Rig Failure - Yaesu FT-818ND / WSJT-X / Digirig Mobile

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1

Hello,

I would like to start to say thank you to any help anyone might be able to provide here.

I have tried every possible combination of settings to try to get Digirig to connect to my FT-818ND via WSJT-X (version 2.6.1) but have had no success. I am using a MacBook Pro (Ventura 13.7.2) and have had no trouble using the same computer and same Digirig module (but different cables, of course) to connect to my older Kenwood TS-450S and can run FT8 via the same version of WSJT-X.

I have set everything up how I believe it should be set up in the “Radio” tab but when I try “Test CAT”, the Transmit/Busy light on the radio turns red and the radio seems to change bands for a moment or so then I receive the below error:

Hamlib error: rig.c(2135):rig_get_freq returning2(-8) Protocol error

1:rig.c(1375):rig_open returning(0)
1:rig.c(2884):rig_get_vfo entered
rig_get_vfo: cache check age=13005ms
rig_get_vfo: cache miss age=13005ms
rig.c(2926) trace
ft817_get_vfo: called
ft817_read_eeprom: called
write_block(): TX 5 bytes, method=1
0000 00 54 00 00 bb .T…
read_block_generic called, direct=1
read_block_generic(): Timed out 3.394 seconds after 0 chars, direct=1
Protocol error
)
1:rig_get_vfo: elapsed=3007ms
1:rig.c(2947):rig_get_vfo returning(-8) Protocol error

Protocol error
Protocol error
while testing getting current VFO

I have tried different combinations of settings (/dev/tty.SLAB_USBtoUART as well as /dev/tty.usbserial-144420 and various others depending on which USB port I am using) and made sure the baud rate matches what is set in my radio. Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Below is a screenshot of my settings in case anyone needs them.

I have looked through this forum and it seems what has worked for others has not worked for me. If anyone has any suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. I would love to use this setup as a QRP FT8 rig. Thank you in advance for all your help!

Screenshot 2025-02-13 at 13.35.32
Screenshot 2025-02-13 at 13.35.321744×1576 201 KB

2

FT-818 uses logic levels of the serial port. If your Digirig is configured for RS-232, then you’ll need to reconfigure Digirig, use this Digirig without CAT control (rig=none) or get another Digirig preconfigured for correct levels.

More info here: Selecting Digirig Mobile Serial Configuration – digirig

3

Thank you for the quick reply. I didn’t realize when I purchased the Digirig module for my Kenwood TS-450S that there were different configurations for the module itself (I incorrectly assumed the cables were the only difference). Just before I saw your reply, I stumbled upon a page on your site about the solder pads on the Digirig board that could be altered depending on intended use. I have included the URL to that page here in case anyone ever needs to reference it as I did:

I ended up purchasing a second unit just now (one already configured as a logic levels module) so I can use different modules for both transceivers without having to alter one of them. The new unit is set to arrive in two days and I will update this thread once the new one arrives and confirm it is working in case anyone else ever runs into this same scenario.

Thank you again for your help!

4

Denis (K0TX) was spot on and correct above when he said I needed a different module (or needed to configure mine differently). I should have paid closer attention to different module types based on what transceiver they are to be used with. Thank you for your quick help, Denis and for a wonderful product!