Yaesu CAT cable

Na to, so that we can control the device with a computer and take advantage of all the advantages, which such a configuration offers, a CAT interface is required. It is a simple voltage converter, which takes care of the conversion of voltage levels between RS-232 (serial port, WITH) and equipment.

I decided to try the MAX232 IC converter. After experience with a simple transistor converter for IC-706, I was interested, whether MAX232 is better. The converter works for the first connection, however, it is necessary to pay attention to the correct connection of the terminals in the 8-pin minidin connector, which connects to the device - applying the wrong voltages to RxD and TxD could damage the transceiver!

The connection of the CAT cable is based on the MAX232 catalog connection. Since the local store didn't have the SMD version of this IO, it was not possible to build the converter into the plastic cover of the 9-pin Canon connector. So I used the cover from the 25-pin connector and the 9-pin connector is mounted in the box, which has the sheet size of a 25-pin connector.

The dimensions of the printed circuit board are 20 x 30mm. Plugging in is so easy, that I implemented it on a single-sided printed circuit board.

There are some problems with the 8-pin minidin connector, which connects to the device. Yaesu FT-857D has this connector located in the hole of the cast heatsink. But the hole is not big enough, to fit the connector with the rubber sleeve. Therefore, only a plastic case with insulating tape is used. The outside is still in the heat-shrinkable tube.

The CAT cable works for the first connection without a single error. Since my laptop is not equipped with a COM port, I use a USB to COM converter, to which I have a CAT cable connected.