I was getting ready to deal with or order a cable for computer control of my
new IC-706 SSB.. Since Icom included a Jack, thought, no big deal, until I
looked for details in the manual..

$#@$!%$%%^ C1-V to RS232 converter what the $^&^*

Sure enough Icom sells this Level Convertor (CT-17) for $129. "For remote
transceiver control using a personal computer with RS-232C port. You can
change Freq/Operating mode etc.) * Does not include cable or software "

&^#%^ "doesn't include cable or software"?? When is it going to end??

Yah! I know I could just tune the transceiver manually, but I'm not a Ham
and therefore don't have the requisite Giant Thumb and Forefinger for
tweaking that "Big Knob".

Are there any alterniative converters (must be) for this purpose??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

"Steve" wrote in message
...
I was getting ready to deal with or order a cable for computer control of
my
new IC-706 SSB.. Since Icom included a Jack, thought, no big deal, until I
looked for details in the manual..

$#@$!%$%%^ C1-V to RS232 converter what the $^&^*

Sure enough Icom sells this Level Convertor (CT-17) for $129. "For remote
transceiver control using a personal computer with RS-232C port. You can
change Freq/Operating mode etc.) * Does not include cable or software "

&^#%^ "doesn't include cable or software"?? When is it going to end??

Yah! I know I could just tune the transceiver manually, but I'm not a Ham
and therefore don't have the requisite Giant Thumb and Forefinger for
tweaking that "Big Knob".

Are there any alterniative converters (must be) for this purpose??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions


Steve,

I operate various Icom receivers in mobile maritime service. My older units
require the CT-17 converter, the newer Icoms and radios made by other
manufacturers have a converter built-in. The converter does come with the
patch cables, the one you provide is the 9-pin to 25-pin (typical)
connection to one of your computers two rs-232 ports and the converter.

The way to determine if a particular radio requires a level-converter for
computer controlled operation is simple: if the radio has a 9 or 25-pin data
port on the back panel, no converter is required. There are plans on various
amateur radio websites to build a simple level converter, and some include
squelch-detect feedback connections so the radio can stop on signal when
scanning by computer control. The Icom brand converter has capability to
drive up to 4 individual receivers or tranceivers, and in my opinion is
recommended if computer control is desired. It does require 12vdc external
power.

Jack
Va Beach

In article ,
"Steve" wrote:

I was getting ready to deal with or order a cable for computer control of my
new IC-706 SSB.. Since Icom included a Jack, thought, no big deal, until I
looked for details in the manual..

$#@$!%$%%^ C1-V to RS232 converter what the $^&^*

Sure enough Icom sells this Level Convertor (CT-17) for $129. "For remote
transceiver control using a personal computer with RS-232C port. You can
change Freq/Operating mode etc.) * Does not include cable or software "

&^#%^ "doesn't include cable or software"?? When is it going to end??

Yah! I know I could just tune the transceiver manually, but I'm not a Ham
and therefore don't have the requisite Giant Thumb and Forefinger for
tweaking that "Big Knob".

Are there any alterniative converters (must be) for this purpose??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions



Hey Steve,

That level converter is nothing more than a Maxim RS232
Driver/Receiver Chip in a small box. There have been a pile of
construction articles over the years on "Roll Your Own" versions.
I built a Universal Level converter for my Icom/Kenwood Control
bus for the shack here. Google for CI-V to RS232 Icom and you
should get a few hits.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @

Steve,

I use an MFJ-5383I
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/produc...odid=MFJ-5383I

The price has gone up since I got mine 5 years ago but it looks like the
new model has both DB25 and DB9 connectors. I use some freeware called
Umbra ARCP. It works great but there web site seems to be among the
missing.

Steve wrote:
I was getting ready to deal with or order a cable for computer control of my
new IC-706 SSB.. Since Icom included a Jack, thought, no big deal, until I
looked for details in the manual..

$#@$!%$%%^ C1-V to RS232 converter what the $^&^*

Sure enough Icom sells this Level Convertor (CT-17) for $129. "For remote
transceiver control using a personal computer with RS-232C port. You can
change Freq/Operating mode etc.) * Does not include cable or software "

&^#%^ "doesn't include cable or software"?? When is it going to end??

Yah! I know I could just tune the transceiver manually, but I'm not a Ham
and therefore don't have the requisite Giant Thumb and Forefinger for
tweaking that "Big Knob".

Are there any alterniative converters (must be) for this purpose??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions



--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:X9Xec.596$uF3.458@lakeread04...
Steve,

I use an MFJ-5383I
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/produc...odid=MFJ-5383I

The price has gone up since I got mine 5 years ago but it looks like the

Still looks good an more reasonable than the unit Icom is offer. I may go
this route.. I am always up for building my on projects but it's 160 mile
round trip to the nearest elex supply place and anything you order online is
now padded with S/H that is more than the parts.

Thanks to all who responded.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

With the DB9 shell, the 232 chip, perf board and bits and pieces you are
looking at about $20 from digikey delivered. With the distraction of
soldering, testing and assembly the MFJ is probably the best route.

Steve wrote:
"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:X9Xec.596$uF3.458@lakeread04...

Steve,

I use an MFJ-5383I
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/produc...odid=MFJ-5383I

The price has gone up since I got mine 5 years ago but it looks like the


Still looks good an more reasonable than the unit Icom is offer. I may go
this route.. I am always up for building my on projects but it's 160 mile
round trip to the nearest elex supply place and anything you order online is
now padded with S/H that is more than the parts.

Thanks to all who responded.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions




--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Glenn Ashmore" wrote in message
news:yq1fc.707$uF3.419@lakeread04...
With the DB9 shell, the 232 chip, perf board and bits and pieces you are
looking at about $20 from digikey delivered. With the distraction of
soldering, testing and assembly the MFJ is probably the best route.

My thoughts exactly. Not exactly what a self respecting DIY would do, but
life is short.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

"Steve" wrote
Thanks to all who responded.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Glad to help. Because your original question included the comment:

Since Icom included a Jack...

I also commented on how to tell if you neded a converter at all. And
discount what the manual says if you DO have a db-9 or db-25 pin data port
on the back of your radio! If it's there, you do not require a converter.
Icom made so many radios w/o a data port (before they wised up) that the
manual may simply address old issues no longer relevant to the newer radios.
I think you did say yours was new, so...

If the data port is there, go on the assumption that it will interpret any
software commands that match the radio's baud-rate (usually 1200b for
Icoms).

Cheers,

Jack
Va Beach