathFinder firmware can be updated directly through the application using a fwv###.fw firmware file. The application compares versions and requests confirmation before flashing.

1

Download the firmware file

Download the latest fwv###.fw file from the Downloads page.

2

Connect the interface

Connect the PathFinder interface via USB and open the PathFinder Configuration Tool. Click Connect.

3

Open the firmware update dialog

Click Update Firmware in the application. Select the downloaded fwv###.fw file.

4

Confirm and flash

The application shows the current and new firmware versions. Click Update to confirm. The console shows the flashing progress via avrdude.

5

Restore parameters

After flashing, restore your backup file via Restore Device to reload all parameters and calibration values.

Important: Always make a backup before updating firmware. Although parameters are stored in EEPROM and typically survive a firmware update, a backup guarantees a quick recovery if anything goes wrong.

💾 Backup & Restore

Always make a backup after completing calibration. The backup file contains all parameters and ADC anchor values in JSON format and can be restored in seconds.

1

Create a backup

Connect to the interface and click Backup Device at the bottom of the main window. Choose a file name and location. The JSON file is saved immediately.

2

Restore a backup

Connect to the interface, click Restore Device, and select your JSON backup file. All parameters and calibration values are written to EEPROM.

Backup file format

{ "protocol": "GS232B", "az_mode": 1, "el_mode": 1, "az_offset": 0, "el_offset": 0, "low_speed": 1, "high_speed": 4, "ramp_angle": 20, "deadband_az": 2, "deadband_el": 2, "delay_az": 1000, "delay_el": 1000, "cal_az": [9, 205, 395, 591, 789, 981], "cal_el": [0, 512, 1023] }

Recommendation: Keep at least two copies of your backup — one on your PC and one on a USB stick stored with the rotor clock. Recalibration after hardware failure is significantly easier with a known-good backup.

🖥️ PathFinder

The PathFinder is a compact Windows control panel for day-to-day rotator operation. It connects to the PathFinder hardware interface via Serial (COM port) or TCP (local or remote), shows live AZ and EL compass roses, and can automatically track stations via WSJT-X, JTDX or MSHV.

Main window — live AZ / EL and controls

Main window

✓
Red needle — live position reported by the interface in real time.
✓
Orange dashed preset (> X°) — the last target angle sent.
✓
Set AZ / Set EL — type a target angle and click to send a position command.
✓
CCW / CW / UP / DOWN — continuous movement until STOP is pressed.
✓
Map button — opens the interactive OSM map with Maidenhead grid overlay.

The status bar shows the active connection, e.g. Connected on COM8 — GS232B ready.

⚙️ Settings

Open Settings via File → Settings.

Settings — Serial mode

Settings — TCP Client mode

Connection Type

Mode	Description
Serial	Direct connection via a COM port. Select the port from the dropdown and click Refresh to update the list.
TCP Client	Connects outward to a remote PathFinder instance running as TCP Server. Enter host, port (default `7373`) and optional password.

TCP Server

Field	Description
TCP Port	Port the server listens on. Default: `7373`.
Use Password	Require a password from connecting clients. Recommended for internet access.
Password	Password that clients must supply.

Other settings

Field	Description
Maidenhead Locator	Your home station grid square (e.g. `JO22LO`). Used for bearing calculations and shown as the home pin on the map.
WSJT-X Status File	Path to `wsjtx_status.txt`. Default: `C:\Users\USER\AppData\Local\Temp\WSJT-X\wsjtx_status.txt`.
Rotator Mode	Enable Azimuth + Elevation to show both compass roses.
Display	Show distances in km or miles.

🌐 TCP — Server & Client

PathFinder works both as a TCP Server (accepting incoming connections) and as a TCP Client (connecting outward to a remote instance).

