Cables for Yaesu FT-847

1

Yaesu FT-847 features:

  • 3.5mm TRS connector for HF packet
  • MiniDin6 connector for FM packet
  • DB9 connector for CAT control (requires RS-232 port configuration)

At the time of posting MiniDin6 cable with 1200 baud pinout & DB9 cables are available in TS-480 kit. MiniDin6 cable with 9600 baud pinout and DB9 RS-232 cable are also available separately.

TRS cable however requires a homebrew build:

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There is no need for capacitor because Digirig has it internally. With that in mind the pinout is:

3.5mm TRS tip → 3.5mm TRRS ring 1 (RIG_AFIN)
3.5mm TRS ring → 3.5mm TRRS tip (RIG_AFOUT)
3.5mm TRS sleeve → 3.5mm TRRS sleeve (GND)
3.5mm TRRS ring 2 (PTT) → 2K → 3.5mm TRRS ring 1 (RIG_AFIN)

Manual can be found here.

2

Denis,

This is really useful information. Thank you for the diagrams and the detail behind the required cables. I had not thought about needing different cables for 1200 or 9600, but I know the 6-pin MINI DIN does have different connections for the RX side, so this makes sense.

Mike VA3MCT

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3

I have the cables all connected, but do not seem to be able to do CAT control through the RS232. IT will do PTT thru the RS232, but not CAT. I Know how to configure CAT over USB to RS232 cables. Is there anything else I should be looking for?

4

Mike,
Looks like this Yaesu use crossover RS-232 connections. I see you ordered Kenwood cable as part of the kit which is straight. From manual:

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I do have some number of crossover cables that are not listed in store. You can order from regular listing and leave a note that you want the cable swapped out.

5

Thanks, that info could help. I have dozens of old RS232 cables so may already have the required crossover or I could build one. If not I’ll reach out to order from you.

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6

I purchased a null modem adapter and all is working without issue now. Thanks for the knowledge and update.
I am using one digiirig on the FT847 for VHF/UHF and the RS232 side of the digirig is doing all CAT control. I am also using a SignalinkUSB for the HF side (FT847 has separate distinct connectors), but I am still using the DIGIRIG RS232 for CAT control on the HF side.
I am also using a second digirig for the FTM400xdr and really happy with how easily it worked.

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7

Old discussion, but I just got off the phone with another FT-847 owner and we had audio connected through MiniDin6 PKT port. Our finding is that it works for UHF/VHF, but not for HF.

It gets the received audio and PTT, but no transmit audio from Digirig to the radio. That will have to go through 3.5mm TRS “Data” socket. Bummer that different cables are required, but what appears to be the case.

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8

Got a confirmation from yet another FT-847 operator that serial CAT control works with Digirig in RS-232 configuration, but a null modem adapter or crossover variant of the cable is indeed required.

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