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CAT PORT & 2
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CAT PORT
The CAT channel is used by the application software to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and
many other parameters. The application communicates with the radio using a serial protocol. Although most
modern radios implement some form of serial control, nearly every radio implementation is different. The degree
of control available for each radio depends on that radio and the application (logger or digital program).
NOTE: The COM port number assigned in Router MUST match the port number assigned in the host
application. First configure the virtual COM ports in Router then configure the application.
When a COM port is assigned in the Router but not in
the application (or the application is not running) Router
will indicate the channel is closed.
When an application opens the COM port assigned for control (usually at start-up), Router shows the channel as
open and displays baud rate, data bits, parity and number of stop bits used by the application. For example,
4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.
Data flowing through the CAT channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow indicates data flow from the
host application to the radio and a red arrow indicates data flow from the radio to the application.
TIP: If the application provides for PTT (T/R) keying by radio control (CAT) turn this function OFF. PTT
by CAT is not reliable because RFI can prevent the radio from switching back to receive. There is a
dedicated T/R switching channel for this purpose called PTT.
NOTE: If your radio does not support handshake (most do not). Configure DTR and RTS settings in
your application program (logger) for Always On or Always Off. Do not select “Handshake.”
For Router to determine the operating
frequency and mode, it must know
what radio (CAT protocol) being used.
To select the radio, click the Set
button, choose your radio in the Radio
combo box, select communication
speed in the Baud rate box, and set
the CI-V address for Icom and some
TenTec radios.
When the radio is communicating with
Router, click Device | Store as Power-
up Setting. This will save the radio
type to the EEPROM and allow
frequency decoding/iLink updates even
if Router is not running (stand-alone
mode).
TIP: Disable AUTOBAUD in
Icom transceivers. Set the
radio, Router, and application
software to operate at 9600 or
19200 baud.
NOTE: The baud rate must match your radio. Icom and some TenTec radios require the correct CI-V
address. If everything is configured properly, your radio’s current operating frequency and mode should
be displayed.
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