[Ham-Mac] Radio interfacing

[Lew Phelps K6LMP]

Wally, I have successfully interfaced my Mac to a Yaesu FT-8900,  
using a serial cable connector, for programming the 8900 settings.   
The key is getting the "right" USB-serial interface, and also the  
right cable. I have had success with data interface using a cable and  
adapter purchased from RT Systems. See http://www.rtsars.com/ 
yaesu_Template.cfm?yaesupage=ADMS4B for the cable that would fit your  
897.  Their software is for Windows only, so if you want  to run  
their ADSM software to program your 897, you'll have to run it  
through VirtualPC.  I'm doing this with my FT-8900 and the ADMS  
software for the 8900.

Their serial cable that plugs into the data port, combined with the  
USB-serial adapter they offer, DOES work with other Mac-based  
software. In other words, it does provide the proper digital  
connection between my FT-8900 and the Mac.  I presume it would do the  
same for your 897 as well.

BTW, I have found that the widely used and generally recommended  
Keyspan USB-Serial adapter, although it will function for almost  
every other purpose, will NOT establish a good connection between the  
Yaesu and the Mac.  It seems not to put out data signals that are  
quite strong enough for Yaesu radios.  This fact is noted in RT  
Systems' FAQ.

I hope this helps.

Lew K6LMP

On Nov 3, 2005, at 9:22 AM, Wallace Brenton wrote:

> I was wondering if anyone can lead me to a source of practical  
> information  on interfacing Macintosh computers to Ham  
> tranceivers.  I would like to try out some of the available OS X  
> software and would like to interface an iMac G5 with a Yaesu FT-897D.
>