Digirig is often described as turnkey, just works and plug-n-play, however your mileage may vary. There is no shortage of complexity in radio even before we add computers. Such complexity makes this hobby a delightful bottomless pit of learning. It also leaves plenty of room for things to not work out-of-the-box.
Diversity is beautiful. Let’s look at all the rig control options we encounter in modern and classic amateur radio transceivers and the ways to realize their best potential for digital modes and remote operation.
I vividly remember the struggle with rig control errors and PTT that seemingly developed the mind of its own. In many cases the reason for unstable behavior of otherwise correctly configured serial CAT interface is RFI.
We’ve got a positive confirmation of Digirig Mobile making friends with Yaesu FT-857D. Other classic Yaesu HF rigs share the same connectors, specifically: FT-100, FT817, FT-857, FT-897, FT8-817ND and FT897D.
Love them or hate them, Baofeng HTs are here to stay. Digirig can easily double up as a serial interface for programming your radios with Chirp.
One of the final touches required for enjoying digital modes is setting up the audio levels. There are multiple controls hidden in different places so the process might be somewhat difficult the first time around.
For Digirig’s serial CAT connector you’ll need a standard male-to-male 3.5mm stereo cord. Things get a little bit more involving with the audio cable.
Between, the quick turnaround time, the uncertainty of each play and the steady breadcrumb trail of dopamine it has all that it takes to hook you up for good.
Is it possible to have multiple simultaneous FT8 QSOs on the same radio? Check out how I did it.
