If you fancy having a bash at PSK or other data modes on the summits or working people like Tom M1EYP or Darius M0KCB, then you will need a lead to connect your radio to the thing that makes the R2D2 noises. (Radio to computer). Most modern radios use a 6 pin mini-DIN for this connection.
Those of you who have ever soldered a 6 pin mini-DIN will know you need the patience of Job and super-steely SpiderMan vision. It’s challenging.
So what you need is a ready assembled lead where the hard part has been done.
I have a number of leads available that feature a molded 6 pin min-DIN with all 6 pins connected and 1m (approx) of wire. These can be yours for the cost of posting. If nobody wants them they go into metal recycling skip at my local council recycling point.
This plug will fit FT-817/857/897, TS-480, IC-706/703 and probably many more radios.
Why am I giving them away? Simple, it has been ordained by higher beings to me that the shack is “now more than full”. As I share the shack with the washing machine and tumble drier this “more than full” state cannot continue should I wish to continue to receive domestic laundry services!
In reply to G1STQ:
I used a Broadband internet filter as the microphone input for my FT-817ND PSK interface. I opened up the case, removed all the filter parts and soldered my lead wires to make the connections in the old PCB. This avoided making a fiendish 6 pin mini-DIN plug up. The interface is a 2009 Practical Wireless project.
I think you’ll find that pre-USB computer keyboards and mice (mouses?) had a dreaded 6 pin mini-DIN plug on the end of their connecting cable. You could cut the cable off an old one and use that.
You could cut the cable off an old one and use that.
It’s sound advice to try but when you do you will find there is a very good chance that the cores needed for an 817 are not connected. Some did use 6 core cable but most didn’t. Something learnt from experience.
