I just received my new Digirig Mobile and Audio/PTT cable for the ID-52A PLUS. It doesn’t transmit. The audio to the ID-52A PLUS goes to VARA FM but also to the ID-52A speaker. The PTT doesn’t work at all.
Does this new cable still need to be trimmed? If so, how far? Why hasn’t this issue been fixed?
I found your video on testing PTT by shorting the sleeve and first ring of the audio cable to cause transmit. This does work. VARA FM is set for CAT control. COM Port is set to Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge.
It seems that VARA FM does NOT support CAT control on the ID-52A. In PTT via, I selected COM (same port as above) and PTT Pin to RTS. Now it transmits. However, receive audio is still coming out the HT speaker. If I push the plug in harder, it stops.
PTT by RTS is the correct setting for Digirig Mobile when used with HTs. Vara does support CAT control for PTT, but the handheld radios typically don’t.
It sounds like all electrical connections are working in the cable. If it is not fully seated, then some trimming may be needed. See what may be in the way.
Thanks for the reply. The constant HT speaker noise in FM with the squelch open is minor as VARA FM doesn’t seem to need too much volume using their audio meter. However, I would like to make to totally quiet. It wouldn’t take too much trimming on the jack. What is the best way to do this? It has to be all around both spkr/mic pins to the plug sits flush. I can’t imagine an X-Acto knife could do it.
X-acto knife will work. The molding in question is rubber-like material which is easy to work on. If I remember correctly, there is a raised separator between the recessed sockets on the radio. The flat part of the connector may be bumping against that separator. Gradual small adjustments is the way to go.
I tried trimming off about 1/16”. It only made it worse. Now the plug will not stay in. It backs out a bit. I tried using a 1/4” wide rubber band around the plug and the HT. That doesn’t quite do it either. I still have to push the plug in. In the process it changes the frequency, to some other than the target frequency. Annoying. Some pins in the HT must be getting shorted as I push.
I don’t dare trimming off any more as I see some gray epoxy between the pins.
I thought you were working on a plug? I don’t have this problem with my Mobilinkd TNC4.
There were several attempts to improve the compatibility with ID-5x radios, but so far this cable remains without those HTs listed as compatible. Since you have a connector that works, it may be worth comparing the two to see where the differences are.
That does not do me any good. By trimming the base of the plug, I have made the connection worse. This cable is now useless.
Both the Mobilinkd TNC4 cable and the Icom HM-186LS have rubber “gaskets” around the base of the plug. I think this is what HOLDS the plug in place. The attached photo shows the gray “gasket/gromet”.
There are modifications to that area described in other threads like this one:
I will issue a refund as an exception if you reach out via the support form on the site. As a disclaimer for anybody else considering the mod:
The ICOM HT cable doesn’t have ID-50/52 compatibility until explicitly stated in the product listing. Any modifications are attempted at your own risk and subject to personal responsibility.
I appreciate the offer of a refund. However, I would really appreciate a new cable of the same variety!
I plan to try my own “gasket” using orthodontic elastic dental rubber bands. I figured I could cut a shallow channel in the base as in the Icom mic plug. A touch of super glue might hold it in place.
Email to Support sent.
BTW: The Mobilinkd TNC4 cable makes all the connections just fine.
I am in a weird situation as I am trying to get my HOA to allow me to install a multiband antenna. Right now, I need to get in my car with my radio and laptop to make sure this works. I think it will.
For all those folks who have been reading the posts here, I can confirm the Mobilinkd TNC4 cable doesn’t quite do the job. As K0TX has mentioned before, the pinout on the audio is incorrect for Icom. He sells a short adapter that corrects this deficiency. However, his cable for Icom radios does the job but you have to hold it into the radio.
Thanks for the update. To clarify the general situation, I would like to point out that none of Mobilinkd cables are intended for use with Digirig. Even though they use the same connector type, they are not interchangeable because two devices use different wiring. This situation falls under device specifics rather than deficiency.
