HRD has stopped working with ICOM Pro II (CI-V)

[KC4BYB]

I think I know the answer, but thought I'd throw this out: My 756 Pro II was working fine with HRD (even with Vista...yikes!). Then one day...it just stopped. I constantly get the "can't read freq" message.

I've tried all the com port fixes I've come across. Same old message. Used different computers and op systems.

Other aspects thru HRD work fine (SSTV, 31, CW, etc. thru ACC port). Just no radio control/freq readout...etc. through CI-V).

Perhaps a component in the radio is toasted? Love the rig...works fine otherwise.

Enquiring minds want to know.

73,

KC4BYB (my email: kc4byb@gmail.com If you know please let me know).....Cary

Just want to try and get it right before I give up and send the rig to ICOM for what may be a small fix (my eyes and hands aren't so good these days).

Tnx!

[KD0JOF]

I would try maybe reinstalling HRD. I remember somewhere in the options that there is a place you can set the actual commands that get set to the radio over the serial port. Perhaps the command to read the frequency got changed or something.

If HRD can control all the other options it sounds like the serial port is set up right. If you upgraded the firmware for the radio maybe the command has changed.

Paul
KD0JOF

[KB1NXE]

Cary,

You said you tried other computers and OSs. I would tend to agree it's the port in the radio. Since there is no means to upgrade the software in the radio, it's not going to be that. The only thing I can suggest is a reset of the radio itself according to the directions in the manual. If that doesn't work, then I guess you'll have to buy that IC-7600 :)

Jim

[KC4BYB]

Thanks for the help. I previously did a reset of the radio (several times)...played around with the 2 or 3 CI-V port options offered in the sub-menu. Nadda. More and more I'm thinking bad radio port. Could it be that RF got in when I was fooling around with antennas of ill-repute? As I said, HRD is working fine with the signals coming from the ACC socket...just not the CI-V jack. Thanks again. Cary - KC4BYB

[KB1NXE]

Oh No. Fooling with Antennas of ill repute almost certainly have given you a very bad case of the CI-V Jack Clap. ;)

Could have also been a static shock while working on it. Have you tried (begged maybe) someone else's rig to test with? An IC-706 would be ideal.

[W4PG]

Are you sure the baud didn't change on the com port and is different than what the rig is set for?

[K1DNR]

Windows used to come with a utility called Hyperterminal we used to connect to com ports and test modems or other serial devices. There are free terminal emulators online. I'd check the baud as Bob said.

Another possibility is something else grabbed the port. Its possible something running in the background even grabbed the port.

Can you see the port under device manager? Ports can sometimes get renumbered as well. One of those charming little Windows quirks.

Also, the cables themselves are often "active" devices with circuitry in them - not just straight through wiring...

[N3LKA]

If you tried other PC's, try another CI-V interface if you can borrow one from somebody if you already haven't done so. Also the actual 3.5mm connector on the radio could be bad. I've seen that once, maybe you'll get lucky. If not and it needs to be repaired, email me, and I'll let you know who worked on my 746. Components are getting way too small for me these days.

[K6MSM]

This sounds like the problem I'm having, but in my case it hasn't worked yet.

I have an Icom-756 (original, not pro) and an Icom-706MKIIG. HRD (and N1MM logger) refuse to work with both.

I have tried the laptop, with Windows 7 and the desktop with Windows XP. I have verified the ports and have tried every bit rate combination, but all I get is "can't read freq."

I was using the Level Converter (CI-V), but now I'm trying a single digital interface connector from Donner, but there's no change.

Since, I'm still very new at HF, I'm wondering if remote control is actually needed for digital modes. i.e., what is the accessory port for? Do I need to connect both the CI-V port and the accessory port for anything to work?

Also, my laptop doesn't have a serial port, so I used an adapter cable. The desktop is my last working computer with an actual serial port. It works with an old spectrum analyzer, but not with my rigs.

Thank you for any suggestions in my case.

73,

Mike