Radio Programming Interface

Radio Programming Interface

IntroductionDesignConstructionAdaptersReference dataSourcing partsAcknowledgements

Introduction

It is common practice that synthesisedchannelised commercial radio transceivers are programmed by a PC application.Connection is made by a standard RS-232 COM port on the PC, but many radios use a TTL/CMOS interface levels.

Of those that use TTL interface level, they fall mainly into two groups, those that have acommon pin for transmit and receive data (such as the ICOM CI-V interface) and those thathave a separate transmit and receive pin.

Some radio interfaces provide power that can be used to power the adapter unit, others donot.

This article describes a generalised unit for interfacing a transceiver's TTL/CMOS interface toRS-232.

Use this information entirely at your own risk, NO RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE TAKEN FOR YOURUSE OF THIS INFORMATION.

Design

Features

The interface should:

use true RS-232 signal levels on the computer side;be adaptable to different radio requirements by wiring the cable between the interfaceunit and the radio, preferably without any active components in that cable;derive power from the radio interface where supported, or be powered by either anexternal AC or DC power source; anduse commonly available parts and be field serviceable

I have chosen to not try and power the adapter from the RS-232 interface. This could have

Radio Programming Interface http://vk1od.net/module/rpi/rpi.htm

1 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

been done, but could be unreliable for some serial interface implementations.

Target models

Philips PRM80Icom IC-M59Tait 2020

Adapters for other models have been developed, see below.

Detail

The unit requires a rectifier/filter, regulated 5V power supply, RS-232/TTL level converter fortwo signals in both directions, appropriate connectors for the computer, radio, and power.

One of Don McKenzie's Simmstick boards is a good match to the need, providingaccommodation for the rectifier/filter, regulated 5V power supply, and MAX232 chip.

I have used a DB25 for the RS-232 connection, you could use a DB9 but I chose the DB25 forease of connection of a break out box for troubleshooting. If you want to use a DB9, you coulduse the board's provision for a DB9.

I have chosen a DB15 for the radio side connection to provide plenty of pins for the plannedsignals and power, and to extend the 'spare' drivers in the MAX232 for later flexibility. Thereare still some pins left vacant. Again DB15s are easy to get, and easy to solder with simpletools.

To facilitate the common transmit and receive pin, I have provided an 'open collector' TxData connection on pin 4 of the DB15. This is not a true open collector, it is connected via adiode to the TTL output of the MAX232, so will not pull quite as low as a true open collector,but reliably pulls the pin down to a valid TTL logic 0 state.

Pin 11 of the DB15 provides for supply of power to the adapter through a series diode toprevent backfeeding the readio interface if a power source was feeding power to thededicated AC/DC input jack. The AC/DC input jack is similarly protected by the bridgerectifier.

Table 1: DB15 wiring to DT207 board

DB15 NotesSIMM

connectorMAX232

1 Ground 9

2 Tx Data (R2out) 12

3 Rx Data (T2in) 13

4

Tx Data (opencollector). Wire adiode anode to thispin, cathode toDB15,pin 2.


2 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

5 T1in 11

6 R1out 12

7 R1in 13

8 T1out 14

9 +5VDC 7

10 Unregulated +VE 4

11

+DC input 8 - 20V Wirea diode anode to thispin, cathode toDB15,pin10.

Table 2: DB25 wiring to DT207 board

DB25 Notes DT207 DB9

2 Tx Data 3

3 Rx Data 2

4,5 RTS/CTS NC

6,8,20 DSR/CD/DTR NC

7 Ground 5

Construction

The programmer is housed in a die cast aluminium box (Dick Smith H2211 fitted with fourstick on rubber feet). The board is supported on two 10mm long 3mm threaded hex pillars,with countersunk screws from the box exterior. The lid was milled for the DB sockets andholes drilled for the isolated power input jack and LED. Artwork for a simple label was quicklyknocked up and a Quickmark label made to finish the unit. A PDF format copy of the artworkis available here.

Assemble the DT207, but do not install DB9-F, J1, SW1, R2, the on board LED, or the links,they are not needed. I socketed the MAX232 as a serviceability feature, it doesn't enhancereliability, but it does make it easier to fix in the field if you let the smoke out of theMAX232. Connect wires from the board's LED holes, J1 holes, DB9, SIMM edge connector, andthe underside of the MAX232 to the panel components as detailed in Tables 1 and 2. Connectthe case to the ground rail.


3 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

Radio Programming Interface - internal view

DT207 board


4 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

At work in the crowded space of a small boat.

Adapters

PRM80ICOMTAITYAESUMotorola

PRM80

PRM80

RJ45 Colour / Notes DB15

1 Rx Data - Brown 3

2 Tx Data - White/Brown 2

3 Control - Orange 1

5 9VDC - Blue 11

7 Gnd - Green 1


5 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

The RJ45 plug may be plugged into the mic jack, and intothe remote jack on the transceiver configured for remoteheads.

Colours assume T568A RJ45 configuration.

This configuration should work on PRM8020, PRM8025.

I have noticed some problems using this adapter in theself powered mode on the transceiver RJ45 of a dual mode(trunk/conv) PRM8030R. It worked fine on the remotehead, and seemed fine when the RPI was externallypowered.

ICOM

ICOM (OPC478)

3.5mmstereoplug

Colour / Notes DB15

sleeve Braid 1

ring White 3,4

tip NC NC

The 3.5mm stereo plug is plugged into the ext speakersocket.

OPC-646 - I have researched programming the IC-207 and IC-2710. It seems that they areprogrammed via the port used to connect the remote head. This port uses a proprietaryconnector which I think will be expensive to obtain (one source in the use looks like nearlyA$200 by the time it is landed here). More as it unfolds.

TAIT

TAIT 2000


1 Brown (Blue) - Tx Data (T1out) 8

2 Yellow (Yellow) - Gnd 1

5 Black (Black) - Rx Data (R1in) 7

6 Orange (White) - DC 11

NC Tx Data (R2out - T1 in) link 2,5


6 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

NC Rx Data (R1out - T2in) link 6,3

The TAIT radio has RS232 levels at the RJ12 but benefitsfrom the cascaded RS-232/TTL/RS-232 drivers.

Colours are for two common cable types for USOCapplication.

YAESU

YAESU FT-90R


4 Red - Gnd 1

2 Yellow - Data 3,4

3 Green - +9V DC 11

This uses Yaesu's RJ12 pin numbering which is the reverseof USOC RJ12 numbering. Colours are for a common cabletype for USOC application.

This should also work for the FT2600M

The same DB15 config should work with a FT50, VX1R,VX5R with the data connection made to the ring of anormal 3.5mm stereo jack, and ground to the sleeve (I amtold that you don't need the special 4 pole plug forprogramming).

MOTOROLA

The information on the Radius is UNTESTED.

Radius


7 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

Colour / Notes DB15

GND /pin 5

1

Bus+ /pin 2

3,4

Sourcing the parts

The DT207 PCB is available from Dontronics. The 78L05 can be hard to find, Dontronics shouldhave those, otherwise use a 7805 in a TO220 package.

All the rest of the parts are very common and should be easy to find.

Reference data

RJ45

MAX232


8 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of Justin Albury.

VK1OD on the 'net. I appreciate feedback, click on the ... in [email protected] for my emailaddress.

© Copyright: Owen Duffy 1995, 2010. All rights reserved. Disclaimer.


9 of 9 20/12/2010 23:35

Documents

Radio Programming Interface