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
|
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
|
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
|
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
_._,_._,_
|
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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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
|
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
|
Back into this thread after a few days hiatus spent playing with non-ham-radio things.
Since the transceiver's history is unknown, the first rule of troubleshooting comes into play: "Assume nothing". Set the two reference oscillators per the Technical Manual. Then examine the behavior when on the Gen VFO...did it change?
In terms of modifications, there are three potential classes here: Those which Yaesu published or offered (including the General Coverage RF Unit module), those which the Fox Tango Club and affiliated persons published...and those which never were documented, were partially finished, etc. At some point in the past, the transceiver might have had a homebrewed/undocumented modification designed to accomplish a specific objective other than enabling the Gen VFO to transmit. Going back to the Balanced Modulator and other mixer circuits: After verifying reference oscillator settings, the next thing needed in this area is to confirm proper operation at the circuit on both Ham and Gen VFOs when in USB and LSB. This will give potential insight for the next part of the process.
With an accurate frequency counter, look at the output of Q4007 (2SC535A) or the input of Q3009 (MC1496P; the Balanced Modulator). Do so in USB and LSB when in Ham and Gen VFO mode. Referring to the data in the Technical Supplement, one should see signals of 8984.5 or 8990.5KHz (mode dependent) at these points. What is seen here?
73 - Fred, N8YX
|
Re: Old Yahoo Files inaccessible
Thanks Roger.
I found it necessary to save the link to my PC and open it from there. For some reason, my Chrome browser wouldn't open the link directly.
All good now,
Mark
VK2MOH
|
Re: Old Yahoo Files inaccessible
Hi Mark, If you double click on the html file it should open in your default web browser. It will take longer to open than a typical web page. Use Control F to search.
73
Roger VE7LB
|
Re: Old Yahoo Files inaccessible
Thanks Wald,
It is the file labelled “Old Yahoo Files” on the 开云体育 server to which I referred in my post.?
I can’t access it. That it has a .html ending in its label suggests something is amiss.?
Mark VK2MOH
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On 6 Jun 2020, at 21:40, Wald N4PL via groups.io <n4pl@...> wrote: ?
Hi Mark,
Yahoo deleted all file repositories last year so look there no more.? But Roger VE7LB moved (mni tnx!!!) the files to the groups.io server. You are subscribed, so there should be no restrictions.
GL and let us know if something is missing.
73, Wald N4PL
On Saturday, June 6, 2020, 7:32:28 AM EDT, VK2MOH <vk2moh@...> wrote:
Hi,
I've been trying to access the old Yahoo group files but there seems to be some problem. Can anyone assist?
|
have 2 980s from 1982,1983 shortly after purchase, yaesu contacted original owners and offered a general transmit board. they asked 9.95$ to cover handling. easy installation was drop in, solder couple pins into already existing board, connect couple wires. said you needed to use an external low pass filter if ever using the gen for new bands. they had a separate set of wider band pass filter for gen coverage and they would not be adequate for fcc supression. have the directions somewhere. both still operate properly after all these years there was a hodge podge mod put together by the ft user group people, but very complicated. probably still have in my ft newsletters from back then bob donchez wb3hyb
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On Jun 6, 2020, at 10:21 AM, Dave Thompson <thompson@...> wrote: ? Fred,
No FT-980 ever had GEN TX unless it was modified by the owner.? I did have one years ago that Phil K4DPK modified? and he did not use the risky Yaesu recommended mod.?
73 Dave K4JRB
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred_N8YX
Sent: Jun 5, 2020 1:30 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] GEN mode probelm
I did a little research in the Technical Supplement. Short of a circuit malfunction or (unknown) modification, there should be no way that Ham/Gen VFO selection logic should unbalance the various mixers, the Balanced Modulator or alter the BFO frequency.
So, a couple of questions: Did the radio ever work properly? If so, what happened immediately prior to the failure?
One thing I would check is the setting of TC4001 (another member hinted about this). Consult the Technical Supplement for the procedure and the frequency to which it is set. The symptoms are characteristic of a malfunctioning Balanced Modulator; that is, one whose Carrier Null point isn't set properly. Since everything in this rig is tied to a couple of reference oscillators and logically derived from them, we need to figure out if it's an adjustment issue or a logic fault.
73 - Fred, N8YX
|
Fred,
No FT-980 ever had GEN TX unless it was modified by the owner.? I did have one years ago that Phil K4DPK modified? and he did not use the risky Yaesu recommended mod.?
73 Dave K4JRB
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred_N8YX
Sent: Jun 5, 2020 1:30 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] GEN mode probelm
I did a little research in the Technical Supplement. Short of a circuit malfunction or (unknown) modification, there should be no way that Ham/Gen VFO selection logic should unbalance the various mixers, the Balanced Modulator or alter the BFO frequency.
