Instructions on building interfaces for the
Pro-64, Pro-2041 and Bearcat BC895XLT are included in the Radio
Manager help file.
Radio Manager needs some form of Hardware Signal Detection to stop on active frequencies. That means the radio needs to report the squelch status to an output in or to the interface, and the interface needs to connect that output to the serial (RS-232, Com) port's Ring, DCD, or DSR pin. In Radio Manager, use the TOOLS|CONFIGURATION menu to open the Configuration dialog box. On the Radio Connection page, set the Signal Detection method to match your interface. Not all interfaces support hardware signal detection. Some that do not can be modified. Here are some common interfaces and what I know about them. If you have anything to add to this information, I would be happy to hear about it.
AOR AR2700* and AR8000
| Interface | Supports Signal Detection? | RM Signal Detection Method |
| OptoElectronics OptoLinx | Supports Signal Detection | DCD or Ring |
| Javiation RS-8200/JAV-232 | Supports Signal Detection | DCD |
| EDCO AR8000INF | Supports Signal Detection | DSR |
| ScanCat Cat-232 | Unknown | Unknown |
| AOR CU8232** | Does Not Support Signal Detection without modification | DCD or RING with modification |
| Homemade | Most do not, but could probably be modified to. | Per Modification |
* AOR sources say that the AR2700 does not report squelch status to the interface. If this is the case, Radio Manager will not stop scanning and searching on active frequencies.
** It may be necessary to switch the AR8000 from DELI CR, LF to DELI CR when using the AOR CU8232. Press FUNC + CONF on the radio and DOWN ARROW until you see "DELI" rotate the tuning knob to switch between CR and CR,LF. Press the ENTER key. Turn the radio off and back on, then try Radio Manager again. Choose whichever mode works with your setup. Thanks for the tip Martin.
Icoms***
| Interface | Supports Signal Detection? | RM Signal Detection Method |
| Icom CI-V | Does not, but can be modified to. | DCD, Ring, or DSR per mod. |
| OptoElectronics OptoLinx | Supports Signal Detection but needs special cable | DCD or Ring |
***Requires cable from radio's Record Remote jack to interface.
OptoElectronics
| Interface | Supports Signal Detection? | RM Signal Detection Method |
| OptoScan456/OptoScan535 | Supports Signal Detection | DCD |
| Xplorer and Scout | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
The OptoElectronics OptoLinx is probably
the best thing going that I've seen. It's $130, but worth the
versatility. It works with Radio Manager to control the Scout
and the AR2700 and AR8000 and Icom radios. There are other interfaces
that work including the EDCO AR8000INF about $100 which is my
second choice.
Radio Manager works with the new OptoElectronics OptoLinx works.
DIP switch settings
1 Full Duplex - Off (Up)
2 Local - On (Down )
3 AR3000 - Off (Up)
4 Unused - On (Down )
Radio Manager should be set to use Ring or DCD as the Signal Detection Method under the TOOLS|CONFIGURATION menu.
Finally, it's important that only the AR8000 flat cable is connected to the OptoLinx when you are controlling the AR8000. Steve, Thanks for figuring that one out, and relaying the solution.
The following mod was copied from the AR8000 Email List. I do not have an AOR CU8232 to try this out, and with all radio and interface mods, you perform them at your own risk, and no one, but you is responsible for any damaged caused.
It is very easy to modify the AOR CU8232 interface
to have the squelch indication available. In the interface there
is one RS232 driver available, it is just necessary to add 2 wires.
- - Connect Pin 7 of the MAX232 IC (U1) to pins 1 and 9 of the DB9 (J1) connector.
- - Connect Pin 7 of the PROGAM connector (J2) to pin 10 of the MAX232 IC (U1)
the pin 7 of J2 is the one closest to the STATUS
led."
Pins 1 and 9 correspond to DCD and Ring, so
set Radio Manager to match one of those under the TOOLS|CONFIGURATION
Radio Connect page, Signal Detection method field.
You can use Radio Manager and the OptoLinx
to control your Icom radio. However for the faster signal detection
you will need a special cable. How to make the special cable.
Icom CT-17 Signal Detection Modification Plans