The computers knows if it found a station or signal by reading pin 5 (Signal Level) or pin 6 (squelch).For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.In 1985 Yaesu decided to release an advanced piece of hardware for the commercial ham radio community to receive from 60 MHz to 905 MHz in all modes (AM, FM Narrow, FM-Wide, LSB, USB and CW).It included 100 channels, 5 bandwidths, tuning steps starting at 100 Hz and had computer control with squelch and signal level output on its CAT connector (Even the ICOM R7000 dont have these as standard interface outputs).
This is more of a communications receiver than a scanner but with the computer control, the features are open to all possibilities and makes it software upgrade-able via computer control to do tasks not imagined in 1985. The Yaesu brochure stated The YAESU CAT System provides a direct control link to the cpu in the FRG-9600, allowing operators with personal computers to add virtually unlimited computer control functions in software: such as multiple, organized memory banks; automatic tuning; and customized scanning systems; using most any personal computer and a Yaesu FIF CAT interface unit. Yaesu made the FIF-65A for Apple, FIF-80A for NEC PC8001 and FIF-232C for IBM computers. One last thing, the Yaesu was first to market for a Ham Commercial VHFUHF all mode communications receiver with no usual frequency gaps and included the 800 MHz band. The ICOM came out a few months later with an even more advanced VHFUHF communications receiver that covered up to 2000 MHz and was the standard set for many years to follow. Both these receivers are in a different class than the typical scanners of their time and many are still in use to day, even in government and surveillance agencies. ![]() Some of these are freeware or shareware but most are commercial software thats sold on-line. Most can still be purchased and some DemosFreewareShareware can also be found on the web. Some of these programs will only work with Windows XP or MS-DOS but I see that as a very good thing. Instead of tying up you expensive home computer and also having it run 24 hours a day to control the scanner, you can get a cheap or even FREE old MS-DOS or Windows XP computer to dictated completely for computer control of the radio. You will need a computer interface to use this radio with a computers serial port. Yaesu made the FIF-232C but you can build your own with instructions found on the Internet. The FRG-9600 can be had very inexpensively today and is a hackers dream for for someone wanting a very cool toy. Usually selling for 50 or less than what an ICOM R7000 sells for. Yaesu Frg-965 Manual Even GivesThe Yaesus manual even gives instructions to program your own software in computer BASIC and mods on the internet for using a discriminator output. Electronic Equipment Bank in VA, listed the ICOM R7000 in 1985 for 949.00 and the Yaesu FRG-9600 listed for 619.95 not including the video output option. Also includes a picture of the back of the FRG-9600s showing its connections and CAT interface connector. Not sure what the software I had was called but it was Commodore64 based and allowed control and logging.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |