CAT-issues Icom IC-706mk2g

[SA5MNH]

Hey!

I have got an Icom IC-706mk2g with a digirig mobile and the recommended cables for the rig (CI-V and 13-Pin). Audio and hardware PTT via RTS work great! I am in the digital future!
However I have troubles to get the serial CAT-control working.

I have tried with different digital mode softwares and middlewares (fldigi, WSJT-X, Flrig, Omnirig), and different computers (Windows 10 & 11), reinstalled and rebooted with the same kind off error messages (Radio not responding). See attached screenshots of the error message and settings in WSJT-X:

The computer does seem to recognize digirig, audio and even ptt via rts (via the same com-port works fine). See the port settings in device manager for the digirig here:

The baud rate of 9600 is the same in the transceivers settings. (Initial Settings Item “CI-V Trn” is Off. I have tried on too, with the same result).

I have checked for the Digirig CAT configuration: the Digirig has a marking on “C” on the outside box and the L-soldering as discribed under half-duplex CI-V serial CAT here https://digirig.net/understanding-rig-control-options/).

The loopback test with putty sends back the message if no cable is connected, the green serial cable is connected or if the serial and audio cable are connected to the digirig.
It does not send back the message if the green serial ci-v is connected to digirig and the radios ci-v port.

Please, send help!

Thank you very much in advance!

Vy 73 de
Jonathan
SA5MNH

[K0TX]

From your troubleshooting results we can tell that the Digirig is ok. Can you double check that you plugged the angled end of the serial cable into the socket labeled “remote”? There are multiple similar sockets on the back.

Also, check that the baud rate in the app matches the CI-V baud rate set in the radio. There are several videos on setting up IC-706 for digital modes on youtube.

[SA5MNH]

Thanks for the reply!

The baud rate set in the radio is the same as in the app and in port settings in device manager (9600).

The angled end of the serial cable is put in the socket to the right, which should be the remote socket.

[webmonkey]

the MKII and MKIIG have different CI-V addresses
i don’t run any of the 706 series radios anymore so i don’t know if that confuses hamlib or not
(some icoms would listen on 00 as well as their default address)

good luck

kb0wlf

[K0TX]

The connections look good.
Have you ever had a successful CAT control session of this radio using any other interfaces or USB dongles?

[SA5MNH]

Yes, I have had CAT control of this radio before via an USB to CI-V cable. I unfortunately lost the cable during moving.

[K0TX]

Ok, let’s check the continuity of the CI-V cable and also for good measure inspect the solder joints on the green socket to the PCB.