Automatic Band Select and Serial

Interface for Icom HF Radios

Bob Wolbert, K6XX

This project is an interface box for Icom rigs that includes a band output port and a CI-V–to–com-
puter serial interface. The band output port drives things like relay-switched DuneStar band filters
(Model 600, for example), remote coax switches, etc., and does not require a computer. The CI-V
interface allows rig control via computer, and makes logging programs like TR-Log and CT really
shine.

Figure 1 is the band select driver portion schematic. When I designed it, I thought I was being really
clever—using an IC designed as a consumer-audio output meter as an analog-to-digital converter
with an external reference and controlled-current output drivers. Then came the April (1997) NCCC
meeting: N6TV brought in his OH-made solid state DXpedition kW amplifier, and there in the
diagrams was an Icom interface virtually identical to my “clever” circuit. So much for unique
ideas…at least this means this design should be easy to duplicate and get running for other builders!
One major difference from the commercial design is that Figure 1 properly decodes 30m. Unfortu-
nately, other WARC bands are not separated (12m decodes as 10m; 17m decodes as 15m) because
Icom’s voltage level scheme uses the same voltage for these band pairs.

27k* 1N4148

R2 D2
ACC2 0.47µH ( 7)
Pin 7 220µ
Q2 30m
3 1 0.1µ
(+13.8V)
0.1µ
Q3 10m/12m
4.7µ 17 0.1µ
Pin 1 220µ
Q4 15m/17m
6 15 0.1µ
(+8V) LM3914
0.1µ LED Driver
Q5 20m
10k 14 0.1µ

Q6 40m
5 13 0.1µ
220µ 1N4148
Pin 4
Q1 Q7 80m
(BAND) D1 2N3906 12 0.1µ
0.1µ
Q8 160m
7 11
9 2,4,8 0.1µ
3.3k R1
N.C. TIP150 ( 7)

Figure 1. The Icom Band-Select Decoder

The band decoder takes three inputs from the Icom rig: power, a reference voltage of +8V, and the
“BAND” voltage. This band voltage varies from 0V for 30m to over 7V for 160m (see the Table,
below, for values measured on my particular rig). The LM3914 is designed as an LED bar graph
meter for low-cost consumer audio electronics. It is used in its “moving dot” mode instead of the bar
graph mode, so only one output is active at a time. Note that no base current limiting resistors are
needed for the output transistors: the LED driver functions as a current source which provides the
needed base current limiting. Base current drive is set by R1. Q1 and D1 act as a level-shifter, raising
the zero-volt 30m level about a volt so that the first “dot” is active. R2 and D2 compensate for a
LM3914 “funny”—the first output draws several hundred microamperes of current even when the
other outputs are selected. This is enough to turn on Q2 slightly. R2 compensates by providing
another path for this current. Its value might need tweaking for individual LM3914s and different
supply voltages. D2 prevents reverse current flow from the relay into the rig.

The CI-V–to–computer serial interface schematic appears as Figure 2. It uses a low-cost dual op-
amp and a zener diode for level conversion. A 555 timer is used as an oscillator and charge pump to
produce the negative voltage. Since power is already available from the band decoder port, no
attempt at self-powering through the RS-232 port is made. You could probably derive the negative
supply from the serial port and eliminate the 555 charge pump. Icom uses a unique system with
bidirectional control (with multi-
radio capability) through a single +9 to 12V

wire (plus ground). A standard 1 8

3.3k 3.3k

miniature (1/8") mono phone plug 2 555 7

Timer
connects to the radio’s “CI-V” 3 6
4 5 NC
port. A normal 9-pin or 25-pin DB 0.1µ RS-232
Connector
connector attaches to the DB-25
computer’s serial port. 4.7µ GND (7)

Like most of these interfaces, 1N4148 4.7µ 27k

( 2)
getting the hardware built and
connected is only part of the task; CI-V 100 27k 1
2 27k
TXD (2)

convincing the software in the Port 4.7V

4
3

0.1µ
computer and the radio to speak is 4558
Dual Op Amp
usually much more frustrating, 100 6 8
7 100
27k RXD (3)
especially if you have not done it 5

before with a given program or 1N4148

rig. You are on your own here! Figure 2. CI-V to Serial Converter

Figure 3 shows the complete interface schematic. I tried to minimize the number of different resistor
and capacitor values; only R1 and R2 are critical; the others may vary quite a bit without affecting
circuit operation. The component cost of the full interface is relatively low: well under $20 at Digi-
Key mail order prices. You can probably build this box for under $10 by visiting the flea market and
the local “junk stores”.

73 & GL de Bob, K6XX

Copyright © 1997, Bob Wolbert, K6XX
 27k* 1N4148

R2 D2
ACC2 0.47µH ( 7)
220µ
Pin 7 Q2 30m
3 1 0.1µ
(+13.8V)
0.1µ
Q3 10m/12m
4.7µ 17 0.1µ
220µ
Pin 1 Q4 15m/17m
(+8V) 6 15 0.1µ
LM3914
0.1µ LED Driver
Q5 20m
10k 14 0.1µ
Q6 40m
5 13 0.1µ
220µ 1N4148
Pin 4
Q1 Q7 80m
(BAND) 12
0.1µ D1 2N3906 0.1µ
Q8 160m
7 11
9 2,4,8 0.1µ
3.3k R1
N.C. TIP150 ( 7)

3.3k 3.3k
1 8
2 555 7
Timer
3 6
4 5 NC
0.1µ RS-232
Connector
DB-25
4.7µ GND (7)

1N4148 4.7µ 27k

( 2)

2 27k
100 TXD (2)
CI-V 27k 1
Port 4.7V
3
4
0.1µ
4558
Dual Op Amp
100 6 8
7 100
27k 5 RXD (3)

1N4148

Figure 3. Full Interface Schematic

Appendix: Measured BAND Pin Voltages

BAND Pin
Band
Voltage
10 3.5
15 4.3
20 5
30 0
40 6
80 6.6
160 7.5

Measured BAND output voltage on my particular IC756.