Background:
Because I had an ICOM radio that could connect via WLAN for FT8CN and remote control, such as being able to QSO with stations around the world while using my phone (e.g., during bathroom breaks), I initially used the DX10 and connected it to my PC via USB through JDTX for communication. However, after communicating for 2-3 hours, I found myself getting tired of sitting down, so I started researching wireless solutions. After searching online, I discovered that a DIY enthusiast (Jerry) had developed a BT401 Bluetooth board for the Yaesu FT710, and I immediately placed an order. This is where the story began.
DAY1
Initially, I simply thought that the FT-710 and DX10 interfaces looked very similar, which is why my lack of knowledge and carelessness led to several sleepless nights of intense work.
On the first day with the Bluetooth board, I forgot to buy the 6-pin and 8-pin connection cables. I placed orders on Taobao for the soldering iron and cables, and after receiving everything, I started my first all-night battle. I soldered the 6-pin and 8-pin cables for a whole night because the wires were hard and thick, and I didn't have suitable clamps. After finishing the soldering, I looked at the Bluetooth board again and realized that only 7 cables were needed. I had spent half a night soldering 14 cables, which was a waste of time.
DAY2
After soldering all the components, I plugged it into the radio, taking a risk of damaging it. However, I found that the audio part was functioning normally, and the PC could receive sound from the Bluetooth board. But the radio's CAT function didn't work. At this point, I again thought that the baud rate might be incorrect. I simply connected my USB-to-TTL cable directly to the Bluetooth board, and that's when the problems started. The Bluetooth module was completely dead, and the serial port only had some logs, with the indicator lights flashing erratically. After contacting the seller, they quickly sent me a replacement module. While waiting for the delivery, I consulted the module manual, which revealed that
Therefore, the cause of this accident was the TTL 5V causing damage to the Bluetooth module.😢
DAY3
I began to carefully study the FT-710.&FTDX-10 Interface Introduction: At this point, I discovered that the two ports were completely different, as shown in the diagram below:
In fact, on DAY 1, I discovered that there was no FT710 CAT3 option in the machine settings. I didn't pay much attention at the time, and then I started searching online for related information and also spoke with a few HAMs who had DX10. Since CAT is not available on the tuner for DX10, the target must be placed on the RS-232C interface of the DX-10. Therefore, I started ordering an RS232 to TTL module.
DAY4
After receiving the RS232 module, I immediately soldered and performed on-machine testing that evening. The results were obviously not working. I repeatedly reviewed the seller's product description, which mentioned blue and green LEDs, but when I disassembled the case, I couldn't find any blue or green LEDs. When I tested the LEDs individually with a multimeter, they turned out to be red. The seller was unable to provide a clear answer, and my initial plan was to return it and purchase one from another vendor. However, before noon on the same day, I saw an article on WeChat that...BG6LHIn the text, it mentions a problem with the YAESU FTDX10 RS232C cable order, requiring RX and TX to be crossed. During my lunch break, I removed the soldering on the RX and TX and used jumper wires to swap their positions. When I plugged in and turned on the radio, CAT mode was indeed fixed, and the red LED also lit up. So, is that how it ended? Of course not!😤
DAY5
When using CAT, I can use another machine to monitor the transmission status when communicating with JDTX and FT8CN. I found that the spectrum flashes twice every second, and the audio from FT8 also becomes intermittent during this flash. This results in the recipient being unable to decode your signal because some audio may be lost. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the cause of the flashing. Carefully observe the RS-232C RX/TX indicator lights; each time they light up, the spectrum will flash, and the audio will also become intermittent. The seller suspected interference, but I found that it was too regular, unlike interference. With this question in mind, I went to work. During the day, I thought that since the RX/TX lights were flashing, could it be that the Bluetooth board's serial port was actually outputting data? Taking advantage of my free time, I re-opened the manual for the Bluetooth module and found an AT command that can disable the serial port log. During my lunch break, I took out the board and connected a 1k resistor directly to the PC to start testing. As expected, after connecting via Bluetooth and successfully connecting the FT8 software, a serial port data output appeared every two seconds. At this point, I used the AT command to disable the return transmission and set it up. After setting it up, you must execute AT+CZ for a soft reset or power cycle, otherwise it will not take effect. Next, I performed on-site testing and found that the spectrum was no longer flashing. Although the problem seemed to be solved, I felt that it was not caused by this command.
Starting the research with questions, examining the serial port log, I observed that the log output became regular at intervals of approximately 2 seconds after connecting to FT8CN. This indicates that the control software is sending data via the serial port. Therefore, I opened the source code for FT8CN and began searching, eventually finding the Timer function that triggers a 2-second training cycle after successful connection, sending data over the serial port. After a quick review of the code, one potential improvement would be to extend the delay or stop the Timer during transmission. However, this has not yet been verified, so it's currently considered partially complete.
Lessons learned
When working with DIY products, it's essential to carefully read the instructions.If finished products are available for sale, buy them in large quantities!
If you're trying to save money and your technical skills are also lacking, then invest your time and energy instead. Sacrifice your hair for the sake of saving money!
Dear colleagues, 73~
Hope to see you in the air!
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