✓
TCP Server — PathFinder listens on a configurable port (default 7373). The Android app and any GS232-compatible software can connect to it as a client. Enable a password for internet access.
✓
TCP Client — PathFinder connects outward to another PathFinder instance running as TCP Server. Useful when PathFinder runs at the antenna site and you operate remotely over LAN or internet.
✓
Password — if the remote server requires a password, enter it in the Password field. The connection handshake sends it automatically.

Tip: Enable Auto-connect on startup when PathFinder always connects to the same host.

🗺️ OSM Map — Maidenhead Grid

Click the Map button in the main window to open the interactive OpenStreetMap window with Maidenhead grid overlay.

OSM Map — Maidenhead grid overlay

Element	Description
Blue line	Current antenna heading, updated live as the rotor moves.
Red line	Great-circle bearing to the last selected locator or WSJT-X station.
Grid: ON / OFF	Toggle button that overlays the Maidenhead grid squares. Each square shows its 4-character locator.
Locator popup	Click a grid square: shows locator, great-circle bearing (°) and distance (km/miles).
Double-click	Sends the bearing directly to the rotator.

Tip: During a VHF/UHF contest, click a grid square to see the locator and bearing, then double-click to instantly point the antenna.

📍 Locator Input

Enter any Maidenhead grid square (4 or 6 characters, e.g. JO33EG) in the Locator field and click Set Locator. PathFinder calculates the bearing from your home locator and fills the Set AZ field.

Locator JO33EG — AZ 47° — 312 km

Click SET AZ to rotate the antenna to the calculated bearing. The orange preset needle in the compass rose updates to > X°.

📡 WSJT-X / JTDX / MSHV Tracking

Tracking menu

The Tracking menu selects the source that drives the antenna automatically:

✓
Off — manual control only.
✓
WSJT-X — PathFinder polls the status file and rotates the antenna whenever a new grid locator appears. Compatible with WSJT-X, JTDX and MSHV.

Tip: Make sure the WSJT-X status file path is configured in Settings before enabling tracking.

📱 PathFinder Android Client

The PathFinder Android Client connects to the PathFinder Windows Client via TCP (default port 7373). The PC acts as a bridge between the Android app and the hardware interface. Works on the local network and remotely over the internet, with optional password protection.

Azimuth tab — compass view

Elevation tab — semicircle gauge

Landscape — azimuth & elevation side by side

🧭 Azimuth Tab

Element	Description
Red needle	Current azimuth position in real time.
Orange dashed needle	Target position currently being moved to.
Large red number	Current azimuth in degrees.
◀ CCW / STOP / CW ▶	Continuous movement; STOP halts immediately.
AZ field + GO	Type a target azimuth and tap GO to rotate.
Locator + Set AZ	Enter a Maidenhead grid square to calculate and fill the bearing automatically.

📡 Elevation Tab

Element	Description
Red needle	Current elevation as reported by the interface.
Orange dashed needle	Target elevation (shown while moving).
UP ▲ / STOP / ▼ DOWN	Continuous movement; STOP halts immediately.
EL field + GO	Type a target elevation (0–90° or 0–180°) and tap GO.

🗺️ Map Tab

Interactive world map centred on your home station. Tap any point to calculate the great-circle bearing and distance.

Map tab — tap for bearing & distance

Map tab landscape — full-width view

Element	Description
Radio tower icon (red)	Your home station location.
Green pin	Tapped location — popup shows grid square, bearing and distance.
Red line	Great-circle path from your station to the tapped location.
Blue line	Current antenna heading, updated in real time.

⬇️ Installation

1

Download the APK

Download PathFinder_V100.apk from the Downloads page onto your Android device.

2

Allow installation from unknown sources

Go to Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps and allow your browser or file manager.

3

Install the APK

Open the downloaded PathFinder_V100.apk file and tap Install.

4

Configure Android Remote in the Windows Client

Open File → Settings, set the TCP Port (default 7373) and optionally enable Use Password.

5

Connect the Android app

Open PathFinder on your Android device, enter the PC's IP address, port and password, then tap Connect.

