I originally posted this on my blog but after seeing K0TX’s email I wanted to put a copy here! This is for the ICOM703+ in particular but should work for the non-plus version (no 6m) and a few other older icom models w/o a USB port but that use the acc + ext serial cable configuration.
If you’re using an ICOM radio, pick up a model for CI-V. Yaesu and Kenwood and Other manufacturers (will depend)[Understanding Rig Control Options – digirig].
I chose the CI-V version with the provided ICOM cables, but you could also roll your own cables.
Software
Next up is the software configuration. The DigiRig has it’s own set of (drivers for the serial port control)[CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers - Silicon Labs] and the audio should work with the built-in.
Device Manager
You should be able to leave the default settings for the serial port driver once installed, but if needed you can tweak it manually to match what you put into WSJT-X. I set mine to:
- 8 data bits
- 2 stop bits
- Handshake DEFAULT
- Baud Rate to 19200
WSJT-X
When you open WSJT-X for the first time, you’ll need to configure your radio. Open up settings, choose Radio, and pick the ICOM 703 from the list:
- 8 data bits
- 2 stop bits
- Handshake DEFAULT
- Baud Rate 19200
- RTS for PTT method
- PORT to COM3 or whatever the serial shows up as (NOT USB)
- Mode to USB
- Split to NONE or FAKE IT
Don’t forget to then save, choose the AUDIO tab, and set the input/output to the digirig soundcard and NOT your internal audio.