I need help making the cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier

[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1124 Edited I need help making the cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier. I have looked at posts by both Joe and?K9TRX.USA@...,?but still am confused.?? Joe uses the name: Yaesu Cable SCU-28.? Not sure what that is...is it the same as the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug? Joe's wiring chart shows "Amp key in" for the Palstar side, but no "Amp key in" is shown for the Yaesu side? ? I already tried a cable I used with the Ebay version of the Din plug, but no go.? I am convinced that either the new Palstar LA-1K is faulty from the factory, or that somehow I have the pin wires mis-wired.?? I finally received the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug with wires in the mail.? I still have another DB-9 YL-SMG-9DF left from the Amazon order. I am also wondering why I cannot post on the previous posts here at groups.io? Can someone help me please? Here is a copy of the post I posted at QRZ describing the challenges I have faced. Hello everyone! I purchased a new Palstar LA-1K from Palstar some months ago. The people at Palstar have been incredibly kind and helpful on a consistent basis. I also purchased a new Yaesu FT DX-10 locally from HRO here in Sacramento. Jim at HRO has also been super kind and helpful every time I visit the HRO candy store! Literally every vendor in the world has been out of the interface cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. The cable that many people use is the?Ameritron Band Data Interface Cables DB-10MY [Part Number: AME-DB-10MY]. They have been out of this interface cable for months and tell me it could be many, many months before they receive the parts to manufacture new cables. I have struggled for months to get the DX-10 and the LA-1k to work together. Still no go. I have carefully mated the Yaesu 10 pin din plug with the DB9 plug. My first attempt did not work. Later as I carefully tested every wire and pin with an ohm meter, I discovered the darn DB9 plug #9 hole/connector did not work! So it was obviously a defective DB9 plug shipped from Amazon. Next attempt I First tested the next DB9 plug before assembling it to the din plug. Still no success. I called Mark at Palstar [incredibly kind, helpful and patient man]. He shared that sometimes the DB9 pin numbers are mixed up and not the same as the Palstar pin numbers. He also shared that if you take a flashlight you can carefully look at the Palstar radio interface jack on the back of the LA-1K and actually see the numbers of each pin. Sure enough the darn DB9 plug came wired opposite of the Palstar wire configuration. So, on my third attempt, carefully connected the all the wires together between the Yaesu din plug and the DB-9. Still no success. I carefully checked all connections with an ohm meter again and everything checked out perfectly. I am at a loss of why I cannot find success connecting the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. I got most of my information on the parts to assemble the interface cable from the Palstar groupsio site. Again, most of the people there were very helpful with the exception of a couple of super negative chronically toxic people. Finally, Paul, the CEO of Palstar graciously offered to send me a cable from Palstar [their very last cable]. He will ship it tomorrow. I am asking here at QRZ if there is anyone that specializes in making interface cables? I would like to purchase 2-3 interface cables that will successfully connect the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. Even though Paul at Palstar offered to let me keep the cable, I would like to send him the cable back and maybe even include as extra cable. I believe in rewarding kindness. I would also like to keep a couple of cables for back up purposes. Can someone here at QRZ help me please? Thank you, Dirk
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1126 开云体育 The la-1k is RF sensing, and the only "required cable" is PTT.? I am a FTDX10 owner and just used PTT for the first few months.? The disadvantage I found to using PTT is the very slight delay for CW over a cable, so I decided to make my own. How about this deal, I'll just give you my cable.? Or I have another Anmbest DB9 I will never use, so just mail me the cable you bought off ebay, and I'll wire it, and mail it to you.? Your choice. David On 3/18/2023 4:51 PM, heraldranch777@... wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text I need help making the cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier. I have looked at posts by both Joe and?K9TRX.USA@...,?but still am confused.?? Joe uses the name: Yaesu Cable SCU-28.? Not sure what that is...is it the same as the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug? Joe's wiring chart shows "Amp key in" for the Palstar side, but no "Amp key in" is shown for the Yaesu side? ? I already tried a cable I used with the Ebay version of the Din plug, but no go.? I am convinced that either the new Palstar LA-1K is faulty from the factory, or that somehow I have the pin wires mis-wired.?? I finally received the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug with wires in the mail.? I still have another DB-9 YL-SMG-9DF left from the Amazon order. I am also wondering why I cannot post on the previous posts here at groups.io? Can someone help me please? Also, I am beginning to feel more and more pissed off at Palstar.? They sell a $4000 amplifier but do not offer a pre-built cable to connect a Yaesu FT DX -10 to their LA-1K?? If you look at Mercury Amps website, they offer just about every cable for their amps.? The Ameritron 1306 cable that is suppose to work with the LA-1K is out of order for months? What the hell man? Not a good way to run a company at all.