Local network: Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Use the PC's local IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.10) and port 7373.

Internet access: Forward port 7373 on your router to the PC running PathFinder. Enable Use Password and set a strong password to prevent unauthorised access.

⚙️ Parameters

All parameters are written to the interface's EEPROM via Update Parameters. They persist across power cycles and firmware updates. Click Read Parameters first to load the current values before making changes.

Protocol

GS232A — Legacy format

; Move to AZ 180°, EL 45°
M 180
; Query position
A          → +0180+0045
E          → +0045
S          → +0180+0045

Original Yaesu format. Use with older software that does not support GS232B.

GS232B — Modern format ✓ Recommended

; Move to AZ 180°, EL 45°
W 180 045
; Query position
AL         → AZ=180.0 EL=045.0
SA         → AZ=180.0 EL=045.0

Modern format with clear labels. Supported by all current tracking software.

Protocol GS232A / GS232B Default: GS232B

Selects the GS232 dialect that PathFinder uses to communicate with your tracking or logging software. Both variants are case-insensitive since firmware v2.0.

When to use each

GS232B — Use this for all modern software: Orbitron, HRD, N1MM+, Log4OM, Nova, PstRotator. Default and recommended setting.
GS232A — Only switch to this if your software specifically requires the legacy Yaesu format and does not accept GS232B responses.

AZ / EL Modes

AZ Mode 1 = 0–360° | 2 = 0–450° Default: Mode 1 (0–360°)

Defines the azimuth operating range. The mode number corresponds to the number of calibration anchor points available and the maximum angle the firmware will report.

Mode	Range	Anchor points used	Typical rotor
1	0° – 360°	CA1 (0°), CA2 (90°), CA3 (180°), CA4 (270°), CA5 (360°)	G-5400, G-5500 azimuth — no overlap
2	0° – 450°	CA1–CA5 + CA6 (450°)	DX(A/C) 800 / 1000 / 2800 — overlap zone

Examples

DX(A/C) 800, 1000 or 2800 that stays within 360°: use Mode 1 (0–360°).
DX(A/C) 800, 1000 or 2800 that rotates into the overlap zone (past 360°): use Mode 2 (0–450°). This enables the CA6 anchor at 450°.

EL Mode 0 = disabled | 1 = 0–90° | 2 = 0–180° Default: Mode 1 (0–90°)

Defines the elevation operating range. If your setup has no elevation rotor, set Mode to 0.

Mode	Range	Anchor points used	Typical use
0	Disabled	—	Azimuth-only setup
1	0° – 90°	CE1 (0°), CE2 (90°)	Satellite tracking, EME
2	0° – 180°	CE1 (0°), CE2 (90°), CE3 (180°)	Over-zenith satellite passes

Examples

G-5500 for satellite or EME: use Mode 1 (0–90°). Two anchor points are sufficient.
G-5600B or any rotor that tracks past the zenith: use Mode 2 (0–180°). The CE3 anchor at 180° allows tracking beyond 90° elevation.
AZ-only setup (no elevation rotor): use Mode 0 to disable EL entirely.

AZ / EL Offset

AZ Offset −180° to +180° Default: 0°

Shifts all reported azimuth angles by a fixed amount. Use this to compensate for a mechanical alignment error, so that the physical North direction of the rotor reads as 0° in your software.

Examples

Your antenna points to 5° when the rotor reads 0° → set AZ Offset to −5°.
Your rotor was installed 12° west of North → set AZ Offset to +12°.
No alignment error → leave at 0° (default).

Note: The offset is applied after calibration. It does not affect the ADC anchor points — only the angle reported to the PC.

EL Offset −180° to +180° Default: 0°

Same as AZ Offset but for the elevation axis. Compensates for a tilted mast or an imprecisely mounted elevation rotor.

