Using WSJTX (linux) with a Baofeng UV-5R I did the three tests shown in the video. Multiple times.
When connected, WSJTX–>cables and digirig–>Baofeng, I get an error message on WSJTX when pressing the test PTT button on WSJTX. Yes, the WSJTX Radio tab was set to RTS. And the Audio tab was to the C-Media Electronics device.
This is the error message that popped up on WSJTX.
“Rig Failure Hamlib error: IO error while getting PTT state”
Trying the cable to the Baofeng and tweezers to the rings, transmit works as in the video.
Leaving the USB plugged into the computer and the cables and digirig but no radio attached at the end, my ohm meter shows OL, but when I press the PTT test button on WSJTX for a transmit test, nothing changes on the meter and I get another error message from WSJTX, different from the first one.
“Rig Failure Hamlib error: IO error while opening connection to rig”
Using the video as a guideline, I am not getting the results you show in the video. Any help would be appreciated as the digirig is not working and the tests are not coming out as they apparently should.
That sounds frustrating. Is the 2-pin plug pushed in all the way on the Baofeng? It is a tight fit the first dozen times. Have you installed the CP210x driver for the UART/USB from Silicon Labs? The OS may recognize the device, but without the driver, it will not function.
Am not sure if I have the driver or not. Went to the site and to download that driver you must login. Tried to create an account and there are errors and no account is created. Always something. Tried twice. May have to send an email asking them what is going on.
Ran the no radio attached test several times but only took one screenshot and that one had the setting of USB instead of ttyUSB0! Can test again and get a correct screenshot and possible different error message.
Want to add I have 2 Baofeng UV-5R’s purchased at 2 different times. Tried the other Baofeng and got exactly the same error “error while getting PTT state.”
Yes, it begins to transmit (Radio back light color and LED changes, assume it is transmitting or trying to) and within one second or so the error message appears on wsjtx and then everything locks up with the radio stuck in transmit and wsjtx needing to be linux killed because it too locks up. A couple of times it seemed as if I could click the test button off, as you did in the video, but before I can react, it locks up. There is a small space of time from the button press to lock up, think 1-2 seconds, but do not know precisely.
I agree that’s frustrating when a vendor makes you sign up for an account just to get a driver or some documentation. Here is another link I hope works better, but they do ask for cookie approval:
You probably already had the driver in your linux distro. I feel like you are getting closer. You might also consider moving the antenna away from the HT and computer with a leadline and a rollup J-pole or 1/4 wave magmount antenna.
Thanks. Have been to that page. Their “6 more” link goes to the linux software that requires an account. Just tried again, nope. “There was an error creating the account”. Every field looks correct to me, so something on their end is not clear or is not working.
Can try my outdoor antenna for testing purposes, but if that is a requirement for successful use it defeats the portability I seek. Will give that a try and report back.
Constrainted, just want you to know that you had “the answer”.
After trying many other things (usb isolator, usb port tester, 15 ft usb extension cable, “Faraday foil” and other things which I forget–and failing , failing, failing: once I connected the Baofeng to an outdoor antenna, all was well!!!
To those who may find themselves in the position I was in, please, try connecting to an external antenna on your Baofeng FIRST. Not last.
True, this affects portability in that you cannot use your Baofeng with its standard antenna which I had expected to do. Then again, if you aren’t getting your Baofeng and digirig to work together, try an external antenna.
Constrainted, thank you for your help and advice. I should have listened more closely and earlier.
The next thing I will try is to see how far away the external antenna must be. 2 feet, or 20 feet. And how large or hopefully how small, must it be to work without error.
