CI-V Converter Instead of Pads

1

Hi,

I am likely about to acquire an ICOM radio that utilizes CI-V for serial communication. Instead of switching by Digirig back and forth using the solder pads, I wanted to make a small breakout converter I can leave hooked up to the radio.

After looking at the schematics, am I correct in my interpretation that the only thing needed is a single signal diode? I am going to buy a small TRRS extender and solder the diode inline and heat-shrink it all together.

Obviously, this assumes I don’t need RS232 and am just using the standard serial/UART connection exposed on the serial jack.

Thanks for an awesome product!

Cheers,

Austin (KQ4TYW)

2

if your digirig is the default TTL, you can just put a stereo to mono adapter on the end of the digirig cable that plugs into the CI-V port of an Icom.

i have several icoms that all function fine this way.
IC-736/738, ic-821h

all my digirigs are TTL so i can use with my xiegu radios or icoms (via said stereo to mono adapter)

if you want to make it like the ‘factory’ 1 wire comms would be, then yes, a single diode is the only component needed.

i’ve had nothing but success without although my Icoms are using a max of 9600bps on the CI-V line.

good luck
kb0wlf

3

Thanks for the advice!

I had actually already ordered a TRRS extension, so I went ahead and soldered the whole thing together. The TRRS to TRS adapter is also a great idea though. I didn’t know if the diode was truly necessary or not. Based on the designs for the CI-V → RS232 adapter I’ve seen I suppose I could have gone without it, but it definitely doesn’t hurt to have it there. Glad I wasn’t the only one with the idea of keeping it in TTL config with a basic adapter.

Thanks again!

KQ4TYW