M710 cloning question

[WB4SPT]

Hi; First time for me trying to add some freqs to a Icom M710RT, US/general version. It's had the HF radio mods (by Don) for "ham friendly" operation years ago.

I get "cloning error". Here is what I've got. A new HP laptop, running WinXP. I've done what I think are the correct setup to get the DOS Icom EX1726 software to run, and it does seem to run ok. SInce the laptop doesn't have a db9/serial port, I'm trying a 3rd party USB to 3.5mm plug cable and driver, made for this purpose. I see the driver in the device manager OK. I've selected COM1, and tried both 4800 and 9600 baud rates. The usb cable does appear to affiliate ok.

Any ideas out there? The usb to icom cable was purchased by Affordable radio in CAN.

[fairbank56]

Is the 3.5mm plug a mono or stereo plug? If stereo, make sure the data wire is connected to the tip of the plug, not the ring. The M710 requires this where most other Icom rigs use the ring. If this is an OPC-478U programming cable, it will be connected to the ring of the plug. You will either need to cut the plug off and install another wired to the tip or make an adapter cable.

Eric

[WB4SPT]

ebay # 180584675147
It is a mono 3.5mm plug.
It uses a Prolific PL-2303 USB to Serial Bridge Controller inside the cable.

[btrayfors]

The /RT is a pain. Had one here a couple of weeks ago and tried to clone it, using software, cable, and the same procedure I've used successfully on a bunch of 710's. Got the same error as you. Never could make it work. I suspect it requires a different cloning program, but not sure.

Wound up programming the darned thing by hand, while watching TV one evening so as not to spend too much time on it.

Bill

[WB4SPT]

Originally Posted by btrayfors

The /RT is a pain.
Wound up programming the darned thing by hand, while watching TV one evening so as not to spend too much time on it.

Bill

OK, that's interesting. Is there a trick to "hand programming" the user channels 1 thru 160? Not having much experience here, but I thought only the top two were user programmable??

[fairbank56]

Ah, yes, that's it Bill. It didn't click with me that you were using the 710 software with the 710/rt. You need the ex2144.exe software.

Eric

[btrayfors]

Originally Posted by fairbank56

Ah, yes, that's it Bill. It didn't click with me that you were using the 710 software with the 710/rt. You need the ex2144.exe software.

Eric

Thanks, Eric. As usual, you're right on the mark. I was using the ex1726 program for the M710.

Bill

[WB4SPT]

My intention is to order the EX2144, but my dealer indicated that ICOM say its no longer available. I suppose someone here could "name their price"

I need to add 60 meters and remove all the high seas operator stuff.
There are several control SW programs available, I'm not intending to use a laptop, operationally, with the radio.

[jlw9564]

Were you able to locate a copy of the EX2144?

I'm also interested in using it...just looking for an easy way to program 160 channels. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

james

[WB4SPT]

Originally Posted by jlw9564

Were you able to locate a copy of the EX2144?

I'm also interested in using it...just looking for an easy way to program 160 channels. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

james

I do not have a copy. Using the manual, I was able to manually program a dozen or so user channels. Not too bad, for just one radio.