HI I HAVE 2 980S WITH THE YAESU SUPPLIED rf gen boards. they were supplied right after i bought each radio but i am not technical to understand if thats what you mean. bob donchez wb3hyb
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On Jun 9, 2020, at 11:25 AM, Fred_N8YX < N8YX@...> wrote:
Reading through the various literature and commentary from yesteryear about the FT-980, it's mentioned that an Auxiliary band ROM was never offered for the rig - nor was any programming data provided...at least in the English version of the Technical Supplement.
The ROM is a bipolar type and a 74188/74288 appears to be a suitable replacement. There are others.
A gent by the name of Callan Brown offers something termed a "FLEP" - a daughterboard which allows the use of a QFP type EEPROM in place of a bipolar ROM. It was originally designed for the video game market. I bought a couple last year and when I source a couple of Harwin headers I'm going to have a go at developing a programming map for the ROM. 60M coverage will be high on the priority list...and since there are only FF combinations of data to try it shouldn't be that difficult to map all the HF ranges. Even if I have to try every value.
Before I start this effort: Is there anyone in the group with a '980 which actually had an Aux band ROM installed....either by Yaesu or by a 3rd party? I have four of the rigs at present plus a spare CPU Unit and none have the ROM present. Nor have a number of other 980s which I've examined. Alternatively, do we have access to the Japanese-language Technical Supplement (which may contain the ROM programming data)?
73 - Fred, N8YX
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Robert,
The module you describe is the same type I have here - three of them in total. It's essentially a high-pass filter which goes into the Aux Band filter spots on the RF Unit. This board along with a few diodes allows the Gen VFO to transmit and uses the highest-frequency low-pass filter chain in the rig to reduce spurious emissions.
It's a kludge at best. Might work for the transverter/CB crowd that wants output from 24-30MHz but on 60M I'd be leery of the 3rd and 5th-order harmonics.
The PROM I mentioned goes on the CPU Unit in a socket. You also need to install diodes on the RF Unit along with discrete filter components (i.e., capacitors and tunable inductors) and you end up with 3 extra 500KHz segments. These segments are documented in the FT-980 CAT reference, so provision for addressing them via the CPU is present in the firmware.
73 - Fred, N8YX
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FT-980 hook up for Ameritron ALS-`306
Hello gang.
I am getting a ALS-1306 amp and need to make sure how to hook it to the amp.? I have a FRB-1 relay box and assume I just need hook the amp into the input the the actual relay box.? I need the box to connect to the ACC-2 on the rear of the 980.? Ameritron lists a connector for the FT-980 in their list of cables and this can go from the amp to the input of the relay box.? I also have the Ameritron 704 relay buffer. Not sure I need two buffer relays. The FT-980 stays in amp position 1 or non QSK.
Any suggestions or corrections.
73 Dave K4JRB
_._,_._,_
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I recently bought on eBay a USB interface cable that claims to be compatible with FT-980 (among other radios that use the same CAT connector style).. Connected it to the latest version of HRD running on Windows 10, on a modern computer.? The virtual port is created correctly, HRD configured to work with it but there is no communication with the radio.
BTW, HRD claims to support FT-980.? It appears in their pull? down list.
Do you guys have any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this?? There are two variables here:? the HRD and the cable.? I think I can rule out the radio as I tried three different ones.? The computer should not be a suspect as I tried two different laptops (both i7).
Are there any programs that would run on WIn10 that I could use for diagnostics?
Thank you and 73,
Wald N4PL
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Wald,
Any luck on the CAT interface for the FT-980.? Sounds like you may need an interface before you can hit the PC. Dave K4JRB
-----Original Message-----
From: "Wald N4PL via groups.io"
Sent: Aug 24, 2020 11:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] CAT Interface
I recently bought on eBay a USB interface cable that claims to be compatible with FT-980 (among other radios that use the same CAT connector style).. Connected it to the latest version of HRD running on Windows 10, on a modern computer.? The virtual port is created correctly, HRD configured to work with it but there is no communication with the radio.
