Specifications

CAT PORT & 2

CAT PORT

The CAT channel is used by application software to control transceiver frequency, mode, T/R switching and

many other parameters using a serial (CAT) protocol. Most modern radios implement some form of CAT but

almost every radio implementation is different. The functionscontrolled by the computer depend on the

particular application and radio.

NOTE: The 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 aplication (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 applicaiton.

For example, 4800 8N2 means: 4800 baud, 8 bits data length, parity = none, and two stop bits.

Data flowing through the CAT channel is indicated by two arrows. A green arrow indicates data flow from

the application to the radio and a red arrow indicates data flow from the radio to the application.

TIP: If the application provides for PTT (T/R) keying 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,

microKEYER II cannot control an amplifier when the application uses PTT by CAT since it has no way to

sense that the the application has placed the transceiver into transmit. There is a dedicated T/R

switching channel for this purpose called PTT.

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.”

In order for Router to support two CAT ports, it

needs to know what transceiver (CAT protocol)

is being used so it can direct the transceiver's

responses to the proper application. 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.

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, the current operating

frequency and mode should be displayed.

TIP: Disable the Autobaud function in

any Icom transceiver used with Router.

Configure the radio, Router, and your

application software to operate at 9600

or 19200 baud.

Disable router queries – When this box checked, Router will not poll the radio for frequency and mode when

that information is not available from the communication between the application and radio.