KH7O Modification to Signalink USB
This document provides detailed wiring diagrams and configuration instructions for the SignaLink USB interface, enabling digital communication with various amateur radio transceivers. It includes specific modifications and connection pinouts for popular radio models.
SignaLink USB Overview and JP3 Configuration
The SignaLink USB is a versatile interface for digital radio communications. Key configuration jumpers on the board include JP2, JP3, and JP4:
- JP2: Increases RX audio.
- JP3: Increases TX audio.
- JP4: Increases PTT voice mode.
JP3's position affects audio levels and compatibility:
- JP3 UP: For higher TX audio when connected to a 9600 capable transmitter.
- JP3 DOWN: For radios capable of or having a 9600 external data menu. Specifically, UP when connected to a 9600 capable Receiver for 1200 baud HF or Low Speed VHF FM.
Diagram Description: The SignaLink USB board is shown with the location of JP3. Diagrams illustrate the 'JP3 ON' and 'JP3 OFF' switch positions. The main board connections for 9600, 1200, PTT, MIC, and SPKR are indicated.
RJ45 Pinout for SignaLink USB:
Pin | Signalink Function | Wire Color (Typical) |
---|---|---|
1 | MIC | White/Orange |
2 | GND | Orange |
3 | PTT | White/Green |
4 | 9600 | Blue |
5 | 1200 | White/Blue |
6 | (Unused) | Green |
7 | (Unused) | White/Brown |
8 | (Unused) | Brown |
For additional wiring details, refer to https://www.hawaiirepeaters.net/wiring.pdf.
Connections for Specific Transceivers
ICOM 2AT/02AT/T7H
Diagram Description: Shows SignaLink wiring to an RJ45 block, then to a mini phone plug for a PTT switch and a microphone. A 0.1 mfd capacitor and a 20k resistor are included in the circuit. A SPDT toggle is noted as installed on the back mount with GRN top and YEL bottom.
JP2, JP3, JP4 functions are as described above (RX audio, TX audio, PTT voice mode).
Kenwood THF6A or Baofeng UV5RE
Diagram Description: Similar wiring to the ICOM example, connecting SignaLink to an RJ45 block, then to a mini phone plug and a sub mini phone plug. A 0.1 mfd capacitor is shown. This configuration is noted as working with a $10 mic cable for a Baofeng UV5R.
Note: Check your radio's schematic for specific wiring. This setup is also compatible with other radios.
Kenwood TM-D710A, TM-V71, IC208
Diagram Description: SignaLink wiring connects to an RJ45 block, then to a DB9 connector.
DATA Terminal Pins (DB9 Connector):
Pin | Name | I/O | Function |
---|---|---|---|
1 (BRN) | PKD | I | Audio signal for packet transmission |
2 (RED) | DE | PKD terminal ground | |
3 (OR) | PKS | I | 'L' is transmitted and the microphone is muted |
4 (YEL) | PR9 | O | Detected 9600 (bps) data |
Note: When using the built-in TNC, the DATA terminal is not used.
SignaLink to IC761 HF
This section details the connection using a "CAT straight thru cable" from the SignaLink to an RJ45 block, which then connects to the IC761 HF's 5-6 MIC CONNECTOR INFORMATION (DB9 connector).
JP2, JP3, JP4 functions are as described previously.
A SPDT toggle is noted as installed on the back mount with GRN top and YEL bottom.
IC761 HF 5-6 MIC CONNECTOR INFORMATION (DB9 Connector):
Pin No. | Function | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | MIC INPUT | (1) MIC |
2 | +8V DC OUTPUT | Max. 10mA |
3 | FREQ UP/DOWN | Ground |
4 | SQUELCH SWITCH | Ground through a 4702 resistor |
5 | PTT | "LOW" level |
6 | (Unused) | "HIGH" level |
7 | (Unused) | (PTT ground) |
8 | (Unused) | (PTT ground) |
CAUTION: DO NOT short pin 2 to GROUND as this can damage the inside 8V regulator.
Serial PTT & Capacitor Interface (DB9 to Computer)
This interface utilizes a DB9-F connector to a computer, incorporating a NPN transistor and a 4.7k resistor for serial PTT control, along with a 0.1 mfd ceramic capacitor for audio. This connects to an RJ45 block.
Note: Check your computer's manual for microphone and speaker pinout. Use at your own risk, as this is a simplified interface without level limits. This adapter does not use an isolated ground between the radio and computer.
