CatDisplay FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, FT-897
CatDisplay
Thank you for purchasing the original CatDisplay.
CatDisplay is an external screen that plugs into the transceiver CAT port.
It is powered by the port, reads data from the transceiver, detects &
decodes changes, then updates the display. CatDisplay reads information
from the transceiver only. It does not write information to
the transceiver and cannot be used to control the transceiver. Some
changes you see on the transceiver screen or make with its keys and
knobs, are not instantly updated in the transceivers EEPROM. In these
cases, you will notice a delay in CatDisplay screen updates.
CatDisplay plugs into the Yaesu CAT port. It does not have a “pass-through” port so you cannot plug another device into
it. If you wish to use another CAT connected device and CatDisplay, that device (e.g. tuner) must have a CAT “pass-
though” port, it must operate at the same baud rate and it must correctly pass through all CAT commands. Many tuners
only feature a rudimentary pass through port and do not interpret the actual traffic on the port. As a result they easily
become confused & lock up. The FT-857& FT-897 do have a 2
nd
, independent microphone CAT port that can be used to
combat this issue. FT-817 & FT-818 do not have the 2
nd
CAT port feature.
CatDisplay is proudly designed, programmed and marketed for Amateur Radio use by ZL1CVD Chris Day, New Zealand.
It was not designed for commercial or life saving purposes.
Installation FT-817, FT-817ND & FT-818ND
• Set CAT speed - On the transceiver, press and hold the FUNC button for one second. With extended menu
activated, rotate the SEL knob to menu #014 “CAT RATE”. Rotate the main tuning knob slowly until the desired
bps is shown (4800, 9600 or 38400). Press and hold the FUNC button for one second to save the setting.
• Plug CatDisplay into CAT port - The cable between CatDisplay and transceiver has fragile pins in its plugs. The
plugs only go into the sockets one way. Do not force them or you will break the plug, socket or both. Once you
plug the CatDisplay into the transceiver, it will automatically communicate and update.
Installation FT-857, FT-857D, FT-897 & FT-897D
• Set CAT speed - On the transceiver, press and hold the FUNC button for one second. With extended menu
activated, rotate the SEL knob to menu #019 “CAT RATE”. Rotate the main tuning knob slowly until the desired
bps is shown (4800, 9600 or 38400). Press and hold the FUNC button for one second to save the setting. The
CAT speed is the same for both the rear and front microphone CAT ports.
•
If using the rear CAT port: press and hold the FUNC button for one second. With extended menu activated,
rotate the SEL knob to menu #020, “CAT/LIN/TUNER”. Rotate main tuning knob slowly until “CAT” selected.
Press and hold the FUNC button for one second to save the setting.
If using the microphone CAT port: press and hold the FUNC button for one second. With extended menu
activated, rotate the SEL knob to menu #059, “MIC SEL”. Rotate main tuning knob slowly until “CAT” selected.
Press and hold the FUNC button for one second to save the setting.
• Plug CatDisplay into CAT port.
The cable between CatDisplay and transceiver has fragile pins in its plugs. The plugs only go into the sockets one
way. Do not force them or you will break the plug, socket or both. Once you plug the CatDisplay into the
transceiver, it will automatically communicate and update.
How the display plugs in
Not all pins on the display are used. It is important to line up the display correctly as pictured. Pay careful attention to the
Cat socket orientation. Be gentle with the display and try to always hold it by its edges!
© 2021 – Chris Day – ZL1CVD - New Zealand Last updated 23/04/2021
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