Laptop with Serial Port - Codan NGT HF Radio Programming
Submitted: Sunday, Jun 19, 2016 at 22:07
ThreadID:
132813
Views:
3851
Replies:
3
FollowUps:
5
This Thread has been Archived
romska
For those like myself, who are traveling with a Codan NGT
HF Radio (for communications with other travelers and for emergency contact with the RFDS, VKS 737 or HFRC) you probably know that the radio can be re programmed; either by a technician, or by yourself if you have the correct software and the correct computer.
I would like to experiment for myself and to that end ask anybody out there know where I can get an old laptop with a serial port on the rear of the laptop (about 25mmx12mm with 9 pins) . Please post your reply here or call me on 0400 767 594 or email me at rom@melbpc.org.au
Thanks
Romska
Reply By: Kazza055 - Sunday, Jun 19, 2016 at 22:17
Sunday, Jun 19, 2016 at 22:17
You can get a sub to serial adaptor on eBay for under $5.00.
AnswerID:
601610
Follow Up By: Genny - Sunday, Jun 19, 2016 at 22:55
Sunday, Jun 19, 2016 at 22:55
USB to serial perhaps? :)
FollowupID:
871121
Reply By: howie - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 00:12
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 00:12
i've not been able to buy a laptop with a serial port for many moons.
just get a usb-DB9 cable, they work fine on all the laptops i use.
D is the shape
9 = number of pins ( db9, db25 etc)
you might see RS232 mentioned, that's normal.
AnswerID:
601768
Reply By: vk1dx - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 09:09
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 09:09
I see a few problems, hardware, software and ACMA regulations.
The cable is easy. It's an RS232 db9 to whatever you find on the laptop. The laptop - don't hold your breath. Not sure about the compatability of the USB to serial at the Codan end. Is it a serial protocol or are the actual pin "1' or '0' states used.
The software may be a Codan licenced, proprietry package and you may not be able nor allowed to get your hands on it. Then if you do, it may not be compatible with the IOS (Windows version) on the laptop. Windows version may be a very old one etc.
And of course there are always ACMA and ITU regulations that you may break. The Codan is strictly licenced to operate only for the 4WD Offroad service. Experimenting by unqualified people can stuff the licencing in many ways. Even just opening the top can break the rules.
Your choice of course. Just mentioning it, not attacking or looking for an argument.
Methinks it's not worth the hassles. In one of my hobbies I played with packet radio (prior internet stuff) and did similar but then again I am an old machine code level, plus much more, programmer and internationally licenced to do experiment with radios.
Phil
AnswerID:
601773
Follow Up By: TomH - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 11:38
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 11:38
I know where there is a programming disk for an NGT
FollowupID:
871315
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 12:22
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 12:22
Just make sure it is compatible with the laptop ios.
Phil
FollowupID:
871316
Follow Up By: TomH - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 16:26
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 16:26
Seems to load up Ok in Win 7
FollowupID:
871325
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 17:54
Friday, Jun 24, 2016 at 17:54
That may be okay Tom but it doesn't mean that the program can access the hardware on the laptop that he gets. Lets face it the biggest errors in Gates's stuff was when addressing the hardware directly. That's why I included the my own IO stuff in my software, thereby bypassing all the Windows problems.
He won't know that until he gets the laptop and I don't think that one has been identified yet.
You have to be a real optimist when it comes to Windows to machine compatibility.
Phil
FollowupID:
871328