Example Setup:
- Set computer speaker slider for 30.
- In VARA, select your COM port for PTT.
- Start with minimal radio speaker output level, then gradually increase.
This wiring configuration is known to work with:
- Baofeng UV5RA
- Baofeng UV5RE
- Baofeng BTECH DMR 6x2
- Kenwood TH-F6A
- TYT MD UV 380
Alinco DR135 W/SCAN MOD Connections
This section details connections for the Alinco DR135 with SCAN MOD, showing its interface to a DB9 connector and then to a DB9 TO DR135 SCAN MOD unit.
DRA-45 DB9 Pinout:
Pin | Function |
---|---|
1 | Main TX Audio |
2 | Not Used - (AllStar hardware COS input when JU3 is installed) |
3 | PTT |
4 | Not Used - (AllStar hardware CTCSS input when JU4 is installed) |
5 | RX Audio |
6 | Ground |
7 | Local Control or Alarm Trip |
8 | Not Used - (Aux TX Audio when JU5 is installed) |
9 | External Power for the Audio Amps (when JU2 is in the "B" position) |
Diagram Description: Shows a transceiver connecting to a DR135, which then connects via a DB9 connector to a DB9 TO DR135 SCAN MOD interface. Pin numbering for the rear of the radio is indicated.
Mini DIN 6 to RED Adapter
This adapter is used for 9600 RX, GND, PTT, and MIC connections.
DATA Terminal Pins (DIN 6 Connector):
Pin | Name | I/O | Function |
---|---|---|---|
1 (BRN) | PKD | I | Audio signal for packet transmission |
2 (RED) | DE | PKD terminal ground | |
3 (OR) | PKS | I | 'L' is transmitted and the microphone is muted |
4 (YEL) | PR9 | O | Detected 9600 (bps) data |
Note: When using the built-in TNC, the DATA terminal is not used.
Alinco DR135 to RA45 W/DB9 Connector
This section details the connection from a transceiver to an Alinco DR135, via a DB9-M connector to an RJ45/RJ45 interface, and finally to a DRA-45 unit. The view is looking at the adapter jack from the outside of the radio.
DB9 Pinout for DRA-45:
DB9-M Pin | RJ45/RJ45 Pin | DRA-45 Pinout | Function |
---|---|---|---|
3 | 1 | 1 | MIC |
5 | 2 | 2 | GND |
7 | 3 | 3 | PTT |
2 | 4 | 4 | (Unused) |
1 | 5 | 5 | RX Audio |
6 | 6 | 6 | Ground |
(Not specified) | 7 | 7 | (Unused) |
(Not specified) | 8 | 8 | (2nd ch tx audio not used) |
(Not specified) | (Not specified) | 9 | (Unused) |
Diagram Description: Illustrates the connection from a transceiver to an Alinco DR135, then via a DB9-M connector to an RJ45/RJ45 interface, and finally to a DRA-45 unit. Pin numbering for the rear of the radio is indicated.
Setup Instructions:
To achieve 25k up/dn with a DR135/RA45 setup using an HP laptop:
- RX DATA bps: Affected by Windows/manage audio/playback speaker level. Set to 100. Use R12 to set 2pm position on VARA with receiver unsquelched.
- TX DATA bps: Set at 25k. Set Windows speaker slider to 100 and VARA speaker output slider. Adjust deviation with R14 on RA45 to 1.8khz on a service monitor.
Note: This procedure does NOT apply to custom RED adapters that have no internal TX adj. For those, adjust TX DATA with the Windows speaker slider. Preset VARA speaker slider to 0db.
Masters DRA45 to ICOM ID-880H
This section covers the connection from a DRA45 to an ICOM ID-880H using a DB9 male connector and a Mini DIN 6 connector.
Diagram Description: Shows a DB9 MALE TO DRA45 SOLDER SIDE VIEW connecting to a MINI DIN 6 ICOM 880H. Includes 'R14 ADJ'.
MINI DIN 6 ICOM 880H DATA Terminal Pins:
Pin | Name | I/O | Function |
---|---|---|---|
1 (BRN) | PKD | I | Audio signal for packet transmission |
2 (RED) | DE | PKD terminal ground | |
3 (OR) | PKS | I | 'L' is transmitted and the microphone is muted |
4 (YEL) | PR9 | O | Detected 9600 (bps) data |
Test Condition: 14.4K Best TX load test when ID880H set 1200 and VARA set WIDE.