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Help with interfacing amplifier with Yaesu FT-950

Nick Gans

New Member
Nov 29, 2025
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I've given up on locating a 10 pin MINI-DIN plug for the amplifier TX control cable to interface my FT-950 to my HF amplifier. An 8 pin MINI-DIN plug is used for interfacing a ATU to the radio.. It is said that this 8 pin jack can be used to access TX control of an amplifier. My question is: Which pins on the ATU jack/plug can be used for TX control of an amplifier.. I contacted Yaesu Tech Support but their very terse response was "We no longer support the FT-950, so that information is no longer available..".....
 

Pin 2 and 3 on tuner socket. It is in the manual. Haven't you read?
1764508474334.png

Mike
 
Pin 2 and 3 on tuner socket. It is in the manual. Haven't you read?
View attachment 75079
Mike
Normally, I don't respond to snarky posts.. Yes, I've read it, for the past 2 weeks I've read it.. I've also studied the schematic, something I think you haven't done.. The following applies to both MINI-DIN sockets. upon transmit, pin 2 is switched to ground via transistor Q1023.. Pin 2 IS ALREADY AT ground.. Explain to me just how switching an already grounded terminal to ground will activate the TX relay in an amplifier???
 
Normally, I don't respond to snarky posts.. Yes, I've read it, for the past 2 weeks I've read it.. I've also studied the schematic, something I think you haven't done.. The following applies to both MINI-DIN sockets. upon transmit, pin 2 is switched to ground via transistor Q1023.. Pin 2 IS ALREADY AT ground.. Explain to me just how switching an already grounded terminal to ground will activate the TX relay in an amplifier???
Please understand that English is not Mike's first language, I don't think his intentions are to be snarky, he has a great track record here of helping people......

73
Jeff
 
That link I posted is the TEN pin!!!! Yaesu FT-950 10 Pin Amplifier Relay Cable With ALC - NEW
Upon closer inspection, I stand corrected.. Initially, I counted only 8 pins.. However, I don't need a $50.00 "pre-made" cable assembly.. I need only the 10 pin plug.. Unlike many of today's hams, I can build..
 
On 10 pin plug it is pin 2 and 3 as well. No difference.
99.9% amplifiers go to TX that way. 0.1% need additional keying interface. Like SB-200 or TL-922

Sorry if I expressed myself not clear enough.

1764525380029.png
 
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This project has been more exasperating that it should.. I'm dealing with a Kenwood TL-922A. The TX relay is a 120 volt relay, more voltage than the FT-950 can "process".. The 950's manual states pin 2, a transistor "open collector" circuit can handle +60 DC volts. If I connect the 922's relay to pin 2, Q1023 will fail. There apparently is no provision for "passing" that much voltage through a set of contacts or transistor and back to the amplifier in a conventional manner. So it appears the FT-950 cannot directly "key" an older designed amplifier.

I've built a buffer relay using a 12 VDC relay. There are 2 ways to activate the relay. #1 Apply external 12 VDC to the relay and ground it through pin 2 of the DIN socket. #2 -- supply the relay windings power from pin 1 of the DIN socket..

This pin out applies to both Linear and Tuner sockets.. However, the 10 pin DIN socket provides for band data, ALC, and others, my reason for wanting that plug.

I'll state my original question again... Where can these 10 pin MINI-DIN plugs be sourced??
 
Thread should start with amplifier name.
So you need additional keying circuit. See attached pdf

On my side of the pond I get them from nearby electronics store.
 

Attachments

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Upon closer inspection, I stand corrected.. Initially, I counted only 8 pins.. However, I don't need a $50.00 "pre-made" cable assembly.. I need only the 10 pin plug.. Unlike many of today's hams, I can build..
I understand, I like to make and repair all my stuff as well. I see them on eBay and Amazon but they have the wire, I dont see just the jack plug by itself. https://www.amazon.com/Cutesliving-Yaesu-CT-167-FTM-100D-FTM-200DE/dp/B0DQTW8SLS/?tag=worradfor-20
 
I understand, I like to make and repair all my stuff as well. I see them on eBay and Amazon but they have the wire, I dont see just the jack plug by itself. https://www.amazon.com/Cutesliving-Yaesu-CT-167-FTM-100D-FTM-200DE/dp/B0DQTW8SLS/?tag=worradfor-20
The FT-10, FTDX-101D, FT-710, among others, all have the 10 pin MIN-DIN jack for linear control. Several of them list the 10 Pin MINI-DIN plug as an optional accessory. Yet Yaesu does not carry it in stock.. I gave them the Yaesu part number and asked if they could order it.. I was told it would come from Japan on special order.. Shipping would be a bi**h....

I am almost tempted to build a "buffer relay" and mount it inside the radio. Bring the legs of the common and the N/O contacts out the back panel through a "floating" RCA jack, totally independent of either of those MINI-DIN sockets.
 
Having "blown" those Pin diodes on the 950 and the FTdx3000...keying an amp. I would advise against that. The TL922 requires a buffer relay and I use the RCA Plug marked TX ground to key the old L4B, which has keying circuit mod done. The 110v keying circuits in the SB220/TL922 and a few others will FRY those pins diodes MHO
GL All the Best
Gary/ W9FNB
 
BJ,
I am well aware of those "delicate" parts. That's the root cause of my having started this thread.. The issue isn't protecting the 950, that goes unsaid.. The issue is sourcing those unobtainium 10 pin MINI-DIN plugs.. There is conflicting information in the Manual.. One paragraph says the keying circuits are good to 60 volts, while a warning panel says not to exceed 6 volts.. Q1023 seems to be the delicate member of this "club"... And Yaesu has been ZERO help in all this..

I have figured out how to use the TUNER 8 pin socket for powering the buffer, but band data and ALC are available ONLY through the 10 pin socket... The TL-922A isn't the only amplifier in my arsenal, there are others.

My last choice for a cable is spending 50 bux for a redi-made cable.. And my very last place to do business is eBay.. but that's a subject for another thread..
 

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