Introduction to CAT Operation
CAT operation requires the MAIN firmware version to be "Ver. 1.08" or higher. If the version is "Ver. 1.08" or lower, please update the firmware.
How to Check Current Firmware Version
- Press and hold the [FUNC] knob.
- Tap [EXTENSION SETTING]. If [EXTENSION SETTING] is not displayed, tap [FWD→] to switch screens.
- Tap [SOFT VERSION]. The versions of each firmware will be displayed.
Image Description: The image shows the front panel of the YAESU FTX-1 series transceiver. A subsequent image displays a close-up of the unit's screen showing the firmware version check process, including options like "DISPLAY", "DATE&TIME", "MAIN", "SOFT VERSION", and "EXTENSION SETTING".
Connection Method
Connecting via USB Cable (CAT-1 / CAT-2)
Connect the unit to a PC using a commercial USB cable (Type C) to operate various digital modes and configure/control the unit using commercial software or freeware.
[Warning]:
When connecting the USB cable to the PC, you must first install the virtual COM port driver on your PC. Download the virtual COM port driver from our website.
Image Description: A diagram illustrates the rear panel of a PC with various ports. A commercial USB cable, identified as USB type-C, is shown connecting to the FTX-1 transceiver.
How to Check COM Port Number
- Turn on the unit.
- Connect the unit and PC with a commercial USB cable.
- Open the Windows® Device Manager screen.
- Double-click "Ports (COM & LPT)" in the Device Manager screen.
Image Description: A screenshot of the Windows Device Manager shows the "Ports (COM & LPT)" section expanded, listing entries like "Silicon Labs Dual CP210x USB to UART Bridge: Enhanced COM Port (COM5)" and "Silicon Labs Dual CP210x USB to UART Bridge: Standard COM Port (COM6)".
Note: The COM port numbers (e.g., COM5, COM6) may vary depending on your PC's configuration.
[Warning]:
If a "!" or "×" mark is displayed in the Device Manager, uninstall the virtual COM port driver once, and then install the correct COM port driver again.
Connection Method (Continued)
COM Port Settings for Various Software
The FTX-1 series uses the USB terminal on the side to provide two virtual COM ports: Enhanced COM Port (CAT-1) and Standard COM Port (CAT-2).
- Enhanced COM Port (CAT-1): CAT communication (frequency, mode, and other settings).
- Standard COM Port (CAT-2): TX control (PTT, CW keying, FSK control) or CAT communication (frequency, mode, and other settings) *.
* When using Standard COM Port (CAT-2) for CAT communication, ensure hardware flow control (RTS or DTR) is configured in your software. Set the communication mode or PRESET to "OFF" or "DAKY" in the setting menu below to prevent unintentional transmission.
Setting Menu | Selection Items (Bold is default) | ||
---|---|---|---|
RADIO SETTING | MODE SSB | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR |
MODE AM | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR | |
MODE FM | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR | |
MODE DATA | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR | |
MODE RTTY | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR | |
CW SETTING | MODE CW | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR |
PC KEYING | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR | |
PRESET | PRESET1 - PRESET5 | RPTT SELECT | OFF/RTS / DTR |
[Warning]:
When using the USB cable for TX control, the transceiver may transmit unintentionally during PC startup. Please be aware of this.
[Warning]:
When disconnecting the USB cable, please exit the PC application first.
Connection Method (Continued)
TUNER/LINEAR Terminal (CAT-3)
The TUNER/LINEAR terminal on the back of the FTX-1 field head can be used for CAT communication (5V CMOS level serial communication).
Set "CAT-3" in the setting menu: [OPERATION SETTING] → [GENERAL] → [TUN/LIN PORT SELECT]. (Factory default: OPTION)
[Warning]:
The TX D and RX D of the TUNER/LINEAR terminal are 5V CMOS level, so they cannot be directly connected to RS-232C terminals on PCs or similar devices. Please be aware of this.
[Warning]:
A connection cable must be prepared by yourself, such as the separately sold band data cable T9207451A (mini DIN 10-pin to DIN 10-pin).
