What cables do I need?

Custom Products for the Digital Radio Amateur Enthusiast

How to determine what radio interconnect cable you may need, what we sell, and what you'll need to build yourself, or source elsewhere.

By Kevin Custer W3KKC

All RA and DRA radio interfaces, regardless of exact model, are supplied with a short USB A to USB B (2.0) cable to connect the sound card to your computer or host.
NO radio interface is automatically supplied with a radio cable.

The DRA Series digital radio adapter products are available with three different radio interface connectors - a DB9 (DE9) RJ45, or a Mini-DIN-6. All are female gender, requiring a male connector on the radio cable - like the ones directly linked below.

I don't custom build cables of any kind (radio, USB, whatever). I have some pre-made cables available, but I don't make them.

If you have a radio with a dedicated Mini-DIN-6 data port connector, the DRA-36, DRA-50, DRA-70, DRA-80, DRA-SR-DIN6 and DRA-100-DIN6 are best choices. These radio adapters connect directly to radios with a simple male-to-male Mini-DIN-6 cable.

We only sell two radio cables, and these are it.
We call them the DRAC-12, and DIN6-Shortie and they are available directly from these product links.

There are many radios that don't have a dedicated data (modem) port. When someone asks us about a particular radio, we download the users manual to determine how best to connect a TNC, Modem, RTTY, or external sound card. Unfortunately - there are a couple of different types of "DATA" ports on modern two-way radios. One type is for connecting the radio directly to a computer for programming (memory channels - etc.) The other is for connecting to modems, TNC's, and other hardware where audio tones are transmitted and received conveying digital "DATA". That's the type we need. Sometimes the manual is confusing making reference to data ports for connecting a computer directly using serial USB, and these ports cannot be used to connect a Modem, DRA, or any other sound card.

Speaking of "Serial" ports and cables... Just because some of the DRA's have a DB9 connection, don't assume you can use a serial cable or adapter to connect the DRA to your radio. DRA's with a DB9 radio are not pinned like a serial cable. While the DB9 is a connector that's commonly used for "serial" computer connections, that's not what the DRA's make or use at the radio connector. DB9 equipped DRA's are pinned like a Kantronics KPC TNC, so you can reuse cables that you already have, or cables that are available elsewhere. Unless custom built - pre made cables are not likely going to have its wiring arranged correctly to work in the manner required - connecting Ground, PTT, and TX and RX audio.

If you don't have a high-speed data capable radio, the DRA-39, DRA-100-RJ45, or DRA-SR-RJ45 are very universal and accommodating. These sound cards allow radio cables and Plug & Play jumper modules for the SignaLink USB to be used. If you already own a SignaLink USB, chances are the radio cable and module you have will additionally work in these sound cards. If you don't already own them, "spare" cables and modules are available for many radios from Tigertronics or an authorized SignaLink dealer.

The SPKR-4 - 3-foot 1/8" Speaker Cable can be added optionally to connect receive audio to your DRA-39, DRA-SR-RJ45 or DRA-100-RJ45 from the radios speaker jack.

Email Kevin Custer for additional support.