[Dx4win] FYI - Warning! Yaesu FT-9000 PEP Update!

[Jim Reisert AD1C]

-------- Original Message --------

From: microHAM America, W4TV <lists at microHAM-USA.com>
Subject: [microHAM] Warning! Yaesu FT-9000 PEP Update!
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:41:33 -0500


If you use a microHAM Interface with a Yaesu FT-9000 and
are contemplating the "PEP" firmware upgrade, the new
firmware creates an incompatibility with all microHAM
interfaces.

The original FT-9000 firmware did not use (did not implement)
CTS/RTS handshake on the CAT port.  As such, microHAM DB37
cables (microKEYER, microKEYER II, MK2R/MK2R+) do not include
connections for RTS/CTS between the keyer and the FT-9000 and
DB15 cables (USB Interface, II, USB Interface III, DigiKeyer)
do not include "fake handshake" or an RTS pull-up resistor
to keep the transceiver "happy."

If you have a Yaesu FT-9000 (any version) with "PEP" firmware,
you will need to disable the handshake by setting Menu 36
(CAT RTS) to "Disable" in order for the FT-9000 to respond
to any CAT input.

This change in the Yaesu firmware may also result in problems
with some software that does not provide RTS/CTS handshake in
the  built in FT-9000 support when used with a "normal" serial
port (but not with a microHAM interface).