[Warning]:
Cannot be connected simultaneously with an external antenna tuner or linear amplifier.
Image Description: A diagram shows the rear panel of the FTX-1 transceiver with connectors labeled +13V, GND, TX D, RX D, TUNER/LINEAR, ANT, EXT SPKR. A table details the terminals:
Terminal | Direction | Remarks |
---|---|---|
+13V | - | Linked to the transceiver's power ON/OFF. |
GND | - | Ground. |
TX D | Output | Outputs serial data to external equipment (5V CMOS level). |
RX D | Input | Inputs serial data from external equipment (5V CMOS level). |
Communication Format
Sending Commands
You can control the unit by sending commands from a PC using terminal software or other software.
Communication Parameters
- Baud Rate: 38400bps* (CAT-1, CAT-3 terminals) or 4800bps* (CAT-2 terminal)
- Synchronization: 1 start bit
- Data Bits: 8
- Stop Bits: 1* or 2 (CAT-2 is fixed at 1)
- Parity: None
* Factory default setting.
Setting Menu for CAT Communication
Setting Menu | Selection Items (Bold is default) | ||
---|---|---|---|
OPERATION SETTING | GENERAL | CAT-1 RATE | 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 115200 (bps) |
CAT-1 TIME OUT TIMER | 10 / 100 / 1000 / 3000 (msec) | ||
CAT-1 CAT-3 STOP BIT | 1bit / 2bit | ||
CAT-2 RATE | 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 115200 (bps) | ||
CAT-2 TIME OUT TIMER | 10 / 100 / 1000 / 3000 (msec) | ||
CAT-3 RATE | 4800 / 9600 / 19200 / 38400 / 115200 (bps) | ||
CAT-3 TIME OUT TIMER | 10 / 100 / 1000 / 3000 (msec) |
* CAT-2 stop bit cannot be changed to "1bit".
Command Types
Commands consist of three types: Set, Read, and Answer.
- Set: Input command (setting command). Commands to control the unit's settings from the PC.
- Read: Input command (read command). Commands to request the unit's response from the PC.
- Answer: Output command (response command). Response commands output by the unit.
CAT System Usage Example
Example of setting the frequency to "14,250.000MHz" on the MAIN side.
FA ↑ 014250000 ↑ ;
Command | Parameter | Terminator
○ Command: Consists of 2 English letters; uppercase/lowercase are recognized.
○ Parameter: The number of digits varies by command; parameters may be omitted.
○ Terminator: Entering a semicolon (;) signifies the end of the command. It is always required.
Error Messages
If an error occurs on the unit, it sends an error command ";?" to the PC.
Conditions: Command format is incorrect, or the unit cannot execute the received command.
CAT Control Command List
The following tables detail the CAT control commands available for the FTX-1 series. Commands are typically two-letter codes, followed by parameters. The tables indicate whether a command can be used for Setting, Reading, or if it generates a Response, and if it supports AI (Auto Information).
