Note: this product is discontinued as of May 2014.

The CAT-to-Bluetooth Adapter dongle for FT-817/FT-857/FT-897 (and D/ND variations) plugs in the rear ACC port, it is self powered and allows CAT ("computer assisted transceiver") communication at 9600 baud (standard FT-8x7 data rate). This accessory finally solves the problem of ground loops; RS232 adapters, availability and drivers; cables around the shack.

The dongle measures about 2x5 cm (0.8x2 in) and features a status LED that shows the pairing status (fast/slow blinking). You need a Bluetooth enabled computer, either onboard or with a USB-to-BT dongle (not supplied). The range can be up to 2 metres (6 feet) depending on obstacles and Bluetooth antenna performance.

So far the dongle has been tested against CAT-enabled software on:

• Android smartphone and tablet
• WindowsXP
• Windows7 32/64 bit
• Linux Ubuntu
• MAC OS 10.5 (Powerbook)

It works both with internal Bluetooth hardware and an external USB-to-BT dongle.

WHEN IT DOES NOT WORK. READ CAREFULLY.

There is a software incompatibility on Toshiba laptops with integrated BT hardware and Toshiba bluetooth stack for Microsoft Windows: Toshiba with MS Windows with this dongle will not work. Verified with WinXP and Win7. Toshiba laptop & Linux works.

In Windows 8, Microsoft has dropped support for serial-over-Bluetooth so this adapter will not work. Support for the SPP profile should be reintroduced in Windows 8.1.

Repeater (Book) Android app requires an original BlueCAT adapter. I cannot help, but you can ask the app author to remove the limitation.

NOTE.

The dongle comes preprogrammed at 9600 baud and identifies itself as "FT8x7-CAT" over Bluetooth. PIN is 1234. These parameters can be changed BEFORE the item is prepared for shipping.

73,
Paolo IK1ZYW