PINNED - Info on PROGRAMMING PGDT and others

[rustyjames]

Got it done, Thanks for the input everyone. I used a combination of tools, heat and teeth!

@ ex-gooserider: both, stripping jacket and those blonde hair thin wires.

@ Will: you know the deal, it's like working with mitten's on. Perseverance, patience and time.

[Burgerman]

Train up a young, small fit blonde carer?

[rustyjames]

Yes, fingernails!

[rustyjames]

So, I know virtually nothing about electronics, and this is probably a dumb question, but I have to ask: when connecting the RX/TX wires to the XLR connector can I solder in the diode stem with the RX wire? Or, does the TX wire with diode need to be soldered into RX wire and just that wire soldered into the XLR?

Hope that made sense

[Burgerman]

None!

[ex-Gooserider]

I haven't looked back at the schematic, but in general, the rule is that all points along a wire that connects two parts are the same. So when someone draws a schematic you put the connection points where it is 'best' from a standpoint of getting the best clarity, and some level of "artistic niceness". Similarly when building the actual circuit, you place the parts and wires in whatever physical arrangement is neatest / easiest / cleanest to build, as long as you match the schematic...

There are "gotchas" and stuff gets much more complex when dealing with high frequencies, but that isn't a factor in something like this cable.

The orientation of the diode is very important - pay close attention to which end has the band, but as long as it's pointed in the right direction it doesn't matter just how you actually arrange the connections.

ex-Gooserider

[rustyjames]

@ Burgerman

Thanks, ex-gooserider. I did manage to get it all done. Now I just have to fiddle with getting the proper driver installed. I'm working it

[woodygb]

Installation instructions.. including a driver download that I've found best for the install of a compatible driver.

http://www.crercc.com/comport.html

[rustyjames]

Thanks Woody, I do remember you posted that before but had forgotten about it.

[rustyjames]

OK, so it snowed again I had some time to play with my cable and programming today -- to no avail
Here's where I'm at--Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit:

--Prolific 3.2.0.0 Driver installed and working properly

--Serial Comm Port 3

--Run PGDT software

--Tools>Comms> enter 3 in serial port configuration

COMMS INNACTIVE

Any suggestions, other than wait for Woody's cable to arrive?

[woodygb]

Did you pop the case?

The lead that I've just constructed for you had the wire colours reversed to what is shown in my pic.... Green was TX & White was RX
So ...If you didn't go the case popping route ... I'd try swapping the diode into the other wire.

[rustyjames]

No, I didn't pop the case because I did it at home and don't have a vice handy here (your method described earlier). When I get over to my shop I'll try popping the cover.
Thanks.

[Driveraider]

I am trying to acquire the parts to build or even buy an interface cable in the US for a Pride Jet 3 Ultra with a VSI controller. I don't care if it is serial or USB, but I am hesitate to ask PGDT what they would charge... I saw some of the posts talking using baofeng/kenwood USB programming cables. I have seen them for 6-7 USD, but it appears to be a gamble if it is a knock off or not. If the price is right, I would gladly pay for someones hard work.

[Burgerman]

Everything you need to know is in this thread. Although a bit confused in places.

[woodygb]

I did P.M. him ..but no reply.

[Burgerman]

Still bug free, fault free and working good here.

[rustyjames]

I got a package from Woody the other day with a programming cable, (and a couple RC thingy's). So I tried it out and "COMMS ACTIVE"

Thanks again Woody!

[jehan]

Many thanks to Woody, John And everyone in this post.

I'm all set to try it out on a vr2 controller. It's definitely a case of the wheelchair driving me rather than me driving the wheelchair.

I would like to run through parts required

Kenwood KPG-4 Replacement USB RIB-Less Programming Cable
1N4148 diode
Neutrik/XLR plug
Prolific 3.2.0 Windows driver (Running Windows 7 64-bit)
Programmer software OEM level (PG drives technology PC program version 14.4.3 Is the one I have)

I'm going to source the Kenwood programming cable locally With the diode before I try From radio Arena Which will take a month to arrive.

