AOR8000 programming with a modern computer

[G3YPL]

Greetings from the UK

many years ago I had an AOR8000 plus the Interface unit CU8232. The interface connected to the computer via an RS232 Serial socket. A few years ago, I sold the kit to raise some cash!

I have just recently (yesterday) bought an AOR8000 from ebay and miss having the computer for data entry!

With modern computers not having RS232, can anyone direct me to or advise me on programming the AOR8000 via the USB port?
I dont mind modifying the radio or building up a USB interface if that is required.

Thanks

[KD0CAC]

I bought an AOR-8000 also , some yrs ago , and then picked up the kit with the last yr .
So would also be interested in that info .
I was always planing on hooking up to the Opto Scout , never did pickup one of those .

[KLONDIKEMIKE]

You can get a USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter. Although, there are times where they don't work. Depends on the quality of drivers provided. Worth a shot, see link below;


http://ca.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/USB-to-RS232-DB9-Serial-Adapter-Cable-Male-to-Male-Serial-Adapter-USB-to-Serial~ICUSB232

[G3YPL]

You can get a USB to RS232 DB9 Serial Adapter. Although, there are times where they don't work. Depends on the quality of drivers provided. Worth a shot, see link below;


http://ca.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Serial-Cards-Adapters/USB-to-RS232-DB9-Serial-Adapter-Cable-Male-to-Male-Serial-Adapter-USB-to-Serial~ICUSB232

Thanks for the link. The i/o of the AOR8000 is serial at cmos voltage. The radio does not sport a RS232 port so the cable would be of no use in this application.

However I no longer have the CU8232 interface. The CU8232 interface was primarily a voltage level converter inasmuch that the old computer RS232 voltage level were +12v to -12v whereas the radio i/o is at cmos level of 0 to 5v. The CU8232 cable to/from the radio was at cmos level --> the interface changed the voltage levels and outputted them at RS232 level to & from the computer.

So the problems or issues that I need to address are:

(a) RS232 ports are directly addressable but relatively high voltage. This made them easy to programme them but RS232 is obsolete and computers no longer have or support that technology.
(b) On the other hand, USB (Universal Serial Bus) voltage levels are the same as the radio's cmos i/o. BUT an individual usb port is not addressable. The data stream sent to the serial bus will appear on all usb ports.

I have deduced that a voltage converter is not required as the USB voltages are totally compatible with the radio i/o. At the moment, I am on the steep learning curve on (1) addressing data to & from the radio and (2) finding suitable software to do (1)

It is many years since I wrote software (VB3 & VB6) for the radio and getting a little long in the tooth to start to learn programming again but if needs be...

[AB0TJ]

You're not going to be able to go straight from USB to the radio, even if it is only 5v. USB is much more complex than the old serial protocols. Your best best is either get a USB -> RS-232 adapter and build a level converter down to 5v, or buy a USB -> TTL Serial adapter (they do exist). The USB to Serial adapters do a whole lot more than just level conversion.

[G3YPL]

THANK YOU AbotJ

That is just what I needed to hear! It is the clue for my next investigations. I was suspecting that it was not just a matter of plugging in to a USB port! I have seen a couple of links to a purpose made AOR8000 usb cable and protocols but one was a dead link and the other was an email in Italy - no reply just yet. I live in hopes.

If & when I get this resolved, I will write it up and post it here for the benefit of other AOR8000 users

[G3YPL]

AbotJ

Again Thank you
Within seconds of reading your post, Google (my best friend) turned up results from a search for "USB to TTL converter". I had been searching for the wrong device!

I found this device that seems to fit the bill. It even has a data sheet . Likewise a Google for "USB Protocols" has turned up much research material that I will be reading for hours/days!

It looks like I shall have to get my old VB or C++ programming cap back on - Again, thanks for the clues...

[KD0CAC]

I will be looking forward to it .
Do some more looking on my end .

[G3YPL]

@KD0CAC: The link I posted in post #4 is for the 3v version - I have ordered the 5v version with a 3.5mm stereo jack on the end.
I can give you the mod for the 8000. It needs a 3.5mm socket and 3 wires connected to one of the pcbs in the radio. There are 3 suitable places on the AOR8000 case for fitting the said socket.
The USB cable uses the FTDI chip - well known on Internet - an industry standard - Google it.


Basically, if I understand the data i have read, the cable, once the suitable drivers are installed will emulate a com port that can addressed as such, setting up the port parameters such as baud rate etc (AOR8000 requires 9600 baud, 8 bit, no parity)

I also have the full set of commands and the protocols for issuing the commands to the radio. They are in a booklet that came with the CU8232. Try looking for a copy on the net.

I am now investigating the programming... I will keep this thread updated

[G3YPL]

Good news - bad news

First the good news: I have found all my original AOR8000 programmes that I created (some sold commercially). I have all the development files as well as the compiled versions. One 'Channel Commander' was modified at the request of the US Government (USGS San Diego) as a radio tracking/recording system for tracking snakes in the Cal desert (Google 'Snake Byte')

Now the bad news: They were first developed in Visual Basic 3 (VB3) Then converted to VB6 in year 2000. Although I still have VB3 & VB6 installation discs, I have Visual Studio 2010 with VB2010. VB2010 is a whole new ball park and not compatible with VB3 or 6. Also at the age of 73, I am wondering if my other brain cell can cope with learning another programming language.

Still, here goes ...