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This feature uses the Icom radio command 0x14, subcommand 0x0A, that can read and write the
position of the RF Power control on the radio. Most modern Icom radios support this command, but
perhaps not all. Icom IC756 Pro's, 7600, 7700 and 7800 definitely support this feature. Check with
your radio's manual if in doubt.
How does it work?
Within the K9JM CI-V router is stored a table of relative power level for each of band segment. The
power level is a byte value (0 .. 255) which corresponds to the relative position of the RF Power ad-
justment on the radio. If the "Enable driver power level" router configuration value is set to true,
upon tuning to a new band segment, the router will generate a command to the Icom radio that will
set the RF Power control to the value established in the table.
WARNING!
Most if not all Icom radios will re-read ALL resistive controls if any are touched. This means that
if while operating one turns up or down the audio level, or RF gain, or Mic Gain, the radio will read
all controls and use these values. If the router gave a commands the radio to go to a given power
level, and someone touches, for example the microphone gain, the power level will revert to that
level as set by the front panel control. If the router is in the learn mode, once one QSYs to a new
band segment, it will read the current RF power level and remember what can be a wrong value.
Having given the warning, I have operated several contests and never noticed a problem, largely
because I never touch anything on the radio except the frequency knob.
You have been warned.
CAUTION:
It is possible that a control program on the PC may control the power knob. It is possible that, the
PC program remembers what value it last set the power level. If the router issues a command to
change the power level, the PC program will not know about this change. If you suspect, or know
that your PC controlling program holds on to the state of the RF Power knob, it is advised not to use
this feature.
Configuration
Start the router with Pin 53 grounded, so that it is in the 'configuration' mode, as described earlier in
this users guide.
FIRST:
Setting Icom radio CI-V address
The K9JM CI-V Router can control more than one Icom radio. The power level setting feature can
ONLY be used with only ONE radio. Since the router will be generating messages to be sent to the
radio, the router must know which radio the messages shall be addressed. The CI-V address must
match the value set in your radio. In the example below, my radio's CI-V address is 64 hex. (Icom
IC-756ProII).
Note: ICOM always uses hexadecimal for radio CI-V addresses.
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