On some Icom radios, the USB-29A and the USB-RTS05 cables are offered for programming. Yes, Icom designed the radio so that programming can be done through two different ports on the radio.
This comparison will help you decide between those two cables.
USB-29A
The USB-29A cable (blue) programs the radio. It connects to the radio through the 3.5mm speaker jack. If there are two speaker jacks, it is usually SP2. Check your manual for the port designations. The Programmer will specify which speaker port is used for programming in the Get and Send data details under Communucations in the programmer.
The USB-29A cable is generally more dependable for programming since the radio does not put other data out through the speaker jack. However, you cannot have a speaker attached to the other speaker jack while programming.
The USB-29A cable can be used to program many of the Icom handhelds and mobiles as well as radios from other manufacturers. It is one of the more "universal" programming cables in the RT Systems line.
USB-RTS05
The USB-RTS05 cable programs the radio through the 2.5mm data port.
The USB-RTS05 cable works both for programming the radio with the RT Systems software AND as a cable for digital data using other programs such as D-Rats. It works with many other Icom D-Star radios (handhelds and mobiles) for programming and data.
Note: Be aware that you must turn off GPS from the controls on the front of the radio when using this cable for programming. Erratic movement of the mouse will occur if GPS is on.
For more information on these two cables plus all the other cables RT Systems makes for radio use, see RT Systems Product Guide
08/07/2024
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