[Icom] CI-V Questions

[Roy Sakabu]

 Hello William,

   I found that the G3VGR interface:

http://www.g3vgr.co.uk/civ.htm

to be quite easy to build inside the DB-9 shell.  The parts are cheap and
it's quite tolerant to using components not listed on the schematics.  I
used 2N3904's instead of 2N2222's because they were what I had.  I also used
5.1K resistors instead of 4.7K and had no problems with the interface.  I've
built about a half dozen so far and the suggestions I have for this
interface are:

Start with the shortest connections (the shorting of the pins).

Imagine working from the connector toward the back of the shell.  This makes
for a much neater layout than randomly building the circuit "ugly style".
You can practice by builting your first interface that way since the parts
are so cheap it's easy to build another one.

Physically stack the two transistors atop each other with the two emitters
twisted together.  This helps to keep the volume down.

A little heat shrink tubing may help here and there, but use it very
sparingly, it adds volume and a smart layout really doesn't require any.

Use a highlighter to trace out the connections you've made.  It's easy to
get mixed up as to which connection you've made and which ones you haven't.

Be sure to strain relief the cable in the shell.  An inadvertant tug on the
cable can pull a connection loose or cause a short circuit (nothing will
"burn out", you'll just lose the communications and start pulling your hair
out).

When you complete the interface, if it doesn't work, recheck your
connections and follow the schematic again.  The design REALLY DOES WORK.
Most likely, there was a mistake in the soldering.

Good luck and have fun,
Roy
AD6ZU
-----Original Message-----
From: William J. Wickstrom
To: Reflector Icom
Sent: 5/30/02 7:55 AM
Subject: [Icom] CI-V Questions

Hello all:
            I've been browsing the web looking for
information/schematics on
building a CI-V level converter/interface to use to control my Icom
rigs. In
my travels, I've uncovered several circuits, some simply a handful of
components that can supposedly fit inside the hood of a DB-9 connector,
others considerably more elaborate, based on IC chips. Who of you have
built
any of these, and what are the pros/cons of each design? Are there any
interface designs that utilize USB rather than a standard serial
connection?
What about functionality? Do all of these designs support completely the
Icom CI-V format, or do some of these simpler ones fall short? Any
information from experienced builders of these interfaces would be
greatly
appreciated.

Tnx es 73. de

William J. Wickstrom, W1IK,
USECA Morse Instruction Coordinator
w1ik@k8uo.com <mailto:w1ik@k8uo.com>



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