your link
port
for a fixed frequency,
BCD,
or
FC-900 remote, the
HF
function is
not available). With the '96 controller you'll
need
to
add
a
low
cost serial
port
board available from
ACe.
The '85 controller will connect to the
HF
radio as-is.
We selected the Kenwood
TS-440S
HF transceiver because
of
its clean interface
and
its popularity. You'll have a basic subset
of
control functions -frequency,
mode, memory recall,
and
scan (not loading memories,
operating
the antenna
tuner, controlling a rotor, etc.). The
TS-440S
is the
only
radio
that
we
plan
to
support
-
if
you
like ICOM or Yaesu, try Kenwood! (We like all three! -
we
just
don't
support
the other
HF
radios.)
And
if
you
have
another
in
Kenwood's
series,
you
may
want
to try it,
but
we've
done
all
our
testing
with
the
T5-440S.
Finally, as
our
controller firmware continues to evolve,
we've
made
a number
of miscellaneous
additions
and
improvements
based
on
feedback from owners
and
users. The details are outlined at the
end
of this note.
WARNING: The field installation of the upgrade involves
some
risk
-if you
don'tfollow the instructions precisely, or if there is a mechanical problem such
as
a bent pin,
it
may
be
necessary to return the controller to
ACe
for repair. We've
done everything possible to make the upgrade easy to install. ACC offers to
perform the installation
at
no
charge (except return shipping). If you would like us
to
perform the upgrade, return your controller and the upgrade kit to ACC before
attempting installation. If you choose to perform the installation
in
the field, please
recognize the small but finite risk.
WARNING: Version 5 firmware
requires
8Kx8
of
E2PROM. All RC-96
controllers are equipped with the necessary 8Kx8. Very
old
RC-85 controllers
(shipped approximately before February, 1987,
SIN
696) may have only 2Kx8 of
E2PROM.
If your old '85 contains a 2815,2816,
or
2817A at socket U27, then you
need to upgrade the
E2PROM
to a
28CQ4.
Contact the factory for availability
before attempting the installation.
WARNING:
If
you connect your controller to a Kenwood TS-440S transceiver,
we
strongly recommend lightning protection for your repeater and site to avoid
damage to the expensive HF radio.
WARNING:
If
you connect your controller to a Kenwood TS-440S transceiver
and plan to operate ten meters,
be
aware that
RF
emissions from the RC-85
controller may require additional shielding and filtering for-effective operation.
See Chapter
10
of the RC-85 Manual for suggestions.
WARNING:
Do
not tamper with the label
on
either supplied module.
Tampering
with
the labels
will
void
al/
warranties.
Installation
The Version 5
upgrade
consists of two modules which
plug
into existing sockets
on your controller. They include the
new
EPROM
program
memory
which
contains the Version 5 firmware,
and
a time of
day
clock
and
calendar
with
its
built-in lithium backup battery.
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