Android + DigiRig Lite + APRS - DigiRig Lite Series

[@JAT_4321]

This is literally exactly what I'm wanting to do with my radios. Thanks for the great content!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

No problem! Good luck!

[@johnjeffrey3660]

@@TheTechPrepperdo you have a recommendation for android software to facilitate quick text messages between two HT’s on simplex using the Digirig lite? Thanks 73, John.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

Great demo! I'm working on an APRS BBS that will allow for completely off-grid store & forward that you may be interested in. Hope to have it available soon.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Very nice. Those old technologies are fantastic for offgrid comms. I am doing the exact same thing. Good luck with your BBS station.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@@TheTechPrepper 💯 - Cheers, you as well.

[@The_Comms_Channel]

@BrandonLang-tw7qb Nice! Glad to see it being enjoyed in the field!

[@stevestewart3709]

Being new to radio, I sure appreciate your videos. Thank you!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome. I try to use simple language where I can to make this more accessible. Welcome to radio.

[@n45w93]

Great demo, thanks for providing this info. It helped me feel confident stepping into the APRS arena using my HT. Just purchased the Digirig-lite using the link from your page! Excited to try it out.

[@thebnbaldwin]

I initially purchased the SignaLink and DigiRig for comparison and, to keep the SignaLink in the shack. The DigiRig is my choice hands down. I successfully used both on VHF/UHF with my AT-878, and a Baofeng setting the radios up for VOX (Voice Operated Xmit). The SignaLink with the RJ45 cable works with my AT-578. We even tested it through a local repeated and it worked fine.

[@TheTechPrepper]

The SignaLink is a classic and still has value. It's great for when you need to troubleshoot as you can plug in a pair of headphones into the rear and monitor the audio. However, like you, I'll take a DigiRig any day. Cheers, Brian.

[@SamuelBradstreet]

This is one of the most useful demos of APRS I've seen and will definitely help expand my capabilities. Thanks for the explanation!

[@TheTechPrepper]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful. I'm only in this game for practical, real-world communications. Take care.

[@bruehlt]

LOVE what he's done with Digirig! I replaced my Signalinks with them a while back, and they are so much better than the Signalink. It's like 1990's tech vs 2020 tech!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Me, too. You nailed it. That's exactly what this is. Although, if it was 2024, it would be Bluetooth. This should be possible. I've been asking Denis for this.

[@chrissewell1608]

​​@@TheTechPrepper Can you connect the Digirig(s) to a bluetooth dongle, then to your phone? OR a PC? 🤔

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@chrissewell1608 Have not tried that yet. It's on the list. I asked DigiRig if they're planning on a Bluetooth variant.

[@iblackfeathers]

i use mobilinkd for my aprs solution. it’s one less cable attachment to worry about since it connects over bluetooth to the phone or tablet or other device like a laptop… although something can be said about a physical wired connection to such devices. but so far, any bluetooth connection issues i have had were software configuration, which could be solved on the spot rather than forgetting and needing a special adapter depending whether it is a usb a/c/micro port or even lightning. but overall, it is good to have more than one portable way of doing things for overall redundancy, choice options, and some form of competition in tech.

[@bluemartijn]

great Prepper ! Greetings from the Netherlands PD0HMP DMR 2040808 Martijn

[@68thBC]

You have my attention. This is what I am looking at doing.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear it. More content just like this is coming for the next few weeks. Good luck with your setup

[@68thBC]

@@TheTechPrepper I have a wouxun kg-q10h and EVERYTHING you are planning vids for I am considering. Would you consider testing out/review an app called Rattlegram?

[@matsherwood6277]

I'm really excited about this product and series, mine should be here this afternoon!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Get that Android up and running. Enjoy. Leave me a message using MAIL.

[@tchambers807]

I'm going with the FT-2980r with the digirig lite and RJ-12 cable. Got a great deal on the radio and the other bits and bobs will be nice to stack with additional cables and setups as needed. The first week I got licensed I got a really cool radiogram to my email and I thought that was the coolest thing. I'm going to use replying to that email as my first big goal to learn more about this

[@michaelsmith1069]

Great video and an awesome new device from DigiRig!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you. I was excited when the original prototype arrived a few months back. It changes things for the better. 73

[@abboudbedro5657]

This is a great and informational video. Yes Digirig is one of the best out there.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you think so! I tried to make this video accessible to new and old radio users. Cheers.

