A USB/serial port converter will certainly work just fine with the Kenwood cable and program software. The RT System and software also works with the Kenwood radios, but not the Kenwood software. The two are not interchangeable. So, takes your pick and get the one you want. Each has their 'strong' points and 'weaknesses'. RT Systems does the memory channel stuff just fine (like the Kenwood program). The Kenwood program also does the menu programming too.
- 'Doc
The RT System programing software/cable combination appears to be the more economical solution at $49. The Kenwood programming cable from Gigiparts is $41. Then I still need to get an adapter that I KNOW will work: add another $29 plus or minus.
Two concerns:
1) What are the "weaknesses" of the RT Systems programming software compared to the Kenwood software that you mentioned?
2) It appears that the Echolink cable cannot be purchased separately through normal channels. As a Kenwood item, it is sold only in combination with the programming cable.
Is the Echolink cable available separately anywhere? Here is one from Ebay. But it appears to be a splice job.
Ooops, and I see from this on the above Ebay site...
APPLICATION NOTES:
1. TWO (2) cables - (this cable, and a PG-5G Serial Communication Cable) - are needed for Echolink Node Station operation.
2. This cable alone (sold here individually) is for users who already have a PG-5G Serial Communication Cable.
3. If you do not already have a PG-5G Serial Communication Cable, purchase the two-cable set (Set # PG-5H) and $ave!
...that the programming cable is ALSO required to make the Echolink work. I don't know if the RT Systems cable is compatible. The RT site warns about incompatibility of their USB cable with the Kenwood programming software. I wonder if it has incompatibilities with the Echolink since Echolink requires both the programming and Echolink cables to be connected.
I am thinking that as a novice I would be better off getting "all Kenwood" accessories so that when I need help from Kenwood I won't suffer through the finger pointing at third party stuff.
I ran into a real knowledgable guy at GigaParts. I suspect if I purchased all equipment through them, they would be able to assist where needed also.