Examples

Rotor reads 3° when antenna is actually at horizon (0°) → set EL Offset to −3°.
Level mast, no tilt → leave at 0°.

Speed & Ramp Angle

Low Speed 1 – 4 Default: 1

The DAC speed level used at the start of a movement and during the deceleration ramp before reaching the target. Level 1 = lowest voltage to the rotor motor; Level 4 = highest.

Examples

Level 1 (recommended default) — gentlest start/stop, maximises motor and gearbox life.
Level 2 — slight increase in starting torque, useful in cold climates where grease thickens.
Do not set Low Speed higher than High Speed.

High Speed 1 – 4 Default: 4

The DAC speed level used during the main part of the travel — between the ramp-up at the start and the ramp-down before the target. Higher levels rotate the rotor faster.

Examples

Level 4 — maximum speed, shortest rotation time. Suitable for most setups.
Level 3 — 25% slower. Use if your rotor clock gets warm at level 4, or to reduce mechanical stress on large antennas.
Level 2 — half speed. Useful for very large, heavy antenna arrays.

Ramp Angle 0° – 30° Default: 20°

The angular distance before the target at which PathFinder begins reducing speed from High Speed to Low Speed. A larger ramp angle gives a softer, more controlled stop.

Examples

20° (default) — suitable for most rotors. Deceleration begins 20° before target.
30° — very soft landing, good for heavy antenna arrays with high inertia.
10° — sharper stop, useful when you need the fastest possible tracking response.
0° — no ramp, rotor runs at full speed until it reaches the deadband. Not recommended for mechanical longevity.

Deadband

Deadband (AZ & EL) 0° – 10° Default: AZ = 0°, EL = 2°

The rotor stops as soon as its measured position is within the deadband of the target angle. A wider deadband prevents hunting (continuous small corrections back and forth).

Examples

2° (default EL) — good general setting. The rotor stops within ±2° of target.
0° — maximum precision. Only use this if your rotor and potentiometer are very stable and free of mechanical backlash.
5° — relaxed deadband. Use for wide-beam antennas where pointing precision is less critical.

Hunting: If the rotor overshoots and keeps reversing, increase the deadband by 1–2° until the oscillation stops.

Movement Delay

Delay before move (AZ & EL) 0 – 5000 ms Default: 1000 ms

When the rotor must reverse direction (e.g. from CW to CCW), PathFinder waits this many milliseconds after switching off the current direction before starting the new direction. This protects the relay contacts and the rotor motor from voltage spikes caused by simultaneous switching.

Examples

1000 ms (default) — 1 second pause on direction change. Conservative and safe for all rotor types.
100 – 500 ms — suitable for lightweight satellite antennas. Reduces wait time during rapid passes.
2000 ms — use for large, heavy antenna systems or older rotor clocks with mechanical relays that need more time to fully open before reversing.
0 ms — no delay. Only for direct solid-state drive circuits without relay contacts.

Do not set to 0 unless you have verified that your rotor clock has no relay contacts. Simultaneous CW+CCW can short the motor supply.

Stall protection: If the ADC value changes by fewer than 5 counts in 5 seconds during a movement command, the firmware automatically stops the motor. This protects your rotor against mechanical blockage or cable failure.

🔄 Typical Setup Scenarios

Recommended parameter values for the most common configurations.

Scenario 1 — AZ-only, 0–360° (DX 800/1000 + G-5400)

Parameter	Recommended value	Reason
Protocol	GS232B	Modern software compatibility
AZ Mode	1 (0–360°)	Single-revolution rotor
EL Mode	0 (disabled)	No elevation rotor
AZ Offset	0°	Align mechanically during installation
Low Speed	1	Gentle start/stop
High Speed	4	Maximum travel speed
Ramp Angle	20°	Default, smooth stop
Deadband AZ	2°	Good precision without hunting
Delay AZ	1000 ms	Relay protection
Calibration	5 points: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°	Full range coverage

