YAESU Ft-8100 and Digirig+VARA FM+Winlink Express, No PTT

I recently received a Digirig and cables for my Yaesu FT-8100.

  • USB-C from Digirig to USB-C on laptop
  • Audio cable out of Digirig to DATA port on back of Yaesu FT-8100
  • Winlink Express set to Peer-2-peer and attempt to Direct Connect to fellow operator.

Three tries, and failure to connect is reported. I never saw the PTT light come on, nor hear on another radio monitoring the same frequency anything broadcast.

When the fellow operator tries to connect to me, I hear and see data (as I should) on the VARA FM window with the correct call signs, yet again - no PTT action and connection fails.

Is it the Digirig or is it the cable? How do I trouble shoot this?

73 kd7uro
Kelly

This is a frustrating start. Since you are monitoring locally, you have a great tool for troubleshooting.

Denis K0TX has a troubleshooting guide:

Troubleshooting Digital Modes – digirig

which presents methods to check audio out of the Digirig and check PTT being pulled on the connector to your radio.

73 Constrainted

I google’d a bunch of videos to watch. The one that shows how to test the cable for PTT activation was helpful, as mine proved to be functional. Also, I noted that the cable to the DATA port on my radio was not quite seated. I checked for bent pins, all was well, but this time when I plugged it back in it sort-a clicked, so I felt better about that.

I also made sure the Windows driver was correct and updated - then WAH-LA! everything began working!

Chalk this one up to loose cables and an old driver. Problem is resolved!

2 Likes

Congratulations and thanks for following up with the details of your troubleshooting!

73 Constrainted