Conection between Radio and laptop

[VK5JOB]

Hi All,
Have seen cables like rs232 to hook radio and computer up, but with new laptop's they dont have these ports so not sure how a usb to rs232 would work.

I would like to hook my Kenwood TS570DG up to my laptop, to try the logging software etc, anyone tried this ? or have any suggestions.

Thanks
John

[VK3DXE]

There are a number of different cables available on eBay, etc. for specific radios. If the cable you get needs a serial port, then there are also a number of USB to serial adaptors available from a number of sources also.

Edit: I'd also suggest that when you buy your control cable, spend a few extra dollars for something that will also allow you to run digital modes in the future if you decide to upgrade your license.

[VK5JOB]

Thanks Alan,

I have seen a few on ebay, but most seem to look like they are male, think i might need a female but will see how we go.

Cheers
John

[VK4TS]

http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/KenwoodCAT.shtml

Try these -

I have bought a couple of different ones from G4ZLP - FT1000D FT990 FT980 FT857 - Supply is fast and product is -so far - fine - A lot of the ebay chinese ones are pretty bad - (ie dont work or fail after a short time)

This is only on the basis that the only three people I know to have bought the Chinese ebay interfaces have had them fail inside 6 months - and the one I bought failed first go - making the reference point 100% fail - but I stand to be proven wrong as there are many suppliers

[VK6ADF]

Looks like perhaps the TS570DG does not need an actual interface, just a cable. That might be like the FT847 and use a normal RS232 cable. If the genders are wrong then use a gender changer.

I have used a USB-Serial converter to control my radio's from a PC without a serial port. Worked ok. I guess as with most things some work and some won't. It would be trial and error. I was lucky I guess the Chinese USB-Serial I tried worked.

[VK5IR]

I recently bought a CAT cable from a UK eBay seller for my Yaesu FT-840. It had the serial-USB conversion circuit built into the cable but it looks like a standard USB connector. Works a treat, love it!