[ICOM] Computer Control

[Tom]

Hello Clete,
The software they would be pointing to isn't for us.

As far as selecting software is concerned, it kind of
depends on what you want to do. Are you using a
computer based logbook? If so, check to see if the
logbook has computer control. DxLabs is the one I use
and is excellent.  This statement will undoubtedly
generate a flood of recommendations ;)
Ham Radio Deluxe is also an excellent program.

Google will help you find them all.
All of these programs direct their control commands
through one of the COM ports (RS-232).

The cable I described plugs into one of the USB ports
on your computer.  Its driver installs a routine which
intercepts any traffic directed to a specific COM port
and redirects it to the USB port to which this cable
is connected. So - your software still thinks it is
talking to a COM port.

So - to install, you will plug the cable into a USB
port (assuming we are talking about the USB version I
originally described and that you described as having
bought). Your Windows operating system will "Detect
new hardware" and the install wizard will wake up.
When it asks if you want it to search for a driver
tell it "No". Browse to the "Driver" folder on the CD
drive containing the CD that came with the cable.
When it installs the driver, you will click "Finish".
And Nothing else will happen!!

It ~probably~ installed the cable as COM4.
Depending on what version of Windows you are using, I
can tell you how to check - if needed.

When you configure you new rig control software, you
will need to select COM4 as the control port.

I'll be glad to guide you through with more details if
you like - we can also take this off-line (direct) if
Dick and the other would rather.

I have to wrap things up here at the office now but
I'll glad to help out over the weekend.

73 for now,
Tom, W3TMC


--- C Whitaker <whitaker at pa.net> wrote:

> de WB2CPN
> I also would like to here more about that.  I got
> one
> of the RS units, and they're more than a cable, or a
> level converter.  The package appears to include the
> driver, but they specifically exclude the computer
> software.  They do list a couple of URL's where one
> can go get it.  Let's keep this thing going until I
> get
> my 756II working with it.   (The little box has a
> clear
> plastic cover so I can see a whole bunch of SM's and
> other things in there.)
> 73  Clete
> 
> 
> 
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