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1127 David, That is super kind of you to offer to help me.? Thank you! Paul, the CEO at Palstar called me this morning.? He offered to send me their last cable for free.? It will ship tomorrow.? Now I wish I did not post my rant in the post above.? I am gonna try to clean up my post listed above.? Paul was super kind and helpful and has gone out of his way to make this right for me.? And Mark, the techie at Palstar has also been super kind and patient and helpful.? David, here is what I would like to do.? I would like to find somebody to manufacture 4 of these cables.? I will gladly pay for the parts and labor and shipping.? I would like to send both Paul and Mark at Palstar a new cable [I believe in rewarding kindness], and I would also like to keep two cables as back ups. I have posted this request a few minutes ago at QRZ in the amplifier forum. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks, Dirk
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1128 开云体育 I'm happy to assemble and test the 4 cables, but have a question.? Is the cable I have experience assembling acceptable? Below is the DB9 Below is the cable ordered from Ebay -?? YAESU FTDX10 FTDX1200 FT-950 10-PIN MINI-DIN Cable All 10 Pins Wired Thanks, David On 3/21/2023 1:18 PM, heraldranch777@... wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text [Edited Message Follows] I need help making the cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier. I have looked at posts by both Joe and?K9TRX.USA@...,?but still am confused.?? Joe uses the name: Yaesu Cable SCU-28.? Not sure what that is...is it the same as the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug? Joe's wiring chart shows "Amp key in" for the Palstar side, but no "Amp key in" is shown for the Yaesu side? ? I already tried a cable I used with the Ebay version of the Din plug, but no go.? I am convinced that either the new Palstar LA-1K is faulty from the factory, or that somehow I have the pin wires mis-wired.?? I finally received the DXE-YSU-10PMD-UN Din plug with wires in the mail.? I still have another DB-9 YL-SMG-9DF left from the Amazon order. I am also wondering why I cannot post on the previous posts here at groups.io? Can someone help me please? Here is a copy of the post I posted at QRZ describing the challenges I have faced. Hello everyone! I purchased a new Palstar LA-1K from Palstar some months ago. The people at Palstar have been incredibly kind and helpful on a consistent basis. I also purchased a new Yaesu FT DX-10 locally from HRO here in Sacramento. Jim at HRO has also been super kind and helpful every time I visit the HRO candy store! Literally every vendor in the world has been out of the interface cable that connects the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. The cable that many people use is the?Ameritron Band Data Interface Cables DB-10MY [Part Number: AME-DB-10MY]. They have been out of this interface cable for months and tell me it could be many, many months before they receive the parts to manufacture new cables. I have struggled for months to get the DX-10 and the LA-1k to work together. Still no go. I have carefully mated the Yaesu 10 pin din plug with the DB9 plug. My first attempt did not work. Later as I carefully tested every wire and pin with an ohm meter, I discovered the darn DB9 plug #9 hole/connector did not work! So it was obviously a defective DB9 plug shipped from Amazon. Next attempt I First tested the next DB9 plug before assembling it to the din plug. Still no success. I called Mark at Palstar [incredibly kind, helpful and patient man]. He shared that sometimes the DB9 pin numbers are mixed up and not the same as the Palstar pin numbers. He also shared that if you take a flashlight you can carefully look at the Palstar radio interface jack on the back of the LA-1K and actually see the numbers of each pin. Sure enough the darn DB9 plug came wired opposite of the Palstar wire configuration. So, on my third attempt, carefully connected the all the wires together between the Yaesu din plug and the DB-9. Still no success. I carefully checked all connections with an ohm meter again and everything checked out perfectly. I am at a loss of why I cannot find success connecting the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. I got most of my information on the parts to assemble the interface cable from the Palstar groupsio site. Again, most of the people there were very helpful with the exception of a couple of super negative chronically toxic people. Finally, Paul, the CEO of Palstar graciously offered to send me a cable from Palstar [their very last cable]. He will ship it tomorrow. I am asking here at QRZ if there is anyone that specializes in making interface cables? I would like to purchase 2-3 interface cables that will successfully connect the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K. Even though Paul at Palstar offered to let me keep the cable, I would like to send him the cable back and maybe even include as extra cable. I believe in rewarding kindness. I would also like to keep a couple of cables for back up purposes. Can someone here at QRZ help me please? Thank you, Dirk
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1129 David, Those are the exact two items I purchased from Amazon and Ebay.? Be warned though, one of the?Anmbest 2PCS DB9 Solderless RS232 was faulty [pin 9 had a broken connection]. ?
