Troubleshoot Audio Output in Windows 11

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Issue Summary:

I am unable to hear Digirig output audio using Tune or Auto Tune functions in Vara FM. The results of my initial troubleshooting leads me to think the remaining culprits could be some finnicky Windows setting preventing audio to/through the Digirig, a faulty usb cable, or a faulty digirig. Are there any other possibilities or troubleshooting tests I should consider?

Detailed information about my setup and troubleshooting attempts is below.

System Components

PC: Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11 Pro

Radio: TYT TH-9800

Soundcard Device: Digirig Mobile using Digirig branded cables

Digirig Driver installed as shown in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtSE0TeybfI

Digital Modes Software: Vara FM

System Settings

Windows Sound Settings (Digirig Playback):

Levels: Speakers -10dB, Microphone -23dB

Enhancements: Disable all enhancements checkbox selected

Advanced: Default format set to 16 bit, 48000 Hz

Exclusive Mode: Selected “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” and “Give exclusive mode applications priority”

Spatial Sound: Off

Windows Sound Settings (Digirig Recording):

Custom: AGC disabled

Levels: 2.4 dB

Advanced: Default format set to 1 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz

Exclusive Mode: Selected “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device” and “Give exclusive mode applications priority”

Signal Enhancements: Enable audio enhancements disabled

Windows Settings → Privacy and Security → Microphone:

Microphone Access: On

Let apps access your microphone: On

Let desktop apps access your microphone: On (Shows Vara FM Modem is currently in use)

Troubleshooting Tests Already Completed

Test 1: Tune and Auto Tune in Vara FM Listening on separate HT

Observations: Mobile radio connected to digirig engages TX and breaks squelch as observed on secondary HT. No discernible audio is transmitted. Green bars on Windows Sound Settings playback tab light up during Tune and Auto Tune. Auto Tune returns “No Signal” Message in Vara FM

Test 2: Tune and Auto Tune in Vara FM with headphone connected to Digirig

Observations: No discernible audio is transmitted. Green bars on Windows Sound Settings playback tab light up during Tune and Auto Tune. Auto Tune returns “No Signal” Message in Vara FM

Test 3: Tune and Auto Tune in Vara FM with laptop speakers selected in Vara FM Soundcard Device Output

Observations: During Tune a steady tone is heard through laptop speakers. During Auto Tune, ten pulses of digital sound is heard through laptop speakers

Final Notes:

These tests were repeated on both USB ports on the laptop with same results.

2

it looks like you have the wrong audio device selected in vara-fm

it shouldn’t play audio through the host pc speakers when you tune/autotune

audio device selection is on the same page as tune/autotune

good luck

:slight_smile:

kb0wlf

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3

Thanks for the reply! Yes, in Test 1 and Test 2 I selected the digirig as the output device. In Test 3, I selected the laptop speakers to rule out any issue with Vara FM itself and so I could hear a sample of what I should be expecting to hear for the digirig output.

4

gotcha

on that same setup tab/page with tune/autotune

can you select the ‘R’ channel (not the r+l)

that’s what i have on my radios out in the shack

kb0wlf

5

I ended up submitting an inquiry through the Contact Form on the DigiRig website and received a prompt reply inviting me to ship the device back for inspection and repair. The repair was taken care of quickly and I have now confirmed the device is working correctly on my laptop.

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