Kenwood TM-255A User Manual

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8 EchoLink
56
TM-D710A/E
8.5 Setting Up a Node Station (Link Station) with 
TM-D710A/E
With the optional PG-5H cable kit, the TM-D710A/E can be connected directly to a computer to run 
the EchoLink software in Sysop mode.  In Sysop mode, EchoLink forms a gateway between the 
Internet and a local RF channel, such as a simplex frequency or a nearby repeater.  This allows 
other nodes on the EchoLink system to communicate with mobile or portable users in your area.  
Other EchoLink users can connect to your node, or local mobile and portable users can use the 
DTMF pad on their transceivers to connect your EchoLink node to other nodes on the system.
The TM-D710A/E connects to the sound card and serial port of your computer.  The sound card 
connection handles the transmitted and received audio, and the serial-port connection takes care 
of PTT control and carrier detect.  This allows the EchoLink software to key and un-key the 
TM-D710A/E’s transmitter, and to detect the presence of a signal received by the TM-D710A/E.
8.5.1 Connecting a PC
The Kenwood PG-5H is a package of two different cables.  Following the instructions in the 
TM-D710A/E Instruction Manual, connect the cables to the two jacks on the back of the 
transceiver and to the serial port and sound card jacks of your computer.  The pink plug goes to 
the microphone input of the sound card, and the green plug goes to the sound card’s line out (or 
speaker out).  The black 9-pin connector goes to the computer’s serial port.
Many modern computers have USB ports, but no serial ports.  If your computer has no serial port, 
you will need to use either a USB-to-serial adapter cable, or a serial port option card.  Either can 
be purchased from stores that sell computer accessories.
Figure 8-26   Connecting a TM-D710A/E and a PC
Data communications cable
To PC audio terminal
Pink:  To microphone input terminal
Green:  To line out terminal
To PC 9-pin D-SUB 
terminal
PG-5H Cable Kit