Cables for Acom 2020S to 8600

Brian K0BUS

Just came back to Flex after some time with a 7851. Very happy with the 8600 and the improvements over the 6600. Flex sold me a RS232 to a USB and told me to purchase a DXE-ACOMSS-KWD. Well, that didn't work. Any off the shelf cables that I'm obviously missing? Didn't see any posts similar to this so I'll try here first and possibly open a ticket. Thank you,

Brian

Brian K0BUS

FTDI USB-RS232 adapter / 9 pin to 9pin NULL adapter / DXE-ACOMSS-KWD / RCA jack between Flex TX1 and Acom 2020S. Works fine now.

KlausP

Hi Brian,
this drawing shows my version of connecting the Flexradio 8600 to the ACOM 1200S.
As far as I can see, the connection is the same for ACOM devices.

73, Klaus DF3RRP

Brian K0BUS

Thank you, I believe I have the 2 cables I need but I'm missing a DB9-DB9 Null connector. Just ordered it and coming tomorrow. Thank you for the drawing but I can still solder coax and larger items but not the small stuff anymore.

KlausP

By the way,
the “DXE-ACOMSS-KWD” cable is used to connect the FTDI USB-RS232 adapter, which is connected to the USB port of the 8600.
This corresponds to X20 and X1 in my drawing.

KlausP

OK, if you only know how to use a blowtorch, that's difficult. hihi 😉😁

You shouldn't need a zero plug.
The USB to RS-232 FTDI-Adapter has 9-pin pins at the output and the cable (DXE-ACOMSS-KWD) has a 9-pin socket, which is all you need.
The 15-pin connector goes to the ACOM and the USB side of the FTDI-Adapter goes to the FlexRadio.
Then connect a RCA cable from the Flexradio TX1 to the Key In connection of the PA.
In the SmartSDR TX band setting, assign the RCA TX1 connector.
And in the settings under USB cable, switch the USB adapter to enable. That's all!

Brian K0BUS

Nope, that doesn't work. Purchased the RS232 Adapter from Flex and it's connected to the DXE-ACOMSS-KWD that is connected to the Acom 2020S. The Acom doesn't see the CAT when I set the Acom up to see the connection. I did read in here that I need a 9 pin to 9 pin NULL connector in-between the 2 cables. That is coming today so we will see. But thanks anyway.

KlausP

Hi Brian,
Yes, it's possible that the cable has twisted connections, which would be entirely possible, even if not ideal. Since it is sold as a cable for these devices. My plan shows that Acom uses pin 2 RX and pin 3 TX, which is confusing.
I'm curious to know if your tool is sufficient.

KlausP

That sounds awesome! 😀 Congratulations on your success!