Kenwood TS-450s & computer control ???

[VE3VID]

Do you have a TS450 and running computer control?  I'd like to hear from you.  I never bothered with computer control of my 450s because I thought it was too old a rig for newer software.  Recently I was told otherwise.  I'd like to hear from any one with first hand info.......thanks

David
ve3vid at hotmail

[KE4DRN]

hi David,

take a look at HRD  Ham Radio Deluxe,
it suports many radios including your 450s

http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

works great with my ts-570.

you can run in demo mode to see how it works.

73 james

[WB2WIK]

I don't have the 450S, but I do have its "big brother," the TS850S, and it runs fine on modern computer software including HRD.

WB2WIK/6

[VE3VID]

Can you guys tell me about the interfacing you use?  What do you think about the DigiMaster USB from ZLP Electronics?  Is this all I need to connect the 2?

David

[K0BT]

The TS-450S will work fine under computer control, but you need an RS-232 (+ and - 12V) to TTL (0-5V)level converter, such as the Kenwood IF-232C, to make it work with your computer.  The feature set that is exposed to teh software may not be as great as is offerered on some newer radios, and I think the data rate is only 4800, but it's still fun to use software like Ham Radio Deluxe with the rig.

If you are inclined toward building electronic stuff, you may want to look at the Maxim MAX232 chip as to buld your own level converter.  Otherwise, you can build one using the old standby 1488 and 1489 level converters.  I just looked on the web and searched for "1488 level converter" and found the following page:  http://www.surducan.netfirms.com/RS232.html for an example.

[VE3VID]

Okay, so what about the DigiMaster product?
http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/unified/DM_MiniPRO2.shtml
I ran into this same problem years ago, the Kenwood proprietary RS232 interface is difficult/impossible to find.

[K0BT]

The Digimaster product is great for AFSK audio processing for RTTY, PSK, etc., but you still need the TTL to RS-232 level converter like the IF-232C to control the radio (frequency, mode, and so on) using what's referred to as "CAT".  I personally prefer the Tigertronics SignaLink USB, but that's probably just because I own one and am familiar with it.

There are vendors out there who sell Kenwood CAT cables that do the level conversion and replace the need for the IF-232C.  Some of them are direct USB to TTL converters so you don't even need the old serial port on the PC.  Just Google "Kenwood CAT interface" and several choices will show up.  The cables are sometimes cheaper than folks sell the older Kenwood interfaces for on eBay.  Just make sure you get the one that plugs into the 8-pin DIN connector in the back of the radio.  

[W9RLL]

Just got a CAT Cable from ZLP Electronics and it works great and I just love it use it with win-eqf and ham radio delux also got the USB SignaLink Have now made a few psk 31 contact and will be working for Rtty