Digital Mode for ANY Ham Radio on the Cheap!

If you ever wanted to do digital modes (FT4, FT8 or RTTY) with a radio that doesn't support digital modes natively you probably know you will need to pay upwards of $250.00 to purchase special equipment such as linking cables and a piece of hardware such as Signalink (www.amazon.com/SLUSB6PM-SIGNA...) to generate the tones you need to communicate with other amateurs. In this video I am going to show you how to get around the large price tag and get up and running with your station within 30 minutes for under $65.00.
USB Sound Card - Under $15.00
www.amazon.com/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/...
MSHV by LZ2HV - Free
lz2hv.org/node/10
BktTimeSync by IZ2BKT - Free
www.maniaradio.it/en/bkttimes...
Over Ear Headphones - Under $15.00
www.amazon.com/dp/B00NJ2M33I/...
3.5MM Aux Cable - Under $6.00
www.amazon.com/dp/B00NO73Q84/...
Aux Cable Splitter - Under $6.00
www.amazon.com/Belkin-Speaker...
Speakers - Under $20.00
www.amazon.com/dp/B07DDK3W5D/...

[@g4lmn-ron401]

My first FT8 contacts were all acoustically coupled, mic on the laptop with the radio speaker next to it, radio microphone next to the computer speaker, with VOX, totally works but it's a bit clunky. Then I used a USB sound card and audio patch leads, that was better. Finally I got an FT232 USB to RS232 card and set RTS to key a relay for PTT, that worked perfectly. I used a Trio 530 rig for the first tests then a Yaesu FT450 D for the later ones.

[@amateurishadventures]

I am sure given enough time I will streamline things a bit, in fact there have been a few suggestions from just this video that I find very helpful and I will be using them to streamline my setup a bit. Overall I am very happy with how well this method works to get your signal out.

[@MarvinParnell]

Great looking shack! Awesome information too. Love the video. 73

[@amateurishadventures]

Thank you. Shack took a lot of work, glad you enjoy it. Happy you love the video as well. 73 hope to catch you on the air.

[@finallyreborn7982]

Keep up the radio stuff man really interesting

[@amateurishadventures]

I have a lot of fun making ham radio videos.

[@MisterBigDave]

Wow, nice setup.. You’re knockin it out of the park! Very inspiring. I don’t even know how to hook any of this stuff up, I just do RF old school. When you get your G you’ll be so happy to expand all that into the next horizon. Great job!

[@amateurishadventures]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@FrancoDX]

Good to see a video that encourages operators to try different modes without suggesting you need to spend a load of money to do so. I wanted to try FT but only have an Apple iPad. Buying the various connectors, sound card and cables was close to £100 which I didn’t want to spend just to try FT8 out. I ended up using the iFTx software (£2) and operating acoustically placing my iPad next to the radio speaker and holding the radio microphone next to the iPad speaker on the VOX setting. It works and it works quite well. Okay it’s noisy and clumsy but it got me interested enough in the mode to eventually invest in a better set up. Thanks for the video. 73

[@amateurishadventures]

I am happy this video encouraged you to try new modes while operating. I have another video coming out soon that pretty much will touch on what you did with your setup. Digital mode, withbonly a laptop, an audio aux cable and nothing else. This video will probably be on youtube within 4 days.

[@FrancoDX]

That’s great I’ll keep my eye out for that. Just out of interest, I’m in the U.K. and in under a month on FT8 I managed 243 QSO’s, 49 countries and 5 continents using that method. So I’d say it is good enough to get anyone started and have plenty of fun along the way. I have got some cables now but have to purchase an Apple usb-c to lightning cable so I can run the sound card to the iPad 🙄 73

[@amateurishadventures]

I have made over 1000 contacts on digital using the method in the video. Now however i am a little handicapped as my radio got destroyed in a flood. Now i only have 35 watts available to me. Still making contacts just sending weak signals.

[@bondubasher]

Thanks for the video instruction, nicely done and the shack looks great. I need one like that....73s

[@amateurishadventures]

Thank you for that. Took a long time to figure out how I wanted my shack to look. I tried to go with the least cluttered I could.

