This transceiver can be interfaced using the 8pin mic connector in front:
Pinout on Digirig’s side (rev 1.6 or later) looks like this:
TS-50 with optional IF-10D module can support serial CAT control via 6 pin Din cable similar to one found in Kenwood TS-450 kit.
Transceiver Manual:
Kenwood TS-50S HF Transceiver WW.pdf (2.2 MB)
Can this cable be used for full CAT control?
This cable is for audio and PTT (no CAT).
There is an accessory port in the back, but based on the age of the radio it’s unlikely that it supports serial CAT control.
Super, thanks! The other port is a serial port, but can be used for CAT control. With both, I think full remote operation should be possible.
If that’s the case then you should be able to get CAT control working. Next question is what electric levels does the port use. With older Kenwoods it’s usually RS-232, but logic levels is also a possibility.
Logic Levels are 5v. The port with serial access is under a little cover under the bottom of the rig and it’s a JST connector on the board. Full details are here: HVDN Notebook: Hacking in USB CAT control to the Kenwood TS-50
Digirig’s 3.3V logic crosses the threshold for 5V logic and Digirig is tolerant of 5V levels so the port can be used in this scenario.
For TS-50 CAT control I used a DTech USB to TTL Serial 5V Adapter Cable with FTDI FT232RL Chip 6 Pin 0.1 inch Pitch Female Socket Header UART IC Windows 11 10 8 7 Linux MAC OS (6ft, Black) from Amazon and a CN6 header cable. Pinned it out CN6 Cable USB to TTL Interface Cable
1 - GND (RED) --------- 1 - GND (BLK)
2 - +5V (BLU) (No connection) 3 - +5V (RED)
3 - TXD (YEL) --------> 5 - RXD (YEL)
4 - RXD (GRN) <------- 4 - TXD (ORG)
5 - RTS (BLU) --------> 2 - CTS (BRN)
6 - CTS (WHT) <------- 6 - RTS (GRN)
I connect GND, TXD, RXD, RTS,CTS, and use Hardware flow control.
COM4 Port setup: 4800 - RATE, 8 - Data, N - Parity, 2 - Stop, Hardware - Handshake/Flow Control
Works great!! Audio in/out is through the front mic connector.
Hi, I would like to interface the TS-50 with winlink-vara on a Win 10 pro PC.
Did you succeed?
I built a CAT interface by taking the signals from the CN6 connector and sending them to the PC via a TTL/USB converter (CP2102 Silicon Lab). I tested with FLDIGI that the VFO and PTT work with Hamlib on COM7. For the BF part, I built a circuit with two coupling transformers and a CM108 sound card; this also seems to work on COM11.
The problem is that Winlink-Vara doesn’t control the radio’s PTT.
Do I have to take audio, mic, and pet from the radio connector? Then how do I connect it to the computer? Do you have a schematic?
Thank you
you’ll need to setup PTT in winlink express for CAT or COM-RTS/DTR options.
the vara modem software supports GPIO natively
good luck
kb0wlf
Maurizio,
This is what I did for my TS-50…
CN6 Pinout for CAT Control (Bottom of radio access, thru round hole) USB to TTL Adapter Cable on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BNDLQSZ/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 USB to TTL
Amazon.com: LATTECH 10 Sets JST ZH 1.5MM 6 Pin Female Single Connector with Flat Wires 150MM 1007 28AWG : Electronics TS-50 CN6 Cable
CN6 Cable USB to TTL Interface Cable
1 - GND (RED) --------- 1 - GND (BLK)
2 - +5V (BLU) (No connection) 3 - +5V (RED)
3 - TXD (YEL) --------> 5 - RXD (YEL)
4 - RXD (GRN) <------- 4 - TXD (ORG)
5 - RTS (BLU) --------> 2 - CTS (BRN)
6 - CTS (WHT) <------- 6 - RTS (GRN)
For TS-50:
CAT Control also does PTT. Use COM4 port labeled USB Serial Port.
I connect GND, TXD, RXD, RTS,CTS, and use Hardware flow control.
Update for flow control with new interface
COM4 Port setup: 4800 - RATE, 8 - Data, N - Parity, 2 - Stop, Hardware - Handshake/Flow Control
PC speaker output (Line Out) volume set at 10% for TS-50 (Adjust as needed)
Audio/PTT Control MIC to Soundcard (Audio Cables)
MIC Connector
6 - RX Audio --------> PC Soundcard LINE IN
7 - GND SHIELD
1 - TX Audio <------- PC Soundcard LINE OUT
7 - GND SHIELD
Give this a try.
For Winlink/Vara HF and FLDIGI Set up…
TS-50
Radio Setup
Kenwood Amateur
USB
COM4, 4800, RTS checked & DTR checked (use Hardware Control on other APPS)
PTT Kenwood TS850S 4800 for Winlink and TS50 for FLDIGI
SoundCard - Line in for mic and speakers/line out
For JS8Call
TS-50
Radio Setup
PTT CAT COM4, 4800, Hardware CAT, USB, FAKEIT (NONE)
Line In for mic and speakers (Out)
For WSPR
TS-50
Radio Setup
PTT CAT COM4, 4800-8-2-Hardware CAT, USB, FAKEIT (NONE)
Line In for mic and speakers (Out)
Thanks,
Daniel - KF0YV
Someone replied to your post.
| Maurizio
March 13 |
- | - |
Hi, I would like to interface the TS-50 with winlink-vara on a Win 10 pro PC.
Did you succeed?
I built a CAT interface by taking the signals from the CN6 connector and sending them to the PC via a TTL/USB converter (CP2102 Silicon Lab). I tested with FLDIGI that the VFO and PTT work with Hamlib on COM7. For the BF part, I built a circuit with two coupling transformers and a CM108 sound card; this also seems to work on COM11.
The problem is that Winlink-Vara doesn’t control the radio’s PTT.
Do I have to take audio, mic, and pet from the radio connector? Then how do I connect it to the computer? Do you have a schematic?
Thank you
Thanks to KB0WLF Chris, and especially to KF0YV Daniel.
I installed your setup, and now the PC controls both the frequency and the PTT. The interface I built worked fine.
I’m attaching the link for the CAT.
73 de IA5KNJ
UOKYTOKY