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READY MADE and DIY CABLES

A chart showing tests of different cables with different radios

DB9 connection to PC's serial port

FT-847, VR-5000 A serial cable with pins 2 and 3 crossed, sometimes called a null modem cable. See your local computer store or do an internet search for "null modem cable"
FT-1000MP A serial cable with pins 2 and 3 not crossed, sometimes called a straight cable. See your local computer store or do an internet search for "serial cable"
FT-100/D, FT-817/ND, FT-857/D, FT-897/D A 3-wire cable with a level converter built-in. Yaesu number CT-62 or equivalent. See your local ham-radio store, or:

  G4ZLP - UK based - CT62

  G8XGG - UK based - FT-Cable-1

  R T Systems - US based - CT-62

FT-1802, FT-1807, FT-2800, FT-2900 A 2-wire cable with a level converter built-in.

  G4ZLP - UK based - CT29-F

  G8XGG - UK based - FT-Cable-4 (fit a RJ plug)

  R T Systems - US based - CT-29F

FT-7800, FT-7900, FT-8800, FT-8900 A 2-wire cable with a level converter built-in.

  G4ZLP - UK based - CT29-B

  G8XGG - UK based - FT-Cable-4

  R T Systems - US based - CT-29B

FT-60, VX-3, VX-150, VX-170, VX-177

Refer to the cable retailer's site for the adapters required with waterproofed models

A 2-wire cable with a level converter built-in.

  G4ZLP - UK based - CT29-A

  G8XGG - UK based - FT-Cable-6

  R T Systems - US based - CT-57B

USB to serial converters

If you don't have a serial port then use either of these converters and the DB9 cables above.

USB/serial adapters from FTDI. On the left the more expensive US232R-10 in retail packing with driver CD. On the right the economy UC232R-10 which comes in a plastic bag.

Both work fine and have manufacturer's drivers for all operating systems including Vista.

Click the images to link to the FTDI web site. There you can find further details as well as an online purchase link.

In the US you can also get these from Mouser

 

 

USB connection to PC's USB socket

The USB MultiFace adapter uses different plug-in cables to suit each radio type. You can also make your own cables to connect your radios.

Radios personally tested: FT-60, FT-2800, FT-7800, FT-8800, FT-8900, VX-3, VX-6, VX-150 and VX-170

UK based.

USB attach USB MultiFace and the appropriate cables for your radio.

A direct attach USB cable.

The CT-3 USB adapter uses different plug-in cables to suit each radio type. You can also make your own cables to connect your radios.

Radios personally tested: FT-897D, FT-1802, ft-2800, FT-7800, FT-8800, FT-8900, FT-60, VX-3, VX-6, VX-150, VX-170 and VX-177

US based.

ttl2usb.gif (2945 bytes)

 

 

Using the internal jumper in the CT-3 for 2 and 3 wire operation.

Drivers for USB cables based on the Prolific PL2303

Windows 2000 and Windows XP

Windows Vista and Windows 7

I have found that many of the Prolific drivers available on the net and from several cable sellers simply do not work reliably. These work fine for me - 64bit Windows 7 included.

Download and run the appropriate driver installer. If you are running Vista or Windows 7 then right-click on the installer executable and choose Run as Administrator.

Be sure to have the cable disconnected from the PC when you run it. If the installer initially asks if you want to un-install the existing drivers then say yes; then re-boot; then run the installer a second time to install.

Direct attach USB cables based on the Prolific PL-2303 chip.

Top left - 4-way non-threaded Maxton RPC-Y1-U. Radios tested: VX-3, VX-150, FT-60. If you have an early (pre Feb 2008) version of this cable that does not work with your VX-3 then see the next item below for a change to R11 to make it work. I have acquired a small quantity of the revised Maxton RPC-Y1-U cables and have tested them on my VX-3. If you are having trouble finding one that works please email me.

Top right - 4-way to 4-way threaded adapter. Radios tested: VX-6, VX-170, VX-177

Bottom left - 6-pin mini-din. Radios tested FT-7800, FT-8800, FT-8900.

A company based in Canada called Affordable-Radio is selling these cable on eBay. They also do programming cables for other radios with USB and 9-pin serial connections.

 

 

 

 

 

Valley Enterprises sell Maxton programming cables, including one for the VX-8. In Categories choose Two-Way Radio, then Programming Cables, then Yaesu/Vertex
Maxton USB cables manufactured pre Feb 09

OK2UQL tells me that by replacing the R11 47K resistor outlined in red with a 15K one he was able to make his programming cable from Affordable Radio work on a VX-3. My own cable is of an earlier layout but replacing R11 (47K) with a 22K resistor worked fine (gave me a voltage of 3.7V).

The actual voltage of your USB 5V line can vary between 4.75V and 5.25V and will affect the final output voltage from the programmer. I recommend a resistor value for R11 that gives you about 3.7V

A direct attach USB cable based on the Prolific PL-2303 chip with the special screw-in connector for the VX-170/177.

