So, does digirig allow me with an old radio to sail with the fancy pants digital rigs? My radio is a ic 706mk2g with the digirig…and ham radio deluxe, seems like i am swimming with the school?
complex question
you’ll have to narrow down what features of the ‘new’ rigs you’re wanting to compare to.
i’ll try to answer what a digirig mobile does and hopefully that’ll help some.
ok, a digirig mobile is simply this:
a sound card and a serial/comport.
the sound card allows a computer program to create data in the form of tones/sound/audio that are transmitting over the air.
(the dx station receives and decodes/demodulates into useable data)
the serial/comport provides a connection to the ‘remote control’ port of a compatible radio. the mk2 is compatible and uses the C-IV protocol so you would choose a C-IV configured digirig mobile.
this allows the computer software to change frequencies/modes/etc without physically spinning the dials/knobs.
the serial/comport also provides another PTT method. RTS. this IS required for the mk2g as that radio does not support PTT via C-IV command.
so, all that to say:
the digirig mobile is an interface for radios that do not have a built in sound card.
that’s really all there is to it.
good luck
kb0wlf
OK, but that being said, I am not a complete ignorant person, generally, just impatient about learning ham radio and all i need do…to do to play catch up… if possible as compared to my fellow club members.
I design simple websites with WordPress and have been for over 20 years, I do not have 20 years to learn HAM RADIO.
As I study for my General and upward, I engage with nets/2m (learned rt systems), and do field days and learn different antenna design depending on application. I have taken the deep dive into the HAM HOBBY and looking to enjoy but learn and understand.
I do not want to be cheap but at the same time I don’t want to WASTE $$ either. So my basic question is; with digirig mobile & my ic-706mk2g can i do same or close to what a ic7300 or yaseu ft710 offers?
For you must understand, I know you already do, I don’t know…what I don’t know…
Thanks/73
KF8CNA / George
i get you, i do.
the problem “I” am having with the question is the comparison and the lack of specific use cases.
in website creation, you have a specific use case yes?
storefront, tutorial, lecture format, information repository etc.
so the answer depends on the use case.
will the mk2 do the same as a 7300 if you add a digirig mobile?
short answer, not even close.
long answer, USE CASE
SSB Phone QSO, so close the casual user will never know 90% of the time
WSJT-X modes, so close the casual user will never know
SSTV/RTTY/PSK31, so close the casual user will never know
CW, so close the casual user will never know
tune an antenna, no
band/activity scope, no
receive filter options to isolate that one signal you want to hear, no
the list goes on for, well, 20 years
just tell us, or anyone, what you want to do with the radio and that gives a point to compare.
i’m only assuming you are interested in digital modes, most likely WSJT-X modes, since you’re considering a digirig mobile for the mk2.
i’ve owned/operated the 706 series when they were new so am somewhat versed.
good luck
kb0wlf
…I’ve owned/operated the 706 series…somewhat versed…
Ok…now I am catching on, casual user…at this point I am, tech license, and you helped me with another, mind question, the level I am at today and considering 1) a 7300 or 2) yaseu 710, my point of consideration is I need more use and move to the general to “enjoy” either of those 2 radio choices? Thank-you very much. Currently the HRD software with the Digirig & 706mk2g satisfies my current level of use and appreciation.
Happy Holidays
right, so general class opens up the HF bands below 10m
if you want to ‘talk’ on the radio across the country/world, ya gotta get a general class license.
if you are more of a local 2m repeater user, no need really.
the 10m voice privileges for techs can get you around the map but propagation will fade away quick at the bottom of the solar cycle.
then only the lower bands, accessed by general/advanced/extra class, will provide consistent performance.
so, with the last bit of your reply;
hrd + digirig + mk2g satisfying you:
the 7300 will not be much different on the lower bands than the mk2g with HRD + digirig. the adjustable filters (mostly) and IF DSP are not used in digital modes so not having them on the mk2g is not a shortcoming.
the 7300 is a better performer for sure (better receiver and rejection/selection) but it’s not a pass/fail line to cross.
the mk2g will work on the lower bands just fine.
you’d get a tuner for your new antenna that ‘handles’ the lower bands though.
kb0wlf
I use a Digirig Mobile, with the Icom CIV option, with my IC-706Mk2G with WSJT-X for FT8, and with N3FJP logging software. It works great. WSJT-X will change frequency on the radio, but will not change mode (CW,LSB,USB), so I need to do that on the radio.
I use another Digirig Mobile with a 3 decade old Kenwood TS-631 for Winlink with VARA-FM. That works great too. No CAT control there, of course.
geoff, N3CFX