This handy cable allows control of your Icom IC-R8500 receiver by your computer.

For example, you can use remote control software, edit and backup your memory channels.

One end of the cable has a DB25 male plug which connects to the RS232C socket on the radio. The other end has a USB plug which connects to the PC's USB port. The cable contains a USB to serial converter, so the radio appears as a COM port on the PC. Length approx 1.7m/5ft 6ins (if required, you can add a USB extension cable up to 5m long).

Our standard cable uses the SiLabs CP2102 USB to serial chipset.

We also produce a premium version using the FTDI FT232RL chipset (listed separately).

Both work with all current versions of Windows.

For more detailed information please read our USB chipset information page.

Please note that a CAT cable is not an audio interface for datamodes.

Please check the availability of suitable software for your model of radio and that the software supports USB.

For information and advice on relevant software, try the RadioReference IC-R8500 wiki http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/IC-R8500