[Ham-Mac] Radio interfacing

[Don Agro]

Hi Lew,

On 3-Nov-05, at 12:41 PM, Lew Phelps K6LMP wrote:

> 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.

I have used every type of Keyspan adapter with a Yaesu FT-817 (CT-62)  
and a number of other Yaesus without a single problem. Ever.

> This fact is noted in RT Systems' FAQ.

I'm pretty sure that this 'fact' is in error. The drive levels of the  
Keyspan adapters are sufficient to drive the Yaesu's provided that  
you are using a proper level converter on the Yaesu either the CT-62  
for the newer rigs or the FIF-232 for the older rigs. These level  
converters (or a home-brew version) would be required with any USB/ 
Serial adapter to match the RS-232 or RS-422 levels with the TTL  
levels in the radio. Some of the newer radios have the level  
converters built in and would have a DB9 connector on the back of the  
radio.

If you are using a Keyspan twin serial adapter with RS-422 ports you  
need to strap them properly to connect to RS-232C ports - but that  
works too.

On the other hand - you can go to microHAM and get something all in  
one box including CW DTR/RTS switching, audio isolation transformers,  
USB/Serial adapter, level converter and cabling - all for $119.00.

<http://www.microham.com/USB%20interfaces.html>

Other than supporting their products in MacLoggerDX, I have no  
connection with microHAM except to say - they make cool stuff.


73 Don Agro VE3VRW

D o g   P a r k   S o f t w a r e   L t d .

email: dagro at dogparksoftware.com
   www: http://www.dogparksoftware.com
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