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| Reviews Summary for ADMS-VX170 |
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Reviews: 2
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Average rating: 3.5/5
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MSRP: $49
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Description: Windows based programmer for the VX-170. Full package includes cables: CT-29A (9-pin serial to 3.5mm stereo computer interface cable) - CT-28B (4-pin screw-in adapter for radios with single speaker/mic jack). Software on full-size CD.
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More info: http://www.rtsystemsinc.com/
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VE6JMK
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Rating: 3/5
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Dec 28, 2007 22:56
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Time to drop DB9 Serial
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm disappointed to find that if you only have a USB port you'll need a DB9 Serial - USB adapter. It seems that every time I use mine I eventually end up with USB conflicts with other USB devices: usually it disables my USB mouse after a few minutes of use. I know this is the fault of the drivers for the DB9 - USB adapter and not the ADMS software, but the problem is I really don't want to be forced to be using bad/unsupported drivers for a Taiwanese USB adapter in the first place. I understand that the existing USB cables sold on eBay (about $15.00 - $25.00), etc., that allow you to use third party software that costs $18.50 also can present problems with connectivity*, but at least they would get you away from the DB9 adapter problem, so I plan to give that route a try. The fact it also costs less is actually secondary to me in this regard.
I also recall that tech support from this vendor is less than stellar. This is based on my recollection of the problems with bad CD keys they released for the VX-150 software that didn't work, and they really took their time to respond to anyone, even HRO had trouble getting the problem addressed with them.
*Here's what Bob Freeth told me about his experience with the USB cables: "Most of the support calls I get relate to cables - poor connections, not plugged in properly, USB driver software not installed and the inability of the user to determine the correct COM port number for a USB device."
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K7TCE
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Rating: 4/5
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Nov 3, 2007 18:01
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Works well
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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ADMS-VX170
This review will be inclusive of the entire package, which for $49 included the ADMS-VX170 v3.60 software, the CT-29A serial cable (db-9 to 3.5mm stereo -- ground/ring/pin) and the CT-28B 3.5mm stereo to screw-in 4 connector plug for the mic jack of the VX-170. With this new configuration you no longer need a Yaesu CT-91
microphone adapter (4 pin mic plug to 3.5mm and 2.5mm stereo jacks).
The software seems to work fine. It looks and functions pretty much like my VX-150 software, although the VX-170 software allows you to color alternate lines for easier reading, and of course handles new features not available in the VX-150 version.
Be sure to read from the radio first, then store it as your beginning profile. I was able to import a delimited profile file from an old version of the ADMS-1F (VX-150), and one from G4HFQ's (Bob Freeth) FTB1802 software (which is quite excellent) for the FT-1802M.
The CT-29A serial cable, while not cheap, WORKS! I'm having very little luck finding a USB cable to replace it, and it may be that the voltages on some of the imported USB cables are low. Using the RT Systems CT-29A and a CT-28A adapter I program my VX-150, and with the CT-29A cable and a homebrew 3.5MM to RJ-12 adapter I program my FT-1802M. The CT-29A owned previously also worked on an Icom IC-V8000.
Bugs/Nits:
1. When programming the second of the programmable keys to "name/freq", it ended up with a hex character display on the screen. Programming that key manually solved it.
2. If you have connectivity problems with the cables or plug not seating, the software tells you that you are connected to the VX-177 and that it cannot read it.
3. You can only copy or move one row at a time.
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