Note: This program has been superseded by, a virtual radio, and, a memory-programming utility. These newer programs are much better for the tasks performed by this older program, and run on more platforms. Here is RadioComm's appearance while running. The list to the left is a database of transmit/receive frequencies, any of which can be applied to the radio at a keystroke. The controls at the right are slaved to the transceiver's controls — if you move the controls on the radio, the virtual controls move, and vice versa.
Icom ci-v interface ICOM's CI-V protocol is based on a relatively simple bi-directional, single-wire TTL level signaling system. The single wire consists of a communications line (DATA) and a ground reference (GND).
Here is an example of one of RadioComm's features — spectrum analysis. In this example, I want to see what AM passband my radio provides while tuning the WWV time standard transmission at 15 MHz. Many high-end Icom transceivers and receivers provide this kind of data to a connected computer, making this kind of sophisticated feature possible — but it's something not possible for the radio alone. What is RadioComm?
RadioComm is an Icom transceiver/receiver controller program. RadioComm can be used to program your Icom radio's memory, or to create nice radio-frequency spectra (see above) or to interface your radio to a huge database of frequencies. RadioComm knows about many Icom radios, and controls the radio or is controlled by it, depending on your wishes. It provides several convenient ways to program your radio's memory from any computer database you care to create or download. Basically, RadioComm connects your radio to the full data resources of the internet. Oh, I almost forgot the other good news. RadioComm is — that means no money, now or ever.
You just have to care. Click to download RadioComm as a self-extracting executable (516 KB).
Installation Instructions Download RadioComm, run the self-extracting executable, and the program will install itself. Run the program.
Acquire Icom's CT-17 RS-232 interface box (if your radio requires it). Use the interface to connect you Icom radio to your computer, and start playing. RadioComm knows about many Icom models, and you can add your radio to the plain-text database if it is not there already.
Be sure to read the provided help file if difficulties arise, or if you wish to create your own frequency databases. User Support Sorry — there is no user support. Please do not write and ask for assistance. RadioComm is basically free, and I cannot possibly offer 'customer support' for a free program.
Simple Icom CI-V Interface G3VGR Icom CI-V Interface Icom appears to delight in charging outrageous prices for all transceiver accessories, so many Hams improvise instead. A few circuits have been published for CI-V interfaces, most of which use the MAX232 IC. Here is a very simple CI-V interface, originally described by. I've made small changes to the modem control signals connections. Although the circuit doesn't conform exactly to the RS-232 specification, it does work well and has the advantage of being easily constructed inside a 9 pin D-type shell. Please note that the resistor value 4K7 means 4700 ohms. The transistor types are not critical, I just happen to have plenty of 2N2222As.
I've used this interface on various PC's and also Dell Latitude Notebooks with both an IC735 and IC706MkIIG. No problems have been experienced even at 19200 baud with the IC706. It has also worked successfully when using a USB/Serial adapter from a notebook. If a PTT function is required from the COM port, pin 7 (RTS) can be used to provide this facility. The circuit is powered by DTR (pin4). I experienced some problems with YPLog using this power source. If YPLog is configured to use PTT from either the Parallel port or a different serial port from the one used by the CI-V Interface, the program drops the DTR signal, resulting in no power to the interface. This is easily resolved by powering the circuit from RTS (pin 7) instead of DTR (pin4).
To test and/or debug the interface, I would strongly recommend using program. I have also used this interface to program my Yaesu FT50R. Only a change of connector to a 4 pole minijack plug was required. Probably the interface can be used with other HTs, although I have not tried it. Note: If you intend using this interface with a USB/Serial adapter, beware of a possible issue with many of the cheap adapters available on eBay. Many of these use counterfeit Prolific PL2303 chips. When Prolific discovered this, they amended their drivers to detect counterfeits.
The drivers supplied with Windows7 & Windows8 will result in an 'Error 10' when they detect the counterfeit chip. The workaround is to use the drivers supplied for Vista.
Although I have successfully used the interface with a serial-USB adapter, I have seen USB CI-V cables from China at very cheap prices on eBay. Consequently, if your PC/Laptop has no serial ports, it's hardly worth the effort of building this interface nowadays. So just get a USB interface from eBay. Disclaimer: Although I have tested and used the above circuit on my own IC735 and IC706mkIIG with no problems, I do not make any representation or guarantee that this circuit will function, nor do I accept any responsibility whatsoever for any damage or malfunction arising from the use of this circuit. Here are some links to software for use with CI-V controlled Icom rigs: - Freeware program to test CI-V bus - Freeware program to control Icom rigs and monitor CI-V bus - Careware program to control and load memories of Icom rigs - Shareware Icom Rig control and logging program - Bloatware Icom control program.