Ports: Radio - microHAM MK2R User Manual

The control channel is used by the host application to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and
many other parameters. The application communicates with the radio using a serial protocol. Most modern
radios implement some form of serial control but almost every radio implementation is different. The amount of
radio control depends on the particular application and radio.
NOTE: The COM port number assigned in Router MUST match the port number assigned in the host
application. First configure the virtual COM ports in Router then configure the application.
When a COM port is assigned in the Router but not in
the application (or the application is not running) Router
will indicate the channel is closed.
When an application opens the COM port assigned for control (usually at start-up), Router shows the channel as
open and displays baud rate, data bits, parity and number of stop bits used by the application. For example,
4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.
Data flowing through the Control channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow shows data flow from the
host application to the radio and a red arrow shows data flow from the radio to the application.
TIP: If the application provides PTT (T/R) by radio control (CAT) turn this function OFF. PTT by CAT is
not reliable because RFI can prevent the radio from switching back to receive. In addition, MK2R cannot
properly handle T/R sequencing or protect the Power Amplifier and LNA from hot switching since the
radio will be keyed before MK2R can sense it.
NOTE: The virtual COM port does not use
handshaking signals. Configure DTR
and RTS settings in your application
program (logger) to OFF. Do not select
"Handshake."
For Router to determine the operating frequency
and mode, it must know what radio (CAT
protocol) is being used. To select the radio, click
the Set button, choose your radio in the Radio
combo box, then select communication speed in
the Baud rate box.
Once both radios are communicating with
Router, click Device | Store as Power-up Setting.
This action will save the radio settings to
EEPROM in MK2R and provide frequency/mode
decoding and consequent iLink device updates
even if MK2R is not connected to the Router
(i.e., Stand Alone mode).
Note: The baud rate must match your radio.
All Icom and some TenTec radios require the
correct CI-V address. If everything is configured
properly, your radio's current operating
frequency and mode should be displayed.
TIP: Disable the Autobaud function in any Icom Radio used with Router. Configure the radio, Router,
and your software to operate at 9600 or 19200 buad.
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CAT PORT & 2 CAT PORT
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