"Steve" wrote in message
...
I was getting ready to deal with or order a cable for computer control of
my
new IC-706 SSB.. Since Icom included a Jack, thought, no big deal, until I
looked for details in the manual..

$#@$!%$%%^ C1-V to RS232 converter what the $^&^*

Sure enough Icom sells this Level Convertor (CT-17) for $129. "For remote
transceiver control using a personal computer with RS-232C port. You can
change Freq/Operating mode etc.) * Does not include cable or software "

&^#%^ "doesn't include cable or software"?? When is it going to end??

Yah! I know I could just tune the transceiver manually, but I'm not a Ham
and therefore don't have the requisite Giant Thumb and Forefinger for
tweaking that "Big Knob".

Are there any alterniative converters (must be) for this purpose??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions


Steve,

I operate various Icom receivers in mobile maritime service. My older units
require the CT-17 converter, the newer Icoms and radios made by other
manufacturers have a converter built-in. The converter does come with the
patch cables, the one you provide is the 9-pin to 25-pin (typical)
connection to one of your computers two rs-232 ports and the converter.

The way to determine if a particular radio requires a level-converter for
computer controlled operation is simple: if the radio has a 9 or 25-pin data
port on the back panel, no converter is required. There are plans on various
amateur radio websites to build a simple level converter, and some include
squelch-detect feedback connections so the radio can stop on signal when
scanning by computer control. The Icom brand converter has capability to
drive up to 4 individual receivers or tranceivers, and in my opinion is
recommended if computer control is desired. It does require 12vdc external
power.

Jack
Va Beach