I have a Digirig mobile, Yaesu FT-8900R, and the MiniDin6 9600-baud Audio/PTT cable. Can someone explain to me how to make it all work with winlink? A watched several how-to videos, tried the soundmodem software. Im at a loss.
Should I be using the RJ-12 cable? We dont have vara fm here.
According to the FT-8900 manual, it does support the 9600 baud cable and data rate, so no need to move to the RJ-12. Plus using the DIN means the radio’s volume and squelch settings will not affect the radio’s tx/rx transmission when sending packets. You can turn the volume down, or squelch the signal out if you don’t want to hear the packet data.
No worries about not having VARA FM, the DR Mobile does good old packet just fine too.
We need some detail as to what is or isn’t working. Does the DR Mobile have the correct signaling standard that the radio expects; what OS are you using; and have you confirmed the COM port, audio in/out, for example. Otherwise we don’t know where to start in the troubleshooting.
It’ll help immensely if you are comfortable with your OS (Windows?) configuration settings, as the DR itself doesn’t require any configuration, other than having the hardware signaling set to the correct standard.
A good start if you haven’t checked out the DR store support area - the main article covers the standard Windows set-up, and look under the same page to the right, “Recent Posts” for further info:
Getting Started with Digirig Mobile – digirig
Steve VE7IIF
EDIT: The serial signaling standard (levels) are only a factor if you’re using the CAT control features. CAT is normally supported only on HF radio in my experience, so this will not form part of your circumstance.
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I dont know whats not working properly because I dont know how it should be working. The only rhing I know is I can send and receive via telnet with zero issues. On packet, they only get through if im connected to the internet.
-OS is windows 10 pro version 22H2
-Com ports are good.
-I can see the bars moving in sound settings.
-I cant see anything happening on the soundmoden monitor and the wayer fall changes when I adjust the levels but thats it, no indication of activity.
-I cant hear anything on computer or radio other than static.
With the MiniDin6 9600-baud Audio/PTT cable, should it be plugged into the audio or serial port on the digirig?
This is the digirig i bought
Jimmy,
The audio/PTT cable plugs into audio socket on Digirig.
When it comes to Digirig functionality, as minimum you should be able to (1) get the audio from radio to computer, (2) key up the radio when it’s time to transmit and (3) get the audio from computer on the air. Other aspects are outside of Digirig’s control (e.g. quality of the radio link etc).
The fact that you don’t hear the traffic between other stations suggests that you may be outside of the range of other stations. You can drive closer to the location of the digipeater to rule out RF related concerns.
I can talk on an ht with people at the same location where the node is. Its less than 4 miles away.
In that case you should be able to hear the digital traffic on your HT as well. Is that the case?
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I am having the same probem with 2 8900r. I think for 1 VARA has to be setup using 9600baud because that cable is only hooked up to the 9600baud line in the mini din. If the 9600 could do 1200 why would it have both a 1200 and 9600 and not just 1 9600 on the minidin.
OK after that I think I can get the VARA to hear the radio it is just not keying up.
Then finally is the 9600 does require a much better signal than the 1200. but I don’t think we are even getting there as It doesn’t connect at all with the digipeater.
Do you have any experience different than that? Did you figure it out?
Vara has no knowledge of where the audio is coming from. You should be able to feed standard speed signal via 9600 baud audio connection.
First step would be to confirm that received audio reaches the computer. With the radio connected, do you see the audio level bars next to Digirig’s recording device in control panel?
On mine Vara could hear the audio. Does that 9600b cable use RTS? I forgot if I used my HT to listen to my 8900 or my Anytone that works on 144.96 to see if I was hearing it transmitted. If Im hearing it is the digipeater not hooking the connection?
Yes, 9600 baud cable has a hardware PTT line. In Digirig Mobile it is controlled by RTS signal of the serial port. Different PTT methods in case of Digirig Lite.
If you get received audio in the software and hear your station with another radio monitoring the frequency then all functions of Digirig are working correctly. This alone doesn’t guarantee the contact. If you want to rule out RF link quality as a factor you can bring your station close to where digipeater is and try again.