[1000mp] FT1000MP not responding

[Ian White, G3SEK]

Garry Shapiro wrote:
> i just fired up my good old FT1000MP and recognized, that the rig can 
>not be controlled via its RS232 interface. I tried differend programs 
>and cables, but the CAT Led is not showing any activity. I asume that 
>the MAX232CWE is defective. Any clue where to get one at resonable 
>price ? have not tried to contact Yaesu service yet. Is there any 
>program out there to check the activity on the Com Ports, so i can be 
>shure its the radio and not the pc ? I do not have access to a different pc,

Don't tear your MP apart! The problem could be any of several causes:

1. PC software, operating system or BIOS - most likely of all.
2. PC hardware
3. Cables and connectors
4. FT-1000 hardware - LEAST likely of all (unless you have a *specific* 
reason to suspect that).

Hams have a terrible tendency to try to 'fix' problems by first deciding 
where the fault has "gotta" be, and then attacking that part. Even if 
there wasn't a shred of evidence that part is what's actually broken... 
it soon will be.

The keys to successful fault-finding are:
* THINK as MUCH as possible
* Change as LITTLE as possible
* Repeat until you've found the ONE right thing to do.


-- 
73 from Ian G3SEK         'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB)
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek