HAM RADIO

DELUXE

I NTERFACING
A BASIC GUIDE TO CAT AND A UDIO INTERFACING

Peter Halpin, PH1PH

Support, Ideas and Testing

Basil Helman, G4TIC

Construction Project

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

Programmer-in-Chief

Last update: Tuesday, November 20, 2007

 User
Guide

The IC-703s used in this project were supplied by Martin Lynch and
Sons of London.
Special thanks are due to Chris Taylor for his friendly and efficient
service.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

READ THIS NOW BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER! .............................................................................................. 7

CAT INTERFACE PROBLEMS ................................................................................................................................................ 7

AUDIO INTERFACE PROBLEMS............................................................................................................................................. 7
ONBOARD SOUNDCARDS ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

USB TO SERIAL CONVERTERS ................................................................................................................................... 9

RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................................................................ 9

ELECRAFT CAT INTERFACING ................................................................................................................................ 11

ICOM CAT INTERFACING .......................................................................................................................................... 13

KENWOOD CAT INTERFACING ................................................................................................................................ 17

YAESU CAT INTERFACING ........................................................................................................................................ 19

AUDIO INTERFACING .................................................................................................................................................. 21

COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS ....................................................................................................................................... 23

CAT INTERFACE............................................................................................................................................................ 23
AUDIO INTERFACE ....................................................................................................................................................... 23

TWO EASY-TO-BUILD CAT INTERFACES .............................................................................................................. 25

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 25
OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
MATRIX BOARD ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
CONSTRUCTION .................................................................................................................................................................. 26
BOXING THE COMPLETED PROJECT: ................................................................................................................................ 30
INTRODUCTION
In order to use Ham Radio Deluxe to control your rig you will
require a CAT interface. Some radios supported by Ham Radio
Deluxe already have built-in RS232 interfaces (the FT-847 is an
example). Please check your radio’s handbook for more
information. Examples of CAT interfaces are Icom’s CT-17 and
Yaesu’s FIF-232 and CT-62.
To use PSK31 Deluxe or other digital mode software you will need
an audio interface. You can either make your own or purchase a
solution. Examples of audio interfaces are the Tigertronics
SignaLink and West Mountain Radio’s NoMic.
As far as I aware, the only commercial interfaces offering both CAT
and audio interfacing are West Mountain Radio’s RigBlaster Pro and
G3VFP’s CatOpto models.
I am deeply grateful to the designers of the various interfaces
mentioned here: without their practical expertise this document
would not have been possible. Please note that the Ham Radio
Deluxe Development Team have not personally tested all circuits
shown here: we can accept no liability whatsoever for damage
resulting from the use of any of these designs.
READ THIS NOW BEFORE GOING ANY FURTHER!
There are many problems that a newcomer can come across while
trying to set up both CAT and Audio interfaces: I’ll try to help you
avoid the most common problems.

CAT INTERFACE PROBLEMS

1. Ham Radio Deluxe displays the error Access Denied.

Some previously accessed software will cause problems for

the operating system by holding a comport open, thus
denying your CAT interface access.

Only one program can open a comport at a same time.

PDA / GSM software is one example. The simplest way to

deal with this is a reboot: the offending program will no
longer have control over the port.
2. Some notebook serial ports can’t supply enough current
and/or voltage to operate homemade interface cables that
rely on the serial port for power. You will have to either
make up an interface to a different design, or use external
power.
3. Ground loops can be a problem. Fully isolated interfaces are
probably the only real option here. Taking all precautions to
avoid ground loops should be a matter of course.

A UDIO I NTERFACE PROBLEMS

1. Probably the most common causes of problems are
overdriving the rig, and ground loops. Avoiding ground loops
is generally not too difficult if you use isolated input and
outputs. See the circuit of the homebrew interface in the
AUDIO INTERFACING chapter to see how it can be done.

Under no circumstances should you use un-isolated

connections: they lead to ground loops, and will in all
probability introduce hum and other unwanted artifacts on
your signal. One disadvantage of using a waterfall display is
that you can see the other guy’s filthy signal – but not your
own. I know that some people get away with it – but the
risk just isn’t worth it.
2. Overdriving the rig will lead to splatter and deformed
signals. Good operators do not splatter! There’s a very
useful little gadget called the PSKMeter that can be obtained
from http://www.ssiserver.com/info/pskmeter/ .

This makes it impossible to overdrive your rig, yet obtain

maximum clean output at all times. I use one myself – it’s
ideal. The only drawback is that it requires a serial port: this
can be a problem with notebooks and the like – but see the
next chapter for more info.
 User
Guide

Figure 1: PSKmeter

If you are not using a PSKMeter then the best way to set up your
rig for an acceptable TX signal is as follows:
1. Connect a dummy load to your rig, with a power meter in
the line. If you don’t have a power meter, use the rig’s own
built-in meter.
2. Start PSK31Deluxe and select a TX window. DO NOT ENTER
ANY TEXT. Click on the TX button and adjust your
soundcard’s audio output to give no more than 25% of your
rig’s rated output. DO NOT EXCEED THIS LEVEL!
3. Start typing text and check that the output is no more than
50% of the rig’s rated output.
4. Check your ALC meter to ensure that there is NO ALC action
whatsoever. If the ALC has to engage, you are overdriving
your rig and splattering all over the band. Wide signals are
unnecessary and antisocial.
5. Remember that PSK31 is THE ultimate QRP digital mode (at
the moment). You don’t need to operate at high power
levels – the lower the drive, the cleaner your signal will be.

O NBOARD S OUNDCARDS
And one last tip: the onboard soundcards supplied with many
computers are very basic indeed. Many people report seeing
“ghost” signals on their waterfalls: these are very often caused by
below-par soundcards.
If you can install a good one – I use a Creative Audigy2 – you will
be pleasantly surprised at how ‘clean’ the waterfall looks. An added
bonus is that you’ll be able to decode weaker signals too! Adding a
second soundcard to any system can be recommended: but please
make sure that you get a good one.

8
USB TO SERIAL CONVERTERS
Many – if not all - modern notebook computers do not come
supplied with RS232 serial ports but with USB ports. In order to use
a CAT interface with one of these you will require a USB<>Serial
port adapter/converter.
Some users have reported problems when using these converters:
in one case it was necessary to purchase a different model, while
with others a simple driver update was all that was required. The
general consensus is that the default driver supplied with Windows
XP is generally sufficient to solve any problems.
HRD tests COM1 through to COM255 and only lists the
COM ports that (according to Windows) are configured on the
computer and can be accessed.

R ECOMMENDATIONS
The converters below are known to work with Ham Radio Deluxe
based on feedback in the Yahoo! Ham Radio Deluxe forum
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ham-radio-deluxe/ .

Converter URL Comments

Aden USB to serial adapter www. ad en me d ia.co .uk
UC-232A
Anonymous (Prolific) www. mr usb. co.uk Purchased from Mr. USB,
shows up in Device Manager
as Prolific, driver updated
from www.prolific.com.tw .
Belkin F5U103 www.b e lk in. co m If using W2K make sure the
latest drivers are installed.

Great success.
Eminent model EM 1016 www. emin en t-on lin e. com Working with XP Home using
supplied driver.
Keyspan USA-19QW www.k e yspan. co m
Lindy www. lind y.co m
Sitecom USB-Dock DK05 www. sitecom. co m
Tripp-Lite USB to Serial www. tr ipplite. co m
adapter, U209-000-R
ELECRAFT CAT INTERFACING
There’s very little that can be said about Elecraft CAT interfacing:
the K2 uses a proprietary interface known as the KIO2 in the QRP
version, with a similar interface being built in to the optional
KPA100 QRO power amplifier. Under no circumstances should you
use a standard RS232 cable to connect your K2 to a computer: you
MUST use the cable specified by Elecraft in the KIO2 or KPA100
manual to avoid damage to your rig and/or computer

Figure 2: KIO2
ICOM CAT INTERFACING
In order to connect your Icom radio to a computer for CAT control
you will need a converter that is capable of converting RS232 levels
to Icom's 5v open collector bus line. There are several ways to go
about this, ranging from a very basic two-transistor interface to
Icom's own CT-17 interface. This document aims to present you
with enough information to enable you to choose the interface that
is most suited to your requirements.
The obvious answer is to purchase Icom's CT-17. At the moment of
writing this interface cost 99 pounds (or 145 euro) in the UK; about
$140 in the US. This cannot be considered inexpensive by any
standards. It is relatively simple to build the interface from the
circuit found in the CT-17 manual. This is the design used by
HB9DRV and PH1PH when testing Ham Radio Deluxe. Total building
costs were around $25 - including cast aluminium boxes and
connectors.

Figure 3: Icom CT-17 circuit

There are even simpler designs available, such as this opto-isolated

model by Gary Dion N4TXI:
Gary writes: "Being the paranoid type I decided to design my own
electrically isolated version. I figure it would be preferred in a field
day situation with questionable rig grounding.
The biggest challenge was powering the optos on the radio side.
The 8v line coming from the 706 can source at most 10 mA (per
spec). This design pulls an average of less than 0.5 mA. The power
supply can be taken from either the ACC connector or the
microphone jack. Many isolated audio interface designs already
exist, so I decided not to include that on the schematic".
 User
Guide

Figure 4: N4TXI opto-isolated circuit

This proven design by KG7SG is recommended by Dave, AA6YQ,

and has the advantage that it takes its power from the computer's
DTR/RTS lines. It may not work on all notebooks, however,
because many do not have true RS232-compliant comports.

Figure 5: KG7SG's interface

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 User
Guide

If you want to keep things simple, there is this one by OK2WY. This
is a really bare-bones design.

Figure 6: OK2WY barebones interface

G3VGR has added PTT keying for use with other software in this
variation on OK2WY's design.

Figure 7: G3VGR's simple interface

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 User
Guide

Figure 8: G3VFP circuit

One thing that is common to all except the original Icom design is
the lack of RF filtering on the output. A 1uH choke in series which is
bypassed by a 100pF capacitor will help keep any stray RF at bay.
The ARRL Radio Amateurs Handbook (post '95) contains a CAT
circuit design that is suitable for both Icom and Yaesu radios. This
interface is based on the original CT-17 circuit but has a couple of
refinements. Both the article and PCB layouts are available in .PDF
format from the ARRL members-only website.

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KENWOOD CAT INTERFACING
This interface design by IK2BCP offers complete electrical isolation
of rig and computer. Basically similar to his Yaesu design, this
offers a cheap and useful alternative to any commercial offering.

Figure 9: IK2BCP Kenwood interface

I can’t remember where I found this anonymous design: it looks

useful too.

Figure 10: Yet another MAX232 design

YAESU CAT INTERFACING
Yaesu CAT interfacing can be done using the Icom CT-17 circuit
mentioned earlier. The only modification needed here is to separate
the signals at pins 11 and 12 of the MAX232 and connect them to
the Yaesu DATA IN and DATA OUT lines. For use with the FT-
100/FT-817/857/897 series you can also use Yaesu's stock CT-62
CAT cable. This has the advantage of being very compact, and gets
its power supply from the rig's ACC connector. The FT-847 does not
require an interface - a null-modem serial cable is all you need
here. Older Yaesu rigs use a FIF-232C which appears to be basically
similar to Icom's CT-17. Unfortunately for us the only picture I
could find of the circuit was extremely vague and not worth
showing here.
IK2BCP has designed this opto-isolated interface that should also
work with Icom radios by connecting the RXD Radio and TXD Radio
lines:

Figure 11: IK2BCP Yaesu interface

 User
Guide

DK7IN has come up with this opto-isolated circuit with CW keying

and PTT: if you are only interested in CAT applications the portion
in the dotted box can be omitted.

Figure 12: DK7IN's design

Rolf says of this interface: "It is important that the opto-coupler

has a high current transfer ratio, otherwise the switching is not
perfect and a current flows through both transistors T1 and T2. The
CNY17-4 has about 300% transfer ratio. You should measure the
output voltage at pin 2 of the DB-9 connector. It should be under
0.5V when applying +5V via a resistor of 1k to Pin 2 (SO) of the
mini DIN connector and over 2.5V with the input voltage removed.
R1, R2 and R3 should be adjusted for the used opto-coupler.

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AUDIO INTERFACING
If you are planning on using PSK31 Deluxe (or any other soundcard
mode) you will need an audio interface to connect your rig's audio
in/out to the computer's soundcard.
Audio interfacing can be done in so many ways that it would take
days to plough through all the available information. It is possible
to connect your radio directly to your soundcard without any form
of isolating interface but this is cannot recommended.
I shall assume that you want to do things properly, so here is a
circuit that has proved its worth many times.
It will work with any Icom or Yaesu rig that has a 6-pin mini-DIN
connector for external audio. It will of course work on just about
any other rig that exists, but you will have to make changes to the
connections to your radio. Please check the actual connections to
the mini-DIN - I can accept no responsibility for damage to your rig
should things go wrong. I have to say that the one that I built to
this circuit worked perfectly well on my FT-817 and IC-703 without
changes...

Figure 13: A proven audio interface: cheap and easy to build

You should always use the rig’s high-impedance audio output if

there is one available: this supplies a constant signal level to the
soundcard. Most rigs also have a TX audio connector independent
to the microphone input: you are advised to use this input. Some
commercial interfaces don’t allow this: my recommendation is to
avoid any interface requiring use of the microphone connector and
speaker output unless there is no other option for getting signals in
and out of the radio.
COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS

CAT INTERFACE
The CAT interface is used by Ham Radio Deluxe to connect to your
rig and control the frequency, mode etc.
There's no point in beating about the bush: if you plan to purchase
a ready-made Icom CT-17 or Yaesu CT-62, go for it. There are
alternatives, though, and they range in price from very competitive
to downright expensive. It's impossible to include all suppliers - I
suggest that you do a quick search using Google with the strings
"YAESU CAT control" and "ICOM CI-V cables"
Neil – G4ZLP – can offer inexpensive CAT interfaces for Icom and
Yaesu radios. I have tested one of these and found it to be
perfectly acceptable. You can find more details on the Ham Radio
Deluxe User Community Forums at http://www.ham-
radio.ch/forums

HB9DRV's software is developed with standard interfaces and

cables, but every possible attempt will be made to support
homemade cables. You will not go wrong if you purchase your
cables from the rig manufacturer.

AUDIO INTERFACE
You need an audio (soundcard) interface for PSK31 Deluxe to
connect your rig's audio in/out to the computer's soundcard.
Tigertronics SignaLink SL-1+. This is the audio interface that both
Simon and I recommend. Beautifully made, very compact, and easy
to set up and use. It has the added advantage of having an audio
actuated VOX circuit, which means that you do not have to tie up a
comport. It works with any software that uses a soundcard -
including Echolink and the like. http://www.tigertronics.com .

Figure 14: The SignaLink interface

Other solutions are:

G3VFP's excellent CATOPTO interfaces. These combine an opto-
isolated CAT interface with a fully isolated audio interface with PTT
option and are available for Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood radios.
http://www.g3vfp.org/
Clint Hurd KK7UQ has designed a very neat audio interface kit that
fits inside an Altoids tin. This is a novel design that looks very
interesting indeed.
http://www.waypoint.com/users/~discobay/amateur_radio.htm

Figure 15: KK7UQ interface

West Mountain Radio offer a selection of audio interfaces, plus a

combined CAT/Audio interface for $279.95, check
http://www.westmountainradio.com for latest pricing.

Figure 16: RIGblaster pro

N8ST can offer CAT and audio interfaces for reasonable prices.
http://home.att.net/~n8st/
N5ZTW has CAT cables for Yaesu: in kit form too!
http://n5ztw.home.texas.net/Page16.htm
Jörg - DF3OJ – can offer a clever isolated audio interface with audio
VOX. See http://www.df3oj.de/
No overview of audio interfaces would be complete without a
mention of the Buxcomm 'Rascal'. http://www.buxcomm.com/

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TWO EASY-TO-BUILD CAT INTERFACES
Bas Helman, G4TIC, describes two CAT interfaces for ICOM, Ten-
Tec and Yaesu Radios.

I NTRODUCTION
The following two circuits are both based on the MAX232 chip and
solve the problem of converting from the rig’s TTL computer
interface voltages to those of the RS232 connection on the
computer. Each of the circuits is self-powered from the RS232
output and any software used with these interfaces must have RTS
and DTR enabled. Whilst the designs are intended to work with all
desktop PC computers there may be problems with some laptops
where independently powered versions of these circuits may be
required.
The MAX232 chip is a line driver/receiver designed for the RS232
interface. The detailed properties of the IC can be downloaded in
.pdf format from http://www.maxim-ic.com . The chip requires four
external electrolytic capacitors to function. Confusingly, the
recommended value for these has changed over time. I’ve used the
currently advised 1µF although values as high as 20µF have been
used in the past.
Software for use with these interfaces is available free from
internet and is covered in the final section.

O VERVIEW
The two interfaces are for:
1. ICOM and TEN-TEC rigs which both use the CI-V interface
2. Modern Yaesu rigs including the FT-817 for which the included
Yaesu design has been customised
The circuits are intended for direct, real time control of the rig.
The ICOM CI-V interface is implemented in their CT-17 control unit,
which retails at about £100 in the UK.
Both circuits have been built on matrix board to simplify
construction and detailed layouts and photographs are included to
aid novice constructors and entice those reluctant to reach for the
soldering iron.
The only test equipment you should require is a multimeter to
check resistance, voltages and continuity.
The completed projects have been tested, as appropriate, on an
ICOM 7400 and Yaesu 817 transceivers. I have not experienced
any RF problems with the circuits in use; consequently I have not
added any bypass capacitors or inductive filtering.

M ATRIX B OARD
A few tips for those of you unfamiliar with matrix board.
• Mark out the size of board you require
• Score both sides of the board with a craft knife
• Snap to break to length
 • Remove the rough edges with the knife or a file
• Before mounting any components clean the copper tracks
with a BrilloPad and dry

The only specialist requirement for constructing with matrix board

is a device for cutting the copper tracks. In the UK a spot face
cutter is available from Maplin’s, at a price. Fortunately there are
many convenient alternatives. A drill bit set into a piece of
dowelling makes a very effective tool as do some reamers – check
your Swiss army knife.
The usual order of construction is to start with the lowest profile
components and work systematically to those of the highest profile.
I found it easier to start by placing the pins and socket in order to
define the key positions on the matrix. This makes it easier to
locate and solder the links followed by the remaining components.
A soldering iron tip of 2.5mm is ideal for these projects.

