FT-950 CAT OPERATION REFERENCE BOOK
CAT
(
COMPUTER AIDED TRANSCEIVER
)
OPERATION
OVERVIEW
The CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) System in the
FT-950 transceiver provides control of frequency, VFO,
memory, and other settings such as dual-channel memo-
ries and diversity reception using an external personal
computer. This allows multiple control operations to be
fully automated as single mouse clicks or keystroke op-
erations on the computer keyboard.
The FT-950 transceiver has a built-in level converter, al-
lowing direct connection from the rear-panel CAT jack to
the serial port of your computer without the need of any
external boxes. You will need a serial cable for connec-
tion to the RS-232C (serial or COM port) connector on
your computer. Purchase a standard serial cable (not the
so-called “null modem” type), ensuring it has the correct
gender and number of pins (some serial COM port con-
nectors use a 9-pin rather than 25-pin configuration). If
your computer uses a custom connector, you may have to
construct the cable. In this case, refer to the technical docu-
mentation supplied with your computer for correct data
connection.
Vertex Standard does not produce CAT System operating
software due to the wide variety of personal computers
and operating systems in use today. However, the infor-
mation provided in this chapter explains the serial data
structure and opcodes used by the CAT system. This in-
formation, along with the short programming examples,
is intended to help you start writing programs on your
own. As you become more familiar with CAT operation,
you can customize programs later on for your operating
needs and discover the true operating potential of this sys-
tem.
Page 1
CAT JACK
PIN NO.
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
PIN NAME
N/A
SERIAL OUT
SERIAL IN
N/A
GND
N/A
RTS
CTS
N/A
FUNCTION
---
Outputs the Serial Data from the
transceiver to the computer.
Inputs the Serial Data from the
computer to the transceiver.
---
Signal Ground
---
When the computer is not ready
to receive data, this port goes to
“L” for inhibit the transmit data
from the transceiver.
When the transceiver is not ready
to receive data, this port goes to
“L” for inhibit the transmit data
from the computer.
---
I/O
---
Output
Input
---
---
---
Input
Output
---
TO
1
ANT
DC IN
2
FROM
GND
ROT LINEAR TUNER PTT REC REM KEY
DMU CAT
EXT
SPKR
INPUT: DC 13.8 V
22 A
-TUNE
-TUNE
COM
C
A
T
RS-232C “Straight” Cable
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