Command | Name | Function | Setting | Read | Response | AI Support |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AB | MAIN-side to SUB-side | Copy MAIN side information to SUB side | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
AC | ANTENNA TUNER CONTROL | Start/stop antenna tuner operation, tuning. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
AG | AF GAIN | Set and read AF gain. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
AI | AUTO INFORMATION | Set and read auto information. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
AM | MAIN-side to MEMORY CHANNEL | Copy MAIN side information to selected memory channel. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
AO | AMC OUTPUT LEVEL | Set and read AMC output level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BA | SUB-side to MAIN-side | Copy SUB side information to MAIN side. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
BC | AUTO NOTCH (DNF) | Set and read auto notch (DNF) setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BD | BAND DOWN | Step down the operating band on the MAIN side. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
BI | BREAK-IN | Set and read break-in setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BM | SUB-side to MEMORY CHANNEL | Copy SUB side information to selected memory channel. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
BP | MANUAL NOTCH | Set and read manual notch. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
BS | BAND SELECT | Select operating band. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
BU | BAND UP | Step up the operating band. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
CF | CLAR (Clarifier) | Set and read clarifier setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CH | CHANNEL UP/DOWN | Step up/down memory channels. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
CN | CTCSS NUMBER | Set and read CTCSS setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CO | CONTOUR/APF | Set and read CONTOUR/APF function status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CS | CW SPOT | Set and read CW SPOT status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
CT | CTCSS | Set and read CTCSS status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
DA | LCD CONTRAST/DIMMER | Set and read LCD contrast or dimmer, and LED dimmer. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
DN | DOWN | Microphone DOWN key operation. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
DT | DATE AND TIME | Set and read date and time. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
EX | MENU | Set and read MENU settings. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
FA | FREQUENCY MAIN-side | Set and read MAIN side frequency. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
FB | FREQUENCY SUB-side | Set and read SUB side frequency. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
FN | FINE TUNING | Set and read fine tuning. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
FR | FUNCTION RX | Switch between single and dual receive. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
FT | FUNCTION TX | Set and read transmit VFO. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
GP | GP OUT A/B/C/D | Set and read GP OUT A/B/C/D output. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
GT | AGC FUNCTION | Set and read AGC time constant. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
ID | IDENTIFICATION | Read transceiver ID. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
IF | INFORMATION (MAIN-side) | Read MAIN side status. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
IS | IF SHIFT | Set and read IF SHIFT. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
KM | KEYER MEMORY | Set and read keyer memory. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
KP | KEY PITCH | Set and read keying pitch. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
KR | KEYER | Set and read keyer. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
KS | KEY SPEED | Set and read keying speed. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
KY | CW KEYING MEMORY PLAY | Play keyer or keyer memory messages. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
LK | LOCK | Set and read LOCK status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
LM | LOAD MESSAGE | Record or play voice messages. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
MA | MEMORY CHANNEL TO VFO MAIN-side | Transfer memory content to MAIN VFO. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
MB | MEMORY CHANNEL TO VFO SUB-side | Transfer memory content to SUB VFO. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
MC | MEMORY CHANNEL | Set and read memory channel. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
MD | MODE | Set and read operating mode. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
MG | MIC GAIN | Set and read microphone gain. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
ML | MONITOR LEVEL | Set and read monitor level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
MR | MEMORY READ | Recall memory channel. | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
MS | METER SW | Set and read meter switch. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
MT | MEMORY CHANNEL WRITE/TAG | Set and read memory channel and memory tag. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
MW | MEMORY WRITE | Write to memory channel. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
MX | MOX SET | Set and read MOX setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
MZ | SPLIT MEMORY | Set and read split memory. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
NA | NARROW | Set and read narrow setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
NL | NOISE BLANKER LEVEL | Set and read noise blanker level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
OI | OPPOSITE BAND (SUB-side) INFORMATION | Read SUB side status. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
OS | OFFSET (Repeater Shift) | Set and read offset (repeater shift). | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
