Icom OPC-617 Optional Cable: Connections and Applications

OPC-617 Cable Overview

The Icom OPC-617 is an optional accessory cable that facilitates external connections for compatible Icom radio units. It typically interfaces between the radio's 11-pin connector and a standard DB-9 connector, enabling various functionalities such as remote control, signaling, and ignition keying.

General Installation

The OPC-617 cable connects the radio's 11-pin interface (often designated as J6 on the main PCB) to a DB-9 connector, which then interfaces with external equipment or control systems.

Diagram Description: The OPC-617 cable features an 11-pin connector on one end, designed to plug into the radio's main circuit board, and a DB-9 connector on the other end for external device connectivity.

DB-9 Connector Pin Assignment and Functions

The following table details the typical pin mapping from the radio's 11-pin connector to the DB-9 connector, along with the primary function of each DB-9 pin.

Note: Specific functions for pins 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 9 on the DB-9 connector can vary depending on the radio model and the intended application (e.g., Carrier Operated Relay, 2/5-Tone signaling, external PTT, audio input/output). Refer to the specific application sections below for detailed programming and connection notes.

Application-Specific Connections and Programming

Connections for F121/F221 Radio Series

General Pinout: Refer to the main DB-9 Connector Pin Assignment table above.

Additional Notes for DB-9 Connector Pins:

• Pin 2: For optimal audio level, turn the Volume Knob OFF and adjust the AF Min level in Set Mode until a suitable level is achieved.
• Pin 4: Use Solder Bead F for data transmission. Use Solder Bead D for AF input.
• Pin 5 (PTT Control IN): To activate an external Push-To-Talk (PTT) function, navigate to Common -> Expert settings and configure EPTT/FTSW to EPTT. An optional EPTT Delay Timer can be set if a delay is required after releasing the PTT button.
• Pin 6 (Horn Drive Cont. OUT): To configure Pin 6 for Carrier Operated Relay (COR) functionality: First, disable the 2/5-tone function for the selected channel. Then, in Common -> Expert settings, set RX EXO to ON and the Delay Timer to OFF. This configuration ensures that the COR reacts instantaneously to signal presence or absence.

F121/F221, F121S/F221S OPC-617 Horn Honk Connections

For 2-Tone and 5-Tone Signaling:

Programming Steps:

• For both 2-Tone and 5-Tone signaling, perform the following programming:
• 1. Navigate to the RX Code CH menu and set the EXO parameter to ON.
• 2. Navigate to the Common -> Expert menu and set the RX EXO parameter to OFF.

OPC-617 Remote Connections for 2-Tone/5-Tone (for F521/F621 Radio)

Additional Notes for DB-9 Connector Pins:

• Pin 2: Radio programming should follow the procedure for Pin 6 COR programming. To set the audio level: turn the Volume Knob OFF, then adjust the AF Min Level (within Set Mode) until the desired level is found.
• Pin 4: Use Solder Bead F for data signals. Use Solder Bead D for AF input.
• Pin 6 (2/5 Tone Operated Relay): To configure Pin 6 as a 2/5 tone operated relay:
• 1. Set the 2-Tone or 5-tone RX Code Channel's EXO parameter to ON.
• 2. Navigate to Set Mode and set the Horn function to ON.
• 3. In the Common settings, the EXO parameter does not affect this function.
• 4. The Common -> EXO Delay Timer setting determines how long Pin 6 remains active (low) after the signal is received.

OPC-617 Ignition Connections for F121/F221 Series Radios

This configuration allows the radio to power on automatically when the vehicle's ignition switch is turned on.

Connection Procedure:

1. Connect the OPC-617's 11-pin connector to J6 on the radio's main PCB.
2. Connect DB-9 pin 1 (VCC) to a switched-on high contact on the vehicle's ignition switch.

Main PCB Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates the top view of the main PCB, highlighting connector J6 for the OPC-617. It also shows other interface points like VCC, DIM, HORN, GND, AF OUT, Discriminator Audio, TX, RX, and PTT.

Post-Connection Configuration: After establishing the connections, access the EXPERT window and set the DIM / IGSW field to IGSW to enable ignition keying.

Remote OPC-617 Connections for the F1721/F1821 Radio

Additional Notes for DB-9 Connector Pins:

• Pin 2:
  • Program the radio following the Pin 6 COR programming guidelines.
  • Assign a key to function as RX Speaker and ensure it is activated for COR operation.
  • In the Key & Display settings, set the Amp parameter to OFF.
  • To achieve the correct audio level, turn the Volume Knob OFF and adjust the AF Min Level (in Set Mode) until a suitable audio output is found.
• Pin 4:
  • Use Solder Bead F for tones and data, typically for data lines or frequencies above 300Hz.
  • Use Solder Bead Sig for signals below 300Hz, such as sub-audible tones, low-speed data, or low-level voice.
• Pin 6:
  • To configure Pin 6 as a 2-Tone or 5-Tone relay:
  • 1. Set the 2Tone/5Tone -> RX Code -> EXO parameter to ON.
  • 2. Set the Set Mode -> Horn parameter to ON.
  • 3. Set the Common -> EXO parameter to OFF.
  • 4. Configure the Common -> EXO Delay Timer to the desired delay duration.
  • To configure Pin 6 as a Carrier Operated Relay:
  • 1. Set the 2Tone -> RX Code -> EXO parameter to OFF.
  • 2. Set the Set Mode -> Horn parameter to ON.
  • 3. Set the Common -> EXO parameter to ON.
  • 4. The Common -> EXO Delay Timer setting controls how long Pin 6 remains active (low) after receiving a signal.
  • 5. Disable the 2Tone function within the Memory CH settings.