[Dx4win] ICOM 765 !

[Gregory Brown]

Lou,

I don't have any experience with the interface you are considering, but I
did have (apparently) the same problem with my CT-17 and faced the same
quandry.  My choice was to assume that the MAX232 chip in the CT-17 was
fried (the IC is about the most "fragile" component in there) and decided to
try replacing it.  Using de-soldering braid and a 15 watt iron, it is quite
easy to remove the old chip.  Since I didn't want to risk heat damage to the
new the new chip, I installed a chip socket instead, then simply plugged in
the new chip.  The CT-17 now works like a charm, and the job was much easier
than I thought it would be.  The replacement for the MAX232CPE chip cost
$2.19, and the 16 pin solder-tail sockets sell for 10 cents each (but you
have to by 10!)  The real eye opener was when I priced all the components in
the CT-17, and the total came out around 10 bucks!  But then you wouldn't
have that nice ICOM stencil on the box!

Replacing the chip isn't like building your own interface, but it sure was
easy and satisfying.

Got my parts from Jameco Electronics.  They do have a web-presence and a
very nice catalog.

Good luck!
Greg KT0K