Connect Systems CS-BFD User manual

1
CS-BFD USERS MANUAL
Connect Systems Inc
5321 Derry Ave., Suite B
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Copyright 2019

2
INTRODUCTION
The CS-BFD is the first in a set of products that allows the
HAM to increase the functionality of their existing radios.
The firmware and the hardware design will be available to
allow the resourceful HAM to modify the product to exactly
meet their needs and desires as well as the ability to be
modified to work with other radios.
At the time this manual was written, this product works with
the CS800D, CS800, C801, and the FT857D. We are
working with other radios but it is too soon to give a
schedule of when we expect to have those projects
completed.

3
MECHANICAL PARAMETERS
Weight: 25 Ounces
Dimensions: 7 ¾ x 6 ¾ x 1 ¼
Screen Diagonal Size: 7”
Active Screen Size 6 x 3 ½
JUMPERS
JP1
JP4
JP2
JP3

4
JP1 is used to determine the source of its power. If the
jumper is between the center pin and the pin closest to the
top of the display, then the power is derived from the radio.
If the jumper is between the center pin and the bottom of the
display, then the power is derived from an external power
supply.
JP2 is a four pin jumper block and is used as the connector
for attaching a debug pod to allow the programmer to debug
the display.
JP3 is used for setting the microprocessor to boot mode to
allow the user to load the firmware in case the display gets
bricked. If the jumper is between the center pin and the pin
closest to the four pin jumper, then the microprocessor is in
boot mode. If the jumper is between the center pin and the
bottom of the display, then the microprocessor is in normal
mode.
JP4 is used for enabling the backlight for P1 - P4 and the
power key. If the jumper is between the middle pin and the
pin closest to JP1 then the backlight for those keys are
always on. If the jumper is absent or the jumper is between
the center pin and the pin closest to JP2, then the backlight
for those keys are always off. The backlight for those keys
take a significant amount of power.

5
REAR OF THE CS-BFD
Notice the four holes on the back are made to fit any
AMPS compatible device. That will allow you to buy
compatible mounting devices from RAM MOUNTS and
others

6
UPDATING THE FIRMWARE
We are going to continue updating this product for a long
time to add new features, fix problems, and add the ability to
add new radios. Updating the firmware takes just a few
seconds after the Dfuse program is installed.
Updating can normally be done by pressing the P1 and P4
keys at the same time while power is applied. However, if
the unit is bricked, it is necessary to open the back of the
case, insert a jumper in a jumper block, and then turn on the
power.
Then you load the new file in the Dfuse program, and press
the button to start the update.
We provided a separate application note that goes in
exquisite details on how to perform this simple task.

7
CS800D KEYS VERSES CS-BFD KEY
CS800D CS-BFD
P1 P1
P2 P2
P3 P3
P4 P4
P5 LEFT ROTARY SWITCH CW
P6 LEFT ROTARY SWITCH CCW
P7 PRESS LEFT ROTARY SWITCH
P8 RIGHT ROTARY SWITCH
Note: There is no equivalent of P5 and P6 long press. It is
suggested to use the microphone buttons for that purpose.

8
ICONS DESCRIPTION
Digital Monitor
Message
Encryption
Alert Tone
Call Type
Talk Around
Scan
ICONS DESCRIPTION
GPS

9
RSSI
Last Called

10
Setting the parameters back to factory default
If you have problems reading the screen or you want to
erase the favorites you already put in, pressing the P3 key
as you turn on the power will set everything back to factory
default.

11
USING THE CS-BFD WITH YOUR CS800D, CS800, OR CS801
(1) Plug a CAT 5 or CAT 6 cable between the Primary Port
of the CS-BFD and your display connector on your radio.
(2) Plug the microphone that came with the radio into the
microphone port of the CS-BFD. If you do not want to use
the one that came with the radio, you can use a Kenwood
MC-59 microphone or buy another microphone from
Connect Systems.
(3) Provide power to your radio.
(4) Press the power switch on the CS-BFD for about six
seconds. In a few seconds the display will light up and you
are now ready to use the CS-BFD. If the radio turns off after
you released the power switch, you did not press the power
switch long enough. You should press it long enough to hear
the turn on tone sequence. If you press the power button
and then release it before you hear the tone, then the panel
might look like its working but seems to be locked up. The
display is not locked up. it is the radio. The radio is
supplying power to the display but is actually off. If you
continue to press the power button under those
circumstances, then the radio will generate the tones and
you are ready to go.

12
OPERATION OF THE CS-BFD
When you first turn on the CS-BFD, you will get the following
splash screen:

13
Followed by this screen
By comparison, if you have the standard CS-800D with the
small screen, you will get the following when you first turn on

14
If you press the PTT, then you will get the following screen:

15
If you are receiving a QSO you get the following screen:

16
If you want to see the last called, you press the ICON to the
left of the P1 soft key and you get:

17
ADVANCED FEATURES
Pressing the rotary switch on the right will bring up the
following screen:
The up and down arrow on the touch screen or P2 or P3 will
select which feature you want to select. The solid circle on
the touch screen or P4 will select that feature that is
highlighted. To exit from this menu select press the Red X
on the touch screen or P1.

18
Advanced Features
Pressing the Advanced Features menu gives the following
screen:

19
Advanced Features
1. Enhanced Monitor Mode
Your display will show graphically the different groups
being received and the length of time that group has
been active.
2. Enhanced Channel Entry
From a single screen, able to enter all the
parameters necessary for creating a temporary
channel.
3. Enhanced Scanning Mode
Scans between two frequencies. This is in contrast
to the normal scanning mode that only allows you
to only scan preprogrammed channels.
4. VFO Mode
Able to change frequencies by twisting the button
on the panel.
5. Zone Favorites
Able to select one of your 16 favorites zones. There
is a shortcut using the touch panel to get directly
to this screen from the normal standby screen.
6. Channel Favorites
Able to select one of your 16 favorites channels.
There is a shortcut using the touch panel to get
directly to this screen from the normal standby
screen.
7. Spectrum View
Spectrum Analyzer to determine the radio activity
over a range of frequencies.
Details of these above features will be described later.

20
Color settings
The Color setting will allow you to change the default
colors on the different screens. The program assumes a
fixed palette of colors. If you do not like the selection it
is possible to completely redefine the color selection in
the palette. In case you made a mistake, it is possible to
set the display back to the default colors.
Button names
The default settings on the screen for the four buttons
is P1 through P4. This screen will allow you to change
the default settings to something that is more
meaningful. This feature is not supported in the first
release.
Radio Type
Currently allows you to select the following:
1. CS800D/CS800/CS801 on the primary port
2. FT857D on the primary port
3. CS800D/CS800/CS801 on the primary port and
FT857D on the UART port.
Radio type 3 is not supported in the current releases.
Error Log
There are a significant number of traps in the firmware
to look for problems that should never happen. The
error log records the information and allows the user to
see those. The customer should take a photo of those
errors and send it to the factory to allow us to make the
firmware better.
Event Log
This records the major events in the system such as
pressing a key and receiving packets from the radio.