Here are all my settings for the FT-897, which is connected to an Evolve III Maestro Windows laptop with a digirig and cables. These are as close to universal settings as I have found for this transceiver. I don’t use any software attenuation with this setup. There may be other ways to set this up that work better, but this is what’s working for me. It may be a good starting point if you’re struggling to get this radio running.
For my settings on Winlink, click here: Winlink FT-897 Digirig; my settings - Digirig Forum
Windows sound settings
Flrig 2.0.02
JS8Call
FLDIGI
WSJTX
VaraAC
Transceiver settings
RF Power Set (menu 75) of 50 watts and over creates enough RFI to cause connection issues with my laptop. Your mileage may vary. If you encounter strange, inconsistent connection issues, drop power, space equipment apart, ground equipment, and put ferrites on both ends of everything. 40 watts max does well with my setup.
Dig Gain (menu 37) set to 8 or 10. This puts the ALC meter just above the “C” on the transceiver’s screen, and ensures full power output (measured with a meter plugged in under the transceiver front end). Some modes seem to need more or less Dig Gain. If the Dig Gain is much lower, the transceiver will have no output power.
CAT Rate of 4800 is required by my AT-897 tuner.
AGC on and set to fast. The AGC on this transceiver is outstanding.
