VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

Hi all
Has anyone used CAT to change bands when using WSPR?
I am using an IC7000 and a Signallink USB. I looked at the price of the Icom interface device and thought there must be a cheaper way.
I tried googling but I think I must be using the wrong wording or something.
Are there any kits etc out there?

Cheers
Nev

yes
Using an FT950
and
FT991
Bit of a trick getting comm ports sorted.
I usually get the PTT to work then worry about which port to use to communicate with radio.
I'm finding band hopping on 6 and 2m pretty useless you miss out a lot of spots compared with running two rigs which I now choose to do.
The next trick is dropping off WSPR which is rx only to make qsos with WSJTX
the best platform as you can select mode instantly remembering rig will qsy.
however recent tests show it takes heaps of time and I fear we will not work the USA on 6M first time we try to.
I m not so sure any W6s are up to speed with the transition.
VK6OX KXW sure are and VK6DVR and I are learning the ropes to get across to a two way mode, which of course WSPR they claim is not.

Yes, I have it running for a TS-2000 and FT-847.
Both are running off a SignaLink USB for the Audio in/ out.

TS-2000 requires a standard serial cable.
FT-847 requires a null modem cable.

PTT is VOX driven on the TS-2000 and CAT driven on the FT-847 (it doesn't have VOX).

What is the issue you are having ?





Brian

VK2XTC

HI Nev

From my portable QTH I use CAT interface into my IC7000 & IC756 pro2 using a dongle from ZLP electronics http://www.g4zlp.co.uk, it works fine in combination with a signal link box for the audio interface. This dongle is far cheaper than the ICOM 4 port interface which I use at my home QTH and works fine with Win10.

73's Brian
VK5BC

Steve and Brian XTC; as indicated in my original post, I am looking for an interface, non Icom. I have nothing at the moment.
Brian BC; Thank for the info.That dongle may be the answer and the price should be reasonable too.
I will keep looking for a kit though.

Thanks all

Cheers
Nev

Which version of WSPR are you using? Version 2.1xxxx should work fine with CAT, set it to 19200Baud and should be no worries. The IC-7000 doesn't seem to like talking to the later versions.

Thanks Alan,
I am using 2.12.

Nev

You can buy these cheap CI-V cables off eBay for just over $10 delivered out of China
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1M-USB-CI-V- ... Swd4tT~YaJ
I use one on both my IC-7000 and IC-706 radios without any problems for both WSPR and Ham Radio Deluxe. The signalink just works the audio and TX side of it. They work well portable as well when using a laptop as it gives you an extra com port.

Thanks vk4lhd,
That looks the bee's knees. I might even get two of them

Cheers
Nev