2M Digital Apps For Your HT or Mobile Rig

I will be covering how to use Digital Apps (Winlink, Fldigi, JS8Call) on your HT UHF/VHF Radio. I will show you how to setup the Windows Sound System, Device Mgr. & a few Digital Apps. Also, what changes you need to make on your HT or mobile rig, in order to operate successfully.
Key Links:
Audio Settings Video: • Digital HF Audio Setti...
Digirig: digirig.net/store/
SignaLink: www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?p...
Sound Modem: uz7.ho.ua/packetradio.htm
Download the following files from website:
soundmodem114.zip
dtt-dll.zip
User_guide_v114_EN.pdf - Follow Instructions
Setup Instructions Website: mocars.org/uz7ho-soundmodem-i...
Ask for my setup instructions on Soundmodem / Winlink, VHF JS8Call, VHF Fldigi
Email me at [e-mail]

[@countryranger83]

New ham here. One of my next purchases will be a digirig. I'm a little bit North of you in NC so very interested to get WinLink setup on VHF and my oddity radio. Thanks to your videos I'm going to look into FSQ on 6m if I can get ahold of a 6m SSB that won't break the bank. Thank you for putting information out that works under the Tech privileges.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Email me at [e-mail] We can try connecting on 6M when you are up and running.

[@thuff3207]

I do not use windows but you have very good ideas to get digital working. Thank you.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

If I am up to it, I want to learn Linux before the year ends. Windows is becoming so intrusive.

[@mrtechie6810]

​@@hamradiomadesimpleyes, Windows steals your PC and spies on you. And you have to pay for it!

[@betterbprepared]

Very nice explanation! I have already shared this with our local ARES coordinator to see if we can test using 2M digital.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for sharing and let me know how I can help. I have documents on all this, if you want them.

[@okhouri]

I think you're a little bit confused regarding the baud rate. The baud rate you set on your device manager has nothing to do with the radio communication speed, it is setting up the speed between the computer and your radio or interface. It is the application on your computer that decides and sets the baud rate for the actual radio communications. I usually set the baud rate in the device manager much higher than the radio communication baud rate because the communication channel between the computer and the interface has to manage much more data that what is finally transmitted on the radio waves

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Great insight and thanks for posting this.

[@Swamp-Fox]

Another great video! I need to go back and watch this one again.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Please do! So much to unpack. This took me weeks to figure out and understand.

[@airborneranger187]

Just stumbled on your videos this weekend. Absolutely love the deep-dive.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Welcome aboard!

[@migalito1955]

Thanks, I come and go with respect to Ham radio and sold my 100 watt transceivers 9 years ago & kept just two 5 to 7 watt Qrp HF Signals kit transceivers. What inspired me to set up an imverted V and dig out the rigs was the aim of receiving data out of or near Ukraine. Last night I thought that since PSK 31 ten years ago could be utilized really with no special interfaces other than the software on a computer having a soundcard that I should be able to use FLDigi and its schemes with my kit radios. I do have an inexpensive audio interface geared for podcasters and used it in my bag of tricks. Yes indeed I now have at least some of what FLdigi offers on both the 40 meter rig and general coverage rig without rig contro,l but I can do that so no problem for me at all. I do have more or less a desire to buy a new rig but having retired as a math instructor or lecturer I am not exactly swimming in money so my goal is either Xiegu's G90 or HF Signal's ubit version 6. I like QRP because it requires well designed antennas to work well and antennas brought me into the hobby, but there is not much difference as far as reach between a 20 watt rig & a 100 watt rig on the S meter so ideally I buy the G90, but even 10 watts from HF Signal's $200 kit is a nice add to what I currently have. Thanks again for the info & 73 de kc2wvb...

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Nice to hear you are getting back into Ham Radio. The G90 is pretty popular for QRP but does take some tweaking to get up and running successfully. Like you said, it is all about the antenna. QRP is not forgiving so some skill is required to get the antenna working correctly. It is refreshing to hear to that you are ahead of the curve and well on your way. Keep me posted on your results!! Most importantly, have fun!!

[@mrtechie6810]

Yes, get the G90. Also, check out Hermes Lite 2. You can add a cheap amp.

[@jcw945]

Another fantastic and informative video.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks again Jeff. Appreciate you continued support!!

[@mccormick426]

Always great content, thanks for the video

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Appreciate taking the time to post this!!

[@2ravenrick]

In the Windows settings for the speakers and microphone, you can rename them from the generic naming to digirig or anything else to help you identify them in the future.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Absolutely. I chose not to since it would only confuse others watching this. I would get flooded with questions like "Mine doesn't look like this, how come?" You are one step ahead of all the others :-)

[@KD9SUV]

Well done!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks Kurt. Glad someone in the group is watching lol...

[@dso2805]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I hope you walked away with some good info to get up and running on VHF digital modes.

[@rlwoodlief]

Great video as always! You are definitely my go to source for prepping my radios. 73 de N4RLW

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad to hear it as I too am a prepper. Building out EMCOMM Plans / Nets for others to start their own. Hopefully in a few months, I can give others the keys to program...

[@tigersire]

Thanks for the reminder that I don't have hair!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

LOL, I need that laugh tonight. Thank you :-)

[@jeffreydelarea390]

❤

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks!!