BTW, HRD claims to support FT-980.? It appears in their pull? down list.
Do you guys have any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this?? There are two variables here:? the HRD and the cable.? I think I can rule out the radio as I tried three different ones.? The computer should not be a suspect as I tried two different laptops (both i7).
Are there any programs that would run on WIn10 that I could use for diagnostics?
Thank you and 73,
Wald N4PL
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Hi Dave,
I talked to HRD support and they caught one setup detail I have overlooked: the USB interface I bought on eBay contained the Prolific chip, which has a long history of protocol non-compliance and driver problems.? So I bought another USB to serial adapter that has the FTDI chip in it (apparently authentic) and built my own cable.? But having a genuine chip and proper USB driver did not cure the problem.? The radio is still not talking.? I am investigating.? I have a service call with HRD on Monday and they will run the diagnostics remotely on my PC.? I will send a summary once the progress is made.
73, Wald N4PL
On Friday, August 28, 2020, 3:46:45 PM EDT, Dave Thompson <thompson@...> wrote:
Wald,
Any luck on the CAT interface for the FT-980.? Sounds like you may need an interface before you can hit the PC. Dave K4JRB
-----Original Message-----
From: "Wald N4PL via groups.io"
Sent: Aug 24, 2020 11:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] CAT Interface
I recently bought on eBay a USB interface cable that claims to be compatible with FT-980 (among other radios that use the same CAT connector style).. Connected it to the latest version of HRD running on Windows 10, on a modern computer.? The virtual port is created correctly, HRD configured to work with it but there is no communication with the radio.
BTW, HRD claims to support FT-980.? It appears in their pull? down list.
Do you guys have any suggestions on how to troubleshoot this?? There are two variables here:? the HRD and the cable.? I think I can rule out the radio as I tried three different ones.? The computer should not be a suspect as I tried two different laptops (both i7).
Are there any programs that would run on WIn10 that I could use for diagnostics?
Thank you and 73,
Wald N4PL
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Re: CAT Interface and K4JRB update
Wald,
Hope you get the 980 CAT working.? Remember the FT-980 was about the first and the first interface was a FIF-232nfor apple.? The original FIF-232 for windows worked on? w3.1 then w95.? The IC-7300 and dual receiver version IC-760? have the interface built in so you can do digital directly on the PC.
THe Galaxy needs work so I will test tubes and resistance.? Two of the switches are hard to turn.? I tried to get my later MFJ DVK to work on the aligned FT-980 with no luck.? Looks like the battery needs replacing.? Got out the basic manual for the IC-7300 but ran out of time.? I did find a Yaesu Desk mic in the box from the donor and it modulates the SSB so this tells me ssb works so I will look into the dvk.
Made a few QSOS including a TA3 and 5T5PA on 20 but did not find anything on 17.? May order a 3-500ZG from the Henry Radio? Ebay store.? I need a clue to find the cables with clips so I can test parts better.
-----Original Message-----
From: "Wald N4PL via groups.io" _,_
Sent: Aug 29, 2020 9:55 PM
To: "[email protected]"
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] CAT Interface
Hi Dave,
I talked to HRD support and they caught one setup detail I have overlooked: the USB interface I bought on eBay contained the Prolific chip, which has a long history of protocol non-compliance and driver problems.? So I bought another USB to serial adapter that has the FTDI chip in it (apparently authentic) and built my own cable.? But having a genuine chip and proper USB driver did not cure the problem.? The radio is still not talking.? I am investigating.? I have a service call with HRD on Monday and they will run the diagnostics remotely on my PC.? I will send a summary once the progress is made.
73, Wald N4PL
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FT-980 Frequency Display Offset - Adjustment?
Fellow enthusiasts,
My FT-980 has a curious ailment and I'm hoping someone here can offer some guidance.
In order to communicate on, say, 3.595000MHz, I need to tune my rig such that the frequency display reads 3.595250MHz. Having listened to my own transmissions on a websdr station not far away, I've verified that the 250Hz offset produces a good signal on the desired 3.595000MHz.