Please let me know If I'm good to go??

[Burgerman]

Looks good to me!

[woodygb]

I've had success with the cheaper Beofeng / Baofeng UV-5R Wouxun usb cable.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_sacat ... _PrefLoc=2

[rustyjames]

As I reported earlier I had easy success with Woody's cable for Windows 7. Today I finally had a chance to try it out on my other laptop with Windows XP. It went just as easy, COMMS Active Thanks again Woody!

[jehan]

Thanks John, though my PC programmer software says it's the service version.

Woody, my initial search for the USB radio cable is not looking good. Will most likely have to order from eBay or radio Arena. In which case I would much rather get a working cable from you.

However, I was able to find the Neutrik XLR male plug After John tip to look in a microphone store.

Any idea What kind of store would have the USB radio cable?

[erreipnaej]

Hello,

I get a cable from Arena (Black, red & white cable).
I tried all connection possibilities with two diode orientation and it never worked on Windows seven (always COMMS INNACTIVE )
I'll try again this evening with an XP computer.
Does somebody have the pinout of the PGDT cable (RS232 to XLR) as I have plenty of different USB to RS232 adapters?
Thanks for your help.

[woodygb]

There is no pin out for a RS232( Serial signal )- PGDT XLR ( TTL signal ).

If you'd like to post me your cable I could see if I can sort it out ... NO CHARGE ...except you pay postage both ways.

Have the PL2303 drivers installed correctly? .... and did you use those from the recommended download listed on this thread?

[woodygb]

.

Woody, my initial search for the USB radio cable is not looking good. Will most likely have to order from eBay or radio Arena. In which case I would much rather get a working cable from you.
Any idea What kind of store would have the USB radio cable?

http://www.amazon.in/BaoFeng-Baofeng-Pr ... feng+cable

[erreipnaej]

Hello Woody,

There is no pin out for a RS232( Serial signal )- PGDT XLR ( TTL signal ).
If you'd like to post me your cable I could see if I can sort it out ... NO CHARGE ...except you pay postage both ways.
Have the PL2303 drivers installed correctly? .... and did you use those from the recommended download listed on this thread?

If I well understand there are some electronic components in the orginal PGDT cable (RS232 to XLR3).
I understood after reading better the complete thread that driver release has some importance.
I'll investigate on both machines (XP and Seven) to get the sotware working.
As I'll be in easter holidays next week, I'll will have some time.
Is there some specific setting for the COM port regarding to baud rate, stop bit, parity and flow control to change?
If I don't succeed, I will contact you for your kind help regarding the cable testing.
Best regards.
Jean Pierre

[woodygb]

You probably could connect the RS232 port to the XLR with various extra components that must amongst other things convert the Serial signal to a TTL signal.

NO settings are required for the USB ( other than the driver ) ..it either works or it doesn't.

I recommend the drivers from this link ... http://www.crercc.com/comport.html

[erreipnaej]

Hello Woody,

The cable is working. After testing all diode orientation and wiring possibilities on a solderless breadboard I found the correct connection.
That works!!! I've got COMM ACTIVE message.
Now the longer remains to do: Set the wheelchair properly adapted to my son capabilities.
I already change a few settings and reaction seems better.
I'll compare the OttoBock B400 settings with the one from the former OttoBock A200 he had and adapt to give him a soft drive.
Thanks a lot for your support and explanations.
Knowing some guy is ready to help and assist is a great reconfort.
Thanks to you and of course to Burgerman.
Best regards.
Jean Pierre

[jehan]

Thanks for the link Woody. I never thought to look in Amazon India. I contacted them and they have indicated a delivery period of 1 to 4 weeks! Seems like they consolidate their imports Every couple of weeks.

If you have a spare cable , Let me know and we try to find a way to get it across.Otherwise, I'm fine to order with them.

[woodygb]

I have one unmodified cable kicking around ...& I'm happy to post to anywhere in the World.

Should you wish to purchase a ready made one ...Private email me to discuss price , payment etc.