9600 port


The '9600 port' is an industry-specific name given to a special connector on the back of amateur radio HF, VHF, and UHF transceivers. It is used for connecting a packet radio modem or any other type of data-modem which uses audio tones to convey data.
This port is capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds of at least 9600 bits per second, but usually faster. This is achieved by bypassing the highpass, lowpass, preemphasis, and deemphasis filters normally contained in the microphone and speaker circuits of an FM transmitter and receiver.
Amateur radio data ports which are not "9600 capable" are typically limited to a max speed of 1200 to 3000 bits per second.
Commonly this 9600-capable data port uses a 6-pin mini-DIN connector. This is the same physical connector-type as PS/2 port mice and keyboards.

Modem manufacturers

There are a number of manufacturers making modems intended for this 9600 port / data port.

  • Radio manufacturers

There are a number of manufacturers making radios which include a 9600 capable data port as a feature:
The 9600 port can also be connected to computer's soundcard for use with a number of different software-based data modems:
The 9600 port can be used to connect a digital voice adapter, or dongle, which allows analog amateur radios to transmit and receive ICOM's D-Star digital voice protocol.

  • Uses

This 9600 port is used to communicate with some amateur radio satellites using the packet radio.
A 9600-baud capable amateur radio and modem are installed aboard the International Space Station as part of the ARISS project.