Some thoughts regarding frequency entry on an FT81x series radio.
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I have one of those BHI keypads and I've only used it to confirm that it works. It can change bands and modes too. The issue for me is that it's just way too big. In fairness that's part of the design since it was intended to provide a tilt facility for the radio too, but a keypad that is almost as large as a portable radio is an epic fail in my view, and it looks like a "My First Wireless Set" that Dorling Kindersly might have sold. No doubt great for the visually impaired though.
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I suppose that most are aware of the MH36 mic which has a keypad? This provides only enter DTMF codes as in not CTCSS and is non-functional for anything much on an FT81x series radio anyway, but it'll work fine on the FT857 and FT897 radios. Come on Yaesu- why? I know you'll never address this point but it won't stop me from asking.
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Here's the thing, the MH59 outputs frequency as well as DTMF codes for the FT857 and FT897, so the codes from the keypad matrix are there. The BHI keypad (and I imagine all the other keypad solutions) access the FT81x's microprocessor via the rear panel port. They can't be different codes from those that? the mic generates? Really? The FT81x, FT857 and FT897 share many attributes and I suspect that these logic control signals are not an exception.
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Following that reasoning, I bought a modular "Y" cable with a view to making a "break-out" for the MH59 mic lead. One socket going to two plugs. I thought maybe I could remove one of the modular plugs and solder on a rear panel port connector to the appropriate pins, or more likely splice a cut off cable to it and with a tail wind it might allow frequency input to the FT81x using the MH59. I never had the confidence to try this, partly because I'd read about possible gotchas when using a "Y" cable to connect more than one device to the rear panel port, but largely due to a lack of basic understanding of what I would be getting into. I then bought a 2 into 1 port sharing thingy from BHI, plugged it in to confirm it worked and never used that again either.
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Since my '818 locks up if I PTT when I simultaneously have a morse key connected and I've not been able to "fix" that, you can understand why I've lost interest in trying to work around this keypad "issue".
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Steve, G4VRR.
Steve