[@pota413]

Love the hat! Easy to see your callsign! 73

[@amateurishadventures]

Thanks to you K1VWQ, I love it. Comes in handy for videos.

[@ke5eoo]

Nice net radio room I haven't tried digital yet. I have ft857d and ft991a. G5rv antenna don't get on much. I'm on gmrs more than ham radio 73 nice job.

[@Yelnats101]

I did almost the exact same thing using a uv5r for 2m ft8. Works beautifully

[@amateurishadventures]

Any changes that needed to be done for 2m?

[@JosephLorentzen]

I use a optical isolator 4N25 instead of running the audio directly to the computer from the radio. I got too much noise from the radio when directly connected.

[@cornbread-KO5RN]

Excellent, I have extra hams telling me this will not work on my Yaesu ft901 . Thanks

[@VeteransHamShack]

How do you only have 817 subs?? this is awesome man

[@amateurishadventures]

It would be nice if everyone that enjoyed the video or found some use of it would subscribe but, unfortunately, that's not the way the world seems to work. I am happy you enjoyed it however. I am working on other projects and hope to have more similar videos soon.

[@n0vty873]

was making my own digital interfaces over 30 yrs ago it is fairly simple

[@amateurishadventures]

I am having fun, haven't been doing HF for long yet myself.

[@davidevans6432]

I began digital (SSTV) using over the ear headphones rig mic., and rubber band. Rig on vox. 2$ interface...

[@richardkennedy815]

Interesting. Looking at getting an Anytone AT-5555N II. My interest is using it for portable [think variation of manpack but digital] application. This Anytone does not have the data port but other interesting qualities...part of which is AM, FM, USB, LSB. I had seen ideas similar to your work for the Baofeng radio's so I was investigating to see if this could work. I have a Rigblaster from a decade ago that I used to use with a FT-897D which I will be putting back in service in the shack. Many thanks, 73's

[@amateurishadventures]

I am pretty sure it will work fine for digital

[@mean7429]

Thank you

[@amateurishadventures]

You're welcome

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks for sharing this fantastic video 73 from kb2uew

[@amateurishadventures]

Thank you for watching, glad it helped.

[@rogersdodgerz]

Love the background Id like to put that on my laptop.

[@amateurishadventures]

If you are talking about the wallpaper on my computer that is Congamond Lakes, I took it myself from one of my drones.

[@rogersdodgerz]

@@amateurishadventures yes, interesting looking lakes. I have a 3k dji, and used to love taking pics like this. Quite a bit of water in Michigan.

[@amateurishadventures]

Contact me at [e-mail] and I will give you the file

[@goombakiwi]

I have a tyt 9800, no vox, so I'm trying to learn this ptt ground circuit Greek language as I want to use this mobile with cable connection (remove external audio noise) for APRS, NBEMS, etc. I understand i can just hold the mic up to my android device; but I'd like to make a cleaner set up.

[@amateurishadventures]

That makes things a little more difficult, however if you are serious enough about digital you can manually key your radio when your computer transmits, then release the key when transmission ends to receive. I tried this on another hams radio that vox refused to work and made a handful of contacts successfully.

[@antonybuck2126]

I have a question... When tx the frequency changes doesn't it, to match the targets frequency or something? I haven't used ft8 due to only passing foundation a few days ago. I am wanting to try it but I have been loaned an older rig ts670 (don't think it has vox).. But it would always be txing on. 074 won't it? Is this okay?

[@amateurishadventures]

Usually yes, the frequency does change however I have had no issues at all and my radio DOES NOT do the frequency shift on transmit. I transmit direct to 28.074 and make contacts all day long.

[@North49Radio]

I did this with my IC-730 and worked as described. Well done video! Thanks for the effort. Hey I have a dumb question. Can one do Winlink in the same manner or is it completely different?

[@amateurishadventures]

I am happy it helped. I need to look into Winlink and get back to you.

[@North49Radio]

Success, I have done winlink in the same manner. Works pretty good. Thanks again for the video.@@amateurishadventures

[@amateurishadventures]

That is awesome to hear. Haven't had a chance to mess around myself as my shack was being rebuilt. It was finished 2 days ago so I will be getting my radios setup to play again. Thank you for letting the community know it works.