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1130 开云体育 Wuhan appears to be a Chinese company so that doesn't surprise me about Quality Control. ?However, if someone knows of a solder-less db9 of better quality let me know.?? I do solder, and have plenty of flux/solder and Iron. The reason why I went the solderless way was because of my eyes and hands. The parts are so small and the hands aren't real steady at that scale :) Thanks, David On 3/21/2023 1:35 PM, heraldranch777@... wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text David, Those are the exact two items I purchased from Amazon and Ebay.? Be warned though, one of the?Anmbest 2PCS DB9 Solderless RS232 was faulty [pin 9 had a broken connection]. ?
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1133 David, I do not even have a PTT cable installed.? Are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier requires an additional PTT Cable? Or, are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier set up would work with ONLY a PTT cable? Please clarify. Thank you! Dirk
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1134 开云体育 The only required connections are --? RF In and RF Out and PTT (Push to Talk).?? What the above is saying, besides your RF IN/OUT you are only required to have a PTT.?? You can see at the bottom of the below graphic, this is stated, and I got this from the la-1k manual.?? If you are a FTDX10 Owner, keep reading because there is bad news :)? To answer your question, Yes, it will work with just the PTT along with RF IN/OUT, and work just fine. The FTDX10 does not have a RCA input/output for PTT, so once again we are kinda stuck either making a cable or buying a cable.? In my opinion the band switching cable works a little better for 2 reasons. 1. The band switching cable is considered "Direct Mode Keying" and the RF delay is a little shorter using this method. 2. I use a Trans-match (ATU), and the amp Automatically kicks me into Standby when I switch bands.? This is opposed to using PTT cable, which I the operator have to remember to put myself on standby before transmitting to tune on a different band. Bottom Line?? Either you use the PTT RCA cable OR the Band Switching cable.? Not both. Hope that helps, David On 3/21/2023 6:38 PM, heraldranch777@... wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text David, I do not even have a PTT cable installed.? Are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier requires an additional PTT Cable? Or, are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier set up would work with ONLY a PTT cable? Please clarify. Thank you! Dirk
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1135 开云体育 I was thinking about what I wrote, and thought.... Boy I absolutely love my FTDX10, what a great radio, but what a PITA to get working with an AMP and or trans match. lol The RCA PTT I was referring to, is more specifically a 8 pin mini Din to RCA.? There is a seller on ebay that makes them specifically for this purpose. ? The seller name is "cw-man" ->? Thanks, David On 3/21/2023 7:24 PM, David Campeau wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text The only required connections are --? RF In and RF Out and PTT (Push to Talk).?? What the above is saying, besides your RF IN/OUT you are only required to have a PTT.?? You can see at the bottom of the below graphic, this is stated, and I got this from the la-1k manual.?? If you are a FTDX10 Owner, keep reading because there is bad news :)? To answer your question, Yes, it will work with just the PTT along with RF IN/OUT, and work just fine. The FTDX10 does not have a RCA input/output for PTT, so once again we are kinda stuck either making a cable or buying a cable.? In my opinion the band switching cable works a little better for 2 reasons. 1. The band switching cable is considered "Direct Mode Keying" and the RF delay is a little shorter using this method. 2. I use a Trans-match (ATU), and the amp Automatically kicks me into Standby when I switch bands.? This is opposed to using PTT cable, which I the operator have to remember to put myself on standby before transmitting to tune on a different band. Bottom Line?? Either you use the PTT RCA cable OR the Band Switching cable.? Not both. Hope that helps, David On 3/21/2023 6:38 PM, heraldranch777@... wrote: David, I do not even have a PTT cable installed.? Are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier requires an additional PTT Cable? Or, are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier set up would work with ONLY a PTT cable? Please clarify. Thank you! Dirk
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1136 David, Thank you for your clear explanation.? I ordered the 8 pin mini Din to RCA interface cable you mentioned.? At least I will have one more type of backup. I do have another question...what exactly is the difference in performance between the 8 pin mini Din to RCA and the Band Switching Cable? Will I need to switch the band manually when using the 8 pin mini Din to RCA? Last, and this is really good news, Eva at Palstar offered to pay for shipping if we discover there is something wrong with the LA-1K. Also they shipped the Band Switching Cable today. So I am finally seeing light at the end of this really long tunnel!
