[UK-CONTEST] FT1kMP CAT problem

[Chris G3SJJ]

  An update on this as several people are interested and others may yet experience it. Thanks to a hint from G4EOF and a (yet another!) long Skype 
chat with Paul, ex G4BKI, now W4/VP9KF, also some fairly recent postings on the Elecraft Reflector.

The FT1kMP CAT interface is a standard TTL to RS232 chip and can be susceptible to surges. There was a thread on the Elecraft Reflector and whilst I 
haven't read them in detail this seems to confirm the chip can be zapped by lightning. We recently experienced a very close thunderstorm here so it 
all appears to fit into place.

The chip in the FT1kMP is a Maxim MAX232CWE. It is a discontinued product but can be obtained from Farnell. There are two types with slightly 
differing specs and I am trying to determine exaclty which one is best. The package is a 16 SOIC, 16 pin DIL plastic surface mount. £3.35 or £2.57 
depending on which version.

The chip is Q5008 on the Control Unit board and is fairly easily accessible. Remove top and bottom covers, with the radio upside down and front panel 
facing you, it is located rear left, immediately in front of the CAT interface 9 pin D socket.

Now comes the hard bit for many of us! You will need an SMD solder station to change the chip! I ain't got one! Now I know why the Americans call it 
"sodering!!

Chris G3SJJ


----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris G3SJJ" <g3sjj at btinternet.com>
>> To: "UK Contest Reflector" <uk-contest at contesting.com>
>> Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2010 6:15 PM
>> Subject: [UK-CONTEST] FT1kMP CAT problem
>>
>>>  I think already know the answer to this! I was playing around with the SO2R set up today when I found I hadn't got serial interface between pc and
>>> the FT1kMP. The K3 was OK using  different USB to serial interfaces, but neither would work with the MP. I was careful to check all the port and baud
>>> settings. It all worked a couple of weeks ago when I checked it out.
>>>
>>> Logger32 Radio Debug shows no polling figures and the MP CAT indicator doesn't flash.
>>>
>>> I guess the MP CAT circuitry has gone up the spout?
>>>
>>> Chris G3SJJ