DB15 to DB9 connector, where did it go?

Brian K0BUS

Hello Everyone,

I am making my connections to my ACOM 2000A and my 6400M and noticed the FTDI connector is gone from the Acc page. Any idea why and any idea where I can get one? Or is there a better way to make the connection?

NA7AA Tom

I purchased the Acom 2000a cable from DX Engineering for the Kenwood radio.

Purchased a Serial to USB cable from Flex.

Purchased a null modem cable, female to female from Jamco. I added a gender changer to cable. I should of gotten a male to female null modem cable but messed up so the gender changer fixed that. This setup eliminates moving wire on pins 2&3.

So now you have a long cable that goes to the USB port on Flex to the the control head 15 pin of the Acom 2000a

Then set the Acom CAT to Kenwood on the control head (setup) to 19200

Go to Flex and create a CAT for 2000a setup for 19200.

The far left button on the Acom control head is Freq or CAT Push CAT

Your all set. Try changing bands from 80 to 40 meters You should hear the servo in the Acom switch. My PalStar Auto plays nicely.

This is a no solder solution. No pins to switch or solder.

I don’t know how to attach photos to this message. I have saved pictures of what the CAT setting looking like for both Acom and Flex.

Tom

NA7AA

NA7AA Tom

DX Engineering. If you get it to work let me know.

Tom

NA7AA

NA7AA Tom

I am assuming you are trying to get the amp to follow your freq.

Tom

NA7AA

Brian K0BUS

Yes I was told to get what Flex WAS selling but its not there now. I believe the connector was in accessories

Brian K0BUS

So I was told to buy the FTDI connector that Flex sold and a DB15 to DB9 connector to the ACOM. However I needed to switch #2 and #3 wires of the DB9 connector to the ACOM.

Bobby Pace

I need the same cable, watching for the answer

Bobby Pace

I see you 😎

NA7AA Tom

I got a FTDI cable from Flex and the second cable needed from DX Engineering.

I’ve tried every which way to make it work with no luck. I’ve switched pins 2 and 3 on the second cable from DX Engineering. Put a null modem cable in between and thru in some fairy dust on the cable to no avail!

Calls to DX Engineering have not been returned, was on hold for 15 mins and gave up and left a message. Maybe next week a call to Flex. Note it doesn’t work on a Kenwood 990s either.

Beginning to suspect the Acom 2000a

Have set baud rates ad infinitum

Tom

NA7AA Tom

Whoopi!!! I GOT IT WORKING!!

Those that would like to know how, can E-mail me at tcoletti@me.com or call and leave a message.

I tell you what cables you need and how to configure your Flex CAT and the Acom 2000A Amp CAT on the remote along with which bottoms need to be on.

You'll know it's working when you hear the Acom 2000A servo's start to make noise moving around as you change Freq.

NOTE: You really don't need it. The Acom 2000A will change Freq when you give it a Dit or an voice AHHH. It's just nice to have working.

Tom

NA7AA

650 207 2772

KD0RC

Hi Tom, any reason for not leaving the solution here? This forum is a really good repository. Going forward a year, someone with the issue will be able to find the answer here without chasing someone down for it.

73,

Len, KD0RC

NA7AA Tom

I will when I get time. Want to make sure I document it correctly.

Always better to talk someone thru it.

Brian K0BUS

Fantastic!!!!! My cables come in this Sunday.

Brian K0BUS

Tom, Can you please give us a readers digest version for what you did?

NA7AA Tom

You must be in “Operate” on the Acom 2000a control Head

Brian K0BUS

Thanks Tom.....last night I came to the conclusion which is the same as you typed. Only thing different was I purchased a FTDI USB to DB9 cable for the Flex side. Apparently I didn't need that according to your post. Now my DXE cable will be here thur or fri.

Thanks for your help,

Brian

K0BUS

NA7AA Tom

Yes you do Brian.

1.The cable from Flex, FTDI to USB plugs into the Flex radio USB port on the back of radio.

2.The null modem (Jameco.com), plugs into the other end of the Flex (FTDI) cable.

3.The gender changer plugs into the null modem cable. (male/male) gender changer. ( Jameco.com)

4.The DX Engineering Kenwood to Acom 2000a cable plugs into the gender changer and then the other end of DX Engineering (Kenwood to Acom 2000a plugs into the Acom 2000a Control Head.

If you still have something to plug in after that, you did something wrong, go back to 1. above, Hi Hi

Tom NA7AA

NA7AA Tom

Here are the Acom 2000a and Flex CAT setups.

IMG_1145.jpg

IMG_1144.jpg

IMG_1143.jpg

Acom 2000A to Flex 6000 series Radios.png

Brian K0BUS

Thanks Tom,

Been busy with life here. All is well and got all my pieces. Works good. Was thinking about buying the new Flex amp but this works fine. My friend tried buying the DXE cable but it appears that they are back ordered till Dec or Jan. I must have got one of the last cables.

Brian

K0BUS