Scenario 2 — AZ-only, 0–450° (DX 2800 + G-2800)

Parameter	Recommended value	Reason
AZ Mode	2 (0–450°)	Extended overlap zone
EL Mode	0 (disabled)	No elevation rotor
Ramp Angle	25°	G-2800 has more inertia — longer ramp
High Speed	3	Reduce stress on heavy array
Deadband AZ	3°	Prevents hunting with heavy load
Calibration	6 points: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, 450°	Covers the full overlap range

Scenario 3 — AZ + EL satellite tracking (G-5500)

Parameter	Recommended value	Reason
Protocol	GS232B	Required by Orbitron, Nova, MacDoppler
AZ Mode	1 (0–360°)	G-5500 azimuth is single-revolution
EL Mode	1 (0–90°)	Standard LEO elevation
Deadband AZ	2°	Good satellite tracking accuracy
Deadband EL	2°	Good satellite tracking accuracy
Delay AZ	500 ms	Faster response for low-horizon passes
Delay EL	500 ms	Quick elevation reversal needed
AZ Calibration	5 points: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°	Full azimuth
EL Calibration	2 points: 0°, 90°	Standard elevation

Scenario 4 — EME (AZ + EL, 0–180° elevation)

Parameter	Recommended value	Reason
Protocol	GS232B	Required by moon-tracking software
AZ Mode	1 (0–360°)	Standard azimuth
EL Mode	2 (0–180°)	Over-zenith capability for moon path
Deadband EL	1°	EME requires precise pointing
Ramp Angle AZ	20°	Standard
EL Calibration	3 points: 0°, 90°, 180°	Full over-zenith range

💻 Serial Commands Reference

PathFinder uses four command prefixes over the serial port. All commands are case-insensitive (since firmware v2.0) and terminated with \r or \n. Commands and responses are visible in real time in the Console pane of the PathFinder application.

?xxx

Read a parameter from EEPROM. Returns #xxx response.

$xxxV

Write a parameter to EEPROM. Returns <<OK>> or error.

#xxxV

Response to a ? read command.

!x

Debug: read raw ADC value directly from hardware.

GS232 Motion Commands

Command	Syntax	Description	Response (GS232A / GS232B)
`C`	`C`	Query current azimuth position.	`+0180` / `AZ=180`
`B`	`B`	Query current elevation position.	`+0045` / `EL=045`
`C2`	`C2`	Query azimuth and elevation in one response.	`+0180+0045` / `AZ=180 EL=045`
`M`	`M<az>`	Move azimuth to target angle.	— (error if out of range)
`W`	`W<az> <el>`	Move azimuth and elevation simultaneously.	— (error if out of range)
`R`	`R`	Start continuous CW azimuth rotation.	—
`L`	`L`	Start continuous CCW azimuth rotation.	—
`A`	`A`	Stop azimuth movement.	—
`U`	`U`	Start continuous UP elevation movement.	—
`D`	`D`	Start continuous DOWN elevation movement.	—
`E`	`E`	Stop elevation movement.	—
`S`	`S`	Stop all movement — azimuth and elevation.	—

? Read Commands (parameter readback)

Command	Response example	Description
`?FMW`	`#FMW0130`	Firmware version string.
`?PRO`	`#PRO0001`	Protocol: 0 = GS232A, 1 = GS232B.
`?MO1`	`#MO10001`	Azimuth mode: 1 = 0–360°, 2 = 0–450°.
`?MO2`	`#MO20001`	Elevation mode: 0 = disabled, 1 = 0–90°, 2 = 0–180°.
`?DM1`	`#DM11000`	Delay before move — azimuth (ms).
`?DM2`	`#DM21000`	Delay before move — elevation (ms).
`?DB1`	`#DB10002`	Deadband — azimuth (°).
`?DB2`	`#DB20002`	Deadband — elevation (°).
`?AO1`	`#AO10000`	Offset — azimuth (°).
`?AO2`	`#AO20000`	Offset — elevation (°).
`?SA1`	`#SA10020`	Ramp angle (°).
`?SL1`	`#SL10001`	Low speed (DAC level).
`?SH1`	`#SH10004`	High speed (DAC level).
`?CA1`–`?CA6`	`#CA10009`	AZ calibration ADC values at 0°–450°.
`?CE1`–`?CE3`	`#CE10000`	EL calibration ADC values at 0°–180°.

