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Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 7:15 am
Have found xggcomms selling two different data FT8 mode boxes, one just using 13 pin to ic-718 and usb,, and the other version having Cat option,, does that mean if i go for the first version i won't be able to change frequency bands etc on Wsjt-x hopefully someone can clarify this thanks...
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 4633 Times Thanked : 295 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 10:28 am
Ah, just answered your PM Chris then noticed your question here.
The cheaper unit without CAT control will mean that you have to setup your radio to use VOX control for TX/RX. You'll also need to set the band and frequency manually on the radio, (no real hardship), and remember to match the band setting on the software if you want your log files to be correct.
The unit with CAT control should do everything for you on the radio via the software, set band, frequency and control TX/RX.
I suppose the latter is just easier to use.
(Thought I'd answer again here just in case someone else finds it useful.)
All the best, Victor
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26ct954 Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 10:35 am
Still can't decide lol
Victor likes this post
Victor CT Directors
Call Sign : 26-CT-3228 / M7VIC Posts : 4633 Times Thanked : 295 Join date : 2019-11-10 QTH or Location : Bedford Equipment Used : Various
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 10:39 am
Ha! Ha!
Just buy what your budget extends to or whatever you can get away with.
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Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2170 Times Thanked : 52 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:40 am
Linda always say's to me buy cheep buy twice. And i buy twice lol.
26ct954 likes this post
26ct954 Major contributor
Call Sign : 26-CT-954, M7PLD.. Posts : 242 Times Thanked : 2 Join date : 2020-11-27 QTH or Location : Ellesmere Port Equipment Used : icom 718,cobweb,anytone 667, Age : 69
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 11:42 am
Some people collect stamps,, alan you collect radios lol
Alan Pilot Major contributor
Call Sign : 163-CT-220...MW7TTA Posts : 2170 Times Thanked : 52 Join date : 2019-11-19 QTH or Location : Anglesey North Wales Equipment Used : Yaesu FT-991A,,Yaesu FTDX-10,,Icom ic-7300,,Anytone AT-D878UV PLUS",,LINCOLN II+. Age : 149
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:15 pm
I have a shed full but i keep selling it on the bay. Problem is i keep buying as well lol. I don't collect that much just like to try them.
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43CT016 Major contributor
Call Sign : 43-CT-016 Posts : 308 Times Thanked : 20 Join date : 2019-11-17 QTH or Location : Perth Equipment Used : iCom IC-7610/IC-9700
Subject: Re: Need help which data model to buy Tue Jun 29, 2021 12:19 pm
I’d go CAT control every time and not just for wsjtx either. Logging software too. So much easier, and minimises mistakes…..especially during comps.
You can do CAT over USB with a CI-V cable on the 718, so although I don’t use mine for ft8, I would have thought an audio box/data cable and CI-V cable would be all you needed?
You’ve also got other options like the RigBlaster too.
There’s a really good thread on it here: https://forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/ft8-on-icom-718-how.662635/
Today at 12:04 am by Andy1
Subject: Need help which data model to buy 
