[ICOM] Ct-17 clones... comment

[Mel Martin]

"Unless you need a CT-17 specifically there are a lot of after market
devices that so the same thing at a fraction of the price."

I think I'll put the record straight here.

The CT-17 is a true RS232 to TTL converter using a MAX232 chip. It ALWAYS
works. Many of the "cheap" interfaces do NOT convert to a true RS232
standard and often work, but sometimes don't. Also the CT17 does not attempt
to power it's self from the RTS signal as do most "cheap" interfaces which
occasionally creates problems with laptops.  Caveat emptor!

BTW, yes I do use a "cheap" interface and it's working fine... But I have
had problems with them in the past, especially with older Icoms. I also have
a spare CT-17... But I'm hanging on to it as it is the Gold Standard in
level converters ;-)


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Mel Martin, VE2DC