[@Tom_2E1FUE]

What's the FT8 Software on the monitor called looks very nice in the dark gray, 🤔 De 2E1FUE Thanks and Happy New Year 😀

[@amateurishadventures]

MSHV

[@RA4FOC]

Good.

[@amateurishadventures]

Thanks

[@behnkem1]

My QRP rig is CW only, how do I get it to do this? I thought you had to have USB on your rig to do digital modes?

[@amateurishadventures]

If you have a speaker out and a mic and provided you can tune to the correct frequencies for your band, you should have no problem using this method to transmit from a QRP rig.

[@oasntet]

A rig with a built-in USB sound card will be more resistant to RFI and simplify the process by making the USB port do double-duty for both sound and CAT. It's not necessary, it's just nice. I've got a Yaesu FT-920, and control is via a usb->serial cable and a usb sound card -> Yaesu's custom data mode DIN connector. Again, not necessary, but has some minor advantages. You don't _need_ CAT, you don't _need_ a radio that can operate in split mode, but it can provide some minor advantages. CAT gets you automated frequency changes (either in split or fake split where the radio jumps frequencies for tx/rx) and faster PTT. On-board USB gets you RFI-resistant sound interface and smarter volume control. But you can do it with two audio cables and a computer.

[@kf5hcr176]

FLDIGI does cw

[@stevenalva1740]

Okay! Third time was the charm. I could not figure out what the rubber band was doing.🤔

[@amateurishadventures]

I had a rubber band hold the headphones to the mic. Glad to hear it worked for you!

[@KC3UVF]

I've been wanting to dabble in FT8, but I don't really want to invest the money in a dedicated rig, or even the venerable signallink without trying it out first. This looks like just the ticket. How would you proceed with a transmitter that does not have vox capability? My DX70 is too old to have vox capability unfortunately. KC3UVF

[@amateurishadventures]

Without vox I would manually key the microphone every time MSHV lit up red on the computer, then let the tx button go when MSHV stops transmitting. Its not ideal but it will get you digital contacts.

[@KC3UVF]

@@amateurishadventures I finally had a bit of time to mess with this. It actually worked out pretty well. I made my first 2 digital contacts on 12m in a matter of minutes. Now if I can get FT8CN working properly on my phone. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!

[@amateurishadventures]

Glad to hear everything g worked out for you. 73

[@derrickmansingh4689]

How did you figure all this stuff out. I'm an extra and I can't find the resources I need to learn half of what he knows how to do.

[@amateurishadventures]

I have enjoyed electronics, computers and radio since I can remember. There was a lot of trial and error that went into figuring how to do digital modes on a radio that should not be capable. As far as resources go, good luck finding anything. I looked for weeks to no avail. The main reason I made the video was because I could not find any information on the topic myself. Sure I could use a signalink to get the same results, but why when this works and it's free? If you have any other ideas for a video we can do that may be helpful to you or other operators please let us know. Thank you for viewing. DE KC1ABT

[@wesley20991]

It seems kind of neat but you can’t talk to them at all? Is it just signal reports and that’s it ?

[@amateurishadventures]

Meant to be just for signal reports, you can send short messages by modifying the macros, I see people do it all the time, yesterday many were sending "Merry Christmas" in FT4. Don't get me wrong, the radio is capable of phone modes as well. FT4/FT8 is meant to be able to communicate vast distances on as little power as possible. By default it is only setup to send and receive signal reports.

[@Knarf14]

Youre basically becoming a beacon for others to hear as you also are now a beacon , you are a signal generator

[@AdventuresInMortality]

It looks like the radio must be able to use a microphone for input. Morse code-only (CW-only) radios cannot use a microphone -- they don't do voice, they only do morse code, so they use a morse keyer instead of a microphone. Consequently, I think this technique will not work for CW-only radios.

[@amateurishadventures]

I think you are correct.

[@mythology371]

👍👍👍👍

[@dimedriver]

What mode is the radio set to? AM, FM, or SSB?

[@amateurishadventures]

SSB

[@davidcline4286]

What settings or mode on the ft891?

[@amateurishadventures]

Which settings did you want to know about. I use ssb for the mode when doing ft8. Don't know if that is what you meant.

