Numerous operators have inquired about monitor selection and interface cable recommendations. In response to a query, Mark Fairweather posted Yaesu’s response on an FT-710 Facebook page, where they addressed the concerns. According to Yaesu, certain aftermarket converters may have voltages exceeding 5v, posing a risk of triggering the 150mA internal protection fuse on the radio’s main board. This, in turn, could result in the need for the radio to be returned to Yaesu for service. Please note that touchscreen displays will not function with the FT-710 and could damage the hardware.
In brief:
- The optimal choice is to employ a DVI monitor.
- Utilize a DVI to VGA cable. (This is how I am successfully connecting.)
- Alternatively, employ a DVI to HDMI converter (I wouldn’t do this.)
A list of compatible monitors is at the bottom of this article.
Yaesu suggests the following products:
(ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Monitor 75Hz Full HD (1920×1080) IPS Eye Care HDMI D-Sub DVI-D,Black)
(Peeotriol DVI to VGA Male Computer Monitor Cable, 6 Feet) Out of Stock
(CABLEDECONN Multiport 4-in-1 HDMI to HDMI/DVI/VGA Adapter Cable with Audio Output Converter -Black)
Since the Peeotriol DVI to VGA Male Computer Monitor Cable is out of stock, I researched a viable alternative. The (FEMORO DVI to VGA Cable 6ft, Active DVI-D 24+1 to VGA Adapter Male to Male Gold-Plated Braided Cable for HDTV PC Host Laptop Monitor and Projector) should be sufficient. This cable is only one-way – it can only be converted from DVI to VGA, it cannot be from VGA terminal desktop to DVI monitor. Audio transmission is also not supported. I make no claims or warranty to this statement, nor do I make any commissions from Amazon.
Additional details regarding Yaesu’s concerns:
When connecting devices with different electrical characteristics or incompatible signal types, voltage feedback issues can occur. Yaesu’s warning about using an HDMI converter might be related to potential issues with voltage levels or electrical interference.
Voltage Levels: HDMI uses a different voltage level compared to other video interfaces like DVI. If the converter is not designed to handle the voltage levels of the FT-710’s DVI output or if there’s a mismatch, it could lead to issues such as excessive voltage being fed back into the FT-710.
Grounding Issues: HDMI and DVI may have different grounding schemes. If there’s a difference in ground potential between the FT-710 and the device you’re connecting it to through the HDMI converter, it could result in voltage feedback.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): HDMI carries both video and audio signals and may be more susceptible to electromagnetic interference. If the FT-710’s DVI output is not designed to handle this interference or if the converter doesn’t provide proper isolation, it could lead to voltage feedback.
Impedance Mismatch: HDMI and DVI have different impedance characteristics. If the converter doesn’t match the impedance properly, it may cause reflections and signal integrity issues, potentially leading to voltage feedback problems.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to use high-quality and properly designed converters and cables that are explicitly compatible with the FT-710’s DVI output specifications. If Yaesu provides a specific warning, it’s advisable to follow their guidance to prevent potential damage to the equipment or undesirable operational issues. Always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for accurate and up-to-date information. If in doubt, you may want to contact Yaesu directly for clarification on the compatibility and potential risks of using an HDMI converter with the FT-710.
Below is a list of monitors that should work correctly with a direct DVI cable:
Acer 23.8” Full HD 1920 x 1080 IPS Zero Frame Home Office Computer Monitor
ASUS VA24EHE 23.8” Monitor 75Hz Full HD (1920×1080) IPS Eye Care HDMI D-Sub DVI-D,Black
ViewSonic VX2452MH 24 Inch 2ms 60Hz 1080p Gaming Monitor with HDMI DVI and VGA inputs,Black
I was looking at a smaller screen (tablet-size 10”-12”, such as this: https://www.amazon.com/Monitor-Raspberry-Computer-Security-Speakers/dp/B087RC8B79/ref=asc_df_B087RC8B79/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693606546447&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13096129538883764235&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011673&hvtargid=pla-985589350481&psc=1&mcid=76e2ec4ed7293dcbb64c0fd1989e0650&gad_source=1
What do you think?
