Yeasu FT-857D rig control in CW

[WA3DOG]

I really could use some help here. I have a FT-857D that is connected up to a Rigblaster Pro and I am using a Dell Inspiron 1200 running Windows XP Home. My software for SSB, RTTY, PSK31 and CW is Ham Radio Deluxe and I use the DM780 program with it. Here is what is happening. All works fine on SSB, RTTY and PSK31. It is CW that I am having a problem with. When I tyoe in the window to transmit and click on the SEND button, I see the Rigblaster CW light go on and off with the characters that I typed. But the rig transmits random code and not what I typed. If I use MCW it works fine. I feel that it is the computer that is connected to the CAT jack on the rig that is causing the problem but not sure. The Rigblaster is controlled by a USB COM port and the rig is controlled by a USB COM port. The Rigblaster is connected to the rig correctly and to the computer correctly. Both DTR and RTS are selected in the DM780 program options for PTT along with COM Port control with the correct COM Port selected. I am at a loss as to why random characters are being sent by the rig. I have went through all the Yeasu setup for CW and can't find anything there that would cause the problem. I have the correct Yeasu CAT interface cable. All cabling is correct to the best of my knowledge.

HELP HELP please!!!!!!!

[KN4SA]

Which rigblaster do you have? What is plugged into your CW Key Jack on the radio?

[WA3DOG]

I have the Rigblaster Pro and the FT857D CW jack is plugged into the CW jack on the Rigblaster.

[KN4SA]

Guess I'm not much help. That model definitely supports CW keying. I use a Winkeyer here. For some reason the interface is not keying the rig. Do you have your radio setup to support a keyer. If I'm not mistaken you have to set that up. I have the same rig in mobile. Probably just one setting wrong.

73, Loy

[WA4OTD]

so the rigblaster output that you see an LED operating correctly should also be directly keying your rig? Maybe take an ohm meter and check that connection to see that it is shorting correctly to key your radio. Otherwise maybe the com port is also telling your radio to send something.

[WA3DOG]

It is definately the COM port that is sending the bad characters. Straight key works fine and the Rigblaster is working correctly. I can't find any setting on the FT857 that says for a keyer. Will need to look further on that. Thanks for your help guys!

Bill WA3DOG

[WA3DOG]

I think the problem is the USB cable that has Prolific chip set. I just ordered the FTDI cable and should have it in a few days. I think that will fix my problem.

Bill WA3DOG

[KN4SA]

is it possible you have the rig setup to use the internal keyer and also using the keyer in the rigblaster? If so, you need to go in setup and turn internal keyer off.

73! Loy

[KN4SA]

Well after looking at the rigblaster specs, I guess it doesn't have a keyer built in. Therefore, I'm at a loss. Wish I was more help. I'm using a seperate keyer and digital interface. I have keyer in rig turned off and Digital Master has support for Winkeyer built in. Good luck and 73.

Loy

[WA3DOG]

SUCCESS I got so discusted that I removed every wire from the Rigblaster and the FT857. I plugged them in again and made sure they were seated correctly. I then deleted COM 3, the dumb Prolifc USB connector to the rig and let it reinstall under windows. Went to CW in HRD and was able to transmit. Tested all other modes that I like and everything works as designed. I guess it was a combination of a plug not being seated correctly and the stupid Prolific USB connector that is to be replaced as soon as the new FTDI gets here. So I am now on the air on CW and loving it. No more MCW!! Thanks folks for all your input. I really appreciate it.

Bill Dog, WA32DOG