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Reviews For: Yaesu CT-62 CAT Interface

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

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Review Summary For : Yaesu CT-62 CAT Interface
Reviews: 2MSRP: 35
Description:
CAT Computer Interface Cable for FT-817/FT-100D/FT-897/FT-857, serial computer port to radio CAT port cable.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=8CBB7C4BDBAF40129AD4253A4987523C&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0025
K7DAA Rating: 2009-09-17
Well-Built, Works Like it Should Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've used both the CT-62 as well as the West Mountain RIGtalk. I think they're both fine products, although I have a slight preference for the CT-62 because if its construction.

Because of its flexibility in working with multiple rigs, the RIGtalk has a 3.5mm plug sticking out of it. This adds another mechanical connection in line. Although I've had no problems with it, given two fairly equal products, I'll vote for the one with the fewest connections that could come loose or go intermittent.

The problem is that, no matter which interface you use, you may end up with more mechanical connections than you'd wish for:

The CT-62 is a no-nonsense serial interface exclusively for Yaesu products. If you have a newer computer without serial ports, or you are intelligent enough to have purchased a Mac, you have to also buy a USB-to-serial converter, such as a Keyspan USA-19HS or similar. It just plugs in-line with the CT-62. I've used it with a variety of computers, including my MacBook Pro, and everything just hums along nicely.

The RIGtalk eliminates this step of requiring a USB-to-serial dongle, since it incorporates this function inside. This makes the whole computer-to-rig thing a bit less complicated if you are using USB.

As far as the total number of connections goes, the CT-62 wins if you are connecting it to a computer that has a 9-pin serial port. Otherwise, unless you already own a Keyspan or similar adapter, the RIGtalk wins both for the least number of things that plug into other things, as well as for cost.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either of these fine products! Which ever one you choose, it's very nice to have the ability to control both my FT-817 and my FT-857 (normally installed in my mobile) with Ham Radio Deluxe. Great combination of hardware and software!
KC4RZW Rating: 2008-08-11
Radio to Computer CAT Control Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is a very good interface, used on 857D connected to serial port on computer running Ham Radio Deluxe, have complete rig control. Can tune radio from computer and check settings in the menus from the computer.

The only problem that I have had with this interface is its propensity to stop working, have replaced the cable twice to resume operations. There is a automatic level controller circuit inside the serial plug housing that is powered by the computer port that seems to stop working. Not sure why they stop working, disrupts all communication with computer and radio.

This cable is also used for software used to program radio memories from the computer, a big help when you have many frequencies to program.

Makes your radios setting more visible and easy to change, without memorizing the menu setup on the radio.