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Build your Own Programming Cable
  

AnyTone AT-779UV
 
by John 'Miklor'  K3NXU
Tested by: Rudi  WA2NUB

 
A simple project with great results.
The heart of the project is a $2
CP2102 USB to TTL UART board.
 
Let's See...

You purchased an AnyTone AT779UV Mobile and now your ready to start programming it using software.  You now need to make a simple choice. Buy or Build. Here's a simple project that will not only save you a few dollars, but give you the satisfaction of building it yourself.

You've probably heard the horror stories of the cables with the 'counterfeit' chips that require backdated drivers, but that doesn't apply here. The solution is to start  using a USB to TTL UART board with a CP2102 SiLabs chip. These boards are available on eBay for around $2.

Component list consists of either:
 
or
- CP2102 USB UART Board
- 3' piece of 3 conductor wire
- RJ-45 modular plug (8 pin)

Tools required:
- RJ45 Modular Plug Crimp tool
- Soldering pencil
- CP2102 USB UART Board
- 3' Cat-5 Network Patch Cable
    with 8 pin RJ-45 modular plug

Tools required:
- Soldering pencil
 


The Project
 
Let's first take a look at a typical CP2102 board. It's pretty straight forward. USB on one end, a few connection points on the other.

The output terminals we are interested in are:
     TXD - Transmit Data
     RXD - Receive Data
     GND - Ground

 
Note 1:   (Connection Pins)
Most boards have pins on the back requiring small connectors. You can either remove the pins or solder to them. Whatever floats your boat. I personally prefer removing the pins and soldering directly to the board.
 
 
 
Now it's just a matter of connecting to the proper pins in the RJ45 plug.
 
The diagram below shows the required pin positions. Pin 8 is always the Ground connection.  

 
Click for enlarged RJ45 view
 
  
Note 2:   (Labels Reversed)

Some boards may have the TxD and RxD labeled in reverse. If it doesn't work the first time, don't panic. Just reverse the two wires on the CP2102 board. No damage has been done.  
 
 
Cat-5 Network Patch Cable
 
If you don't have the connector or a crimping tool, another possibility is to acquire a standard 3' Cat-5 network patch cable, and remove the connector from one end. (or buy a 6' cable, cut it in half and make two).
 
Trace the wires by color and continuity from pins 1, 3, 8 of the RJ-45 plug, and connect them to the appropriate pins on the CP2102 board.
 
If you use the CP2102 in the metal case shown below, you can solder directly to the pins.
 
Driver

When you insert the new board into the USB port, give Windows a chance to find and load the new driver. This should take about 30 seconds. When it says Driver Found, you're done.
 
If Windows is setup to block automatic updates, SiLabs drivers can be found at SiLabs. All drivers seem to work fine.


That's it...
 
Three wires from the board, three wires to the connector. The key is knowing proper pin assignment.


Cosmetic Retrofit
Now, let's say you want to get fancy. Maybe you have an old programming cable in the drawer that doesn't work, but like most hobbyists, you just couldn't bring yourself to throw it away.  Or, maybe to make it cosmetically pleasing, you decide to buy one of the $3 specials, just to have the USB case and wire. Here's how you would mount it.
 
Let's start with that original cable.

 

Take a small screw driver and carefully pry the case open from the back where the cable enters. Once the back is opened, pry the case open evenly around the sides.

 

It should only be snapped together.



Unsolder the 3 wires connected to the old board.
GND is Black, TxD is Red, RxD is White or Yellow.

 

Clip off the old connector and insert the wires in the RJ45 shown above.
  
 
Retrofit

Due to the slightly larger size, the board shown above may require a Dremel tool, X-Acto knife, Glue, and some patience, but it can be done. 

For a dollar more, I very highly recommend using the 5 pin CP2102 board shown below. It still has the needed GND, TxD and RxD, but is a bit shorter, narrower, and fits with no issue. It may cost a few pennies more, but well worth it.
 
Some come protected with a piece of clear heat shrink over the board so you can see the cool blinking lights. This plastic can easily be removed.


eBay
 

You can find the same boards in a metal case.




Inside the metal housing.    Look familiar?
 
 
 
What's the Advantage

- First and Foremost, it works. Now you can program using software.

- Next, it only cost around $2. Add $3 for a cable and case

- Very Important - Bragging Rights. Now, when you go to a club meeting and tell them they can build their own, just as you did.


I hope you had fun with this project.  It's super simple and very rewarding. I've made several and never had a failure.

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