# Yaesu FT-2600M VHF mobile with DB9 on rear panel
**URL:** https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334
**Category:** Uncategorized
**Tags:** yaesu-ft-2600m
**Created:** [September 15, 2023, 5:53am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334 "2023-09-15T05:53:49Z")
**Posts on this page:** 7
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@MarkH](https://forum.digirig.net/u/MarkH)
#### Post date: [September 15, 2023, 5:53am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/1 "2023-09-15T05:53:49Z")
Let’s start with the basics. I have the Yaesu FT-2600M VHF radio with a DB9 connector on the rear panel, Digirig RS232, RS232 Cable. I’m not sure this is the correct setup for this radio but I took a gamble and worst case I’m out on this specific cable as I can repurpose the digirig for the KX3 with a different cable or worse move solder around to change it for another setup.
Once I received the RS232 cable I checked the pinout with a continuity test. The plug end is a TRRS (3 black bands). The continuity test on the jack shows:
- Tip goes to pin 3 on the DB9
- 1st ring from tip end goes to pin 2 on the DB9 side
- 2nd ring No Connection
- Shield goes to pin 5 on DB9 side
- Pins 7 & 8 shorted together
I decided to look at the Yaesu FT-2600M Manual to see what the pinouts were for the DB9. PDF is available at Yaesu website for the radio.
FT-2600M DB9 Pinout
Pin 1-Squelch Signal Output
Pin 2-Packet RX Data Output 9600 BPS
Pin 3-Packet TX Data Input 9600 BPS
Pin 4-Packet Data Output 1200 BPS
Pin 5-Ground
Pin 6-Not used
Pin 7-External PTT signal Input
Pin 8-DC Output
Pin 9-Packet Data input 1200 BPS
I’m almost certain that RS232 cable isn’t the answer. Now next question is what do I need to make this work as my intention with this used radio I purchased with the DB9 was to put it to use in some some sort of digital/packet radio setup. I’m leaning towards dabbling with APRS and a raspberry pi zero 2W for that.
Do I need the audio and serial from the radio back to the digirig? If so can anyone walk me through this. Am I going back to the store or making cables for this setup and if so I need a schematic from someone clever enough to lay it out for me to follow. TIA for the help provided and information.
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### Author:  [@K0TX](https://forum.digirig.net/u/K0TX)
#### Post date: [September 15, 2023, 5:08pm UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/2 "2023-09-15T17:08:24Z")
Mark,
It sounds like while ringing the pins on the serial cable you mirrored the pin numbering. The connections are to pins 2, 3 and 5. There is also connection between pins 7 & 8 for hardware flow control loopback.
Anyway, from the FT-2600M pinout you supplied it doesn’t appear to be a serial connection. It’s a strange choice by the manufacturers to use the types of connectors that have strongly associated functions (DB9 = serial) for alternative uses (transceiver audio) while industry standards exist (MiniDin6). Next thing we’ll see HDMI ports used for power. [end of the rant from guy who used 3.5mm TRRS sockets for two different functions on the same device]
You’ll need a different cable which will plug into Digirig’s audio socket on the other end. Similar situation is with Alinco DR-135T, and now that we looked at it, the pinout appears to match:
So you can just go with this store cable:
> **[Alinco DR-135T 9600 baud audio cable for Digirig Mobile – digirig](https://digirig.net/product/alinco-dr-135t-9600-cable/)**
Please report your results and I’ll update the compatibility tags accordingly.
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### Author:  [@K0TX](https://forum.digirig.net/u/K0TX)
#### Post date: [September 15, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/4 "2023-09-15T23:39:58Z")
For your reference here’s a closeup of the female DB9 connector with the pin numbers shown in molding. Highlighted pin #5 should ring to sleeve (GND) on 3.5mm TRRS side.
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### Author:  [@MarkH](https://forum.digirig.net/u/MarkH)
#### Post date: [September 16, 2023, 2:59am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/7 "2023-09-16T02:59:59Z")
For reference with FT-2600M DB-9 pinout from owners manual
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### Author:  [@MarkH](https://forum.digirig.net/u/MarkH)
#### Post date: [September 16, 2023, 3:00am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/8 "2023-09-16T03:00:30Z")
I cleaned up my errors but leaving the correct answers for reference.
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### Author:  [@MarkH](https://forum.digirig.net/u/MarkH)
#### Post date: [September 16, 2023, 12:01pm UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/9 "2023-09-16T12:01:43Z")
Reference to avoid simple mistake.
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### Author:  [@MarkH](https://forum.digirig.net/u/MarkH)
#### Post date: [September 16, 2023, 12:08pm UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-2600m-vhf-mobile-with-db9-on-rear-panel/2334/10 "2023-09-16T12:08:52Z")
In hind sight look at your radio again before ordering instead of remembering it has a DB9. You need to compare M/F connections. Simple stuff but that always causes mistakes. Two female ends is what I had.