[WriteLog] Icom 706 voice keyer

[Gary Senesac AL9A]

Define "simple"!  Interfacing any rig to a computer is always a bit of a 
challenge.  Start with your IC-706 owners manual pages that show the rear 
panel connections.  The first challenge is the ACC accessory socket.  On the 
706 it is a 13 pin DIN connector.  I opted to purchase Icom's grossly 
overpriced optional OPC-599 ACC conversion cable that splits the 13 pins out 
to two 7 pin DIN connectors called ACC1 and ACC2.  Much easier to find 
matching 7 pin DINs than a 13 pin one.  Then check out the various pin outs 
for the interface hook up.  My IC-706MKII book shows pin 3 for HSEND 
(HF/50MHz) and pin 7 for VSEND (144 MHz) on the 13 pin ACC connector.  If 
you use the OPC-599 these pins are 3 and 6 respectfully on the ACC2 
connector.

I connect my laptop's built in serial port to a Rigblaster plus, which 
handles keying the rig.  There is also a  connection to a CT-17 level 
converter (converts RS-232 serial to TTL) between the computer and the rig 
for rig control.  In my case I use a PCMCIA dual serial slot card to provide 
two more serial ports, one of which is used for the rig control connection. 
There are cheaper level converters than the IC CT-17 on the market, so you 
may have to research this a bit if you're trying to hold down the cost.

If you have a newer laptop it may not even have a serial port, but only USB 
ports.  In this case you need some kind of USB to serial converter.  There 
are several on the market.  Check the Writelog reflector archives for pros 
and cons of various models.  Don't worry about sending voice wav files until 
you've got all the interface bugs resolved.  When you can key the rig 
manually with a foot switch or PTT on a mike and get rig control working for 
band changes, frequency readout for the band map, split, etc., you are ready 
to tackle recording wav file messages for the F keys and getting the 
computer to key the rig and send the audio file.  It's definitely a learning 
experience!  Good luck!

Gary AL9A

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Ashworth" <ahab at sonic.net>
To: <writelog at contesting.com>
Sent: June 03, 2007 1:47 PM
Subject: [WriteLog] Icom 706 voice keyer


> Hi to all, is there a simple way to get Writelog and a Icom 706 to key the
> transmitter and put out a simple "CQ VHF Contest" on FM and SSB?  Saw a 
> site
> that told how to record the voice messages into the "F" keys.  Got that 
> far.
> Looking for the interface that will make it work.  Thank you for your
> comments, Dave, NC6P.
>
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