The Yaesu FT-1000MP is a very popular transceiver among contesters. Just in contest operation, the advantage of connecting a computer to the transceiver (tuning to spots from the DX cluster, band map, automatic logging of frequency to the log,…). The FT-1000MP already has a built-in CAT interface for this purpose.
However, this interface is intended for the RS-232 serial interface (COM port). The most modern range of computers and laptops do not have this interface, and if they do, usually not in sufficient numbers. The serial interface is often used for control PTT or a rotor. Where it is not available, we can use a commonly available USB to COM converter.
Such converters are produced by several companies and are commonly available in our country at a price of a few hundred crowns (e.g. http://www.sunsway.com.hk/products/usb232.html). However, there is a 9-pin Canon male connector on the back panel of the FT-1000MP, the same as on the converter.
We will have to make two modifications in the converter:
1, replace the 9-pin male Canon connector with a 9-pin female connector
2, rewire the outputs in the converter
Procedure:
1, We will install the drivers for the USB converter into the operating system and in Device Manager check if a new serial port is available. We will note its number.
2, We will open the converter cover and remove the circuit board
3, With a soldering iron, we will desolder the 9-pin male Canon connector
4, On the top side of the circuit board (where the pin connectors were), we will scrape the traces 1, 2, 4, and 5 with a knife
5, With thin wires, we will connect the traces on the circuit board of ground (no. 5) and signal (no. 2)
6, We will solder a 9-pin female connector to the circuit board
7, We will solder the ground and signal wires directly to the terminals of the 'cross' connector.
8, We will close the converter.
This modified converter is suitable only as a CAT cable. Only three pins are needed for communication with the transceiver; the others are not of interest to us..
We will test the control of FT-1000MP. When starting the software for the first time, it is necessary to define the required parameters. In HamRadio Deluxe only Mark-V is available, which is not a problem; the communication speed is 4800Bd, and we noted the port number from the Device Manager. If everything is in order, the software will read data from the transceiver and display the control screen. The correctness of the communication is indicated by the flashing CAT indicator on the FT-1000MP display.
N1MM is configured similarly; in the 'Config' menu, we select 'Configure Ports, Telnet, Address, Other'. In the window that opens, we select the 'Hardware' tab. We set the FT-1000MP radio to the port number where the transceiver is. At the end of the line is the Set button, which takes us to detailed settings. The speed is 4800Bd, parity N, Databits 8, Stopbits 2, we set DTR and RTS to OFF. Radio/Nr. To number 1. We confirm and save all parameters.
Possible problems:
1, The software cannot connect to the transceiver; CAT does not blink on the display.
Uninstalled converter driver, incorrectly set port number, disconnected wire in the converter. Check the COM port in Device Manager and measure the connections in the converter with an ohmmeter.
2, The software cannot connect to the transceiver, but CAT blinks when trying to connect.
An uncut connection in the converter or incorrectly connected wire in the converter, incorrect communication speed or parameters. Try different software and check the software configuration. Measure the connections in the converter with an ohmmeter.
3, The software connects the device, but it does not respond to turning the tuning knob.
MEM mode set on FT-1000MP. Switch the transceiver to VFO mode.
4, Serial port number out of software range.
In the driver configuration, set the appropriate port number.
5, Transfer sometimes works, sometimes it does not.
This happens especially when multiple devices are connected to the computer, and after turning the computer off and on, the port number changes. Set the port number in the driver configuration, preferably COM5 – COM8.
USB CAT cable for FT-1000MP I have been using it for about a month. I have not noticed any RFI issues (power 100W). It has proven very useful, especially with N1MM..