[ICOM] CT-17 Clones

Wed Aug 12 14:45:46 EDT 2009

I think accessories are we have it if you want it. There are always 
options. I just purchased a new 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4X4. I want side 
steps  for it. Toyota wanted almost $400.00 for those and I picked up a 
new set of Smittybuilt sidesteps for less than $149.00. I look at the 
factory accessories and after market stuff. Some after market 
accessories work fine some take alterations to make them work. You 
should see all the stuff available for my truck.

Same for radios, some Inrad filters are drop in, some are to big 
physically and use RG-174 to connect them up. I would rather have one 
that fits correctly in the radio not floating about relying on double 
stick tape to keep it in place. My IC-718 has the 1.8 kHz Inrad filter 
that fits correctly and solders in place. The installed UT-106 DSP and 
High Stability Oscillator are factory options. W4RT does sell an after 
market bhi DSP option though.

Look at all the after market things you can now purchase for Icom 
products. CI-V control devices, microphones, power supplies, filters, 
antennas, tuners. Icom has all of those items too. Others are making 
replacement parts like the UX-14 is available from Piexx among other 
clone items they produce.

When I worked at Icom I can't count to how many copies of the CT-17 
schematic I used to send out. 
As most know the IC-CT-17 will allow up to 4 radios to be connected at 
one time. Though you may want to turn off the transceive function and 
make sure the CI-V address are set differently between the radios. I am 
sure on other interfaces you can parallel up transceivers too.

But overpriced, under priced Options are nice. One can buy the factory 
or an after market option. We are lucky some have choose to make lower 
priced accessories we can choose from. Factory accessories are not all 
bad either and generally you don't need to do much to make them work for 
either.

I had one amateur dealer tell me years ago he could do better not 
selling the radios but only the accessories for the radio and 
consignment radios.
Most  factory accessories sell for MSRP for all manufacturers where the 
actual transceiver does not.

My IC-208H should be here today there is a nice little storage 
compartment to the left of the steering wheel the control head will fit 
nicely into.in the Tacoma.. The Antenex 3/4 hole saw will follow in a 
couple of days for the NMO roof mount. I am off HF for the moment 
thinking of getting the trailer hitch mount for the HS1800/Pro or 
building one.

Gary K8IZ

Jim Hargrave wrote:
> 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
>    >Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
>    >Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>    >To support QSL/QTH.net: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC: icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.316 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> To support QSL/QTH.net: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>   