$ Write Commands (configuration)

Format: $XXXvalue — no space between code and value. On success: <<OK>>. On range error: ERROR XXX RANGE ....

Command	Example	Description
`$PRO`	`$PRO1`	Set protocol: 0 = GS232A, 1 = GS232B.
`$MO1`	`$MO11`	Set azimuth mode (1 or 2).
`$MO2`	`$MO20`	Set elevation mode (0, 1 or 2).
`$DM1`	`$DM11000`	Set delay before move — azimuth (ms).
`$DM2`	`$DM21000`	Set delay before move — elevation (ms).
`$DB1`	`$DB12`	Set deadband — azimuth (°).
`$DB2`	`$DB22`	Set deadband — elevation (°).
`$AO1`	`$AO1-005`	Set offset — azimuth (°). Negative values supported.
`$AO2`	`$AO20`	Set offset — elevation (°).
`$SA1`	`$SA120`	Set ramp angle (°).
`$SL1`	`$SL11`	Set low speed (1–4).
`$SH1`	`$SH14`	Set high speed (1–4).
`$CA1`–`$CA6`	`$CA1`	Live-capture AZ calibration anchor (current ADC value).
`$CE1`–`$CE3`	`$CE1`	Live-capture EL calibration anchor (current ADC value).
`$AA1`–`$AA6`	`$AA10009`	Directly set AZ ADC anchor value (Expert mode).
`$AE1`–`$AE3`	`$AE10000`	Directly set EL ADC anchor value (Expert mode).

Tip: All commands and responses are visible in real time in the Console pane of the PathFinder application. Use this to verify communication or send manual commands for diagnostics.

🔬 Expert ADC Calibration

Expert ADC Calibration — Direct read/write of individual ADC anchor values

Warning: Changes made in Expert ADC Calibration are written directly to EEPROM and cannot be undone. This tool is intended for advanced users who want to make manual corrections to individual anchor points.

Click Expert Mode in the Calibration Elevation group in the main window to open this dialog. It shows all 9 calibration points (6 azimuth + 3 elevation) and lets you read and write each point individually to EEPROM.

Field	Axis	Angle	ADC range
0° (AZ)	Azimuth	0°	0 – 1023
90° (AZ)	Azimuth	90°	must be > 0° value
180° (AZ)	Azimuth	180°	must be > 90° value
270° (AZ)	Azimuth	270°	must be > 180° value
360° (AZ)	Azimuth	360°	must be > 270° value
450° (AZ)	Azimuth	450°	must be > 360° value (Mode 2 only)
0° (EL)	Elevation	0°	0 – 1023
90° (EL)	Elevation	90°	must be > 0° value
180° (EL)	Elevation	180°	must be > 90° value (Mode 2 only)

Use Read ADC Values to load the current EEPROM contents into all fields before editing. After changing a value, click the individual Write button next to that field to save only that value. Click Close when done.

When to use Expert mode

→ After a firmware re-flash that reset the EEPROM: restore individual values from your JSON backup without running the full wizard.
→ Fine-tuning a single anchor point that has drifted slightly after a potentiometer replacement.
→ Restoring from a backup when the Restore Device button is unavailable (e.g. a different firmware version).

💡 Tips & Troubleshooting

Best accuracy: Calibrate against evenly spaced reference angles. If your compass reference is only accurate to ±3°, your calibration cannot be better than ±3°.

