USB CAT kábel pre FT-1000MP

The Yaesu FT-1000MP is a very popular transceiver for contestants. Exactly in contest operation, the advantage of connecting the computer with the transceiver is used the most (tuning to spots from the DX cluster, bandmapa, automatic recording of the frequency in the diary,…). 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). This interface is not included in the most modern range of computers and laptops, and if so, usually not in sufficient numbers. The serial interface is often used to control a PTT or rotator. Where it is not, however, we can use a commonly available USB to COM converter.
Such a converter is produced by several companies and is 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, same as on the converter.

We will have to do two modifications in the converter:
1, replace the 9-pin Canon male connector with a 9-pin female connector
2, wire the terminals in the converter

Method:
1, We will install the drivers for the USB converter in the operating system and check in the Device Manager, whether a new serial port is available. We will note his number.
2, We open the cover of the converter and remove the circuit board
3, We carefully fly out the 9-pin Canon male connector with a micro soldering iron
4, On the top side of the circuit board (where there were five outlets) scratch the paths with a knife 1, 2, 4 a 5
5, We connect the paths on the surface of the earth with thin cables (No. 5) and signal (No.2)
6, We connect a 9-pin female connector to the PCB
7, The earth and signal cables are soldered directly to the outputs of the "cross" connector
8, We close the converter

A converter modified in this way is only suitable as a CAT cable. Only three pins are enough to communicate with the transceiver, we are not interested in the others.

Let's try the FT-1000MP control. When starting the software for the first time, it is necessary to define the necessary parameters. V 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 all is well, the software reads the data from the transceiver and displays the control screen. The correctness of the communication is signaled by the flashing CAT indicator on the FT-1000MP display.

N1MM is configured similarly, select "Configure Ports" in the "Config" menu, Telnet, Adress, Other“. In the window, which opens, select the "Hardware" tab. To the port number, on which there is a transceiver, we will set up the FT-1000MP radio. At the end of the line is the Set button, with which we get to the detailed settings. The speed is 4800Bd, parity No., Databits 8, Stopbits 2, We set both DTR and RTS to OFF. Radio/No. To the number 1. We will confirm and save all parameters.

Possible problems:
1, The software cannot connect the transceiver, CAT does not even flash on the display
Converter driver not installed, incorrectly set port number, disconnected cable in the converter. Check the COM port in the Device Manager and measure the connections in the converter with an ohmmeter.

2, The software cannot connect the transceiver, However, CAT flashes when trying to connect
An unscratched connection in the converter or an incorrectly connected cable in the converter, incorrect communication speed or parameters. Try another software and check the software configuration. Measure the connections in the converter with an ohmmeter.

3, The software connects the device, but 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
Set the appropriate port number in the controller configuration.

5, Sometimes the transfer works, sometimes not
It happens especially in the case, that multiple devices are connected to the computer and the port number changes after the computer is turned off and on. Set the port number in the driver configuration, preferably COM5 – COM8.

USB CAT kábel ku FT-1000MP I've been using it for about a month. I haven't experienced any RFI issues (power 100W). It has proven itself very well, especially with N1MM.