[@donseto5125]

Awesome video! Keep it up!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks! Will do!

[@neubert500]

Outstanding! And very useful! Going to be buying one post haste!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Capitalism! Enjoy.

[@uguraltnsy]

Where can I download the Settings cards at 9:28

[@GmailNexus]

17:15 'Cancel' to basically confirm is a bit questionable UI/UX wise 😅

[@prestonm4s]

With the usb A adapter would it alow you to do JS8call on 2M under the VOX only setting in JS8 because this would be nice on 25watts with a directional antenna

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. That works. Great question.

[@TXmedic95]

I’m psyched for this. I feel this will work much better for me than the Mobilinkd. And is cheaper as well

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's more versatile, too. Isn't innovation great?

[@thebnbaldwin]

It happens every time! 😂 I have two DigiRigs now, so I'm in no rush. Cheers!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Mike calls it the "TTP Effect." I'm looking forward to my second unit as I'm moving my single unit between the running gear and EDC kit.

[@thebnbaldwin]

@@TheTechPrepper I did get my 2-pack of Dakota 10AH LifePo4 batteries. LOL

[@wesley20991]

Maybe I missed it but is there any way to connect this setup to a iPhone?

[@GTGallop]

Excellent Vid! I'm looking to do this EXACTLY and especially for a mobile truck radio.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thanks, Greg. That's a great application. I'm playing with a similar setup as well using the Kenwood D710 in the Jeep. I have the DigiRig USB-C cable in the center console. I just need to tune the radio from memory and plug in the phone.

[@jakep5121]

sounds like you need to make a winlink gateway station at home. on anther note, thanks for the video, really looking forward to the series.

[@TheTechPrepper]

That's on the list. I have set up a fill-in digipeater and IGate in the past, but setting up an RMS gateway is on my short list of todo items. It would be a good service for the local hams out here.

[@randomzeldafan]

You mentioned an android JS8call app possibly being produced in a previous video. Any idea of a possible date for that?

[@TheTechPrepper]

No timeline. I have other projects and the issue is that JS8Call has some licensing issues related to the GPL license preventing a version from being released in the Google Play Store. If I am able to transition to doing this full-time, I'll work on this project next year.

[@tbmpetsolutions]

this is awesome. looking forward to trying

[@TheTechPrepper]

Excellent. Enjoy. This device is great.

[@mikeph4]

SSID for MAIL is not necessary anymore. I removed that need long ago. Just haven't updated the website to get that info out.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Very good. Interesting timing. We did some testing earlier this week without them and were pleasantly surprised with simpler format of using just the @CALLSIGN. Thank you for providing the service! 73

[@kj7a--]

Sorry if I'm out of the loop, looking to get a digirig lite as i want to run the ft60 and ftm6000 man portable with android. It looks like I need the Yaesu HT cable and a mini Din one for the ftm6000, question is, can i get the more expensive 9600 baud cable intended for the digirig mobile, and use that with the digirig lite by simply not plugging in the serial cable, in order to future proof my setup for when i get on HF and buy a Digirig mobile? Thank you

[@TheTechPrepper]

This is a question for Denis at DigiRig as I'm not familiar with Mobilinkd cable pin out for the FTM-6000. For the record, I used the FTM-6000 with the original DigiRig Mobile for the last couple of years, but sold it earlier this year. It worked really well with all FM digital modes.

[@chrisjayne7027]

Great explanation. Thank You

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad to hear it. I tried my best to keep this topic simple. Happy Friday!

[@christenking4780]

This was a great video! Thank you

[@TheTechPrepper]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@wesley20991]

One more question would this setup also work for a hf radio and winlink?

[@TyGunnlaugsson]

Is there a way to make an igate using android? APRS droid doesn’t allow an igate unless I’m missing something. I’d like to setup a base station in my sprinter with Starlink as an igate

[@KS0JD]

Looks like it might replace the mobilink tnc 4. Nice video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

As a long-time Mobilinkd TNC 2, 3 and 4 user, I see myself using the TNC less these. With DigiRig Lite, there are no batteries to worry about and you can do more than just packet work.