Shifting to 40m, the offset appears to be 500Hz such that, to achieve comms on, say, 7.160000MHz,I need to set my display to 7.160500MHz.
On 20m, although I haven't verified quite as methodically as for 80m and 40m, it appears that I need to set my display frequency a whole 1kHz above my desired frequency.
That there appears to be a mathematical relationship in all of this, I suspect that some simple might need to be adjusted. But what, I don't know. For the record, there is no clarifier/RIT in play.
I know I can use the rig without trouble by remembering to dial higher, but I'd like to get the rig back into line as it is otherwise in mint condition. Any clues would be much appreciated.?
Thanks,
Mark
VK2MOH
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Re: FT-980 Frequency Display Offset - Adjustment?
check reference oscillator frequency. forgot the frequency, replaced mine 25 yrs ago or so bob d wb3hyb
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On Sep 12, 2020, at 4:22 AM, VK2MOH <vk2moh@...> wrote: ?Fellow enthusiasts,
My FT-980 has a curious ailment and I'm hoping someone here can offer some guidance.
In order to communicate on, say, 3.595000MHz, I need to tune my rig such that the frequency display reads 3.595250MHz. Having listened to my own transmissions on a websdr station not far away, I've verified that the 250Hz offset produces a good signal on the desired 3.595000MHz.
Shifting to 40m, the offset appears to be 500Hz such that, to achieve comms on, say, 7.160000MHz,I need to set my display to 7.160500MHz.
On 20m, although I haven't verified quite as methodically as for 80m and 40m, it appears that I need to set my display frequency a whole 1kHz above my desired frequency.
That there appears to be a mathematical relationship in all of this, I suspect that some simple might need to be adjusted. But what, I don't know. For the record, there is no clarifier/RIT in play.
I know I can use the rig without trouble by remembering to dial higher, but I'd like to get the rig back into line as it is otherwise in mint condition. Any clues would be much appreciated.?
Thanks,
Mark
VK2MOH
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Hello Gang,
Does anybody have a spare and not needed XF-8.9HC filter for our radios?? I checked QRZ/QTH swap and the eBay... nothing.
I am upgrading my second FT-980 with the intent to put it into more regular service.? It has been fixed up and is working fine, just needs the CW upgrades.? I was fortunate to find the XF-455MC source for the 2nd IF.
Please contact me off the list with the price + shipping.
Mni thx for reading, 73 de Wald N4PL
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I’m in the same rowboat looking for the XF-8.9 AM filter for one of my FT-901DM’s. Sold my FT-980 awhile back and sold a crap box FT-One with every option and filter in it shortly before that. Kinda wish I’d of kept the FT-One because I sold it for a lot less than what all the filters were worth. Anyhow, if you’ve got an extra AM filter, I’ve got an XF-8.9HC for you.
Regards,
Terence VE3KKM
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Wald, and Terrance
The filters started with the FT901DM went through the FT-one and FT-980 to at least the FT-1000D.? Might have been in the FT-1000MP.
Hopefully the filters will show up.
73 Dave KJRB
-----Original Message-----
>From: "Terence VE3KKM via groups.io"
>Sent: Nov 7, 2020 9:13 PM
>To: [email protected]
>Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] Looking for XF-8.9HC
>
> I’m in the same rowboat looking for the XF-8.9 AM filter for one of my FT-901DM’s. Sold my FT-980 awhile back and sold a crap box FT-One with every option and filter in it shortly before that. Kinda wish I’d of kept the FT-One because I sold it for a lot less than what all the filters were worth. Anyhow, if you’ve got an extra AM filter, I’ve got an XF-8.9HC for you.
>
>Regards,
> Terence VE3KKM
>
>
>
>
>
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Hi Terrence,
Could you contact me directly?? I tried to use your QRZ.COM address but it may be no good.? I have some updates on the AM filter you are looking for.