[@bentrider1972]

AAAHHHHH FT modes....the braindead modes of ham radio

[@Ed-vi6tg]

Thank goodness, I prefer CW. license since 1975 on and off the air since 1990 and just returning; never dropped my ticket. If I had a WWII transmitter, I'd put it on AM. So simple, even a caveman can do it.

[@amateurishadventures]

I am currently in the process of learning cw. Currently at 12 wpm with a straight key I got from another ham. Kc1abt

[@Ed-vi6tg]

I was researching YT for Digital mode to find out what its about. I was joking abt AM. I missed every sunspot cycle due to being inactive, not going to miss this one. CW gets really enjoyable rag chewing at 20 wpm or faster. but must copy by ear. IMO. I was a solid 30 wpm (I was 18 ~ 23) but had to start leaning all over again from scratch, I am maybe 15wpm now at 66 yo. I hope I can regain my speed.. I bought another bug but can use it unless I get back up to 20 wpm or better. I am finally getting my station completed I will be on the air soon. w 2 Q H

[@amateurishadventures]

Sounds good. I am only a tech atm but studying for general. Would maybe have been general already but I have been putting alot into cw practice. The solar cycle has already been very helpful for propagation recently. I am 42 and at 12 wpm so there you go. KC1ABT

[@W5ERX4911]

I do all the digital modes you can think of with no cables at all. Flex 6600...all virtual. 🙂

[@amateurishadventures]

I love the virtual aspect of it all, I looked up the Flex 6600 as I have never heard of it. Its a great concept and I would be happy to do it but it is more expensive by far than even the signalink we are trying to work around.

[@radiotests]

@@amateurishadventures Congrats, you just got trolled by a radio snob. These guys with more money than brains are nothing more than appliance operators who memorized the test questions. They demonstrate their skills whenever a bug or device breaks and their whole fragile world of throwing money at a problem puts them off the air until b the delivery truck drops their next appliance off. I'm amazed they even know which wire to plug into what orifice. 😆🦧😂

[@W5ERX4911]

@@radiotests Wow...that is harsh. I was just attempting to show what was possible. Sorry this upset you to the point of Trashery. It is great to hear that you have built all your radios and gear from scratch. Good job!

[@W5ERX4911]

@@amateurishadventures I have used many devices in the past. Signalink is one of the best. At the end of the day, whatever gets you on the air is the best method. Best of luck to you!

[@va7dgp]

JS8Call or VaraCA is my digital

[@amateurishadventures]

I have tried js8call I will need to take a look at varaca.

[@WillShattuck]

There is one radio I have found that will not do digital and that is the Kenwood TS-120s. If you can help me figure that out that would be great.

[@amateurishadventures]

I looked up the Kenwood and I do not see why it should not be able to work. Its not CW only. If you have a mic and a speaker out, and you have the ability to tune to the proper digital frequencies you are looking to use, there should be no issues.

[@WillShattuck]

Yeah but there doesn’t seem to be an audio interface for it. I think I would have to create my own and use VOX for triggering the mic. I did that with my G90 until I could figure out CAT control for all the different digital modes.

[@amateurishadventures]

I will look into ways you can do this with the Kenwood TS-120 and let you know what I find out.

[@kf5hcr176]

I use vox on TS120. Adjust the three pots on the top. get yourself two android ear buds with mics on them. Put bud from one to mic of the other and mic of of one to bud of other. Bear in mind these are electric mics needing bias voltage the radio might not provide. Wrap in foam padding, place whole thing in a plastic box. The wires are so fine, you'll be challenged to solder the, however a 10k pot on each end would be helpful to adjust levels. Also, try old gaming headsets

[@WillShattuck]

@@kf5hcr176 that’s a great solution. Cool.

[@VK4VO]

Buy a cable adaptor for the mic in on the front of the radio rather than using vox.

[@amateurishadventures]

Can you elaborate more on this cable adapter? I would be interested on not relying on VOX.

[@k2exe]

@@amateurishadventures There should be a cable that will plug into the Mic/ethernet port that gives you a line in and ptt via 1/8" jacks, I have one for my 857 I think I got it on ebay maybe?

[@MrVWQ]

Nice Shack!

