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.