Thx and 73,
Wald
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On 2020-11-07 21:13, Terence VE3KKM via groups.io wrote: I’m in the same rowboat looking for the XF-8.9 AM filter for one of my FT-901DM’s. Sold my FT-980 awhile back and sold a crap box FT-One with every option and filter in it shortly before that. Kinda wish I’d of kept the FT-One because I sold it for a lot less than what all the filters were worth. Anyhow, if you’ve got an extra AM filter, I’ve got an XF-8.9HC for you.
Regards,
Terence VE3KKM
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Guys,
Is anybody in this Group using FT-8 i.e. WSJT-X software?? If so,
I have a request... further assuming that an FT-980 with a CAT
interface is handy...??
My goal is to verify that WSJT-X actually supports our radio.? It
is listed in the pull-down Rig menu:
I actually have tried various options for the PTT method,
including VOX, but TEST CAT simply times out no matter what.? FYI,
I have tried three different FT-980s.? None of them responded.??
So the obvious question is whether all the radios have dead CATS
in them or.... my USB->RS-232 interface is at fault...?
So a quick hardware description on my end:? Dell Inspiron, i7, 32
GB RAM, up--to-date Win 10.? The interface is FT232 chip based and
the FTDI drivers are installed correctly.? To prove that, I used
the same interface with an added TTL-RS-232 level translator and
connected it to my K3.? With the required ELecraft settings, the
radio and the program work as expected.
The interface alone appears to be OK then.? To talk to the 980, I
am routing the RX and TX lines from the UART directly to the CAT
port. Some old CAT circuits show an open collector output for the
TX.. in my case the output is TTL driven.? Could that be the
issue?? And, yes, I triple checked if the TX and RX lines are
connected correctly...
Thank you for reading this.
73 and Happy Holidays to All,
Wald N4PL
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Hi Wald, One quick way to see if the problem is the radio or somewhere else is to try the old CAT980 DOS program interface. After I write this message I'll try to upload the files and instructions to the Files section in case anyone here doesn't have a copy. If it works then the issue is the rig or your serial path. Note: many of these programs use Hamlib as their interface library. Hamlib has the FT-980 listed as "Alpha" (meaning no one tested it yet). I've been meaning to do this someday and help get it running ... it should then allow multiple programs to work with it. Note: It was last updated in 1988 ... for 16-bit DOS. This means that you must install DOSBox first (sourceforge), set the serial port up, and link to the directory. See below: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1)????? Load and install (copy files) for CAT980 to c:\CAT980 (or similar directory)
2)????? Load and install DOSBox (sourceforge)
3)????? Edit DOSBox config file (dosbox.conf) to setup your FT-980 serial port
a.? Old line: serial1=dummy
b.? New line: serial1=directserial realport:com6
?
4)????? To run:
a.????? Run DOSBox (from start menu or shortcut)
b.????? > mount c c:\CAT980
c.????? > c:
d.????? > CAT980
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I am the proud owner of a 1983 Yeasu FT-980. I bought it used in 2010 for $250 (which included a Dentron MT3000A transmatch) and it has been my daily driver ever since (Phone, CW, Digital). I will be using it this weekend in the ARRL RTTY RoundUp in fact. I enjoy the fact that it is built like a tank, have a very high receiver sensitivity, and is very to work on/repair.
I've repaired it several times, and have made a couple of minor modifications:
1. Buffered IF Out for a panadapter
2. Added an always on silent fan to the fan
3. Added the AM and CW-N filters
I would like to assist the Hamlib group to debug their FT-980 CAT Interface from Alpha to Beta or Release. I am also considering replacing the "heated" master xtal with a TXCO (my shack is in my basement, and there are times when it gets a bit drifty due to the ambient temperature changes for some digital modes).
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Mat (and all),
I currently own four of the rigs. One is completely accessorized, including the Gen TX board and the keyer module. The others are in various stages of accessorization, down to my bench "mule" which is barebones and is used to develop mods for the others. I'm currently using it to model a frame for a power supply fan assembly which can be fitted to the existing heat sink and will be "always on". My implementation of IF Out will be similar to what Yaesu did with the FT-90x series - and in fact, a YO-901 will play nicely with the FT-980 when cabled properly. Very similar 1st IF DNA, so to speak.
