Thanks for the help guys. To answer the question from K6JH, the 7610 has two connectors on the back but only one is assigned to data.
Sounds like a USB switch is the thing to do.
Bob
K6UJ
Probably the easiest to use a usb switch.
What I was thinking was to have one laptop connected via USB, and the second to the CI-V Remote 3.5mm jack via a CT-17 converter (or make your own). Then there is a menu selection which links or unlinks the usb to the remote jack. I *think* if they’re linked commands and responses from usb are echoed out the remote jack , and vice versa. But I’ve never tried my 7300 like that, so YMMV. And it does require setting the baud rate down to 19.2 or slower.
Or maybe the remote jack also still works when usb is unlinked. I don’t know enough about that either.
Anyone?