TS-711A Rig control

[K2WLO]

I need to make a control wire for my TS-711A VHF rig. A DB9 on one end, and a din pin on the other. Maybe I'm wrong in thinking this is possible, but my logging software has the TS-711A in the list for rig control, but the manual has no info about wiring a cable. Thanks in advance for any info.

73 de John K2WLO

[KB9TMP]

There's more to it than just a simple cable. There is a level converter involved in the system also. You might want to give a look at PIEXX for this prebuilt one.

http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=23

[W9GB]

Kenwood TS-711A Service Manual
http://www.ko4bb.com/Manuals/Kenwood...TS-711-811.pdf

In order to support Computer Remote Control, the OPTIONAL Interface board (IF-10A) must be  attached to the Intel 8255 Programmable Peripheral Interface (PPI) on the Control Unit.
http://www.notpurfect.com/main/ts711.html

Kenwood no longer offers the IF-10A option board, BUT IF your radio already has that board installed, here are the instructions:
http://www.qsl.net/4/4x6on/RADIO%20M...ser-Manual.pdf

IF the 6-pin DIN port is intalled on your TS-711A rear panel :
The Serial Signal Levels are TTL and INVERTED (negative logic).
Conversion to RS-232 (DE-9) requires Inversion (7404, hex inverter) AND Level conversion (MAX232).

IF the IF-10A board is not installed, Piexx sells a modern replacement.
http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_...products_id=22

Piexx IF-10A style option board instructions for IC-711A
http://www.piexx.com/if10a/ts811i.html

w9gb

[K2WLO]

Thanks for the great info guys. When I purchased the radio a 6pin din was sent with it. The fella said I would probably need it. Now I have to investigate to see f has the optional board.

John K2WLO

[W9GB]

John -

The 1996 ARRL Handbook, Chapter 22, page: 22-47 has Kenwood Interface schematics to DIY build a Kenwood radio to computer RS-232 serial interface.  6-pin DIN to RS-232 (DE-9 connector).

The interface uses the Maxim MAX232 IC (serial signal level conversion) and PS-2501-1NEC [4] (signal inversion and isolation) for TxD, RxD, CTS, and RTS lines from the 6-pin DIN on the Kenwood radio.  
Only 5 pins are used on the 6-pin DIN, the 4 previously mentioned data and control lines, plus Signal GND.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) conversion from the radio's 6-pin DIN is a bit more complex.  
You need to use a serial UART to USB, such as the FTDI FT230X USB Bridge IC
http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/ICs/FT230X.html
and then use a hex inverter (7404) or isolation / inversion components (as above) required for these Kenwood radios.
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/ICs/DS_FT230X.pdf

FTDI is one of the better mfg. for USB Bridge ICs and the industry's best VCP (Virtual COM port) drivers for various computer operating systems (OS).

w9gb