[K3PZN-List] Icom 706 mk2g rig control

Curt Milton wb8yyy at yahoo.com
Mon Jun 26 14:31:01 EDT 2017 

Kyle
(1) The Signalink primarily provides an AUDIO interface (for making digital mode signals) to/from your PC to your Rig.  Secondarily, it commands your rig into Transmit.  This interface typically connects direct to an accessory port on the rig (on rigs that don't have one, it would then connect in place of the microphone).  

This interface is ESSENTIAL for doing digital modes (on most rigs anyway).  

(2) The rig interface is different.  It communicates radio SETTINGS.  Most interestingly - it can tell the PC what frequency the rig is tuned to, or set the frequency from the PC.  Same for MODE and other settings.  

This interface is optional, except to enhance operations - such as in contesting or DX'ing.  

I think you said that you bought one of these INTERFACES specific for an Icom Radio ?  If you just bought 'wire' and ' connectors' -- then its time to go shopping again (maybe for as little as $7.30 as Andy suggests - almost cheaper than connectors) - perhaps another Icom owner can suggest a good source.  

All of us are (hopefully) still learning -- you are doing fine.  You have some nice-enough radio stuff gathered (better than any of the rest of us had as teens) - so hang in there and be patient.  

Curt
 

    On Monday, June 26, 2017 2:19 PM, Kyle Thornton <kyle.3599 at outlook.com> wrote:
 

 Thanks curt I'll have to look at the manual when I leave on my trip on Wednesday. Will give me something to do on a 6 hour flight. Andy is that the only cable I would need though or will I need a whole separate interface? I have a cable coming tomorrow for my signalink to connect to it via the accessory port. 
Kyle 
KC3FMP 

> On Jun 26, 2017, at 2:14 PM, Andrew Leeds <wo3l at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Yep, Curt has the answer. Considering I can find a "USB CI-V Cat Interface Cable" on amazon for $7.30 free shipping take the easy way out.
> 
> Andy
>> On 6/26/2017 11:48 AM, Curt Milton via K3PZN-List wrote:
>> Okay I had a free moment and did some research -- I found this link -- yes this interface DOES require electronics between the IC706 and the USB adaptor --
>> http://www.qsl.net/g3vgr/civ.html
>> did you buy a 'cable' specific for Icom radios?  your cable seems to meet this description -- DB9 on PC side, and a 3.5 mm 'stereo' plug on the radio side.  (the link above alludes to such cables being sold)  it won't work unless the cable has electronics inside.
>> 
>> NO - I DO NOT recommend making your own interface per the link -- I just sent it for reference -- it is NOT worth risking the IC706 to 'your skills' in making it.  I just wanted to show you what is involved in getting this link to work.
>> 
>> [note - modern radios tend to use either direct serial port or USB interface]
>> 
>> the link does have some alternate software items that can test such an interface with your rig.  (because there needs to be electronics within the 'cable' - ignore my prior comment about testing with an ohmmeter!)
>> one other thing comes to mind - read the instructions that came with the 'cable' -- possibly one of the interface signals (RTS or whatever the other one is called) to introduce power from your PC into the adaptor)
>> also - your PC will need a driver for the USB adaptor.  usually a windows 8 or 10 PC - will grab its own driver over the internet (if PC is connected).  an older OS like Vista or XP will require manual installation of the driver.  (with windows 8 or 10 - you may find old USB adaptors may not work -- many of those are said to use counterfeit chips - so for these the driver will not be downloaded - been there and done that)
>> Curt
>> 
>>  
>>    On Monday, June 26, 2017 11:31 AM, Curt Milton via K3PZN-List <k3pzn-list at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>>  
>>  Kyle
>> I am not familiar with the IC706 rig control, but done it with other rigs.  These steps come to mind:
>> 1. read the IC706 manual -- does it require an 'interface' or will it communicate ONLY with a interface cable (DB9 connectors) ?  a fewer older rigs need an electronic interface to adjust voltage levels  (like my FT817 - so I don't use this feature)  -- I don't know about the IC706
>> 2. find out what COM port your USB adaptor is on.  in windows - device manager has 'ports' on the list.  of course if you have nothing else plugged in (that is a port) - it will be easy to see which one it is
>> 3. the logging software needs to know the rig type and which comm port it is on.  (some software defaults to appropriate settings when you select the rig -- I don't know about your package)
>> Wait a minute -- what does the I/O interface look like on the IC706?  Isn't it also a DB9 ?  The manual will convey which wires need to be connected from connector-to-connector -- use an ohm-meter do make sure you have each of these wires.  I am very confused when you say like headphone jack (plugs is the correct term) -- is this what the IC706 uses ?
>> This simple interface isn't that simple !  Let us know what the manual says about this interface.
>> 
>> For contesting (and DX'ing) - have this interface is very nice to see where you are tuned relative to a 'BAND MAP' that displays spots - so it is a worthwhile thing to hook up.
>> 
>> PS - N1MM is a very nice log that supports contesting and DXing.  it has a nice way of integrating RTTY into the log (you don't need your rig control interface working to enjoy this).
>> 
>> Be patient -- much to learn, and figure out at your station.
>> 
>> Curt
>>  
>>    On Monday, June 26, 2017 10:47 AM, Kyle Thornton <kyle.3599 at outlook.com> wrote:
>>  
>>  Hi all,
>> So I'm trying to get my 706 connected for rig control and I bought some cable with 2 almost like head phone jack connections on one end and the other has a db9 which I have connected to the computer with a USB convertor. It's not working with n3fjp logging software. I've tried changing the cables around etc. has anyone else done this with their 706? I'm planning on contesting with it and rig control will be super helpful.
>> Thanks
>> Kyle
>> KC3FMP
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