[ICOM] Ct-17 clones... comment

[Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604]

But it's NOT "just like a CT-17"-  I have yet to find a self-powered
interface that will drive more than one radio, and the CT-17 will
handle 4.

And sometimes you want to use RTS and DTR for signaling purposes,
rather than for power.

There are cases where this capability is useful.  I've had two ICOMs
on the table, and switched control among them by changing the software
configuration, or run them from a satellite tracking program that
knows multiple addresses.

A CT-17 is overkill, usually, but not always.  OTOH, you could build a
real clone of a CT-17 for lots less money then ICOM wants for it.
http://www.usersmanualguide.com/icom/accesories__others/ct17

73, doug

   From: "Larry" <w3oz at msn.com>
   Date: Sat, 1 Dec 2007 09:36:44 -0800

   Mel that is true, but Neil will build you one that is self powered just like
   the CT-17 still for a fraction of the price. I have both running Vista and
   they are interchangeable. Really. 73 OZ

   Larry Wassman W3OZ
   ARRL #1 Honor Roll
   www.w3oz.com

   -----Original Message-----
   From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On
   Behalf Of Mel Martin
   Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2007 8:20 AM
   To: icom at mailman.qth.net
   Subject: [ICOM] Ct-17 clones... comment

   "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 ;-)