[@halledwardb]

I am going to be picking a couple of these up, and a Mobile version as well. Radio question!!!! I can get a new Alinco 135MKiii for 230 or the Yeasu 2980r on sale for 169 right now on sale. The 2980r would use VOX instead of a digital connection, so would that be slower and more prone to issues, if I set up a permanent station BBS with either Kantronics, or BPQ on Linux with the mobile digirig? Will the VOX just slow everyone down that might use the BBS? I have heard that before. Money is not that important, as its a buy once and leave it setup forever thing.

[@MATTHEWPRUESSING-wd7yl]

Great video just put on my shopping list May I ask what 2 meter antenna is that thanks again fir the videos

[@TheTechPrepper]

It's an Arrow II Yagi. It's the backpacker model as the boom breaks down into three sections.

[@MATTHEWPRUESSING-wd7yl]

@@TheTechPrepper thank you I’ve been looking for something portable, but yes also something that I could put up at home on a temporary few day basis

[@feltusfeicit]

How does this differ from the Digilink Nano ( which I bought from you ) apart from the cable compatibility? I've had decent luck with the Digilink, apart from audio being low on my phone, so power out is often ~2w...

[@TheTechPrepper]

They both use the same approach for doing digital, however, the DigiRig Lite has an integrated cable for the USB on one side and a more secure connection to the 3.5mm cable to the radio. Also. there is extensive support for many radios as DigiRig has a cable for most rigs. I get full power on my Lite. Thanks for picking up that Nano from me at the last hamfest.

[@ln663]

Have you checked how much battery life has been affected by the continous use of digirig lite for location beaconing?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I have not as I use the setup in an on-demand capacity. I'm usually mobile or man-portable, so I connected everything for a short period of time.

[@MichaelLeo]

here we go!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yup!

[@billgrant6175]

Great videos and I appreciate the real world applications. Just to confirm, you can use an Android (maybe iOS) device but it does not need to be a cell phone? A tablet running Android will work just the same?

[@TheTechPrepper]

An Android tablet will work, too. As will a computer. I have not tested an iPhone yet, but I plan to test it with the RadioMail iOS app soon. Maybe someone with an iPhone can share their experience here.

[@KenNORTHPLAINSOR]

So, since the DIGIRIG Lite does the PTT keying with audio out from app, does this mean that it will virtually work with any digital app, on any OS that was created for Ham Radio? I know, that is a huge question. I have a Chromebook I would like to put to work. If the app outputs audio to the USB-C will the DIGIRIG Lite solve the PTT problem? I have a DIGIRIG Mobile and it does not provide PTT on the Chromebook.

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes. Personally, I'm using it with every radio that I have that supports a DigiRig cable with the all the major ham radio apps. In most case, set the ham radio application's PTT method to VOX. I used it this morning with my VX-6R HT and (tr)uSDX HF rig with JS8Call, Dire Wolf, YAAC, and Winlink (ARDOP and AX.25 packet).

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Low 80 in the desert? Oof. My central Texas low is about 80, too, although I suspect my humidity is higher.

[@TheTechPrepper]

We're in monsoon season, so we get really big swings for both the heat and humidity.

[@magwhyte]

Does the Digirig Lite require an OTG adapter or can I plug it directly into the phone or tablet? Thanks!

[@TheTechPrepper]

The DigiRig Lite does not, but the DigiRig Mobile did.

[@WirelessDevelopment]

So if any app on the Android plays audio, will that audio be transmitted?

[@TheTechPrepper]

You bet it will. Be careful.

[@WirelessDevelopment]

@@TheTechPrepper cool, I am a software developer, mind if I ask you a question?

[@themercman07]

How does the digirig lite compare to the mobilinkd tnc? I currently use a dgi rig for my base station and love it but for ht use i keep a mobilinkd tnc in my kit. Wouldnt mind upgrading if its worth it.

[@TheTechPrepper]

The big difference is that the Mobilinkd is packet only. You can do APRS and Winlink over packet with it. However, the DigiRig Lite can use other modes. I'll show some FM applications with Rattlegram as well as how to run various modems with AndFlmsg over HF and VHF/UHF.

[@alexgraf3567]

What’s the difference between the digirig lite and the Btech APRS cable?

[@alexgraf3567]

I’m new to this world. A genuine honest question. Besides physical attributes, being the digirig lite can attach to a plethora of radio’s, which is fantastic, does it do anything additionally that the Btech APRS cable does not?

[@richardkennedy815]

I am assuming that this is what you were referring to when I mentioned my LoRa and mesh app use...