ADC values must be strictly increasing. If the firmware rejects a calibration point, the potentiometer voltage did not increase as the rotor moved. Check for a loose wire, oxidised pot wiper, or incorrect connector pinout.

Test after calibration: Use the console to send C (query azimuth) or C2 (query azimuth + elevation) and compare the reported angle against a known physical bearing. For a consistent offset, use the AZ Offset parameter to correct it.

Recalibration is only needed if the potentiometer is replaced or mechanically repositioned. Normal wear does not require recalibration — a small offset correction is usually sufficient.

💾 Write Mode

Write Mode is a standalone function, separate from calibration. It saves the currently selected calibration mode (e.g. 3-point or 6-point) to EEPROM without running a new calibration.

During calibration: the selected mode is automatically saved together with the calibration points. You do not need to use Write Mode after a calibration run.

Only use Write Mode when you want to change the active calibration mode (for example from 3-point to 6-point) without repeating the full calibration procedure. Open the calibration dialog, select the desired mode, and click Write Mode.

📡 GS232 — The Standard Protocol

PathFinder exposes a standard GS232 serial interface over USB. Your logging, tracking or satellite software simply connects to the assigned COM port, selects GS232A or GS232B, and starts sending position commands. No special drivers or adapters are needed. PathFinder supports both GS232A and GS232B — switch in the Parameters settings.

GS232A — Legacy format

M 180
A  → +0180+0045

Original Yaesu format. Use with older software that does not support GS232B.

GS232A

GS232B — Modern format ✓ Recommended

W 180 045
AL  → AZ=180.0 EL=045.0

Modern format with clear labels. Supported by all current tracking and logging software.

GS232B Recommended

🖧 Compatible Applications

All software that supports GS232A or GS232B works directly with PathFinder.

🛰

Orbitron

Popular freeware satellite tracker for Windows with a GS232 rotator plug-in. Drives AZ+EL automatically based on TLE calculations.

GS232A/BSatelliteAZ+EL

🗺

MacDoppler / WXtrack

Professional satellite tracking software. Drives AZ+EL automatically based on real-time TLE calculations and Doppler correction.

GS232BSatellite

🌐

Nova for Windows

Professional satellite and moon tracking software with GS232 AZ+EL support. Ideal for EME (moonbounce) operation.

GS232BSatelliteEME

📻

Ham Radio Deluxe

HRD Rotator module supports GS232B and can drive the rotor directly from the logbook based on the worked DX entity.

GS232BLogging

🏆

N1MM+ Logger

Contest logger with built-in GS232 rotator support. Automatically points the antenna at the DX station while logging.

GS232A/BContest

📖

Log4OM

Full-featured logging program with GS232 rotator integration. Auto-points the antenna based on the worked DXCC entity.

GS232BLogging

🔭

PstRotatorAz

Dedicated rotator controller software with extensive GS232 support and map display. Popular for VHF/UHF contest operation.

GS232A/BRotator control

⚡

Any GS232-compatible software

If your software supports GS232A or GS232B rotator control, it works with PathFinder. Just set the correct COM port and protocol.

GS232AGS232B

🔧 Setting Up Your Software

Three steps to connect any GS232-compatible software to PathFinder.

1

Find the COM port

Open Windows Device Manager and look under Ports (COM & LPT). The PathFinder interface appears as USB Serial Port (COMx) where x is the assigned number, e.g. COM7.

2

Set protocol and baud rate

In your software, select rotor type GS232B (recommended) or GS232A. Set the baud rate to 9600 bps. No flow control needed.

3

Connect and test

Select the correct COM port and click Connect. Send a position query (e.g. C or C2) to verify the connection. The PathFinder console pane shows all communication in real time.

Tip: Use GS232B for all modern software — it uses labelled responses (AZ=180.0 EL=045.0) that are easier to verify and debug. Only switch to GS232A if your software specifically requires the legacy format.