So, a couple of questions: Did the radio ever work properly? If so, what happened immediately prior to the failure?
One thing I would check is the setting of TC4001 (another member hinted about this). Consult the Technical Supplement for the procedure and the frequency to which it is set. The symptoms are characteristic of a malfunctioning Balanced Modulator; that is, one whose Carrier Null point isn't set properly. Since everything in this rig is tied to a couple of reference oscillators and logically derived from them, we need to figure out if it's an adjustment issue or a logic fault.
73 - Fred, N8YX
|
Re: Old Yahoo Files inaccessible
Hi Mark,
Yahoo deleted all file repositories last year so look there no more.? But Roger VE7LB moved (mni tnx!!!) the files to the groups.io server. You are subscribed, so there should be no restrictions.
GL and let us know if something is missing.
73, Wald N4PL
On Saturday, June 6, 2020, 7:32:28 AM EDT, VK2MOH <vk2moh@...> wrote:
Hi,
I've been trying to access the old Yahoo group files but there seems to be some problem. Can anyone assist?
|
Old Yahoo Files inaccessible
Hi,
I've been trying to access the old Yahoo group files but there seems to be some problem. Can anyone assist?
|
Very thanks, Fred, unfortunately I don't know the history of the radio, it was a gift.
Now, if the problem is due of bad adjustem in a VCO or oscillator, the problem should be also in HAM mode, not only in GEN mode.
I repeat: in HAM everything is normal, but in GEN in USB mode, the current is high even without audio on the microphone. In LSB it is normal.
El vie., 5 de jun. de 2020 a la(s) 1:30 PM, Fred_N8YX <N8YX@...> escribió: I did a little research in the Technical Supplement. Short of a circuit malfunction or (unknown) modification, there should be no way that Ham/Gen VFO selection logic should unbalance the various mixers, the Balanced Modulator or alter the BFO frequency.
So, a couple of questions: Did the radio ever work properly? If so, what happened immediately prior to the failure?
One thing I would check is the setting of TC4001 (another member hinted about this). Consult the Technical Supplement for the procedure and the frequency to which it is set. The symptoms are characteristic of a malfunctioning Balanced Modulator; that is, one whose Carrier Null point isn't set properly. Since everything in this rig is tied to a couple of reference oscillators and logically derived from them, we need to figure out if it's an adjustment issue or a logic fault.
73 - Fred, N8YX
|
I did a little research in the Technical Supplement. Short of a circuit malfunction or (unknown) modification, there should be no way that Ham/Gen VFO selection logic should unbalance the various mixers, the Balanced Modulator or alter the BFO frequency.
So, a couple of questions: Did the radio ever work properly? If so, what happened immediately prior to the failure?
One thing I would check is the setting of TC4001 (another member hinted about this). Consult the Technical Supplement for the procedure and the frequency to which it is set. The symptoms are characteristic of a malfunctioning Balanced Modulator; that is, one whose Carrier Null point isn't set properly. Since everything in this rig is tied to a couple of reference oscillators and logically derived from them, we need to figure out if it's an adjustment issue or a logic fault.
73 - Fred, N8YX
|
Hello Roger,
I have check the two controls are not aligned to ensure that white noise is heard in the same way. To achieve this I have had to shift the SHIFT control a little to the left. (see attached photo).
But still, the problem with USB in GEN mode continues on all bands. Thanks, Jose
Dr. José Carlos León Ortega UDI- Universidad para el Desarrollo y la Innovación Tel. (591 3) 3422525
Santa Cruz - Bolivia
El jueves, 4 de junio de 2020 09:37:48 p.?m. GMT-4, Roger VE7LB <roger_ve7lb@...> escribió:
Hi Jose, When on receive and the IF shift and width controls are centered, does the receiver white noise have a similar pitch on LSB & USB? If not can the IF shift control be set to a point where the white noise does have a similar pitch on LSB & USB? ? When the current goes up in USB do the IF width and/or IF shift controls have any effect on the problem? ? Does the FT-980 have AM filters installed? ? 73 Roger VE7LB ? ? ?
