[ICOM] CT-17 Clones

[Jim Hargrave]

I agree with Mel.

Many of the clones are not true RS-232 spec. However, they do work and I
feel the Icom CT-17 is highly over priced. It uses a Max-232 level converter
and a 7805 voltage regulator. These chips are available from Jameco for
$1.95 and $.25 respectively. The rest of the circuitry is a few discrete
components and connector (if desired). Its very easy to duplicate and
homebrew. Of course you have to furnish your own Altoids(tm) can to house
it. External power is available from either of the Icom radio ACC
connectors.

I built a three transistor CI-V level converter in 1987 and it still works
great. I installed mine in a Sucrets(tm) can.

Radio shack has a USB Scanner programming cable that also works as a CI-V
level converter.

So the options are wide open at a fraction of the Icom price.

   * 73's Jim W5IFP *



   >-----Original Message-----
   >From: icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net
   >[mailto:icom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Mel
   >Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 4:46 PM
   >To: icom at mailman.qth.net
   >Subject: [ICOM] CT-17 Clones
   >
   >
   >Most so-called CT-17 clones are not actually clones. The CT-17 uses a
   >true TTL to RS232 conversion chip. It also has a built in regulated
   >supply. Most of the inexpensive clones I have encountered (the
   >old 25pin
   >W1GEE interface excepted) use simplified circuitry that does generate
   >true RS232 levels. They seem to work fine with newer rigs but
   >they don't
   >always work with older Icoms... IC751A for example. Hard to justify the
   >price though...
   >
   >VE2DC... Mel.
   >
   >"Why would anyone spend more than $30 for one, when you can now buy a
   >copy for $13 on E-Bay?"
   >----
   >Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
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