CatDisplay FT-817 - User Manual

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 Page 1 of 2

Summary

CatDisplay

Installation FT-817, FT-817 ND & FT-818 ND

Setup instructions for FT-817/818 models, including CAT speed and connection.

Installation FT-857, FT-857 D, FT-897 & FT-897 D

Setup instructions for FT-857/897 models, including CAT speed and port selection.

How the display plugs in

Guidance on connecting the CatDisplay to the transceiver, emphasizing care.

Display Options

External S-Meter

Connecting an external S-meter to the CatDisplay for signal strength indication.

Important Notes (All Models)

Key operational notes and potential issues for all CatDisplay models.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The CatDisplay is an external screen designed for use with Yaesu FT-817, FT-818, FT-857, and FT-897 series transceivers. It connects to the transceiver's CAT port, drawing power and reading data to display information. The device is designed to read information only and does not write data back to the transceiver, nor can it be used to control the transceiver. It's important to note that some changes made on the transceiver's screen or via its keys and knobs may not be instantly reflected on the CatDisplay, leading to a slight delay in updates.

Function Description:

The primary function of the CatDisplay is to provide an external display for transceiver information. It reads various parameters from the connected Yaesu transceiver, including frequency, mode, signal strength, and other settings, and presents them on its screen. This can be particularly useful for operators who prefer a larger or secondary display for monitoring transceiver status.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Compatibility: Yaesu FT-817, FT-817ND, FT-818ND, FT-857, FT-857D, FT-897, FT-897D transceivers.
• Connection: Plugs into the transceiver's CAT port.
• Power Source: Powered directly from the CAT port.
• Data Flow: Read-only from the transceiver; does not write data or control the transceiver.
• CAT Speed: Supports 4800, 9600, or 38400 bps, configurable on the transceiver.
• External S-Meter Output: Provides a PWM signal (0-5V) for connecting an external analog S-Meter. This output is directly connected to the display's micro-controller, so caution is advised against shorting or applying external voltage.
• Internal Switches (for display options):
  • SW1 (HUD): Inverts the display, making it suitable for viewing in a mirror or reflective surface (Heads-Up Display).
  • SW2 (FLIP): Flips the screen, allowing for cable entry from either the right or left side of the case.
  • SW3 (60m Band): Disables the 60m band on FT-817 and older FT-857 models when switched on.
  • SW4: Not used and has no effect.
• SD Card Slot: The micro SD Card slot on the display is not used for any function.

Usage Features:

• Installation:
  • CAT Speed Configuration: Before connecting, the transceiver's CAT speed must be set to match the CatDisplay's supported rates (4800, 9600, or 38400 bps). This is done through the transceiver's menu:
    • For FT-817/818: Menu #014 "CAT RATE".
    • For FT-857/897: Menu #019 "CAT RATE".
  • CAT Port Connection: The cable connecting the CatDisplay to the transceiver has fragile pins. Users must ensure correct orientation and avoid forcing the plugs to prevent damage.
  • FT-857/897 Specifics: These models have both a rear CAT port and a front microphone CAT port. If using the rear CAT port, ensure Menu #020 "CAT/LIN/TUNER" is set to "CAT". If using the microphone CAT port, ensure Menu #059 "MIC SEL" is set to "CAT".
• Display Orientation: The display can be flipped or inverted using internal switches (SW1 and SW2). To change these settings, the CatDisplay must be turned off, the back cover removed, the display carefully unplugged, the desired switch adjusted, and then reassembled.
• External S-Meter Connection: An external analog S-Meter can be connected to the display's dedicated pins. A 0.1uF to 4.7uF capacitor can be added to smooth meter action. A variable resistor (10k, 100k, etc.) in series can be used to adjust the meter range. AGC speed on the transceiver also affects meter action.
• VFO Mode Requirement: The transceiver must be in VFO mode for the CatDisplay to function correctly. Memory mode does not work with CatDisplay, and the display will show incorrect information if the transceiver is in memory mode.
• CAT Port Sharing: The CatDisplay does not have a pass-through port. If another CAT-connected device (e.g., tuner) is used, it must have its own pass-through port, operate at the same baud rate, and correctly pass all CAT commands. Many tuners have rudimentary pass-through ports that do not interpret traffic, potentially causing confusion or lock-up. FT-857/897 models offer a second, independent microphone CAT port to mitigate this issue, which is not available on FT-817/818.
• Menu and Sub-menu Updates: Menu and sub-menu information on CatDisplay will only update after pressing and holding the F button for one second on the transceiver, which writes the information to EEPROM. In some cases, the EEPROM may not update until a band or mode change. This is a characteristic of Yaesu programming, not a fault of CatDisplay.
• Transverter Display: CatDisplay does not show any transverter offset loaded into menu options 089 or 090.
• FT-817/818 "Always On": The power button on FT-817/818 does not turn off the CAT port's 13.8V supply. Therefore, the CatDisplay will remain on even when the transceiver is turned off.

Maintenance Features:

• Fragility: The display is fragile and can be broken. Users are advised to handle it with respect, avoid direct sunlight, and refrain from pressing, squashing, or squeezing it.
• Voltage Adjustment: A trimmer is located between the power switch and the CAT port for calibrating the displayed voltage.
• Interference: High RF fields may cause interference with the CatDisplay.
• Cleaning: The manual does not specify cleaning instructions, but given the fragility, gentle cleaning with a soft, dry cloth would be advisable.
• Internal Access: To change display options (SW1, SW2, SW3), the back cover must be removed, and the display carefully unplugged. This suggests a degree of user-level maintenance for configuration.

CatDisplay FT-817 Specifications

General

Brand	CatDisplay
Model	FT-817
Category	Monitor
Language	English