CHIRP

h1. Guide to programming cables

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In most cases, the manufacturer of your radio produces the highest quality cable for programming. However, these are usually the most expensive and are not always the most convenient (because of a lack of USB, etc). Third party cables are available for most radios for a fraction of the cost, but quality can be an issue. Several radios use actual RS-232 signalling and thus cables for these radios can be easily home-built.

*NOTE:* RTSystems has recently been shipping cables intentionally handicapped to prevent their use with third party software, and to prevent use of third party cables with _their_ software. Beware that if you buy their software/cable package, you will not be able to use their cables with CHIRP!

h2. Alinco Radios

All (to my knowledge) Alinco radios use a three-pin 1/8" plug with a TTL converter in the 9-pin housing. This is identical to the Icom OPC-478 cable.

h2. Icom Radios

h3. VHF/UHF Mobile Radios

Nearly all of these radios use an OPC-478 (or similar) cable, which plugs into the speaker jack of the radio. The housing of the 9-pin connector has TTL conversion logic, which can be home-built but it is typically easier to buy one pre-made. Note that some of the mobile D-STAR radios can also use their data connection for programming, which uses RS-232 signalling and requires no conversion hardware. Models that can do this include the IC-2820H, ID-880H, and ID-80.

h3. IC-91AD, IC-92AD, ID-1

These radios operate in "live" mode and require a full-duplex RS-232 serial cable connection. For the IC-91AD, the OPC-1529 cable is used (and can be easily built).

The 92AD uses a moisture-proof custom bayonet connection at the top of the radio, which is only available from Icom (OPC-1799) and only with their RS-92 programming software. Note that the OPC-1797 adapter cable will not allow you to use an OPC-478 programming cable with this radio.

The ID-1 is programmed via its integrated USB connection.

h2. Kenwood Radios

h3. TH-F6A, TH-K2A

These radios use a two-pronged cable that plugs into the microphone and speaker jacks simultaneously.

h3. TH-D7, TH-D7A, TH-D7Ag

These radios use a three-pin 3/32" plug directly wired to an RS-232 port (easily home-built).

h3. TM-D700

This radio uses a regular serial cable (Female-Female) to the 9-pin connector on the front of the radio.

h3. TM-D710, TM-V71A

This radio uses a RS-232 cable directly cabled to a eight-pin Mini-DIN connector marked "PC" on the back of the radio.

h2. Yaesu Radios

h3. VX-2R, VX-3R, VX-5R, VX-6R, VX-7R, FT-60R

These handhelds use the same type of cable, which is a four-pin TRRS connector and a TTL voltage converter in the 9-pin housing.

3rd party cables:

* "KAWA Mall":http://stores.ebay.com/KAWAMALL-RAD/Other-/_i.html?_nkw=vx7+cable&submit=Search&_fsub=1&_sid=55765193 : Works for VX-2,3,5,6,7R, ICOM IC-Q7A

* "409shop":http://www.409shop.com/409shop_product.php?id=103790 : 2-in-1 cable for these handhelds and FT-7/8xxx mobiles

h3. VX-8R, VX-8DR, VX-8GR

The VX-8R and VX-8DR both use a moisture-proof multi-pin screw-on connector at the top of the housing. It is recommended that you find a third-party programming cable (not from RTSystems) for this radio.

The VX-8GR uses a three-conductor 3/32" plug directly to an RS-232 port. This is the same cable that Kenwood APRS radios use for the GPS connection, and almost the same as the Icom OPC-1529 type data cable, except that a null modem adapter must be used to switch the TX and RX pins.

h3. FT-7800, FT-7900, FT-8800, FT-8900

These radios use a 6-pin mini-DIN plug and a TTL converter in the 9-pin housing.