YAESU SCU-17 USB Interface Unit Instruction Manual

1. Introducció

The YAESU SCU-17 USB Interface Unit is designed to facilitate communication between a personal computer and compatible YAESU transceivers. This unit enables Computer Aided Transceiver (CAT) control, as well as the use of various digital communication modes such as SSTV (Slow-Scan Television), RTTY (Radio Teletype), and PSK (Phase Shift Keying).

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your SCU-17 unit. Please read it thoroughly before use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the device.

2. Informació de seguretat

Observe the following precautions to prevent fire, electric shock, or personal injury:

• Do not open the unit. Refer all servicing to qualified technicians.
• Mantingueu la unitat allunyada de l'aigua o altres líquids.
• Assegureu-vos una ventilació adequada per evitar el sobreescalfament.
• Use only the specified cables and power sources.
• Eviteu col·locar la unitat sota la llum solar directa o a prop de fonts de calor.

3. Contingut del paquet

Comproveu que el vostre paquet contingui els elements següents:

• YAESU SCU-17 USB Interface Unit
• Cable USB
• Connection Cable (for transceiver audio/control)
• RS-232C Cable (for CAT control, if applicable to your transceiver)
• Manual d'instruccions (aquest document)

4. Producte acabatview

The SCU-17 unit features a robust design with key indicators and controls for seamless integration with your amateur radio setup.

Controls i indicadors del panell frontal

Imatge 1: Front panel of the YAESU SCU-17 USB Interface Unit. Visible controls include RX LEVEL and TX LEVEL knobs for audio adjustment, and LED indicators for FSK, PTT, and POWER status.

• RX LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the receive audio level from the transceiver to the computer.
• TX LEVEL Knob: Adjusts the transmit audio level from the computer to the transceiver.
• FSK Indicator (LED): Illuminates when Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is active.
• PTT Indicator (LED): Illuminates when Push-To-Talk (PTT) is active, indicating the transceiver is in transmit mode.
• Indicador d'ENERGIA (LED): Illuminates when the unit is powered on via the USB connection.

Internally, photo relays and AF transformers are utilized to provide excellent RF isolation, minimizing interference and ensuring clean signal transfer between the computer and the radio.

5. Configuració i connexió

5.1 Instal·lació del controlador

Before connecting the SCU-17 unit to your computer, it is crucial to install the necessary USB drivers. These drivers are typically available for download from the official YAESU website. Follow the instructions provided with the driver package for your specific operating system.

1. Visit the official YAESU support weblloc.
2. Locate the drivers for the SCU-17 USB Interface Unit.
3. Baixeu i executeu l'instal·lador.
4. Seguiu les indicacions a la pantalla per completar la instal·lació.
5. Reinicieu l'ordinador si se us demana.

Note: Do not connect the SCU-17 to your computer until the drivers are successfully installed.

5.2 Connecting the SCU-17 to your Transceiver and Computer

Imatge 2: Connection diagram illustrating how to connect the YAESU SCU-17 to a transceiver (e.g., FTDX1200) and a laptop computer using the supplied USB cable, RS-232C cable, and connection cable.

Follow these steps to connect the SCU-17:

1. Ensure both your computer and transceiver are powered off.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable from the SCU-17 unit to an available USB port on your computer. The SCU-17 will draw power from this connection, and the POWER LED should illuminate.
3. Connect the supplied RS-232C cable from the SCU-17's CAT port to the corresponding CAT/RS-232C port on your YAESU transceiver.
4. Connect the supplied Connection Cable from the SCU-17's audio/control port to the appropriate accessory port on your YAESU transceiver. Refer to your transceiver's manual for the exact port location (e.g., ACC, DATA, or PKT port).
5. Power on your transceiver, then your computer.
6. Verify that your computer recognizes the SCU-17 as a USB Serial Port and a USB Audio Device in your operating system's Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS).

