Rig control FT-757GX2, iMac, macloggerdx

[PA9WOR]

Hi all,

I'm trying to control my radio using macloggerdx (imac).

I did buy this USB serial port dongle: http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/YaesuCAT.shtml

As it did not come with a driver, I did install the FTDI general VCP driver for my OS. FTDI is the manufacturer of the chip that is used by this product.

I'm able to select the driver in macloggerdx and do the correct settings (see attached screen shot).

The logger does not connect to the radio, but the frequency display of the radio slightly flashes upon each retry that is done by the logger. However, disconnecting the connector from the radio does result in the same reaction as seen from the logger and it's messages on the console of OSX.

I also did send the appropriate questions to the dongle shop and dogpark software, but since it's weekend that might take a while to produce a response.

Are there any thoughts or experiences with this issue?

Thanks in advance,
Bart.

[W9GB]

Bart -

FTDI publishes a 16 page Installation Guide (2009) for Apple Macintosh OS-X users
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Docu...tallGuides.htm

There are SPECIFIC FTDI Software/Driver packages for: OSX 10.3 (Panther); OSX 10.4 (Tiger); OSX 10.5 (Leopard); and 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
This is covered in the FTDI Guide for OS-X users.

I did install the FTDI general VCP driver for my OS.

Installing USB Interface drivers is a 2 step process
Installing VCP Drivers
Installing D2xx Drivers

==
These settings are a bit odd: Port Speed (4800 baud) and Stop Bits (2)
Are these specific to your Yaesu radio?

w9gb

[PA9WOR]

Hi,

I did not install the D2xx drivers, but without that a loop works fine. After connecting the input and output wires of the RS232 cable I can receive the echo's fine using a terminal emulator.

The setting are in the manual. I did also try numerous others but that did not help.

Also adding a pull-down resistor at the TRX output did not help.

I'm planning now to buy or build a better interface that also has opto-couplers for better isolation and in the meantime I will look at the signal levels more closely since the rig is TTL.

Thanks! I will post experiences later.

Cheers, 73, Bart.

[PA9WOR]

Just to report back the result.

Today I did have some more time to have a look at the CAT connection. It seemed that one of the pins of the CAT plug at the tranceiver side was bended.... I did solder a new plug (quite professional this time... ) and added a new bleeder resistor of 5.6K to the tranceiver output in the plug at the iMac side.

Et voila, it works now!

And no need to install the D2xx drivers, the virtual driver port is sufficient on my IMac and McLoggerDX. Also the settings as presented before seem to be OK.

Thanks for the help, these forums are great!!

Cheers, 73, Bart.

[W9GB]

Today I did have some more time to have a look at the CAT connection.
It seemed that one of the pins of the CAT plug at the tranceiver side was bent. I did solder a new plug (quite professional this time... )
and added a new bleeder resistor of 5.6K to the tranceiver output in the plug at the iMac side.

Bart -

Thanks for the report back. Glad you have a working interface !

Issues with cables and connectors (bent pins, cold solder joints, broken wires) require VISUAL skills by the operator/owner.
Unfortunately, Internet assistance CAN NOT provide assistance in these instances -- it truly is the ability, skill set, and experience of the radio amateur.

==
w9gb