Scobie, AC4GM
I think it would work. I bought a Haiway and it works decent, but doesn’t take up the whole screen due to resolution.
https://a.co/d/1b6xqOR
There is no difference between DVI and HDMI impedance, levels and so on; they both respect CEA-861 standards. All those stories about mismatch between DVI and HDMI mechanical adapters are just stories. I use HDMI to DVI and the other way around all the time, for more than 10 years now, for various computers and monitors, and I confirm nothing bad ever happen.
Thanks for the input, Daniel. Just going by what other sources (including Yaesu) have mentioned. 73!
Is there a way to use a touchscreen display as the external monitor?
I bought this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2D8CCY1
It displays nicely, but I cannot get the touch function to work.
73,
Ken
KN2D
Unfortunately, no, there is not a way to use the touch portion of the screen. That is a nice little monitor and should work well with the 710 utilizing the DVI only.
Cheers,
Chris
Just for your information the video device in the the radio is a HDMI device supporting V1.4 HDMI and V1.0 DVI-d. HDMI is backwards compatible with DVI and a suitable HDMI monitor connected via a passive lead will show the signal as DVI-d.
Also the tech not from Yaesu has several mistake, the mean current when they say voltage as if you read it carefully the following formula is calculating current.
Also there is another story that 5V return from the monitor and can damage the radio. This is also false as it is the equipment that sends the 5v ie the radio. Also if you look at the circuit diagram of the radio it has a blocking diode on that line anyway.
There are far too many conspiracy theories on this issue i feel. The bottom line is Yaesu used a wire link fuse when they should have used a current limited supply as per the specifications. If you look at the current service manual it shows a poly fuse, so it is anyones guess why we ended up with a wire link fuse.
I hope this helps clear up a few points.
I relation to pin 14 on the DVI connector
FT710 service manual shows a 500mA resettable fuse and a Diode with a 1 A rating.
FTDX10 has a non resettable fuse 500mA and a diode with a continuous rating of 200mA much lower than the 710
The FTDX101 (both models) have omitted the fuse and put in a zero ohm link and use the same diode as the FTDX10.
The current taken by a DVI monitor and a HDMI monitor (via a passive converter) is around 50uA peaking at around 400uA when the monitor starts.
However the earliest reports of issues when using a DVI to VGA converter (digital to analogue). In this case some converters must have been pulling to much current from pin 14 and tripping or blowing the fuse or in the case of the 101 damaging the diode (peak transient rating of 1A). Later DVI to HDMI converters are reported to cause the same issue but all converters are not the same. Some DVI to HDMI converters also carry/ convert the audio signal to HDMI (no audio on the DVI-D on the rigs) these converters are active and can take current from pin 14 on the DVI connector, though some can use external supply as well.
So I think there may be a lot of myth here but it is interesting to look at the design evolution from Yaesu which does not make a great deal of sense if they were having issues with the 710.
Note that the TS-890S does not seem to have the same reported issues but has a similar 500mA fuse (no blocking diode)
So in my mind a DVI display with LED backlight( lower internal voltages than CFL backlight) or an HDMI with a passive converter. To make doubly certain you can insert a 250mA fast blow fuse in the pin 14 line from the DVI and make sure it blows first. Far easier to replace.
Very interesting. As you said, their design evolution doesn’t really make sense. I believe the first iteration of the 710’s did not have a resettable fuse. Really though, I really like the idea of placing my own quality component on the pin. Resettable fuses are notoriously slower than the non. At the end of the day, I used a DVI to VGA adapter that is “one way” which a Yaesu tech recommended. It’s worked flawlessly for a year (with the exception of RFI causing it to blank on 6m.
Thanks for the input!
Cheers,
Chris – de W0WC
The issue with resettable fuses is that if they are not tripped hard they gradually increase in resistance up to a point where they trip under normal operating conditions. Also note that there is a difference between Kenwood DVI and Yaesu DVI.
Yaesu is DVI-D which is digital only as reinforced by Yaesu in a correction to the 101 manual.
Kenwood is DVI-I and can output both analogue and digital signals (again in the manual with little other detail.
Also Kenwood places transient absorbers on many of the DVI lines BUT they are pretty low power in their capability
DVI digital signals are compatible with HDMI signals hence passive adapters should be OK.