FT-840 connection problem

[KC2QDX]

My setup is a new (to me) FT-840, WinXP, HRD 5.0, USB to serial adapter w/ driver installed

The USB adapter is visible to the computer as COM4, but HRD is not talking to the FT-840. I attempt to Connect using any combination of DTR and RTS clicked on or off, and Auto-Detect for the speed.

Here's what I get:

-----------
Failed to read frequency.
Make sure your radio is switched on and not in memory mode.
If you are using a homemade/non-standard cable you may need to select RTS and/or DTR
-----------

I'm not certain if the FT-840 is in memory mode or not; while the manual has a section on setting memories I don't see anything about "memory mode".

Any suggestions?

73 KC2QDX

[W8BFG]

Welcome to the Forums.

Do not use Auto-detect for either Speed or Com port, that does not work well. Use the Actual speed set in the rig, and the Actual com port you're connected to.

[KC2QDX]

Same result. I used 4800 as specified in the manual. Still don't know if memory mode has anything to do with it.

[davemartin]

I have run a FT840 with all flavours of HRD for some years now, the settings you need are
speed 4800
CTS no
DTR yes
RTS yes
The adaptor must be plugged in before you start HRD or it won't see it.
Memory mode must be off, set on the front panel of the 840.
You press the VFO/M button to cycle betweem VFO or memory mode, memory mode will display MEM in the LCD display of the 840.
BTW what adaptor are you using?

Dave

[VA3KAB]

It's been a few years since I ran an FT-840 here but as Dave says above I recall having to use flow control.

You say you are using a USB to RS232 adapter, not all of them support flow control, maybe that is your problem?

[KC2QDX]

I have run a FT840 with all flavours of HRD for some years now, the settings you need are
speed 4800
CTS no
DTR yes
RTS yes
The adaptor must be plugged in before you start HRD or it won't see it.
Memory mode must be off, set on the front panel of the 840.
You press the VFO/M button to cycle betweem VFO or memory mode, memory mode will display MEM in the LCD display of the 840.
BTW what adaptor are you using?

Dave

Thanks, Dave, that's just the info I needed. Looks like I was doing everything correctly, so I went back and checked the mechanical connection and found the problem -- the connectors weren't making contact. So now HRD and the FT-840 are talking.

But... not talking well. I can use HRD to change bands and frequencies, but the setting doesn't stay on HRD. I can click a band button or slide a slider, and the rig change correctly and HRD will display the frequency in the topmost display for a couple of seconds, but then it disappears and a big number "30" shows up where the frequency should be displayed.

Sounds like HRD is talking to the rig, but the rig isn't talking back to HRD?

[davemartin]

What CAT lead and what USB/serial adaptor are you using? Be specific where did you get them from etc.
Also you talk about sliding a slider or clicking a button, well that worries me as the FT840 may have buttons but there are certainly no sliders in either HRD or on the radio itself. Are you sure you have HRD set to the right radio?

Dave

[KC2QDX]

What CAT lead and what USB/serial adaptor are you using? Be specific where did you get them from etc.
Also you talk about sliding a slider or clicking a button, well that worries me as the FT840 may have buttons but there are certainly no sliders in either HRD or on the radio itself. Are you sure you have HRD set to the right radio?
Dave

I've got both a serial and a USB cable. I've had better luck with the serial, which I got from ZLP (http://www.g4zlp.co.uk/)

By "slider" I mean the horizontal bars which take up most of the HRD screen, one for each band, where you can click and slide with the mouse to change the frequency. Yes, I have HRD set for the right radio.

Is my theory correct that HRD is talking to the radio but the radio isn't responding?

[davemartin]

Is the adaptor this one?
CT62-B Yaesu RS232 CAT Interface. A replacement for the CT62 and FIF232C
Suitable for ALL versions of;-

FT757gx2

FT840

FT890

FT900

Unique design ensures top performance.
Works with ALL PC's and laptops with a 9 pin RS232 comport or with a USB to serial cable.
These interfaces will also work with other equipment, StepIRs, amps etc.
Works with ALL popular CAT / logging software (ensure your radio is supported by your software) including Ham Radio Deluxe, MixW, N1MM and dozens of others.
Made with high quality screened cable which is supplied with your choice of 2 / 3 / 4 / and 5 metre length.
No drivers required. Simply plug into the radio and your PC's comport. Simple software configuration.
They just don't come any better than this ! Powered via your PC's RS232 comport.

Dave

[trainfan1]

Hey All,
I have this same set up. Just got it all together. everything is working with the except I cannot transmit anything. The computer will change bands, tune up and down, lsb, usb, and all that fun stuff. It just wont transmit. Any ideas?