[ICOM] Computer control of new IC-PCR1500 and IC-PCR2500 radios?

[Mike]

Randy wrote:
> The new ICOM receivers do not have the common CI-V or DB-25 connectors for
> computer control.  Instead, they have a USB interface.  While this is fine
> while using ICOM's software I wonder about control using other programs.
> Can the USB connection be made to look like a COM1 port on a PC and
> communicated with using Visual Basic?  If so, is the command structure 
> (for frequency control, for instance) like other ICOM radios or is it
> something new and maybe even proprietary?
>
> de Randy, W7HR
> Port Orchard, WA
Touring the manual for the PRC 1500 did'nt reveal a command set. I'm 
guessing for now at least the interface is proprietary.
A USB connection can be used as a serial port, if a USB to serial chip 
is in the mix. No mention that I can see. Maybe somebody with close ties 
to ICOM could find out. Ekki?
73, Mike NF4L