[DogParkList] interfacing: cables & drivers?

[Don Agro]

Hi Chris,

On 5-Nov-06, at 7:59 PM, EZ Rhino wrote:

> Here comes the proverbial stupid question, so bear with me:
>
> How do I connect my IC-735 to my iMac?  First order of business is  
> a cable.  I don't understand the need for a serial to USB converter  
> if I get a cable that goes directly to USB in the first place.   
> Something like this:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=007&sspagename=STRK 
> %3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=170045335628&rd=1&rd=1

That is a USB/Serial adapter - and it might work - IF there is a Mac  
driver for it.

> or this:
>
> http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-CAT-CABLE-FOR-ICOM-IC-703-IC-706-IC-746- 
> IC-7000_W0QQitemZ200044377729QQihZ010QQcategoryZ48704QQssPageNameZWDVW 
> QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item200044377729

Same deal - it may work if there is a Mac driver for it.

> These particular unit comes with drivers for a PC, but not a Mac.   
> Are the drivers cable specific, or will a generic driver for Mac  
> work with this cable ?  There is a link for a Universal Binary  
> Driver on the MLDX web site; would it work with the above cables?   
> Or is this a plug and play affair?  (I thought that was the whole  
> reason for buying a Mac...)  I am running OSX.

There is no built in support in OS X for USB/Serial adapters so you  
need a driver - but - there are only a few different USB/Serial  
adapter chipsets and a driver for one may work with others - but no  
guarantees - unless the adapter manufacturer promises Mac support.

> I just noticed that Black Cat Systems makes a USB to Icom CI-V  
> cable, but at twice the price.  If anyone could steer me in the  
> right direction I would appreciate it.

I have used the Keyspan devices and the microHAM devices so I know  
first hand that they work. Others on the list may had experience with  
the ones above.

> Chris
> KE7FYP

73 Don Agro VE3VRW

D o g   P a r k   S o f t w a r e   L t d .

email: dagro at dogparksoftware.com
   www: http://www.dogparksoftware.com
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