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Radio Connector Pinouts

All Argent tracker products with a 9-pin radio connector (except the T2-301) use the same pinout for all basic radio interface signals:

Pin Function
1 Audio output (tracker to radio)
2 Squelch input
3 PTT output
5 Audio input (radio to tracker)
6 Ground
7 Power input
8 PTT input (for mic encoder use only)

For most applications, the only connections to the radio required are audio in and out, PTT, and ground. Most handheld radios (Kenwood models being a major exception) don’t require a separate PTT signal and instead signal PTT through the mic audio input. For these, set the 'HT' jumper in the tracker and leave the PTT line unconnected.

While the Tracker2 has a separate power input, other tracker models require power through the radio connector.

Yaesu and Vertex Standard Radios

Handheld models including the FT-10R, FT-60R, VX-1R, VX-2R, VX-3R, VX-5R, VX-110, VX-150, and others with the CT-44 adapter use a 4-conductor, 3.5mm plug (available here).

VX-6R, VX-7R, VX-120, VX-127, VX-170, VX-177, and others using the CT-91 adapter use a threaded, waterproof version (available here).

Pinout (from tip):

Pin Function
Tip Mic
R2 Cloning
R1 Speaker
Sleeve Ground

Older handhelds using the 3.5mm/2.5mm 2-prong connector (e.g. FT-411, FT-470, FT-530, FT-51R, etc.) use:

Pin Function
3.5 Ring Ground
3.5 Tip Rx audio
2.5 Ring Ground
2.5 Tip Mic Audio

Many other models (FT-10R, FT-50R, FT-60R, etc.) also use the non-threaded 4-conductor 3.5mm type mic plug (available here).

Baofeng Radios

Baofeng handhelds use the same 4-pin plug as Yaesu, but with different functions:

Pin Function
Tip Mic
R2 Speaker
R1 PTT
Sleeve Ground

Packet Data Port

Some mobile radios provide a data port with useful signals for APRS:

Pin Function
1 Squelch signal output (SQC)
2 9600 bps data out
3 9600 bps data in
4 1200 bps data out
5 Ground
6 Not connected
7 PTT input
8 5V DC output (50mA max)
9 1200 bps data in

Mapping OpenTracker to Data Port

Tracker Pin Function Radio Pin Function
1 Audio output (to radio) 9 1200 bps data in
3 PTT output 7 PTT input
5 Audio input (from radio) 4 1200 bps data out
6 Ground 5 Ground

Motorola Radios

Wiring diagrams for Motorola 16-pin accessory ports can be found on the OT-Moto page.

These connectors can provide all necessary signals to interface with an OT unit, including enough power.

Some Motorola radios have additional programmable pins. All radios tested so far (e.g. Radius SM-50, SM-120, M1225) can be configured to match this pinout. RX audio is typically taken from pin 11 (unsquelched), with software carrier detect enabled.

Also applies to: - Maxtrac (50/100/300) - Radius M100, M214, M216 - GM300

We’ve used M120 and GM300 units successfully with this setup. One M120 is running an OT2m; another setup uses OT1+ via front mic jack.

⚠️ It may be necessary to reprogram your radio’s connector settings and retune for amateur use.

The Waris mobiles (CDM750, CDM1225, CDM1550) use a similar 20-pin connector. We are working on confirmed pinouts.

Motorola handhelds like GP300, P110, GP350, P50+, Triton, etc., use the 2-pin connector (available here).