[1000mp] Mk V Band Data Plug

[1000mp@mailman.qth.net]

Thanks first to Al who pointed out that my mail program was sending in HTML
and thus my earlier attempts to post went into limbo.

I need at least one of the 8 pin plugs that mates with the "Band Data"
socket of my Mk V so that I can have the Mk V properly communicate with an
Alpha99 that is on its way to me.   (CrossLink, the company that now makes
the Alpha99, is not able to procure any of the magic plugs.  Thus I can not
get a connection cable from them.)  A proper connection from the Mk V
to/from the Alpha99 is needed to be able best to take advantage of the full
breakin capabilities of each device.

    What I have learned from an extensive WEB search is:
1. the pin spacing used by Yaesu is not standard!
2.  the 8 pin DIN plug that is available from RS is said not to fit and is
capable of damage to the Mk V's socket if one attempts to use a "standard" 8
pin DIN plug
3.  it is possible that Kenwood uses the same, non-standard scheme  (AES has
a "Kenwood 8 pin plug" for sale)
4.  some electronic distributors are said to carry both the standard and
non-standard 8 pin DIN plug (which suggests that the proper plug might not
be so non-standard after all)
5.  Yaesu does not include an 8 pin plug with their expensive radio even
though one needs one properly to use an amplifier!  (this does not engender
warm feelings when coupled with the difficulty of procurement)

Help!  Please share how you dealt with the issue.  Where might one procure
the proper plug?  How does one describe the proper plug to one from whom one
wishes to purchase same?

...additionally:  the band pins (BCDA) from the Band Data socket form a BCD
coding with A the LSD and the 160 meter band being band 0001.

    Thanks for your help.   73   Mac  N8TT

J. Mc Laughlin  -  Michigan USA
Home:  JCM@Power-Net.Net
Office:  JCM@McLMcL.Com