[@jamesharrison2041]

i dont know''''im kind of old fashion''''i dont think it would be that fun to use''''unless we were in a all-out war here''' like Ukraine... god forbid.

[@garycook5125]

The FCC's Amateur Radio Service isn't a "hobby". The U.S. government doesn't fund hobbies. The ARRL wants you to think it's a hobby (it monetarily benefits them for you to believe it's a hobby).

[@garycook5125]

@@boblatkey7160 I guess it's safe to assume that you are one of those licensees who has no respect for his license, or the FCC rules you promised to adhere to, when you accepted your license. It's no wonder the general public has no desire to get their license anymore. There's basically no difference in CB and Ham operations these days.

[@richardallison8745]

This video is as boring as running FT modes. I can see people running these modes dropping out of ham radio because it doesn't do anything but make signal reports and contacts. Yawn. Who cares if you make a worldwide contact on low power. At least with PSK31, Olivia, MSFK and etc, you can at least have an intelligent conversation.

[@jamesharrison2041]

2 days ago i talked with (Guam) in the s. pacific on 10 meter'''for 2 hours'''''''now that was alot better & fun & colorful & memorable than noisy naucious didital signals''''''it seems too me that digital modes should be sent subauditable and decoded on the other end''''so we dont here that noise pollution''''''but thank you.

[@richardallison8745]

@@jamesharrison2041 I also run SSB, AM and CW at 25 wpm. To make you happy, I guess I need to be subaudible so not to bother you on SSB. Oh, my digital that I rag chew on is on the CW part of the band. In my 50 years of ham radio, I have worked Guam several times. Congratulations. I wonder how you could have heard digital signals on SSB? Another thing, you might want to check that Guam is in the NORTH Pacific, not the south. I think the noise pollution is between your ears.

[@jamesharrison2041]

@@richardallison8745 ''' I'm in my 80th year of ham radio''''''''i turned 109 a week ago' 'and I'm sharper than you' 'and a lot more experienced and i spell better' 'and id be willing to bet im a lot better looking too''''73-s bone head.

[@richardallison8745]

@@jamesharrison2041 God bless you my friend and congratulations on 80 years of ham radio. I am honestly glad you look better than me at only 70. 73 and have a Happy New Year. de W4WFL

[@jamesharrison2041]

@@richardallison8745 thank you sir'''' your a gentleman,,,,73's

[@user-wg3fe3ij2o]

Your studio has promise, but far too cluttered at the moment

[@TheArtofEngineering]

This is great ….. for 55 bucks US you can also get a QDX from QRP Labs. Loved this video in its laying out of the requirements! 73 de VK2AOE.

[@amateurishadventures]

I had no idea this even existed! I may have to grab one and do another video about setting this device up and doing digital! Thanks for the information and the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TheArtofEngineering]

@@amateurishadventures Here is a video video on it. Hans also does a cheap balloon transponder to launch your own high altitude balloon and track it on WSPR! Also heaps of awesome kits and modules. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3XSqaJ4idSkpLc

[@amateurishadventures]

Thank you for the video. Great information, exactly why I love radio, always learning new things.

[@kf5hcr176]

It will not do psk, FYI

[@TheArtofEngineering]

@@kf5hcr176 Is there any end to what it can do! Thanks for the info...73 and happy new year!

[@cmerton]

Syncing your time is only needed if you run a deficient, crippled operating system. Such as Windows. I repeat: Syncing your time is only needed if you run a deficient, crippled operating system. Such as Windows.

[@radiotests]

Oh please, don't tell me if it's not Mint Linux or OS from Slave built Apple it's crippled and deficient? I've been doing computers since 1976. From punch cards and floppies to boot to Windows 11 formerly NT anyone with 5th grade reading comprehension can optimise Windows to work with any program or device efficiently. As to time keeping I don't care if your using NASA mainframes the standard is Rubidium, GPSDO or Internet time keeping (least desirable) to keep your computer synced to the digital modes WSJTX or other. I repeat, it doesn't matter what computer or OS you use the computer must be on time with your intended qso.

[@cmerton]

@@radiotests Well you said it yourself: anyone with a 5th grade reading comprehension. This leaves out 90% of KZbin commentors, and a huge contingent of "hams".