[ICOM] Question about the CT-17 Level Converter

[Carl Moreschi]

Great list of options for ICOM CIV converters.  I also have ICOM control
software that has evolved from 5 years of experience with user feedback from
my Tentec software.  See my webpage at www.n4py.com.

73,

Carl Moreschi N4PY
Franklinton, NC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Bernstein" <aa6yq at ambersoft.com>
To: "'ICOM Reflector'" <icom at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, June 04, 2004 4:19 PM
Subject: RE: [ICOM] Question about the CT-17 Level Converter


> Besides purchasing an expensive new CT-17 or locating a cheaper used
> one, you have three choices:
>
> 1. buy a 3rd party converter for $25 to $100:
>
> http://k1nu.home.comcast.net/k1nu/Products/
>
> http://www.cssincorp.com/prod-cable.htm
>
> http://home.att.net/~n8st/icom.html
>
> http://www.microham.com/USB%20interfaces.html
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~n4vas/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html
>
> http://n9zle.tripod.com/cable.htm   (warning -- this is a tripod-hosted
> site; don't go here without a firewall!)
>
> http://hosenose.com/detail.asp?product_id=LCU-3  (by W1GEE -- recent
> traffic indicates problems when used with IC765 or IC781)
>
> http://members.fortunecity.com/w2eny/civ/ (expensive, currently out of
> stock, web site attempts to download spyware)
>
> You'll find reviews of the above products at
> http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/53
>
>
> 2. Build one yourself
>
> This is a fun project you can do for less than $10 if you don't get too
> fancy with the packaging. Radio Shack has everything you need, as does
> Digikey and other mail order houses. The circuit I use was published by
> Nigel KG7SG in the 7/92 QST, and can be found in
> http://www.qsl.net/civ_commander/interface.jpg ; like many others, it
> derives its power from the serial port's modem control signals DTR and
> RTS. This is fine, as long as you configure whatever software you're
> using to assert these signals. Alternatively, you can power the circuit
> from an external source of +12VDC. Ekki DF4OR has this and some other
> circuits on his site at http://www.plicht.de/ekki/civ/civ-p2.html , but
> I'd stay away from anything that directly drives the CI-V bus with a
> MAX232 level converter; its output does not conform to the CI-V bus spec
> -- though Icom itself uses this design in the CT-17. An excellent
> example of a MAX232-based design done correctly can be found in
> http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Amateur%20Radio/Experimentation/C
> IVInterface.htm .
>
>
> 3. Convert your FIF-232C
>
> Both Icom and Kenwood use TTL levels, but Icom uses a single-wire bus
> arrangement to which multiple transceivers can be attached. To convert
> your FIF-232C for use with the CI-V bus, you'll need to interpose an
> open-collector TTL gate (e.g. one section of a 7407 hex buffer/driver)
> between the FIF-232C's TTL output and the CI-V bus; the CI-V bus is
> directly connected to the FIF-232C's TTL input. Were I doing this, I'd
> mount a .125" female phone jack in the FIF-232C for the CI-V bus,
> leaving the Kenwood wiring intact on its DIN radio port. Then you can
> use an off-the-shelf moulded .125" male-to-male cable to connect the
> FIF-232C to your Icom tranceiver's CI-V connector. Assuming the
> FIF-232C's internal power supply produces the +5VDC needed for the
> 7407's Vcc, your cost is limited to one 7407 and one mini phone jack;
> thus this is probably your least expensive option.
>
>
> When you get around to considering software, take a look at DXLab. Its
> completely free, and available via www.qsl.net/dxlab .
>
>       73,
>
>            Dave, AA6YQ
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
> On Behalf Of Bob Scott
> Sent: Friday, June 04, 2004 08:28
> To: icom at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [ICOM] Question about the CT-17 Level Converter
>
>
> I am thinking of purchasing an Icom IC-756-PRO II and want to control it
> via computer.  I believe that requires me to get the CT-17.  Is that
> correct? Is this the only option if I wish to computer control the
> transeiver.  I have a Yaesu level converter, a FIF-232C that I need to
> dig out, but I would be surprised if it did the same thing.  My
> FT-1000MP Mark V Field has a build in 232 port, so it has not been an
> issue before.  Any advice/guidance is welcomed. Thanks and 73,
>
> Bob
> W4ZY
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net Icom
> Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC, icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/