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1137 开云体育 "what exactly is the difference in performance between the 8 pin mini Din to RCA and the Band Switching Cable?" I do not know the exact differences in performance/delay as some of this does go over my head, and I'm not afraid to admit it.? However, the 2 below graphics I coped out of the manual. Based on my plebe perspective and understanding of circuits (not much), it appears at the very least, Direct Keying Mode doesn't have to Validate the Band Frequency, and hence doesn't have that built in delay like Normal Keying mode has. It also seems to me, thought I could be wrong, there is more than that, but hopefully a real expert in this area will jump in and explain those precise differences.? "Will I need to switch the band manually when using the 8 pin mini Din to RCA?" The LA-1k Is auto sensing of RF, so you should never have to manually change the band on the la-1k.? Just keep in mind, when you switch bands, and not using an antenna that is resonant or close to 2.5:1 or less, you need to make sure to hit the Mode button, on the amplifier, and put it into STBY before transmitting.? If you forget, it isn't the end of the world. The Amp should kick you into STBY when it senses SWR above 2.5, but I find it good practice to not let your amp do that job if I can help it.? What I used to do was change bands, put the amp on STBY, and then tune up. From there put the amp back into "OPR" mode, and start transmitting normally.? This is a nuance worth paying attention to.? If you are using an External Antenna Tuner, pay attention to what the AMP says the SWR is, and not just the Tuner.? The Tuner may say 1:1 but when you key up the AMP may says 1.5:1 for example.?? Now most everyone would agree 1.5:1 is just fine and to leave it alone, but my OCD doesn't agree. So, there may be some cases when your External Antenna Tuner disagrees with the AMP, and that is okay.? Just slowly adjust the tuner until you get as close to a 1:1, and then save those values either in the Tuner memory or write them down for reference. ? Lastly, that is good news from Palstar. I figured they would take care of you, and they sent you a Band Switching Cable, which is even better. Best Regards, David Campeau On 3/22/2023 1:27 PM, ddffbb22 via groups.io wrote: toggle quoted message Show quoted text David, Thank you for your clear explanation.? I ordered the 8 pin mini Din to RCA interface cable you mentioned.? At least I will have one more type of backup. I do have another question...what exactly is the difference in performance between the 8 pin mini Din to RCA and the Band Switching Cable? Will I need to switch the band manually when using the 8 pin mini Din to RCA? Last, and this is really good news, Eva at Palstar offered to pay for shipping if we discover there is something wrong with the LA-1K. Also they shipped the Band Switching Cable today. So I am finally seeing light at the end of this really long tunnel!