[@TheTechPrepper]

I don't recall the context as I have hundreds of comments on the various platforms. What was the question?

[@josefkesavaara]

Does did work with just media out, from phone to repeaters or just for example on some frequency? If i record some audio on my android phone and just play it?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but at the end of the day this just analog audio in and out. As a general rule, you can record the audio and play it later. It should decode when played back if the audio recording was good. Technically you don't even need any cables and go do something called acoustic coupling. I did a video where I demoed this a few years back.

[@danielrgusa]

Can this same setup be used on IPhone?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I have not tested this setup as I'm an Android user. I have an old iPhone 8, but don't have a USB-C to lightning adapter that is capable of passing audio. If I track one down, I'll try to test it after the Android videos are done.

[@danielrgusa]

@@TheTechPrepper Thank you. Excellent content as always!

[@reecef7267]

Happy Friday class is in session

[@TheTechPrepper]

Happy Friday!

[@halledwardb]

OK my s24 Ultra does not recognize digirig lite as an audio device. Anyone had any luck, or have any references for me to look at?

[@TheTechPrepper]

That is strange. It works on my S22 as well. It should be plug and play. Confirm that the Lite a actually work by connecting it to a computer and see if it appears as a sound card. If not, contact DigiRig. You may have a unit with a defect. Good luck.

[@madmojaver7385]

How are you liking the Ulefone?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I have mixed feelings, so the jury is still out. I still have the data plan disabled as I don't want to deal with ATT to get it enabled. The biggest issue is the poor camera and photo quality. On the positive side, the battery lasts for ever especially with the battery saver enabled. It's a rugged phone, but it feels like a brick in your back pocket. Wear a belt!

[@Sgtoscarcolon]

Great and valuable video. Where can I get the cheat sheet for aprs?

[@TheTechPrepper]

They're floating around online as many hams have made cheat sheets. Mine are field cards (business card sized) that are specifically tailored to my operating needs. The ones shown here are part of the member perks on Buy Me a Coffee. It's under my support link on the description.

[@FooBar89]

does this setup work on iOS as well?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I have not tested iOS yet. My iPhone is older and uses the Lightning connector, so I personally would need to track down an adapter and ensure that it supports audio input and output. I may tackle this after this Android work is done.

[@jethro9341]

Can I use the "regular" digirig with android?

[@TheTechPrepper]

Yes, but it is limited to a set of apps because it requires that the application have support for triggering the RTS signal via USB. I made a Digital Modes Series where I showed this. The full playlist is linked at the very end of the video. Great question.

[@Paul-VA4ADM]

Can I use DigiRig Lite for Winlink with iOS?

[@TheTechPrepper]

I have not tested it. I did some basic research, but do not know for sure. If I was going to test this, I would first check to see if there is a USB C to Lightning adapter that can pass audio for the speaker and microphone. Second, I would check to see if RadioMail for iOS supports AFSK. I wish I knew, but that's how I would approach seeing if it's possible.

[@KA6WNK]

I had to reinstall aprsdroid and my APRS IS code. That link doesn't work, nor does requesting the code through APRSDROID (server down error message for over a week). Otherwise an outstanding video!!!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Try this link to generate your APRS-IS code: apps.magicbug.co.uk/passcode/

[@dschaefer6454]

Now do Rattlegram or ATAK Hammer.

[@TheTechPrepper]

They work. I already tested. Rattlegram works with no fuss. I'm doing that in this series.

[@thebnbaldwin]

The DigiRig Lite is on Backorder.

[@TheTechPrepper]

You waited too long. ;-) I put in an order for my second unit before making this video public. The backorder units ship in August.

[@therepairgod]

So I bought everything you are using, still nothing happening. You state that you were going to post a setup video for aprsdroid and a digirig lite. I wish I had never heard of digirig. I have so much time and money wasted into that company now, it's pathetic it still doesn't work.

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues. It could be that you have a defective unit, so you may want to contact Denis at DigiRig. I have four of them and they work with every radio I tried under Linux, Windows and Android. There was not enough interest in the APRSDroid video, so I pushed it back into the backlog. Digital modes can be frustrating if you're new to it. Keep at it.

[@verdexj160]

This might work with ribbit. It would fix the weakness, if it did work.

[@TheTechPrepper]

It does work. I tested it with Rattlegram. There is a video coming on that topic as part of this mini series.