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AR15.COM
1/22/2011 2:00:42 PM EDT
Does anyone have any experience with the MFJ 1279? Let me explain why I'm even asking...


I have a Yaesu FT-847 All band/All mode transceiver. Specially called a Sat/Data radio. What this translates to is that there are special data ports on the back, one for HF and one for VHF. The problem is that the cool 6 pin din plug is the VHF data port and that's what my ancient packet interface uses. I've rigged up a way to parallel off for the HF data port that I thought worked. (see with WSPR thread) However PSK isn't working at all and I believe it's the way the interface is working.

What the 1279 does that would be an improvement for me is that it interfaces through the 8 pin mic plug. It also gives me the ability to plug the mic into the interface so I don't have to change a bunch of wires to switch modes. There are a bunch more things it does after that, but this is the feature that puts it ahead of all the other sound card interfaces for me.

So, anyone?
1/22/2011 3:23:24 PM EDT
[#1]
What interface are you using now? Or should i go read the WSPR thread? I downloaded the 847 manual and see it uses a HT style interface for HF pkt/digi modes.
1/22/2011 4:06:40 PM EDT
[#2]
I am using an ancient Buxcomm Rascal that is completely hardwired. And yes, HF just uses a 3.5mm stereo plug. I've wired a stereo plug in to try and make it a "dual mode" interface for my radio which I thought worked. Maybe I'll try again later this evening with WSPR to see if I can make it work again.
1/22/2011 5:02:12 PM EDT
[#3]
I assume you were wiring it like the pic in this link.
Were you having trouble with audio or PTT?
1/22/2011 6:13:40 PM EDT
[#4]
Here is a plan for building an interface for that rig.
http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/doxdocs.pdf
http://www.supercontrol.de/cat/ft847faq/dox-2.pdf

If you are already controlling the rig by serial port then you could get by with just the two isolation transformers and a few patch cables for the RX/TX.
1/22/2011 6:29:31 PM EDT
[#5]
Quoted:
I assume you were wiring it like the pic in this link.
Were you having trouble with audio or PTT?


It's the audio side of things. The PTT works perfectly whether it's VHF or HF. I'm wondering if I had the mic unplugged to keep little fingers off the radio and maybe that's what I need to do again.
1/22/2011 6:37:51 PM EDT
[#6]
You could also check continuity with a multimeter between the tip on the speaker out cable from the computer and the tip on plug going to the data I/O on the 847. That would make sure it is wired correctly for TX.