[ICOM] Warning about W1GEE interface cables

[Ed Parish K1EP]

At 6/1/2004 08:45 PM, you wrote:
>Today I received a new W1GEE Interface cable (model LCU3-I) to replace one
>that got zapped in a recent lightning strike.  I first tested it with my 765
>and then with the 781 and it worked with neither.  After querying the
>manufacturer, I was told that they were aware that their 9 pin cables would
>not work with the 781.  This in spite of the fact that the paperwork that
>comes with the interface clearly pictures the 9 pine cable and states that
>it will work with the 765 and 781.  A reasonable person might wonder which
>of the other dozens of Icoms listed also will not work with the cable.

I know nothing of W1GEE or his interfaces.  However, I have built a number of interfaces of different types.  The radio end of the interface, the CI-V interface, should be identical for any Icom radio.  That is the CI-V standard.  The interface, whether it is a CT-17 or one you build, is a just level translator.  It takes the positive voltage swing of the open collector CI-V line and translates it to the bipolar swing of an RS-232 serial line.  Some are self powered, in that they derive power from the computer RS-232 port.  Although there is an RS-232 standard, no two serial ports are identical.  We won't go down that engineering road, but sometimes your computer won't supply the necessary voltage to self power the interface or it requires a full +/-12 or more volt swing on the signals.  I don't understand how the 781 or 765 CI-V interface is different than other Icom CI-V interfaces.

>While I've been satisfied with the W1GEE cables in the past, I strongly
>recommend that anyone looking for a PC interface for their Icom look
>elsewhere - there are plenty of alternatives on the market.
>
>73, Floyd - K8AC
>
>
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