6. Instruccions de funcionament

Once the SCU-17 is connected and drivers are installed, you can begin using it for CAT control and digital modes.

6.1 CAT Control

The SCU-17 provides CAT communication to your computer via the USB terminal. This allows software applications to control various functions of your transceiver, such as frequency, mode, and power settings.

• Open your preferred logging or control software (e.g., Ham Radio Deluxe, OmniRig, WSJT-X).
• In the software settings, select the COM port assigned to the SCU-17's USB Serial Port.
• Configure the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity to match your transceiver's CAT settings (refer to your transceiver's manual).
• Test the connection by attempting to read the transceiver's frequency or change its mode from the software.

6.2 Digital Modes (SSTV, RTTY, PSK, FT8, etc.)

The SCU-17 integrates a USB audio system, allowing the computer to send and receive audio signals for digital mode operation. The unit also handles PTT and FSK control.

1. In your digital mode software (e.g., WSJT-X, FLdigi), select the SCU-17's USB Audio CODEC as the input (receive) and output (transmit) audio device.
2. Configure the PTT method. The SCU-17 supports PTT via CAT commands or dedicated PTT lines. Select the appropriate option in your software. The PTT LED on the SCU-17 will illuminate when transmitting.
3. Adjust the RX LEVEL and TX LEVEL knobs on the SCU-17's front panel to achieve optimal audio levels. Monitor your transceiver's ALC (Automatic Level Control) meter to avoid overdriving the transmitter.
4. For FSK modes (like RTTY), ensure the FSK control is properly configured in your software and the FSK LED on the SCU-17 illuminates during transmission.

7. Manteniment

The SCU-17 is designed for reliable operation with minimal maintenance.

• Neteja: Feu servir un drap suau i sec per netejar l'exterior de la unitat. No utilitzeu productes de neteja abrasius ni dissolvents.
• Emmagatzematge: When not in use for extended periods, disconnect the unit from power and store it in a cool, dry place.
• Firmware: Periodically check the YAESU website for any firmware updates for the SCU-17, although these are less common for interface units.

8. Solució De Problemes

If you encounter issues with your SCU-17, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Unit not recognized by computer:
  • Assegureu-vos que el cable USB estigui connectat correctament.
  • Verify that drivers are correctly installed. Reinstall if necessary.
  • Proveu un port USB diferent a l'ordinador.
  • Check Device Manager (Windows) or System Information (macOS) for any error indicators.
• No CAT control:
  • Confirm the correct COM port is selected in your software.
  • Verify baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity settings match your transceiver.
  • Ensure the RS-232C cable is properly connected.
  • Check your transceiver's menu settings for CAT control enablement.
• No audio for digital modes:
  • Ensure the SCU-17's USB Audio CODEC is selected as the input/output device in your software and operating system sound settings.
  • Adjust the RX LEVEL and TX LEVEL knobs on the SCU-17.
  • Verify the Connection Cable is securely attached to the transceiver's audio/accessory port.
  • Check your transceiver's menu settings for audio output/input levels to the accessory port.
• PTT not activating:
  • Confirm the PTT method (CAT or dedicated line) is correctly configured in your software.
  • Comproveu que tots els cables estiguin connectats correctament.
  • Ensure the PTT LED on the SCU-17 illuminates when PTT is commanded by the software.

9. Especificacions

10. Compatible YAESU Transceivers

The SCU-17 USB Interface Unit is compatible with a range of YAESU transceivers, including but not limited to:

• FT-450D
• FT-817ND
• FT-857D
• FT-897D
• FT-950
• FT-2000
• FTDX1200
• FTDX5000
• FTDX9000

Always refer to your specific transceiver's manual for detailed connection and configuration instructions.

11. Garantia i Suport

YAESU products are manufactured to high-quality standards and are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official YAESU weblloc.

For technical support, driver downloads, or service inquiries, please contact YAESU customer support directly through their official weblloc o centres de servei autoritzats.