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Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by KD8HMB on November 6, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
I want to run Ham Radio Deluxe linked to my 746 Pro. I read the manual (big help), spoke to someone at a ham radio store, and read various web pages and links here on eham looking for exactly what I need and am confused. My PC has both RS232 ports and USB ports. I would prefer to use the RS232 connection, since most of my USB ports are already taken. The Icom manual lists several types of digital connections,but doesnt go into enough detail on which one to choose. 1. What cable interface attaches to the Icom end? 2. Is there a converter box needed or does a straight cable connection work? 3. Can someone post a link to the website that shows what I need? Thanks

RE: Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by KA9CCH on November 6, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Check the HRD user site http://www.ham-radio.ch/doc/Interfaces.pdf This link will take you to the HRD interface document. The CIV unit plugs into the back of the radio (3/8"plug) the other end is a rs-232 connection for the PC. This will give you rig control. You can either build (I did) or buy the rig control interface. Many hams use one of the Rigblaster or MFJ units. Check the reviews on eham for other choices. For PSK work you'll need to add a soundcard interface and maybe an additional rs-232 connection for PTT. If you'd rather use USB connections, just add either an internal USB card or external USB hub to you PC. I've had poor luck with serial to USB converters. I finally added an internal dual rs232 card to my PC.

RE: Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by KD8HMB on November 6, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
Thanks After I posted this I came across a solution using the Radio Shack 20-047 USB scanner interface. I figured it was worth a try and picked one up on the way home. After unplugging an inactive USB cable from one of my external HD to make room, I installed the cable and drivers, plugged it into the remote control jack in the back panel ( that is where I was confused - I originally thought I had to use the data port), clicked on HRD , which I had installed the night before, and .... it worked!! Not too many things I can say work right from the start, but this does. I'm impressed. HRD is slick and seems very usable. I played with the band scope and then the DX cluster features for a while after dinner and think I will be staying up pretty late tonight ...!

RE: Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by K4FX on December 21, 2008	Mail this to a friend!
You can build a "CT-17" clone from the schematic for a whopping 15 bucks in parts from Mouser, it's only 1 IC, a MAX232, and a handful of resistors and caps, this is the Icom "4 radios to 1 PC" interface you will see in the back of your 746 manual under "accessories", a new one costs around 120 bucks and used they fetch 70-80 dollars! Or you can build a single rig to PC cable from a number of schematics on the web for a few bucks, I built a copy of the CT-17 and it works like a champ, it is a simple project and you will get a lot of satisfaction seeing it work! Good luck Bill K4FX

RE: Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by CMMORLEY on January 1, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I also just purchased the Radio Shack USB cable. Can you tell me if you did or did not need to use the adaptor that came with it? I am having problems getting it to communicate with my 746Pro. This will help me trouble shoot further. 73 KI4MRC Mike

RE: Confused re: Icom 746pro link to PC	Reply
by N5VTU on January 6, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Mike, I have two of the RS scanner interfaces in use with Ham Radio Deluxe. On my IC-756PR03 and 746 Pro, I do not use the adapter. I also run HRD with my IC-706MkIIG, which requires the adapter to be used. For the 746Pro, you'll need to set the CI-V address in the radio to 66H (default) to match the HRD software. In the 'Connect' dialog window, check the box for DTS and uncheck the RTS box. Also, I did not use the CD that came with the interface cable. The instructions warn you that you must not let Windows try to install it's own drivers...that you must use the ones provided on the disk. Strange thing is that I plugged the cable in to the USB port, Windows recognized the new hardware and did its thing. next thing I knew, I was connected to and able to control my rig without ever even taking the CD out of the package. I'm running Windows XP and using HRD Version 4.1, build 2055.

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