I understand that is question has been asked a few times. I cannot activate PTT on my FTM-500. I have tried the method to short across the R2 and S of the barrel connector with no reaction from the radio. How can tell if I have a cable or radio issue?
Hi @KD2RZX:
Which cable are you using between the FTM-500 and the DR? I ask because I do not have a barrel connector in my FTM-500/DR set-up:
Yaesu FTM MiniDin10 Cable – digirig
My cable connects between the FTM-500 ACC DIN jack and the DR TRRS black plug into the Audio jack. You do not need a connection to the DR Serial jack.
Which software are you using to run your DR? It’s more likely you’re on the wrong COM port, or the PTT singling settings in that software are incorrect, both of which should be easy to fix.
Steve VE7IIF
Apologies in using the wrong terminology for the connector. I am using the same cable as in the picture. I have been trying to get Winlink/VaraFM and WJST-x to work, no joy on either. The com port is correct I can also get sound on the audio port via head phones. I am wondering if the cable is bad. I read in another post shorting the two pins will key the radio, but that does not work for me. Any other ideas? Thank you for your assistance.
If you have a DVM or continuity checker, check continuity between the two ends of the cable for each wire.
Did continuity checks on the cable and they came back fine. So I guess it’s the radio? Any other tests I can do?
No worries; it’s such a lingo game, isn’t it 
My set-up for VaraFM Modem: Settings, PTT via COM, COM port#, and PTT Pin is RTS.
FTM-500 #69 Data Settings: Speed 9600, Output PACKET (Default is Off) 
, WP Format NMEA 9, WP Filter ALL.
I don’t use WJST-X other than HF, so I’m of no help there. If these settings don’t work, let me know and I’ll provide the VaraFM Winlink settings that I have.
I suspect you’ll be good though
Steve VE7IIF
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Hi @KD2RZX
Did you have a chance to try any of my software or radio settings settings, and if so did they make any difference?
Steve VE7IIF
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I had much of the those settings already in place. It was my radio that was in a mode that didn’t allow PTT for some reason. I had the radio in VFO with the meter on and when switched it, PTT started to work. Thanks for your help!
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