There's a Yaesu-modified FTV-901R w/ cable kicking around the collection, an FC-757AT and two FL-7000 amplifiers - so the peripheral complement is well represented. Amongst rigs of the period, it's my favorite. There are two inline here at the moment.
Your TCXO mod sounds interesting. I've had to replace the 30.0000MHz reference oscillator crystal in two of the radios (Yaesu sold me a handful of spares - thanks Jose!) but a rework of that area may preclude the parts aging out of spec - as they often do. Another thing I'm working on is a bit of reverse-engineering of the accessory band PROM so the rig can be properly fitted with things like 60M and maintain optimum spectral purity. I bought a bunch of red and green 1x5mm LEDs and am going to change some of the yellow indicators out whenever I have the front panels off the rigs.
Lastly, computer control. I'll be happy to assist the group with Hamlib-related efforts. For a bit of retro-computing fun I'm thinking about writing a CAT program for the Tandy Model 100/102 (I have two of the latter). They're neat little computers and would excel in a dedicated role like this. A Model 10x is also small enough that it won't hog your operating desk space.
73 - and Happy 2021 all.
Fred, N8YX
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Re: FT-980 Frequency Display Offset - Adjustment?
Hi Mark,
The heated 30MHz master crystal will drift over time as it (and other components like the pulling caps) age. After almost 40 years this drift will probably be signficant (it certainly was in my FT-980). I included an article in the "Repair" folder in the files section on how to "re-calibrate" it, along with what to do if the drift exceeds the stock trimmer-cap adjustment capability.
-Mat
N8TW
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Hi Wald,
Today I verified my FT-980 CAT interface was still functional by trying a couple of the direct interface SW packages (see the files section of this group).
I then used WSJT-X and set it up (4800,N,2). It connected to the rig, and read the frequency/band correctly. I then ran into one of the issues related to the antique FT-980 CAT system: when the CAT control is enabled, the CAT-related front controls are disabled). WSJT-X didn't release the CAT controls, so things like the mode and frequency (dial) and band were disabled. To use them I needed to either shut down WSJT-X, or turn off the rig control is settings. Note that this doesn't affect the analog settings iike mic gain, AF volume, etc.
If you aren't planning on changing any of the CAT settings once you start WSJT-X I think this will work for you. I'm wondering what the right approach is: should Hamlib be modified to take control, read/write, and then release control so the front panel will work in-between? Or should it continue to lock out the front controls as long as a program is interfacing? Hmmm ...
After this exercise I then tried fldigi, which also says it supports the FT-980 rig control via Hamlib (like WSJT-X). However, I was not able to get it to connect at all. Not sure of the issue here: I will likely need to put a com-sniffer in place to see what the traffic looks like.
--
-Mat Breton, N8TW
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Re: FT-980 Frequency Display Offset - Adjustment?
Thank you Robert & Mat.?
I’ll try the trimmer cap first to see what effect it has on the displayed frequency.?
In the meantime, a more impacting challenge has arisen... weak modulation on AM.?
With Mic Gain at max, people comment on poor modulation. I can’t get any action on the ALC meter in AM and need to almost shout to get it moving on SSB. ?
Given your respective experiences, any clues will be appreciated.?
If it’s significant, the unit was built in 1985.?
All the best,
Mark VK2MOH
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On 2 Jan 2021, at 02:24, Mat Breton <i.m.n8tw@...> wrote: ?Hi Mark,
The heated 30MHz master crystal will drift over time as it (and other components like the pulling caps) age. After almost 40 years this drift will probably be signficant (it certainly was in my FT-980). I included an article in the "Repair" folder in the files section on how to "re-calibrate" it, along with what to do if the drift exceeds the stock trimmer-cap adjustment capability.
-Mat
N8TW
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N4PL
Mat Breton N8TW