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CAT PORT & 2
nd
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 thru 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.
TIP: Disable the Autobaud
function in any Icom Radio
used with Router. Configure
the radio, Router, and your
application software to
operate at 9600 or 19200
baud.
Disable router queries – When this box checked, Router will not poll the radio for frequency and mode
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