NOTE: This website is a static copy that has been archived on KK4NDE's website June 12, 2021 with the permission of G4HFQ to preserve the content before his site is shut down.
Connection to the radio
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Connection to the radio
The transceiver should be connected to the computer in accordance with the rig's operating instruction manual. The appropriate connecting lead must be used.
Please note: although the FT-857 and FT-897 radios can operate CAT control through the Mic socket you cannot perform memory management this way - the firmware does not support it. You must use the 8-pin mini-din socket at the rear of the radio.
The Links page of the website lists sources of ready-made cables that can be ordered over the Internet.
Cables
If you have a FT-847 you need a null modem cable with a female connector at the radio end.
Assuming plug A to be the radio end of the cable:
plug A pin 2 connected to plug B pin 3
plug A pin 3 connected to plug B pin 2
plug A pin 5 connected to plug B system ground (pin 5 for a 9 pin plug, or pin 7 for a 25 pin plug).
If you have a FT-897, FT-897D, FT-857, FT-857D, FT-818ND, FT-817ND or FT-817 you need a TTL to RS232 level converter.
The Yaesu cable is a CT-62 but there are many designs for DIY.
If you are not up to soldering neatly, just buy a ready made cable.
COM port and speed
Selection of Com port number and speed is done from the initial screen. All rigs except the FT-847 use 9600 baud for clone operation regardless of the CAT operation speed. The FT-847 can clone at either 9600 or 57600 baud.
Detecting the COM port number
On the Tools menu there is a command called 'COM port Detector'. This will assist in determining which COM port your radio is connected to - particularly helpful with USB attachment of the programming cable.
Click the command 'COM port Detector' and 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 may be allocated a different COM port number, so you might need to use this screen again if you change your usual socket.
If you have an FT-847 then click the button to show the usage instructions for that radio.
NOTE: This website is a static copy that has been archived on KK4NDE's website June 12, 2021 with the permission of G4HFQ to preserve the content before his site is shut down.