C ONSTRUCTION
T H E ICO M & T EN - T EC I N T E R F A C E

ICOM and Ten-Tec both use a carrier-sense multiple access collision

detect (CSMA/CD) bus. Did you hear it here first? In theory more
than one rig could be attached to this design. However an
independently powered version of the circuit would be preferable if
this is your intention.
D2
1N4148
1 5
R1
J1 220R

6 9
+

C1 C2
D3 10uF 0.1uF
ZEN 4.7v
D1
1N4148

16 C3
1 1uF
+
+

C4 2
1uF
3
4 6
C6
+

C5 1uF
1uF
+

MAX232
5

To 3.5mm Mono Jack Tip

14 11

13 12
To 3.5mm Mono Jack Barrel
15

Figure 16 ICOM Interface

26
 User
Guide

Figure 17 ICOM Component Side

Figure 18 ICOM Solder Side

Component List:
• IC1 DIL16, MAX232
• SC1 Socket DIL16
• C1 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 10µF
• C2 Ceramic 0.1µF
• C3 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C4 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C5 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C6 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• D1 SI-diode, 1N4148
• D2 SI-diode, 1N4148
• D3 Zener diode 4.7V
• R1 Resistor 220R
• Solder pins, 1 mm
• M3, Fixing bolts

27
 • A 3.5mm jack is required to connect to the ICOM rig. The
signal is connected to the tip

Figure 19 Completed ICOM Board

THE YAESU INTERFACE

The Yaesu interface has one less link and one more pin than the
ICOM version. However to simplify presentation and reduce the
need for cross-reference I have treated it in full despite the
repetition.
D2
1N4148
1 5
R1
J1 220R

6 9
+

C1 C2
D3 10uF 0.1uF
ZEN 4.7V
D1
1N4148

16 C3
1 1uF
+
+

C4 2
1uF
3
4 6
C6
+

C5 1uF
1uF
+

MAX232
5

14 11 TX

13 12 RX Radio

GND
15

Figure 20 Yaesu Interface

Should you want a dual-purpose box switchable between both

ICOM and Yaesu rigs then proceed as follows:
1. Build the Yaesu version of the circuit and carry R/TX, R/RX and
Ground to a 3 pin Din line socket or use a larger box and a
chassis socket
2. Make up two leads one for Yaesu rigs which continues the three
lines to the rig and the other for ICOM rigs which shorts
Radio/TX and Radio/RX in the three pin line plug
3. Inset the appropriate lead for the rig in use

28
 User
Guide

Figure 21 Yaesu Component Side

Figure 22 Yaesu Solder Side

Component List:
• IC1 DIL16, MAX232
• SC1 Socket DIL16
• C1 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 10µF
• C2 Ceramic, 0.1µF
• C3 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C4 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C5 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• C6 Electrolytic capacitor 4.5mm, 1µF
• D1 Si-diode, 1N4148
• D2 Si-diode, 1N4148
• D3 Zener diode 4.7V
• R1 Resistor 220R
• Solder pins, 1 mm
• M3, Fixing bolts
• 8 pin Yaesu ACC plug and lead

29
 Whilst it is possible to obtain the 8 pin ACC plug and wire it up, it is
small and the pins crowded so a steady hand is essential. A simple
solution is to buy a ready-wired version with a moulded plug.

Figure 23 Completed Yaesu Board

B OXING THE C OMPLETED P ROJECT :

Once the board is complete and working the project needs to be

boxed. A cheap light weight aluminium or plastic box is all that is
required. Both of these circuits were built into aluminium boxes
approximately 75mm by 50mm by 25mm. The leads were passed
out via strain relief grommets. For the smaller wire to the ICOM rig
I used a gripper grommet available from Maplin. For the larger
wires I used rubber grommets with an integral flex guard from the
same source.
I find it easier to drill the necessary holes undersize and then open
them up with a reamer. This results in a much neater hole. Pass
the leads through the grommets and secure those in the rubber
grommets with a few dabs of superglue. The board itself is best
fixed by nuts and bolts but double sided adhesive foam pads or hot
melt glue could also be used - just avoid shorts.
Paste a scaled down circuit diagram in the lid of your box for future
reference.

30
 User
Guide

Figure 24 Boxed Interface

31
SIMON BROWN
HB9DRV

P o s t f a ch 15 9
7 0 3 1 L aa x
S w i t ze r la n d

simo n@hb9drv.ch

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