When I put the 817 on a 12 volt external power source, only 9 volts appears at the CAT connector.  Does this indicate a problem?

To VE3MIC, W7AIT, Al4OF
Many thanks for your thoughtful replies.
W7AIT- I am not familiar with DTR, RTS, CV-1, CTS settings.  Where are they?
Al4OF- Will try the 4800 baud rate.

73
Steve

Thanks.  My computer does have a serial port.  But I am using Windows
XP.  (although I tried it also on Windows 98 and it didn't work).  What
"supplied disc" are they talking about?
  73
  Steve

Mike
Thanks for your reply.  I have tried FT-817 commander, and unfortunately it does not work either.  I have tried two computers, several COM port settings, and two different CT-62 cables.  
Beside looking for the voltage, how else would you "sniff" a CAT control pin-out?
73
Steve

I have been going crazy for the past couple of years trying to control the FT-817 by computer program via the accessory socket.  I cannot get Commander or Ham Radio Delux to synchronize with the radio.  This despite the following:  made sure that baud setting was the same on the radio and the program (38,400), made sure that radio was on VFO setting, tried a hard reset of the radio (lost all memories, but nothing else).  Tried two different CT-62 cables.  The accessory socket (with the rechargable internal batteries in) has about 9 volts on pin 1.
The only time I was ever inside the radio was to install the W4RT CW filter.  (btw- W4RT one touch tuning also did not work).  The radio otherwise works fine, but is way past the warranty. (I am the original owner, radio purchased in 2000).
If someone could help solve the problem, I would be MOST appreciative.
Thanks and 73
Steve WA2DTW

Hi, Cal
Nice to hear from you.
Appreciate your opinion on the Valiant modulator.  So many folks insist that the whole modulator section should be drastically modified and the clipper section eliminated.  (I still need to figure out what to do with the clipper).
For "modulator current" I was just using the meter mounted on the valiant, with the switch in the MOD position.  According to the manual, it measures modulator cathode current.
73
Steve WA2DTW

And my thanks also to Tom.
Was able to isolate the problem to an open resistor R35 in the audio circuit.  (a 47K resistor between the clipper and the third audio amplifier).  Strangely, there were no signs of smoke or wear on the resistor.  Happened to have a replacement resistor with twice the wattage.  The rig worked after changing the resistor.
Tom- I hope to work you soon on AM.  
Also- best of luck to N6AYJ.  Perhaps we'll get our Valiants together sometime on 14.286.
73
Steve WA2DTW

Tom
Got the Valiant working, attached the Dow Key Relay,
and paired it with the old HQ170.  Was making QSO's,
getting good reports, everything was great!
Then, the next thing I knew, the modulator stopped working.  I can measure base current in on the meter in the MOD position, but no movement of the meter with speech.  RF output is normal.

I realize that this can be almost anything wrong with
the audio chain.  But does anything obvious come to
mind?
73
Steve WA2DTW

Again, many thanks, Tom.
It is good to hear an opinion in favor of keeping the valiant as it is!  I have no intention of altering it unless I get really bad audio reports.   The clipper probably helps when there is a lot of QRN to get through.
I hope to catch you on 75 and 160.
73
Steve WA2DTW

Hi Tom
I adjusted the modulator bias resistor to get 60 ma resting modulator current.  The valiant is now on the air (for the first time, for me) and I'm getting an OK audio report.  (don't have a scope set up).  Did not go back in and measure the voltage on the modulator grids, but would assume that it's higher than -35 volts.  
Next will have to decide what to do about the "clipper", which seems to be quite controversial.
Many thanks and 73
Steve WA2DTW

Hi
Trying to get the valiant working.  Getting normal grid drive and RF output; the bias is set properly (-70 volts on final grids and -35 volts on modulator grids) but the resting modulator current, which should be about 60 ma is >200 ma.  Any ideas?
Thanks
73
Steve WA2DTW

I am looking to get started with satellites.  Can someone tell me if multimode rigs like the IC 910H or FT-736, which do VHF/UHF only, have any advantage over a rig like the FT-847, which also includes HF?
Thanks and 73
Steve WA2DTW

A question about BPL: Why would they need to use 2-30 mc? Why could they use a vacant 30 mc portion of the UHF or microwave spectrum?
Thanks and 73
Steve

A question about BPL:  Why would they need to use 2-30 mc?  Why could they use a vacant 30 mc portion of the UHF or microwave spectrum?
Thanks and 73
Steve

A question about BPL:  Why would they need to use 2-30 mc?  Why could they use a vacant 30 mc portion of the UHF or microwave spectrum?
Thanks and 73
Steve