Highfields Amateur Radio Club
Constructors Corner.


Home build an OPC-1529R cable.

My new Icom IC-E2820 uses an OPC-1529R cable for data communication (among other things) this same cable is also used by the IC-91, IC-2200, IC-V82, IC-U82 and probably others as well. Here is how to make one (IC-2200, IC-V82 & IC-U82 users will find a connection diagram in their manual) and save around £20

Parts List:

1× 2.5mm stereo jack plug (make sure that it will fit into the radio, the 2820 socket is quite recessed).
1× 9 pin D socket for the PC serial port (AKA: DB9 female).
1× Shroud for the D socket.
As much 2 core and shield (or similar) as is required to reach the radio from the PC.

Method:

Assemble as shown below. Use the shield of the cable for the com ground connection and don't forget to put the cover of the jack plug on the cable before soldering!
Assemble the shroud over the DB9F for the finished article.

UPDATED 24/8/08: I have had a "not very nice" email from somebody (an MM3 licence holder, who will remain nameless) to say that this lead does not work, he wasted time and money on the "bits" to make it and making it. He also said that he had to buy the proper Icom lead in the end, which worked perfectly.

In reply I have told him:

I have made several of these leads, see: Replacing the IC-2800 with an IC-E2820 where I included the OPC-1529R wiring along with speaker audio and the normal control head wiring in one cable (I have had DSTAR Comms contacts and programmed the raidio memories from a PC laptop, proving that it works). Also Dave, 2W0RUH, Steve, GW6CUR and Wayne, GW1UDK (just 3 that I know of) use a leads that were made to this scheme, so if the one you make doesn't work check that:

  1. The plug sits fully home in the radio socket.
  2. All the connections go where they should (i.e. TX and RX are not crossed).
  3. There are no shorts (COM port damage could occur if there are shorts!).
  4. If using a USB - SERIAL adaptor, that the correct COM port is selected!

I include this here as the person concerned has mentioned that he will "rubbish" this website at every opportunity he gets. Good luck with that matey!

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