Bill K3HZP All Messages By This Member #1138 David, You are on the right track. The info on my website might help clarify the differences of the two modes of operation. 73 .... Bill K3HZP
David Campeau All Messages By This Member #1139 That's an awesome resource! I knew there was someone like yourself that had already done the work, so thanks for sharing. Best Regards, David Campeau ki4dra toggle quoted message Show quoted text On 3/22/2023 5:52 PM, Bill K3HZP wrote: David, You are on the right track. The info on my website might help clarify the differences of the two modes of operation. 73 .... Bill K3HZP
Joe Loverti WW8X All Messages By This Member #1140 Yep, you’re correct there is no TX IN for the FTDX10.? It’s actually TX Out (Pin 2 - Yellow) to Amp key In (Pin 7 - Yellow) on the LA-1K.? In other words: FTDX10 output to LA-1K input. Only 6 pins are used: Blue wire from cable to Pin 1 of socket (Band data B) Red wire from cable to Pin 2 of socket (Band data A) Green wire from cable to Pin 6 of socket (Ground) Yellow wire from cable to Pin 7 of socket (Amp key input) Violet wire from cable to Pin 8 of socket (Band data D) Blue wire from cable to Pin 9 of socket (Band data C) Cable used: Yaesu SCU-28 Connector used: DB9 RS232 at: ? I did continuity tests on the connections and used solder not the screw-downs to connect the wires. This set up has worked perfectly with no problems at all. Hope this helps toggle quoted message Show quoted text On Wed, Mar 22, 2023 at 9:27?PM David Campeau <davidc502@...> wrote: That's an awesome resource! I knew there was someone like yourself that had already done the work, so thanks for sharing. Best Regards, David Campeau ki4dra On 3/22/2023 5:52 PM, Bill K3HZP wrote: > David, > You are on the right track.? The info on my website might help clarify the differences of the two modes of operation. > >? ? ? ? ? ?73 > .... Bill K3HZP > > > > > >
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1141 Quick update: I received the cable from Paul at Palstar and tested the amplifier.? It still does not work.? So now I am thinking it is either the the LA-1K, my new Yaesu FT DX-10, the Palstar HF Auto, antenna, etc. Special note: The Palstar HF Auto works perfect with my Yaesu FT DX-10 and tri-band dipole as well as with my other antenna, the Antron A-99.? My center-fed tri-band antenna is resonant on 20, 40 and 75.? The Antron A-99 is nearly flat for a large band width in 28 MHz. Palstar informed me I can send the new LA-1K back if the cable did not work.? \| Before sending it back, is there anything I could be missing here? For example: is it possible it is the Yaesu FT-DX-10 is not working properly with the LA-1K due to some type of missed settings? What other tests could I do before shipping the LA-1K back to Palstar? Thanks, AJ6XW
Ron - WD8T All Messages By This Member #1142 Did you go into the LA-1K menu and set it to use the data cable? There is a setting for that so if you removed the rca cable and didn't switch it to use the data cable it will not key the amp.
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1143 Yes I did.
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1144 I think we have isolated the problem.? Mark at Palstar just helped me run a number of tests on the LA-1K and he is convinced the linear is not working correctly.? We will ship it back to Palstar asap.
Jim KE4WY #1146 Please tell me you are kidding? Jim KE4WY toggle quoted message Show quoted text On Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 7:38?PM <heraldranch777@...> wrote: David, I do not even have a PTT cable installed.? Are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier requires an additional PTT Cable? Or, are you saying the Yaesu FT DX-10 to the Palstar LA-1K Amplifier set up would work with ONLY a PTT cable? Please clarify. Thank you! Dirk
[email protected] All Messages By This Member #1150 Edited Hi Jim! Kidding about what?? If you are referring to the Palstar LA-1K not working...nope, not kidding.? After performing multiple tests with Palstar using over the phone testing, they now tell me the amplifier is not working. I just got back from Fed Ex.? We shiped it back to Palstar. If you are asking about kidding in regards to the various cable options, I just received another cable...this one is the 8 pin/RCA version that connects to the 8-pin tuner jack on the back of the FT DX-10, then to the RCA on the Palstar. The third option, the 10 pin din plug from the FT DX-10 linear jack to the RCA jack on the LA-1K is sold on Ebay, but the vendor just went on vacation and has indicated he will not sell or ship until he returns from his vacation. What an incredible and strange adventure this has been. Finally seeing light at the end of then long, long tunnel! How are you and what type of linear amplifier are you using?