I have a brand new FTM-150RASP, a new Digirig Mobile and the Yaesu FTM MiniDIN10 cable.
I get nothing but static/white noise from the radio into VARA FM.
I’ve used headphones and verified that between the tip and sleeve of the audio connector, the sound is there, enough amplitude to drive the transducer in my headset.
I’m thinking that this is a radio problem and I’ve got queries in to Yaesu.
Anyone else encounter something like this?
Thanks!
Another thread here:
73 Constrainted
Depending on the cable you are using you may need to match the setting on the radio (1200 vs 9600 baud audio).
I have solved my problem.
For whatever reason, I decided to change out the USB-A/USB-C cable between the computer and the Digirig Mobile.
My issue completely disappeared. I don’t understand what was wrong with the original cable, but I’m not looking a gift horse in the mouth.
I am surprised that the Digirig can handle the white noise coming from the radio. But, hey, it’s working now.
I have heard that many USB-A/microUSB cables are charge only cables with no wiring for signals at all. Maybe the USB-A/USB-C cables can have the same issue now that more devices are adapted for them.
73 Constrainted
So, I changed the cable and it now works.
The static/white noise continues. It is a strong enough signal that it buries the VU meter in Vara FM. I’ve recently configured a UV-5R and Digirig Lite to a laptop. Per Denis’ post in another topic, the squelch has to be open, constant static heard. It pegs the VU in VaraFM as well, but can be adjusted down via volume control.
I’ve been in contact with Yaesu (US). There appears to be no adjustment here. There is a Squelch Control (pin 6) on the mini DIN, but the Yaesu folks I’ve talked to don’t know anything about it. (Frankly, that’s a little disappointing.)
I’m contemplating ordering a CT-167 cable. It’s the mini DIN to an unterminated end that would let me experiment a bit.
If anyone has any other suggestions, please send them on.
73
Are you able to TX/RX Vara FM with the Baofeng UV-5r?
With the VU meter in the red, can you receive Vara FM anyway? If not, consider the 20db attenuator on the Digirig.
73 Constrainted
In both cases, the Yaesu FTM-150RASP and the Baofeng UV-5R, I can successfully send and receive. Both, when idle, have the VU meter pegged.
For the Baofeng, the squelch is set to 0 (meaning none), per Denis’ earlier post in a different thread. That’s kind of what the Yaesu acts like.
I’ll think about that for the Yaesu. The Baofeng is a Lite, so not an option.
73 TKH
In my experience with the Baofeng HTs, once you get a feel for the hysteresis and the narrow window for proper volume knob setting, you can keep the background level in Green on the Vara FM VU meter.
Ops also get these modes working with acoustic coupling, holding the HT or external speaker up to the PC microphone. A VU meter in the red setting is probably still more repeatable than acoustic coupling.
73 Constrainted