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Reviews For: N4VAS Icom PC Interface

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

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Review Summary For : N4VAS Icom PC Interface
Reviews: 47MSRP: 30.00 shipped (US)
Description:
A copy of the Icom CI-V. This is an external interface that easily disconnects so you can switch serial devices without having to get in back of your PC. It works on most newer Icom rigs (VHF/HF/UHF) and with most 3rd party as well as Icom's software. Very nefty and cheap too.
Product is in production
More Info: http://home.comcast.net/~n4vas/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00474.9
G1BVI Rating: 2004-04-23
Almost Plug'n' Play, Highly reccomended product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been meaning to make an Interface for ages, but just not had the time.

I saw this on ebay and almost bit Newtons hand off when he quoted me for two exported to the UK.
Unit arrived within 4 days from the states !!

Construction of the unit is up to a high standard, the plastic enclosure having a sturdy metal base. (not seen this type of box in the UK.)
Connection between PC and radio simplicity itself, and using Logger 32 and my ICOM 706, radio control worked a dream.

The unit is a RS232 to TTL level converter using discrete transistors does the job.

The only minus element is that Newton uses pop rivets to secure the D type,and so you cannot secure the cable to the box.
Having said that if Newton was to use anything else this would add extra assembly time and extra cost to an already underpriced under rated product, an it also makes it easy to remove if you wish to use the port for something else.

I have no hessitation in recomending this product

Thanks Newton
73
Nick G1BVI

AB2ML Rating: 2004-04-06
Works fantastic as advertised Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just received the interface. I hooked it up and had it working right away. It is a great product and well made. very simple to connect.
Now I have full PC rig control. It is a dream.
This device is worth every penny. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. great job Newton!!
NA5VY Rating: 2004-03-13
Simple and super Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've only had this installed for a day. The interface only does one thing, though, and I already know it works great.

I had some trouble with configuration, and I sent N4VAS an email. I had a response within a couple of hours with some great information. I couldn't be more pleased with the level converter.

Only suggestion I would offer is for N4VAS to update his web site with some technical support documentation and maybe some links to software and stuff. I found what I needed myself, but putting it on the website would be real convenient (and might keep guys like me from bothering him with email!).

All in all, you can't go wrong for this price. There is a ton of software out there. Try DXLAB (the Icom Commander tool) and try Ham Radio Deluxe. Both are super, FREE, software products that are great.

Thanks for a great product!
KD5ROC Rating: 2004-03-09
It just don't get any better than this!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just ordered & quickly rcv'd this interface from Newton the other day. In all honesty, it took longer to walk from the mailbox & open the pkg up. Than to actually connect the interface from my IC-718 to my PC & get it running. I am using TRX-Manager v3.6.30...upon program start-up & no-brainer set-up, the program immediately saw it & I was in business. Although no email correspondence was needed w/Newton regarding glitches setting the interface up, he has emailed twice since I bought his product. Once to confirm shipping & the second offering support if I needed it. The interface is a great value @$25.00. Thanks Newton for a great product.
KD5VOP Rating: 2004-03-02
Connect and forget! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
You can't beat this unit for 25 bucks. I purchased mine a few months ago off ebay, but didn't get around to hooking it up to my 756 ProII till this week. I decided to use ACLog 2.5 by N3FJP as it looks to suit my needs. I hooked up the unit to a serial cable i found at my office, and bought a 1/8 mono to 1/8 mono cable. In having a little difficulty getting the rig to respond to the software, I learned my serial cable was toast. Bought a fresh serial cable and the rig interface portions of the software came to life. Too cool. It doesn't get any simpler, or efficient, than that.
73, Brad KD5VOP
W1OOW Rating: 2004-02-13
Amazingly simple! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought the N4VAS Icom PC Interface to replace the CI-V Interface from another manufacturer. I didn't need the 4-rig-input feature that the other interface offered, and I didn't like the 12 volt power requirement of the other interface. I DID like the very low price of the N4VAS unit!

Newton sent an email after I'd had the unit a few days, asking whether it was working well. He was helpful in providing a link to a website that offered lots of helpful information about the CI-V interface in general.

The N4VAS Icom PC Interface is amazingly simple. It consists of a small black box with only two connectors, one on each end. No on-off switch, no power connector, no LED, no dial.

To use it simply connect a cable with an 1/8 inch plug to the remote outout of your Icom rig, and a serial cable to a COM port on your computer. Be sure to set the RTS on your COM port to "on", as this is how power is provided to the interface. Make sure that you're using the proper address for your Icom (I used 66 for my IC-746PRO) and the correct baud rate for your serial port (my Icom liked 1200).

Then call up your logging program or your favorite communications software and enjoy!
KC6HIJ Rating: 2004-01-31
Newton...Thanks for such outstanding support!!!!!!!!!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
When the interface came in the mail, I was excited to combine the computer via Newton's interface. I was having trouble with it and emailed Newton. Newton was very fast to respond with answers. Newton spent over an hour of his time trying to get connected with my Icom 718. Thanks for such outstanding support and knowledge of his porduct. I will buy one for my Dad as well.....Thanks again

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KC6HIJ on 2004-01-25

This interface works great with the Icom 718 and easy to connect. Thanks Newton for such quick responses to my questions.

WA4GEG Rating: 2003-11-25
Nicely built interface unit. Quality parts and workmanship. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Good to see a Ham building electronics in this day and age. Thanks for a great value in an interface.
K6STB Rating: 2003-11-23
Great Interface! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Works perfect, I had a problem with my "Shack" mono cable. I know to meter all cables. Newton was to quick to respond to questions and was a great help. You will not regret purchasing this interface.
VE3LKI Rating: 2003-11-01
Works as promised. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Despite some cross-border issues that have no bearing on the product, I am very pleased after the first round of tests with Newton's interface unit.

It works as promised with the cabling added. Tried it on HRD, TRX Manager and YPLog software demos with full compatibility between the Pc and Icom706MKIIG.

Purchasers in Canada, remind Newton to add a declaration of contents and value for Customs inspection or expect the package to be opened, inspected and delayed.