[Dxbase] Seeing Radio

[Jim, K8FT]

4800,8,None,2 are the correct serial settings for the Mark V. 

If you want to watch what's happening between your radio and computer put an
EIA-232 breakout box in the line. That'll allow you to observe the handshake
and traffic signaling taking place in real time. It's an invaluable tool in
tracking down serial communication problems. As Bill said, serial
communication is not a constant stream but rather a series of commands that
take place once the original com link is established between the two
devices. 

You also didn't say if you're running a straight serial connection or USB to
serial. They can cause some very funky problems depending on the make and
model of the converter and what you're trying to connect to.

I've run a Mark V for about four years now and a 1000MP prior to that and
have never encountered those issues. In my case if the radio's on DXB links;
if the radio's off DXB doesn't. In my setup I run a serial connection using
mil-spec grade cables with 100% shielding. I also have a homebrew optical
isolator circuit in a mil-spec shielded case that electrically isolates the
serial voltages between the radio and the PC. Thus far I've had no RF
interference in my serial communications even when running high power. HTH.

Jim, K8FT