KFDmini to XTL cable

[Mogman]

Does anyone have the information needed to build a KFDmini to XTL GCAI cable?

 

[K7UDZ]

The service manual for XTL is online, it will have the pinouts – W9CR’s website may too. KFDmini seems to usually use a 17mm TRS (3.5mm), unlike the US standard 14mm. The TRS pinout may or may not be the same, you’d want to beep out any cables you have.

 

[Mogman]

Thanks! the problem is the need for a 1 wire, I just found information on using an aftermarket USB programming cable that has a 1 wire embedded in the cable, I will give that a shot.

 

[Mogman]

Besides, I have found the GCAI pinouts, that does not help me build a cable. and the manual I have has over 900 pages and I cannot find it

 

[K7UDZ]

the problem is the need for a 1 wire

XTL should not require an EEPROM, iirc. APX does.

 

[Mogman]

If that is the case then from what I CAN find all I need is 4 to tip and 5 to sleeve and that is not working

 

[K7UDZ]

I don’t know where you found those pins, but that’s definitely not correct on the GCAI. You need KEYFAIL for data, not USB D-…

On the TRS side I can’t help, I don’t know what the KFDmini people decided to use. You may have better luck starting with the KFDmicro since its pinout is actually documented.

 

[Mogman]

The first cable I used had tip to 9 and sleeve to 5 and did not work, unfortunately that is the only connections to the GCAI on that cable so no farther experimentation can be done with that cable.
I am using a KFDMicro from W3AXL, sorry I miss spoke at the beginning.
I have found no actual pinouts from the 3.5mm to GCAI connector anywhere.
AI told me to use pin 4 as that is the only source I have found.

 

[K7UDZ]

Most people just either an HKN6182 or a BBL6182 since you can’t buy male mobile GCAI connectors anyway.

Have you previously successfully keyloaded this specific radio in its current configuration? Not doubting you, but it is not uncommon to see posts asking for help with a connector when in reality the radio is not properly configured in terms of hardware and codeplug.

 

[Mogman]

That could be one issue but I think I have the radio set up correctly, I am getting a keyfail alert.
IF I can EVER just simply get the pinout I can gut a connector, but that is evidently a big secret.
If I can let $100 plus loose one day I may buy a BBL but I live on a fixed income and I am always behind on things I need to spend money on for the ranch so I rarely break even let alone have extra cash.
The HKN6182 is just out of the question and only gets you to a hirose connector so then you also have to invest in another cable.

 

[K7UDZ]

The GCAI pinout is documented in the service manual and on W9CR’s page, both of which I pointed you to in post #2 above…

I don’t know how much more “simple” you need, or what the “secret” you are referring to is.

I understand not wanting to spend money, but if you want to DIY, you should expect to do some research and experimentation yourself to get stuff working.

 

[Mogman]

Thank you for your help,
I have had the pinout you reference for some time but a cable that does not make.

 

[K7UDZ]

Good luck – of course it’s hard to troubleshoot something we can’t even see over the web, but if you keep trying you should get it!

As you noted before, official and other trustworthy references (not AI) show pin 9 as KEYFAIL (aka data), and pin 5 as GND. I recommend focusing efforts on that, and that is what my own notes say.

There are also various eBay adapters for as cheap as $30 should you prefer to get something pre-made (I cannot vouch for them).

Also make sure your UCM is properly seated, visible in service mode, etc, and that you are using the correct GCAI port (head if dash mount, TIB if remote mount).

 

[jeepsandradios]

Maybe dont worry about encryption if you can't afford it. Stuff costs moeny to do it correctly.

 

[Mogman]

Maybe dont worry about encryption if you can't afford it. Stuff costs moeny to do it correctly.

Very helpful advice, Thanks, BTW it is spelled MONEY