# Hamlib Error on PTT only JS8 truSDX
**URL:** https://forum.digirig.net/t/hamlib-error-on-ptt-only-js8-trusdx/9377
**Category:** Uncategorized
**Tags:** os-windows, trusdx, troubleshoot-ptt, software-wsjtx
**Created:** [August 3, 2025, 5:07am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/hamlib-error-on-ptt-only-js8-trusdx/9377 "2025-08-03T05:07:38Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@brgreenwood](https://forum.digirig.net/u/brgreenwood)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2025, 5:07am UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/hamlib-error-on-ptt-only-js8-trusdx/9377/1 "2025-08-03T05:07:38Z")
Hello: I have a truSDX and Digirig with the Digirig cable. I have audio and cat control working. I can decode signals and change frequencies without issue. However, PTT won’t work. I get the following error when using PTT:
Hamlib error: read\_string\_generic called, rxmax=128 direct=1, expected\_len=1
read\_string\_generic(1372): retrying read timeout 1/1 timeout=500
read\_string\_generic(): Timed out 1.013 seconds after 0 chars, direct=1
kenwood\_transaction: read\_string len=0 ‘’
kenwood\_transaction: read\_string retval \< 0, retval = -5, retry\_read=3, rp-\>retry=3
kenwood.c(713):kenwood\_transaction returning2(-5) Communication timed out
kenwood.c(765):kenwood\_safe\_transaction returning2(-5) Communication timed out
\*\*\*3:kenwood.c(1245):kenwood\_get\_if returning(-5) Communication timed out
\*\*2:kenwood.c(1848):kenwood\_get\_vfo\_if returning(-5) Communication timed out
Communication timed out
)
\*1:rig\_get\_vfo: elapsed=4055ms
rig\_lock: client lock disengaged
\*1:rig.c(3534):rig\_get\_vfo returning(-5) Communication timed out
Communication timed out
while getting current VFO
I’m using the correct com port with RTS selected. Mode is USB. truSDX will go into transmit mode (R turns to T on the display) and then the error appears after a second or two.
I’m using the same settings, com ports and cables to use Winlink without any issues. I’m using Windows 11. I’ve tried changing the baud setting of the com port from 9,600 to 19,200, 38,400, and 56,700. That doesn’t help. I’m using TS-480 as the Rig.
Any ideas what might be wrong?
---
### Author:  [@webmonkey](https://forum.digirig.net/u/webmonkey)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2025, 8:36pm UTC](https://forum.digirig.net/t/hamlib-error-on-ptt-only-js8-trusdx/9377/2 "2025-08-03T20:36:51Z")
the digirig mobile uses the comport RTS line for PTT, not serial/cat/remote control.
so be sure you do not have RTS ‘checked’ under any remote control sections.
(‘checking’ the RTS box under the remote control section will result in unwanted ptt behavior)
the tru should be able to use CAT as the PTT method so i’d simply uncheck RTS anywhere.
lastly, be sure to locate your antenna away from the radio/digirig/computer as RF getting into the ‘chain’ can disrupt the serial/remote control/cat connection.
good luck
🙂
kb0wlf