On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 12:52 AM, Ken N2VIP wrote:
I understand you want a keyboard to enter freq in the field 'on-the-fly',
I did once start to make a handheld device with a 4 x 4 keypad, a small mono LCD text panel and buttons under it about 15 years ago. Then changed to graphics LCD. 18Fxxx PIC micro and programmed in JAL. It was powered from 817ND and used CAT commands. I may have started with an 18F4550 and then started to change to a 18F67J50.
I had to change the 4 x 4 to a 3 x 4 and add 4 tact switches to use the case
I simulated the display and program in VB6 on XP with real serial port to FT817 to test the CAT commands and structure.
I'd send all the files to anyone experienced with Eagle, JAL and PIC. Some example Eagle schematic/PCB and JAL programmes attached.
Cases, CPUs, PIC programmers etc available free if you pay shipping. I'm not going to take up JAL or other programming and Electronics again.
Surely someone still sells similar?
(BTW I think Duck Duck Go is now better than Google, for a given definition of better)
There used to be a BHI Radio Mate, but I never bought one because the keypad was the horrible flat kind.
Someone also put a microcontroler and IR rx with CAT interface in a box so a TV remote could be used. Photo added.
I did recently try an Android CAT control App which requires an OTG adaptor and suitable serial / USB etc to CAT port. I have a custom mini-DIN to serial DB9 RS232 (SMD TTL to RS232 in the DB9 case, maybe a MAX232) + jack (analogue band voltage for the Auto ATU) and also direct CAT - USB adaptor for FT817 and compatible. I forget which I tried as I also have a USB - DB9 RS232 adaptor that works with the DB9 adaptor
Mike EI9FEB
