I have an Icom 281H VHF mobile transceiver and would like to try using digital modes, such as Fldigi and Winlink, using my Windows PC (I’m new to digital operation). My radio has a speaker port on the back, as well as a 3.5mm data port. The radio manual references plugging a TNC into the speaker and data ports and interfacing with a computer, but is rather vague. I checked the “Digirig Transceiver Compatibility” webpage and the IC-281 is not listed. Do you know if Digirig would be compatible with this radio, and if so, would I need special cables to connect to those ports? Thank you.
the ‘data port’ is most likely just a programming jack.
it is used for programming the memories and other menu options.
double check the manual though. if it lists audio in/out + ptt on that data jack, then you can connect there.
for connecting a packet TNC or connecting a soundcard interface for packet and other digital modes, you could build a cable using this pinout:
so one cable into the mic jack would do audio in/out + ptt
remember, no ‘remote control’ capabilities on that radio so you will always have to set the desired frequency manually
good luck
kb0wlf
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