Sound Card Interface for Yaesu FT-2800M

[W3RD]

Hello. I'm mostly new to data modes, so please let me know if I've made any wrong assumptions here.

I have a Yaesu FT-2800M (2m mobile), which I'd like to try to use for data modes, possibly APRS. I've done a little research into software, such as AGWPE. The hardware interface is still confusing to me. I've read that one can hook their transceiver up to a PC sound card instead of a TNC. This seems to be cheaper than a TNC, which is definitely a good thing. I have not found any diagrams for the FT-2800M or premade interface cables.

Can anyone point me to a diagram or premade cable to hook this radio up to a sound card? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks,

- Kert

 

[KZ9G]

Another option is the signallink usb. It is an externial soundcard that has isolation built in. They sell pre made cables and jumpers for nearly every radio out there. Works great with AGWPE. I use one and have aprsis32 as the client.

 

[ka3jjz]

Although it doesn't have the FT2800M in its database, this website seems to have a lot of background info and links (hopefully they still work) that might be useful

WM2U's Soundcard Interfacing Schemes

HTH....Mike

 

[k8krh]

signal link

As one mentioned. Purchase a signal link/cables made up for you also, just call them..toll free
DOCTOR/795

 

[W2PMX]

As far as the hardware goes, the 2800 is pretty easy to interface through the mic plug. Pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is mic in, pin 3 is ptt and pin 8 is rcv out. And the interface is almost trivial. Just google for 'sound card interface' for some schematics. This schematic is pretty typical. All the parts (except for the shielded cable, plugs, case, etc. - you can make that as simple or as fancy as you like; I have mine in a $4 Radio Shack bakelite project box) should set you back about $10.

 

[kj6zd]

Well, I would go for a TNC. Why?
The TNC is communicating to the computer via RS232. All the sound processing is done within the TNC and there is a dedicated connector that is used to connect the Radio.
However, if I recall correctly, the FT2800 has no Accessory connector available. This means you'll have to use the Speaker Out and the Microphone , PTT etc. to get it to work. Another setback maybe the lack of a COR signal. Also watch your power setting with this radio, not fry it when doing long conversations. (Does normally not happen with APRS)
KJ6ZD's 2 cents.
73

 

[AK9R]

Another setback maybe the lack of a COR signal.

Most modern TNCs have a pretty good software carrier detect feature which eliminates the need for a COR signal from the radio to the TNC.

 

[kj6zd]

Most modern TNCs have a pretty good software carrier detect feature which eliminates the need for a COR signal from the radio to the TNC.

Hi Robert,
yes, however many of them actually do only provide a soundboard chip and the foot work needs to be done by the Computer. In this case there is a number of reduntant conversions made. They don't run standalone and if you wan't standalone, you'll have to flip another few rubels out. I know the Signal link does some processing and feeds the Digital result to the Computer. Perhaps, I just like to see a signal toggle between 0 --- 1 on DCD.

Thanks for your comment!

Cheers,
Norbert, 73

 

[K4NNW]

As far as the hardware goes, the 2800 is pretty easy to interface through the mic plug. Pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is mic in, pin 3 is ptt and pin 8 is rcv out. And the interface is almost trivial. Just google for 'sound card interface' for some schematics. This schematic is pretty typical. All the parts (except for the shielded cable, plugs, case, etc. - you can make that as simple or as fancy as you like; I have mine in a $4 Radio Shack bakelite project box) should set you back about $10.

That sounds similar to the old FT-90R, although it uses a 6-pin mic connector. Does one need to do anything in the menus (like setting packet speed to 9600 instead of 1200) to get the audio out on the pin of the mic jack?