PA | PRE-AMP (IPO) | Set and read IPO setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
PB | PLAY BACK | Play voice recording. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
PC | POWER CONTROL | Set and read transmit power. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
PL | SPEECH PROCESSOR LEVEL | Set and read compression level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
PR | SPEECH PROCESSOR | Set and read speech processor or microphone equalizer ON/OFF. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
PS | POWER SWITCH | Set and read power switch ON/OFF. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
QI | QMB STORE | QMB function STO operation. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
QR | QMB RECALL | QMB function RCL operation. | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | |
RA | RF ATTENUATOR | Set and read attenuator setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
RG | RF GAIN | Set and read RF gain. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
RI | RADIO INFORMATION | Read radio information. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
RL | NOISE REDUCTION (DNR) LEVEL | Set and read noise reduction level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
RM | READ METER | Read meter values. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
SC | SCAN | Set and read scan setting. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SD | CW BREAK-IN DELAY TIME | Set and read semi break-in delay time. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SF | FUNC-KNOB FUNCTION | Set FUNC knob function. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
SH | WIDTH | Set and read WIDTH. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SM | S METER | Read S-meter value. | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
SQ | SQUELCH LEVEL | Set and read squelch level. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SS | SPECTRUM SCOPE | Set and read spectrum scope. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
ST | SPLIT | Set and read split function. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
SV | SWAP VFO | Swap MAIN and SUB VFO. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
TS | TXW | Set and read TXW status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
TX | TX SET | Set and read TX status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
UP | MIC UP | Microphone UP key operation. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
VD | VOX DELAY TIME/DATA DELAY TIME | Set and read VOX delay time or data delay time. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
VE | FIRMWARE VERSION | Read firmware version. | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
VG | VOX GAIN | Set and read VOX gain. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
VM | MAIN-side TO MEMORY CHANNEL | [V/MMW] key operation. | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
VM | VFO / MEMORY CHANNEL | Set and read VFO/Memory channel. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
VS | VFO SELECT | Set and read VFO select (MAIN/SUB transmit/receive). | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
VX | VOX STATUS | Set and read VOX status. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
ZI | ZERO IN | CW auto zero-in function. | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Detailed Command Tables: The following sections provide detailed parameter breakdowns for specific commands, often organized by P1, P2, P3, etc., indicating their function and available settings.
Command: AG (AF GAIN)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | P1 | P2 | P3 | P4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | G | P1 | P2 | P2 | P2 | ; | 0: MAIN side 1: SUB side | 000~255 | ||||||
Read | A | G | P1 | ; | |||||||||||
Answer | A | G | P1 | P2 | P2 | P2 | ; |
Parameter Explanation: A semicolon (;) indicates the end of the command. Empty fields indicate no parameter is required. Commands are 2-letter English codes.
Command: AB (MAIN-side to SUB-side)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | B | ; | Copy MAIN side information to SUB side. | |||||||
Read | A | B | ; | ||||||||
Answer | A | B | ; |
Command: AC (ANTENNA TUNER CONTROL)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | P1 | P2 | P3 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | C | P1 | P2 | P3 | ; | 0: Internal antenna tuner (FTX-1 DX, FTX-1 optima-50) 1: External antenna tuner P2: 0: External antenna tuner 1: (Not used) P3: 0: Antenna tuner "OFF" 1: Antenna tuner "ON" 2: (Not used) 3: Tuning start | ||||||
Read | A | C | ; | ||||||||||
Answer | A | C | P1 | P2 | P3 | ; | P1=2 (ATAS) when: 0: Tuning stops 1: Tuning frequency increases (50msec antenna retracts) 2: Tuning frequency decreases (50msec antenna extends) 3: Tuning start |
Command: AG (AF GAIN)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | P1 | P2 | P3 | P4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | G | P1 | P2 | P2 | P2 | ; | 0: MAIN side 1: SUB side | 000~255 | ||||||
Read | A | G | P1 | ; | |||||||||||
Answer | A | G | P1 | P2 | P2 | P2 | ; |
Command: AI (AUTO INFORMATION)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | P1 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | I | P1 | ; | 0: Auto Information "OFF" 1: Auto Information "ON" | ||||||
Read | A | I | ; | When the unit's status changes, AI-supported commands (refer to "CAT Control Command List" on pages 5-6) send Read values automatically to the PC. | |||||||
Answer | A | I | P1 | ; | Set ON/OFF for CAT-1, CAT-2, CAT-3 individually. The AI function turns OFF when the transceiver is powered off. |
Command: AM (MAIN-SIDE TO MEMORY CHANNEL)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | M | ; | Copy MAIN side information to memory. | |||||||
Read | A | M | ; | ||||||||
Answer | A | M | ; |
Command: AO (AMC OUTPUT LEVEL)
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | P1 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Set | A | O | P1 | P1 | P1 | ; | 001~100: AMC OUTPUT LEVEL | |||||
Read | A | O | ; | |||||||||
Answer | A | O | P1 | P1 | P1 | ; |
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