PARTIALLY RESOLVED: Icom IC-7000 Low Tx Audio Using Mini-DIN6 Cable

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Problem: Winlink Packet/VARA FM et al under Windows 10/11 w/ an Icom IC-7000, using a DigiRig Mobile connected via DigiRig’s Mini-DIN6 cable produces very low transmit audio, and won’t connect to any nodes. Using DigiRig cables for CAT and audio connections.

Current Diagnostics:

  1. Windows’ audio mixer shows good audio levels on the output to the DigiRig, and the levels’ bar graph responds to any level adjustments;

  2. Headphones plugged into the DigiRig’s Audio jack has loud audio levels;

  3. Continuity testing of the Mini-DIN6 tests out to match Icom’s pinouts, and the level measured on the DIN end of the cable as set via Windows’ sound mixer is set to 0.25 V RMS, per Icom’s recommendations;

  4. Listening on my HT, I can hear VERY low audio packet bursts when transmitting - I thought there was no audio at all until I turned the HT volume up quite high;

  5. No change dis/enabling the IC-7000’s “9600” setting in the menu - it will receive 1200 baud packets in all modes just fine regardless of the 9600 setting, using the DIN6 cable;

  6. I’ve had the same results using two different IC-7000s interchanged w/ two different DigiRig Mobiles, and Windows PCs, but everything works fine if I use DigiRig’s DIN13 cable instead; and

  7. Both DigiRigs work fine on my TIDRadio HT and my Icom IC-2730, using DigiRig cables.

To address the obvious; I want the ability to have 9600 capability for “Wide” VARA/Packet etc., hence the DIN6 cable.

I’ve spent the day testing and searching the web without success; Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

de VE7IIF

EDIT:

Couldn’t sleep, so got up at 5:00’ish AM, and started banging around some more.

“Solution” Found: When using the mini-DIN6 Data jack for audio, the PTT can only be activated via the COM port /w RTS technique - NOT /w CAT.

Tx audio in levels are normal if; PTT is done via the COM port, regardless of the 9600 menu setting status.

I was able to make SOME Winlink Vara HF connections still using the mini-DIN6 and CAT cable, as the Tx audio levels were slightly better then on VHF/UHF FM, but getting a connection was unreliable at best.

I would like to still have CAT, even though CAT only works on HF anyway. I’ll continue my search to resolve the mini-DIN6 and CAT PTT conflict. I suspect the known “hot mic” issue may be at play somehow loading down the audio input level, but even with the mic disconnected while using CAT the Tx audio levels remained very low.

So for now; PTT via COM port RTS if I want to connect to “Wide” Winlink Vara FM or 9600 Packet using the mini-DIN6 Data jack, and I’ll have move my lazy butt to change frequencies etc.

Note: Using the DIN13 ACC jack for audio works perfectly with CAT on Vara HF/FM and VHF/UHF FM Packet.

If I learn more, I’ll update this post. Hopefully it helps others…