If you are having problems getting a driver for XP or Vista then please contact me.

Radios tested: FT-60, VX-6, VX-150, VX-170, VX-177; and with a DIY adapter to 6-pin mini-din FT-7800, FT-8800 and FT-8900.

VX-3, FT-1802 and FT-2800 did not work with its output voltage measured at 2.89V - but see above for a R11 resistor change that can make it work - aim for a voltage of around 3.7V.

A UK based company in Glasgow called Radioarena stock an item like the one below. Look in the category 'Programming, Vertex/Yaesu, USB RIB-less Programming Cables, CT-091'. They also do other programming cables including the VX-8 as well as many other items of ham radio interest.

In the US you can get a similar looking cable from KAWAMALL. However, their own web store is geared towards bulk purchase so use eBay instead (their part VX7RUSBCBL) which is tailored for small quantity purchase. Search eBay for 'yaesu vx-7r usb cable'

What other hams have used
Rich, N1VAJ uses a Belkin USB to serial portable adapter. He uses it with a VX-170, VX-177 and FT-7800. His email to me is on the right -> I had the opportunity to pick up the Belkin USB to Serial Portable Adapter, Model #F5U409v1 at a local office supply store that was closing. I tried it out will all three radios and it worked flawlessly. Just for the record I am running Windows XP SP3, P4 processor 2GHZ w/1GB of RAM.
Problem:

A uk ham contacted me with a problem reading his VX-3R radio. He was using a 9-pin serial programming cable bought on eBay and having problems reading. On checking the voltage between the 4-way plug body and ring 1 it read 5.6V - evidently not regulated and too high for the radio.

Solution:

I suggested making a pigtail adapter for his FT-7800 programming cable - there is a picture of one I use further up this page. His solution to the problem was to use a USB/serial adapter. The voltage on its RTS/DTR pins was lower than the computer's on-board serial port and reading was then OK using the eBay cable.

John, VE1JS uses a Rig Expert Tiny to program his FT-7800. Probably this would also work with other 2-wire programming interface radios. His email to me is on the right -> I have an ICOM IC-706mkiiG which I use in my shack for various purposes, but mostly on 6m. To go with it, I have a Rig Expert Tiny to do Digital Voice Keying and Rig Control with my logging programs. Among other things, this device contains a USB to Comport converter for rig control (actually two of them, the other is a CW/PTT interface.)

The ICOM system uses exactly the same type of I/O for its rigs as does the FT7800! That is, a single wire plus ground for both input and output of data to/from the computer.

I unplugged everything from the '706 and plugged the rig control cable into the '7800 through a "tweeny" cable made from a discarded mouse cable, told your program to use COM6 and there it went. Just as if I had bought a new cable for many $$$. I was able to both read and write memories to my Ft7800.

I hope this is of use to others who may wish to save some money.

Jack, VK3WWW uses a Microham IC-13 to program his FT-8800. Probably this would also work with other 2-wire programming interface radios. His email to me is on the right -> This may help some of your users:

In the shack I have an IC706MK2G and for the programming and rig control I use a "Microham" IC13 usb interface. I looked at the Yahoo groups list and could not find any mention of this unit for the FT-8800 but it did mention another version of Icom Programmer.

As the 706 uses a 3.5 stereo plug, making the adaptor was a simple process. I purchased a 3.3mm stereo line socket and a Mini Din plug that suits the Yaesu radio. About 800mm of shielded cable and we were ready to assemble.

Assembly was straight forward using Pin 2 Gnd and Pin 3 on the 6 pin Data port. For the IC13 end it is just the Gnd and Tip leaving no connection to the ring.

Microham supply a device router program and sets up Com3 as a USB/Serial virtual com port.

All is working 100% and I am very happy because being of the older generation, I find all these sub menus on the transceiver make programming from the radio a bit daunting.

Adapter cables and DIY circuits

The VX-8 connection is a proprietary 7-pin design. The Yaesu CT-134 clone cable and the CT-M11 external headset connection cable for the FTM-10R both have the correct plug attached. In conjunction with a FTDI TTL-232R-3V3 cable it is easy to make up a suitable lead. See the 'Connection to the radio' section of the FTBVX8 Help file for more details and pictures. The picture on the right is a cable made by JA1OGS
The Yaesu CT-91 cable is the easiest way to connect to a handheld such as the VX-3, VX-6, VX-7, VX-170 or VX-177. You can then connect your level converter to the 2.5mm stereo  socket (not the 3.5mm socket). Tip is unused, ring 1 is data, ring 2 is unused, common is ground.

The CT-91 4-way plug also fits the FT-60 and VX-150.