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of jose carlos leon via groups.io Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:38 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] GEN mode probelm ? Hi guys, ?I have measured the output frequency in this abnormal mode that my FT980. ?I remind you of the problem: "In the GEN mode, when the USB is activated, the current (uo to10 A) and power output of the radio are high, even without modulating the microphone. In LSB it does not happen". ?Well, I measured all frequencies at the output of the 50 ohm dummy load, both OM and many others (1.8, 3.7, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 10.1, 12.1, 14.1, 18.1, 20.1, 21.1, 24.9, 26.1, 28.5 and 29.8 MHz ). In all of them, the output frequency is the same as that shown on the display. ?In LSB mode there is no current and output. In AM is, depending on the position of the DRIVE control. ? Jose - CP6CL Dr. José Carlos León Ortega UDI- Universidad para el Desarrollo y la Innovación Tel. (591 3) 3422525
Santa Cruz - Bolivia El jueves, 4 de junio de 2020 05:33:19 p.?m. GMT-4, Dave Thompson <thompson@...> escribió: Maybe I misunderstood the question but The came from the factory to able to just receive in GEN mode.? Yaesu and others had ways to get the 980 to transmit on GEN.? I bought a FT-980 that transmitted on GEN and I used that on 60 meters.? I had the separte channels? in memories so all I had to do was turn on the rig and hit a memory button.? Worked great until others got 60 meter (5 mhz) and could use other modes and frequencies.? Cheating on power was obvious as I heard stations on m7 80 meter half loop but several stations always got better signals than I did.? I worked 21 DXCC entities plus 41 states including KH6 and KL7.
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Hi Jose, When on receive and the IF shift and width controls are centered, does the receiver white noise have a similar pitch on LSB & USB? If not can the IF shift control be set to a point where the white noise does have a similar pitch on LSB & USB? ? When the current goes up in USB do the IF width and/or IF shift controls have any effect on the problem? ? Does the FT-980 have AM filters installed? ? 73 Roger VE7LB ? ? ?
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From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of jose carlos leon via groups.io Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:38 PM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-980] GEN mode probelm ? Hi guys, ?I have measured the output frequency in this abnormal mode that my FT980. ?I remind you of the problem: "In the GEN mode, when the USB is activated, the current (uo to10 A) and power output of the radio are high, even without modulating the microphone. In LSB it does not happen". ?Well, I measured all frequencies at the output of the 50 ohm dummy load, both OM and many others (1.8, 3.7, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1 10.1, 12.1, 14.1, 18.1, 20.1, 21.1, 24.9, 26.1, 28.5 and 29.8 MHz ). In all of them, the output frequency is the same as that shown on the display. ?In LSB mode there is no current and output. In AM is, depending on the position of the DRIVE control. ? Jose - CP6CL Dr. José Carlos León Ortega UDI- Universidad para el Desarrollo y la Innovación Tel. (591 3) 3422525
Santa Cruz - Bolivia El jueves, 4 de junio de 2020 05:33:19 p.?m. GMT-4, Dave Thompson <thompson@...> escribió: Maybe I misunderstood the question but The came from the factory to able to just receive in GEN mode.? Yaesu and others had ways to get the 980 to transmit on GEN.? I bought a FT-980 that transmitted on GEN and I used that on 60 meters.? I had the separte channels? in memories so all I had to do was turn on the rig and hit a memory button.? Worked great until others got 60 meter (5 mhz) and could use other modes and frequencies.? Cheating on power was obvious as I heard stations on m7 80 meter half loop but several stations always got better signals than I did.? I worked 21 DXCC entities plus 41 states including KH6 and KL7.
|
Hi guys,
?I have measured the output frequency in this
abnormal mode that my FT980.
?I remind you of the problem: "In the GEN mode,
when the USB is activated, the current (uo to10 A) and power output of the radio are high, even without modulating the microphone. In LSB it does not happen".
?Well, I measured all frequencies at the output
of the 50 ohm dummy load, both OM and many others (1.8, 3.7, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1
10.1, 12.1, 14.1, 18.1, 20.1, 21.1, 24.9, 26.1, 28.5 and 29.8 MHz ). In all of
them, the output frequency is the same as that shown on the display.
?In LSB mode there is no current and output. In AM is, depending
on the position of the DRIVE control.
? Jose - CP6CL
Dr. José Carlos León Ortega UDI- Universidad para el Desarrollo y la Innovación Tel. (591 3) 3422525
Santa Cruz - Bolivia
El jueves, 4 de junio de 2020 05:33:19 p.?m. GMT-4, Dave Thompson <thompson@...> escribió:
Hello Gang,
Maybe I misunderstood the question but The came from the factory to able to just receive in GEN mode.? Yaesu and others had ways to get the 980 to transmit on GEN.? I bought a FT-980 that transmitted on GEN and I used that on 60 meters.? I had the separte channels? in memories so all I had to do was turn on the rig and hit a memory button.? Worked great until others got 60 meter (5 mhz) and could use other modes and frequencies.? Cheating on power was obvious as I heard stations on m7 80 meter half loop but several stations always got better signals than I did.? I worked 21 DXCC entities plus 41 states including KH6 and KL7.
73 dave K4JRB
? ? ?
|
N4PL
