Locked Re: CAT control for Icom IC-756 Pro III #Cat_RigControl


Michael Black
 

This one should work though there are some recommendations to add chokes to it.  If you get cat errors while transmitting would mean you need to work on RFI in the shack and possibly add chokes to the cable.
https://www.amazon.com/BQLZR-Cable-IC-275-IC-756Pro-Shortwave/dp/B00IM9HVBW

My ever-expanding list of RFI recommendations
RFI Problems
TestsIf problems are occurring only during transmit: #1 Reduce power to zero and see if the problem stops -- if it does stop than it is definitely RFI.  You will see certain higher power levels on certain bands that cause problems. Then, if problems are occurring during non-transmit periods it indicates a system problem with USB devices so... #1 Check USB Power Management option is turned off on all USB devices Device Manager for Windows. For Linux set autosuspend=-1 https://docs.kernel.org/driver-api/usb/power-management.html
RFI Fixes: #1 Free - Move USB cables to another port -- some ports are more susceptible than others. #2 Free -- Check your grounding system.  rod-outside-the-shack is a common problem when it's not bonded to the main house ground.  Common grounding mistakes: A. Ground rod outside the shack that is not bonded to the main house ground. B. Shack equipment bonded incorrectly (e.g. daisy chained instead of common ground point) C. Desktop computer grounded to the house ground instead of the shack ground. D. Ethernet cables that bring RFI into the computer...which then ends up going to the rig too since the ethernet shield is tied to the case which is tied to USB shield which is tied to pin 4 on the USB cable (a very common problem on most all USB devices -- see my QRZ page). E. Wall warts -- 24VAC supplies in sprinkler and alarm systems are notorious for picking up RFI into your electrical system. F. Speaker wires G. Lamps (yes...lamps around the house have unshielded wires as do many other appliances). H. Washer/Dryers are notorious for generating and picking up RFI.  
B through G may all need chokes. http://www.k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf  #3 Free -- start unplugging devices around the house and see if there's one device that is acting as a bad source of RFI.  This presupposes you can easily repeat the problem on your rig setup. #4 Cheap -- Add some USB shield isolators (see my QRZ page).  I use one on my SignaLink for example. #5 Minimal $$ -- Good USB cables like this https://www.amazon.ca/Tripp-U023-006-Device-Ferrite-Chokes/dp/B003MQ29B2/ref=sr_1_5?crid=11YRNPWDVWGCU&keywords=usb+cable+with+choke&qid=1658187349&sprefix=usb+cable+with+choke%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-5 #6 Maybe free (if you have chokes...otherwise can get a bit costly) -- add chokes to USB cables first, then all other cables including power, ethernet, and control cables. Fair-Rite torroids are good quality -- do NOT buy cheap Chinese ones --  https://www.fair-rite.com/product/toroids-5943003801/  You can use clip-ons but torroids allow multiple wraps and give better results. https://www.fair-rite.com/product/round-cable-snap-its-431176451/ I couldn't find type 31 torroids at Fair-Rite as of 20220721 but Palomar has some palomar-engineers.com/ferrite-products/ferrite-cores/ferrite-ring-toroid-combo-pack/ Newark also carries them https://newark.com/c/passive-components/emc-rfi-suppression/ferrites-ferrite-assortments?brand=fair-rite

Mike W9MDB

On Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 06:17:56 PM CDT, bobfox <oe7oer@...> wrote:

Sorry if this has been addressed before, I recently bought a used Icom IC-756 Pro III.
How do I connect this radio to a Win11 PC?
What CAT interface do I need and where can I get it?

vy 73 de Robert, OE7OER

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