CT-91.jpg (8886 bytes)
A DIY adapter cable to enable my 6-pin mini-din FT-7800 cable to be used on my FT-60, VX-3, VX-110 and VX-150. Uses half a CT-27 clone cable and the mouse port off a dead motherboard. The outer diameter of the shoulder is 9mm, 1mm less than the Maplin QT65V 4-pole plug. ft60adapter.JPG (10334 bytes)
A DIY change to the Maplin QT65V 4-pole plug to enable it to fit into the recess of a FT-60, VX-110 or VX-150 handheld. The original threaded portion of the plug was carefully cut off with a hacksaw. Not very elegant, but effective; I prefer the  solution above using half a CT-27 cloning cable.

For 2-wire programming purposes tip is unused, ring 1 is data, ring 2 is unused, common is ground.

maplinqt65v.JPG (7099 bytes)
A picture of the FT-60 Mic/SP socket showing the recess. The VX-110 and VX-150 are similar. This recess is a fraction over 6mm in diameter. The Maplin QT65V 4-pole plug has an outer diameter of 10mm and will not fit fully home - hence the hacksaw job above. ft60socket.JPG (15013 bytes)
The pin-out of the packet socket found on the FT-7800, FT-8800 and FT-8900.

For 2-wire programming purposes use pin 3 PTT for data and pin 2 GND for ground.

The pin-out of the RJ connector found on the FT-1802 and FT-2800 and a front view diagram of the mic socket.
A DIY 6 transistor level converter article by G4TIC.  This will work with radios that use a 2-wire interface e.g. VX-150, VX-170, VX-177, VX-6, FT-1802, FT-1807, FT-2800, FT-7800, FT-8800, FT-8900.

I have built this circuit myself and it works fine. A picture of my board is on the right. Because they were already available I used 1N4002 diodes instead of 1N914 and PN2222A transistors instead of 2N2222.

Roger Maeder has sent me some files to help with creating a PCB for the G4TIC interface. See opposite for a) a zip file of the files; b) a picture of the completed board

Click the picture to see a larger image.

Click the link below to see G4TIC's article.

G4TIC.pdf

a) PCB track
b) photo of completed board

A DIY RS232 to TTL level converter by DL8WA which has an adjustable programming voltage DL8WA 2-wire level converter.doc
A DIY adapter to enable the FTDI TTL-232R USB to TTL Serial cable to be used with 2 wire radios. This works with all my 2 wire radios.

3 wire to 2-wire adapter.doc

A DIY level converter by IW2DPO using the FTDI FT232R chip. It has an option to invert the output. iw2dpo usb programmer.pdf
A DIY level converter for the VX-8 using a MAX3232 by Tim W5FN VX8 PROGRAMMING CABLE.pdf
A DIY level converter by Aleks S56AL which uses the FTDI chip FT-232BM. It has been successfully used with VX-7R, FT-8900, FT-817 and IC-706MkIIG. http://lea.hamradio.si/~s57nan/ham_radio/index.html

OTHER LINKS

AC6V AC6V's page of software for amateur radio.  Just one of the many pages of information related to the hobby.
Art JA1OGS If you are interested in APRS and UI-View you will find something of interest here.
Bob Cobey (G0HPO) Taming the QFH Antenna, by Bill Sykes (G2HCG) and Bob Cobey (G0HPO)
Cheap Yagi Antennas for VHF/UHF Cheap Yagi Antennas - an excellent article by Kent Britain, WA5VJB on constructing simple yagis.

If you make the 432 MHz 8 element Kent tells me there is a typing error, D4 should be changed from 11.0 to 12.0 inches. I have had hours of fun with these designs - happy constructing...

Daniel Sampson's SWL site A good site for SWLs, and the source of the broadcast station frequency in FTBasic's sample SWL data files.
EI7BA Take a look at a well built 8 band cubical quad. Good details and lots of photographs - be patient for them to download; its worth it. Uses choke baluns and single feeder which is remotely switched using relays.
Fox Delta The Fox Delta site has many amateur radio projects and kits. The PM3 power meter can be interfaced to PolarPlot using the OZ2Meter program (both available on the Download page).
Gary KE5QAR Gary tells me he has manuals and service manuals in PDF format for almost all popular HF, VHF and UHF radios. All CDs ship free to the U.S. and at cost to international destinations. His eBay shop can be found by searching for garytel54or using the link on the left and clicking 'View all items...'.
HB9ZS Walter, HB9ZS has written some useful software to help manage FT-950 and FT-2000 transceivers.
Homebrew Antenna Links An excellent collection of links for anyone with an interest in antennas.
KE7ATE Ken's site - If you have a VR-5000 then take a look. Ken is developing a program he calle VR-5000 Signal Capture and Analysis
M5BXB Steve's site - of particular interest for those interested in 6M
OZ2CPU OZ2CPU's website includes constructional details of a digital wattmeter which can be interfaced to PolarPlot V3.1
TRX-Manager Real-time logging and rig control by Laurent Labourie F6DEX
W4RT W4RT Electronics - FT-817 Accessories & more

 


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