Yaesu DR-1X and Arcom RC210 Controller
The Yaesu DR-1X repeater and Arcom RC210 controller work beautifully together once you get the initial connections and modifications completed. I started this process a while back with my post titled Yaesu DR-1X Modifications – Part 1 which linked to the instructions on modifying the internal cable to intercept the PTT signal and the addition of adding temperature sensors for a later project. I had to delay that project for a while but have finally completed it so here’s part 2 showing the wiring diagram for the Arcom ADR interface and repeater settings.
Arcom ADR Interface Wiring
I had some issues wrapping my head around the ADR wiring at first so I made myself a simplified drawing showing connections and pinouts for both repeater and controller connections.
Per the instructions for the ADR interface be sure to set your desired CTCSS tone with the dip switches on the board.
DR-1X Repeater Settings
The following settings need to be set/changed on the DR-1X before connecting the RC210:
- Remote mode Enabled
- Tone type set to DCS on RX only
- DCS and CTCSS tones both set to any tone other than the one you set on the ADR board
- ID announce should be turned off
Arcom RC210 Settings
There is only one setting that needs to be changed in order to get the controller and repeater communicating properly, other settings and features can be configured as needed later.
- In the RCP software navigate to the Port Switches tab and set the repeater’s port Access Mode to Tone & Carrier. Otherwise the repeater will only function in analog mode and will not switch to C4FM
Audio Levels
Setting the audio levels with an oscilloscope was a new venture for me but worked very well. I initially set the levels by ear and found I was very close when checked with the scope. Here’s what I found while adjusting the levels:
- Turn the level adjustment all the way down on the ADR board. Then key up a radio with the frequency and CTCSS tone programmed correctly and turn the level up until the CTCSS light is solid on the controller.
- Turn the RX, TX, Voice, and Tone pots just barely above all the way down on the controller. Set the RX level first, then set the TX level to match the RX level. After these steps you can set the Tone and Voice levels. Note that you will need to run the controller without the RTC (Real Time Clock) Module since the Voice adjustment is under it.
- If you are setting the levels with a scope then the audio test points are labeled on the board for each port.
Conclusion
This is the bare minimum setup needed to get the DR-1X and RC210 working together. If you’re CTCSS tone is being picked up by the controller and it’s switching between analog and digital properly you should be good to go and ready to configure all the settings and features in the controller.
