I own an Icom IC-707 and I was wondering if there is a way to connect it to my computer for rig control. I have an interface for digital modes and I have a cable that is a USB but acts like a serial cable. Is there anything I can do to get rig control?
Icom: Icom IC-707 CAT rig control?
- Thread starter KD9DJC
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Yes, download a program to control the radio and install it on your computer.
There are a bunch; Amateur Radio Transceiver Control - The RadioReference Wiki
I use the last free version of Ham Radio Deluxe (V5.0). Others will probably share their favorite rig control programs.
There are a bunch; Amateur Radio Transceiver Control - The RadioReference Wiki
I use the last free version of Ham Radio Deluxe (V5.0). Others will probably share their favorite rig control programs.
I finally got around to using HRD to try to control my radio. I made sure that the radio address was matching and the data rate, and all other settings were set correctly. I went to connect and it wouldn't work. I included a picture of the HRD screen after trying to connect. However I think the problem might be my cable, because it was made for programming Yaesu HTs and it has 4 sections instead of 2. I also included the Amazon.com picture of that cable. Do you think I'm correct about this?
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The Yaesu cable won't work as it is...
Yaesu and Icom transceivers both require a bidirectional RS-232 to TTL level translator. The FTDI chip does that nicely, but..
Icom cables use a single bidirectional open TTL bus (the CI-V bus).
Yaesu cables use independent TTL data-in and data-out signals (which is why the connector has more rings).
Search for a Icom CI-V cable. That should make a difference. http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Enterprises-Chipset-Two-Way-Programming/dp/B004L0T4UM
But, it looks like you have HRD loaded and working properly.. At least you're 90% there
Yaesu and Icom transceivers both require a bidirectional RS-232 to TTL level translator. The FTDI chip does that nicely, but..
Icom cables use a single bidirectional open TTL bus (the CI-V bus).
Yaesu cables use independent TTL data-in and data-out signals (which is why the connector has more rings).
Search for a Icom CI-V cable. That should make a difference. http://www.amazon.com/Valley-Enterprises-Chipset-Two-Way-Programming/dp/B004L0T4UM
But, it looks like you have HRD loaded and working properly.. At least you're 90% there
K7MEM
Member
I agree, that cable you show will not work with your IC-707.
The CI-V connector on the IC-707 is a 1/8 inch, two conductor connector. As "jwt873" indicated, it is a bi-directional 2 wire TTL buss. Icom specs out a CT-17 interface for CI-V communication. It is a good interface, but a bit of an overkill if you are only accessing one unit. You can, however, build your own. I have the schematic if you need it.
I have a IC-735 which has the same CI-V port. By default the IC-735 comes configured for 300 baud, but I kicked that up to 9600 baud. On the IC-735 it is a jumper setting, as opposed to the IC-707 which is a menu selection. The interface I built works with any of the digital mode software that includes rig control (HRD, Fldigi, etc.).
Attached is the schematic of the CI-V interface that I built. The drawing is marked for using 25 or 9 pin RS-232 connectors. USB to Serial Port converter cables can be bought with either the 25 or 9 pin connectors. I prefer the 9 pin ones, but I have used the 25 pin variety. The only time I ever had trouble with my interface was when I had the RS-232 RX/TX pins swapped. Once I set them correctly, it worked.
"jwt873" also recommends the USB to Serial Port converter cables with the FTDI chip. I am sure they work fine, but there has been a lot of controversy over cheap replicas that have caused trouble. I only have "Prolific" USB to Serial Port converter cables (3) and they seem to work fine. Previously I used them on XP and Windows 7 systems and currently use them on a Windows 10 system.
Not that rig control is only part of the interface needed for Digital Mode operation. As your manual shows, the ACC1 or microphone connector can be use for the audio in/out and PTT. The preferred access is ACC1. I use a separateUSB to Serial Port converter cable and a one transistor interface for activating PTT. That is because the IC-735 ACC1 connector bypasses the VOX. The IC-707 may be different, but check to make sure. That same cable doubles for CW keying.
Martin - K7MEM
The CI-V connector on the IC-707 is a 1/8 inch, two conductor connector. As "jwt873" indicated, it is a bi-directional 2 wire TTL buss. Icom specs out a CT-17 interface for CI-V communication. It is a good interface, but a bit of an overkill if you are only accessing one unit. You can, however, build your own. I have the schematic if you need it.
I have a IC-735 which has the same CI-V port. By default the IC-735 comes configured for 300 baud, but I kicked that up to 9600 baud. On the IC-735 it is a jumper setting, as opposed to the IC-707 which is a menu selection. The interface I built works with any of the digital mode software that includes rig control (HRD, Fldigi, etc.).
Attached is the schematic of the CI-V interface that I built. The drawing is marked for using 25 or 9 pin RS-232 connectors. USB to Serial Port converter cables can be bought with either the 25 or 9 pin connectors. I prefer the 9 pin ones, but I have used the 25 pin variety. The only time I ever had trouble with my interface was when I had the RS-232 RX/TX pins swapped. Once I set them correctly, it worked.
"jwt873" also recommends the USB to Serial Port converter cables with the FTDI chip. I am sure they work fine, but there has been a lot of controversy over cheap replicas that have caused trouble. I only have "Prolific" USB to Serial Port converter cables (3) and they seem to work fine. Previously I used them on XP and Windows 7 systems and currently use them on a Windows 10 system.
Not that rig control is only part of the interface needed for Digital Mode operation. As your manual shows, the ACC1 or microphone connector can be use for the audio in/out and PTT. The preferred access is ACC1. I use a separateUSB to Serial Port converter cable and a one transistor interface for activating PTT. That is because the IC-735 ACC1 connector bypasses the VOX. The IC-707 may be different, but check to make sure. That same cable doubles for CW keying.
Martin - K7MEM
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Ok thank you both for answers! I do have a working setup for digital but I might look into cables for the accessory socket because every time I want to switch to voice or digital I need to unplug the microphone and everything. But now my question is, is that interface and the schematics you gave me to build it required for rig control? The cable that jwt873 showed me on Amazon goes straight to the USB port and I wouldn't think that it still needs some kind of converter.
K7MEM
Member
Yes, it would be better to go through the rear accessory socket. The audio output from the rear socket is "line level" and not controlled by the volume control. This eliminates a redundant control. You don't even have to listen to the radio to operate digital modes. Many hams put on some music. Just be careful that your microphone isn't enabled.
The circuit I attached will work, but you would also need a USB to Serial Port converter cable. Your best bet is the cable that "jwt873" linked to. In effect, it is the same as Icom's CT-17 interface, but for a single transceiver. That would be all you need for rig control.
Martin - K7MEM
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