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Connection to the radio



Cables

The receiver is connected to the computer using a CT-29B cable. This is the same cable as suppplied with the ADMS programming software for the FT-8900R, FT-8100R, FT-8000R, FT-8500, FT-7100 and FT-3000M.  The Links page of the website lists sources of ready-made cables that can be ordered over the Internet as well as several DIY circuit designs.

This cable incorporates a voltage level converter to convert between the +/- 15V of RS232 to the +5V/0V of TTL voltage levels needed by the transceiver.  The cable also converts the 3 wire RS232 circuit (TX/RX/GND separate wires) to the 2 wire GND/TX+RX used by the rig. Do not attempt to directly connect the rig to the RS232 just by using adapter cables - a proper level converter circuit is essential.

If you are wiring your own cable the pinout of the packet socket on the rear of the radio is below. Use pin 3 PTT for data and pin 2 GND for ground.



Many recently manufactured laptop computers do not have a real serial port. If you have one of these laptops you will require a USB to Serial adapter to enable connection of the level converter cable. If you use a level converter that takes power from the Serial port (such as the CT-29B) you may have problems in providing sufficient power to the level converter circuit from the USB/Serial converter. See here for a test you can perform on the voltage level available at your serial port.

Alternatively, level converter cables that connect directly to a USB port are now available.

COM port

Selection of Com port number is done using the Settings menu. The program will remember the selection you make for the next time you run. 

There are two commands available - 'COM port Detector' and a pop-out called 'COM Port'. If you are certain about your COM port number then it is quickest to use the 'COM Port' pop-out. Otherwise use the 'COM port Detector' command. The following screen is shown:



Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and set the COM port for your programming cable. Be aware that each USB socket on your PC will be allocated a different COM port number, so you may need to use this screen again if you change your usual socket.