IC-7000, WJST-X Faults

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1

Hey y’all,

I’ve been having this issue with my radio setup lately where it’ll perform like a champion on the digimodes, but after about 5 minutes WJST-X acts like it is receiving RFI. WJST-X seems to lose communication with the radio unit, and pops the Rig Control Error dialogue box.

I have tried troubleshooting over the last few days, including:

  • swapping coax
  • adding ferrites to the USB
  • Swapping for the DigiRig USB
  • Utilizing rig without ATU
  • Changing computers

The only thing I haven’t been able to isolate thus far is the DigiRig. Thoughts?

2

I use a 1:1 current balun on the leadline to reduce RFI.

73 Constrainted

3

The coaxial line feeds into an LDG 1:9 UNUN before going into the EFRW in this setup

4

I used the ARRL Antenna Book and Handbook, edited by Ward N0AX as my guides to identify sources of common mode current and ways to reduce it.

73 Constrainted

5

Is there a way to shield the Digirig? Every cable has ferrite beads on them. The RF must be attacking the digirig itself.

6

Are you using an OTG cable to add USB ports? Users have found that some models work better than others.

Another user here found with a USB-A cable that shorting the USB-A connector shield to the other end of the connecter by wrapping wire reduced RFI.

73 Constrainted

7

No, using the embedded USB-A ports on the computer. Thus far, I’ve used the coiled DigiRig USB-C to USB-A with the ferrites, as well as a regular usb with added ferrites, and then a regular USB router through a toroid. All have been unsuccessful

8

I also have an IC-7000 and a Digirig running WSJT-X with similar issues. I’ve tried all the suggestions found in this and other forums and none have totally resolved the issue. I think the IC-7000/WSJT-X combination is particularly sensitive as others have noted. I can swap out the 7000 for a Yaesu FT-891 with its Digirig with everything else being the same and have no issue. I too would welcome a solution!

9

The most effective solution is a common mode choke on the feedline - it prevents RF from making it back to the radio vs trying to deal with it in accessory connections. One of the less expensive ones that I came across is this model:

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You can also source FT240-31 Ferrite Toroid Cores and wrap your existing coax.

10

RF was traveling down the coax into the system and causing hell. I added a common mode choke make from a jump cable wrapped about 12 times around a FT240-43 toroid. Just made a flawless transcontinental QSO on 50W.

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11

Thank you for the help. And a QSO last night!

de K8ZX

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12

Congrats on your success! Thank you for the report and QSO.

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