Digirig vs Mobilinkd

[@TheTechPrepper]

Great analysis, Jason. There's value in both devices depending on your use case. I personally use both, but have fully standardized on the DigiRig Mobile for all my manpacks. If you need a data point, I have successfully used the DigiRig with an OTG cable on Android with AndFlmsg. I have not had time to look into APRSDroid or WoAD. Keep up the good work.

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks for the info on the OTG cable. I'll get around to trying it soon.

[@kenhagler7166]

Thanks for the mention of AndFlmsg--I'd never heard of it before. I use both a TNC3 and a Digirig myself. The TNC3 works great with APRSDroid and WoAD and a Kenwood TH-F6. I use the Digirig to connect a TX-500 with a Surface Go 2 tablet for Winlink with Vara HF and JS8Call.

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@kenhagler7166 Not a problem. This support was recently added. I worked with Denis at DigiRig on the cable for the VX-6/7. He asked what applications I used on Android. AndFlmsg was one of the ones I listed. Shortly thereafter, Denis contacted the creator of AndFlmsg. Long story short, the author added serial support to AndFlmsg in a matter of days. I love this hobby and community. Cheers!

[@joshuafletcher4963]

I have a USB-C to USB-C cable. My phone supports OTG. Works well. Most apps support VOX by default. The better way though is through DigRigs PTT via RTS. WoAD supports it, AndFLMesg supports on a beta build, and APRSDroid does not presently support it. You can still use VOX for all though

[@wildcatcomms]

​@TheTechPrepper hi there TP! I'm having a heck of a time getting my Digirig to work with my Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite. I was hoping to get Andflmsg up and running through my FT60R but the tablet just doesn't seem to like the digirig, or Andflmsg doesn't like it... I just installed v1.6x of Andflmsg and I just can't get it to work. Hoping you can share your trials and errors on this one... 73 bro

[@Indigenous_Patriot_1175]

I love your content and thanks for sharing. I got my ham license about 11 years ago, did very little with it. Had a very nice rig for my mobile and a nice HT but ended having to sell them due to hard times some years ago. Becomes very discouraged and just kind of lost interest so to speak. Recently renewed my license and I’m excited to get back into it. Looking to learn more and so more this time around

[@laser31415]

Not having a built-in battery i consider a plus. Too many devices get tossed once the rechargeable battery dies.

[@brichard9485]

Great video Jason! I'd love to see one on how to set up their FM, maybe on ft-857...

[@GregEmbury]

Great video as always, thanks Jason !

[@AI5HV]

Thanks for the video. I am guessing the WoAD app is not supported on IOS.

[@KM4ACK]

It isn't but RadioMail works great on the iphone with the mobilinkd tnc

[@GeorgeAdams]

I didn’t think about buying an Android made for prepaid services. That’s an idea worth exploring for sure.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice job with the video ACK, I just got a DigiRig 👍

[@KM4ACK]

Thanks Ape

[@calvinkutemeier393]

Question about monitor beind you running HAMCLOCK. What is the brand, model, size info? tnx

[@KM4ACK]

The small monitor I run in the shack for hamclock is a 10" EVICIV. Unfortunately, it is no longer available.

[@billdornbush2475]

I use the Mobilinkd2 with my mobile radio for APRS via APRSdroid, and have tested it also with my HT. I heard about WoAD and saw in its documentation that it supports VARA using a TCP/IP connection to a computer. Since I always travel with my HT and Windows laptop which has VARA, I will test this out. It would be great to be able to use laptop, Android phone, HT and Mobilinkd for an APRS and Winlink solution while traveling. I would ask you to test it but I know you are averse to Windows and prefer Mac.

[@chrissewell1608]

I have an old, not in use, Android smart phone. I have considered using it for APRS & now maybe winlink? But was wondering how to download new Apps to it, without getting cell service. I assume I will have to get a Pay by the minute, cell service, just to download my Apps. Then maybe, it will work, off-line? Not using cell service?

[@KM4ACK]

I used the WiFi on the phone connected to my home internet to download the apps.

[@patriot9455]

As op May 29/ the Baofeng cables are 34.XX on Amazon ( isn't that a surprise)

[@blackhawk65589]

I like mobilinkd, but as you said, it can be a pain to mess with if you use it on different mobile devices. Also I personally with they used a switch vs a button. I find sometimes the button gets bumped and turns on, draining the battery.

[@KM4ACK]

The dreaded button! I can't count the number of time my 3 has been turned on and the battery drained on accident. Thankfully the improved this on the 4 requiring you to press and hold the button for a few seconds to turn it on.

[@globetruck17]

Will a digirig work with MacBook or ipad?

[@KM4ACK]

macbook yes. don't think so with the ipad but never tried

[@reidtillery2856]

In addition to Vara, will the digirig do 2 m packet Winlink?

[@KM4ACK]

yes it will

[@reidtillery2856]

@@KM4ACK TU. de K9RFT

[@DirtyPlumbus]

What is VARA? This is the first I've heard of it.

[@KM4ACK]

VARA is a modem used primarily for Winlink connections.

[@wildcatcomms]

Great video! 73!

[@augurcybernaut4785]

What come of the digirig w android…?

[@EricFullwood]

Simplex: your mic uses two plugs, e.g. Kenwood, BaoFeng Multiplex: Your mic uses a single plug e.g. Yaesu

[@KM4ACK]

Didn't know that. Thanks!

[@matsherwood6277]

Very helpful comment. Thank you!

[@This_Month_In_History]

Like to see Bt Mobilink run FT8

[@KM4ACK]

The Mobilinkd won't work for FT8. It's good for packet work. FT8 needs a sound card instead of a TNC.

[@All_Things_Radio]

Just seen you on the vhf propagation map. Im from cookeville

[@KM4ACK]

probably saw my APRS digi

[@dangermandave67]

Interesting that you mentioned that the FT-5DR includes APRS. As I understand it, the TNC isn't made available to the user. So I assume that you'd be using the Mobilinkd to send the packets through the audio port of the phone for Winlink, right?

[@juozasnarvoisas7516]

The best RIG is HomeMade!!! :)