[@kd7dgkontheair]

comment for the algorithm

[@hamradiomadesimple]

LOL yeah about that :-)

[@thebnbaldwin]

Great video MJ! FLDIGI, should the AGC & squelch be deselected or, do they have no affect like the frequency display? Also, how to adjust the green level to 55 - 60? Thanks! de WB3BIT

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Turn AGC off in the Windows Sound Settings (deselect) as shown in the video. You can adjust your microphone settings in Windows Sound Settings and by simply turning the volume know on your HT or mobile rig.

[@6.5_shooter48]

How about FT8 on 2 meters? Is it possible? I really enjoy your videos, I’m learning a lot. Thanks

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yes but not sure how many will be on it. 2m 144.174 1.25m 222.065 70cm 432.065

[@MaritimeHomesteader]

Hello @hamradiomadesimple I hope all is well. Great videos! I am fairly new to amateur radio. Listening for a few years on my Uniden Digital Scanner. Writing test soon for Basic licence. (canada) I just bought a used Yaseu FT840. Im building a dipole for 40m soon. Just ordered the parts. I feel the urgency due to the state the world is in. I live off grid for 6-7years now. I have a quick question that I hope you can answer. Can I do any sort of HF digital (maybe FSQ) on the FT840? It doesn't have the ports I don't think. Can you confirm please? Kind regard, Mario

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Here is what I found online. The answer is yes BUT it looks like you need to build a special cable to make it work. Check out the link and read the string of responses of what Digirig said about what cables work with their gear: forum.digirig.net/t/yaesu-ft-840-and-digirig/370/2 I hope this helps.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Also, came across this " The FIF232C includes the required cable to most applicable Yaesu radios. However, the user must supply their own standard RS232 serial cable from the Yaesu FIF232C to their PC. This is a standard cable obtainable from most computer suppliers. You will need to note how may pins (such as 9 or 25) on our your serial port to obtain the correct cable."

[@MaritimeHomesteader]

Thank you sir. I appreciate it

[@fredhayman5534]

WV8WVF here, Good video. My question is how do you interface the AT 578 with the Signalink? Tigertronics does not have a cable for listed for it.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I own Digirig and they have the cables. I borrowed the SignaLink for HF for a friend so never tried Anytone Radios. I will look into this.

[@dillkilltv3942]

Can i use my old antenna thats on my house for radio? Fm or am and for ham/ etc

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You can try and it will work with AM / FM. With regards to UHF/VHF and HF, the best solution is getting an antenna that is calibrated to the specific wave length of the frequency you are working. You will find 1/2 or 1/4 wave length antennas around that frequency will work best. Random wire antennas (HF typically around 57-63 feet) work well. I hope this helps.

[@marthageoffrey237]

I still don't understand who those messages you sent from Fldigi and JS8Call were meant for. You did not specify any recipients. Were those messages for whoever might have been tuned to those frequencies at that particular time? Another question: Could these digital modes be used on repeaters?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Most use Digital Apps as a directed message, by first including their call sign. Anyone can see the message, however the recipient understands, it is directed to them. The sent message will include the callsign of who sent the message. CQ is not directed but open to anyone who will respond. What you may be seeing are others having a QSO. Often Nets will use these various Digital apps. Their members will know what frequency, offset, op mode speed and a specific time established, to participate. Unless you know these parameters, you want see the decoded messages. Bad decodes look like random letters. Often from not using the right Op Mode, Speed or poor band conditions. With Fldigi, this is the case most of the time. Also, if you don't set your SQL correctly you get a lot of bad decode. Yes, it can be used on repeaters but would advise not doing this unless the group who owns / manages the repeater is cool with this. Groups like ARES will use them when emergencies happen.

[@philm695]

I must be missing something, none of the settings windows you show resemble anything on this windows 10. is there an admin setting i need to activate in windows? i have noticed this with all the ham tutorial videos on YT. Pulling my hair out here trying to get windows figured out. i use JS8 on my linux computor without issue.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Later this year, I will be trying to learn Linux but for now, too much on my plate. I will send you my handouts so email me at [e-mail]

[@thebnbaldwin]

ARRL doesn't list any RTTY/Data frequencies. However, they show 144.90 through 145.10 for weak signal and simplex FM and, that 145.01, 03, 05, 07 and 09 are frequently used for packet. Flip a coin!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Here is the dilemma. AARL list which part of the digital bands you should use for what mode. It appears that no one is paying attention to this. CW is heard on the Digital Opp Modes and visa versa. Welcome to the Wild Wild West! He with more power wins. So QRP modes get overtaken by other Opp Modes that typically use more power. So much for the rule of law of ham radio.

[@mrtechie6810]

​@@hamradiomadesimpleon HF it seems like narrowband data modes and CW can go together. They are both weak signal modes. Unlike Phone.

[@davidcappello]

Nice video! If you right click in the Mic Properties level and chance from % to dB and I have always found 0dB is a good place to start.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

David, GREAT insight. Next Video where I get into this, I will point this out and give you credit. Thanks for posting this.

[@DonzLockz]

Brilliant info and run-through of the software etc. I'll be emailing you for the docs and will watch more of your videos. I only have HT's for now and want to try digital modes due to mic fright and health issues. Thanks again.👍🤠🇦🇺 de VK1DON

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You will love Digital especially JS8Call. Let me know if you have questions.

[@DonzLockz]

@hamradiomadesimple thank you for the docs! :) Yes, that is one that I'm really keen on. Thanks again Michael. 73