Fldigi / Flrig Software Setup From A to Z - For Ham Radio Digital Modes

I will be demonstrating the necessary steps to download and setup Fldigi & Flrig. A deep dive into the features and functions of Fldigi and show you some tips and tricks on getting the most out of this software platform. Goal is to shorten the learning curve and give you all the information you need from this one video.
This is part 2 of a 3 part series. Part 1 I focused on the Windows and Rig setup. Part 3 will show you how to send & receive messages, attach files and work with Flmsg to attach forms.
Key Links
1. Windows & Rig Setup Video: • Windows & Rig Setup Fo...
2. Grid Down Best HF Dig Mode Video: • "Grid Down" Best Ham R...
3. Top 4 Digital Data Modes Video: • Top 4 HF Digital Data ...
4. Top HF Prepper Antenna: • Top Prepper HF Ham Rad...
5. Is Shortwave Relevant Today?: • Is Short Wave Radio Re...
6. Download Fldigi: sourceforge.net/projects/fldigi/
7. Digirig: digirig.net/
8. SignaLink: signalink.us/

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

I'm incredibly grateful for these videos. You do a great job. I also pray your health is better.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I am so glad they are helping others!!! That was my goal 😊

[@rc48pilot]

Thanks for taking the time to create this video, it really helped me configure Fldigi and my Icom 7300.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to post this. I have documented all my stuff and free to those who ask.

[@johnbauman4005]

Really appreciate all your time and effort studying, condensing and presenting this information. Hugely helpful! 👌👍👏👏👏

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful. Your right, it takes a ton of time to find all the info scattered across the internet. Most of the time I end up with the original manuals IF I can track them down. As I learn all this, I do a video. Kinda of passing on what I'm learning in real time. Thanks for letting me know, it encourages me to keep putting in the time.

[@gary6212]

Wow, another great video! Exactly what I was looking for. It is nice to find someone making ham radio videos with a perparedness perspective.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you enjoyed it! I am first a prepper so I look at Ham Radio different. I focus on DIRECTED CALLS not random calls. The last mile in Ham Radio. With the help of my group, we are working hard to figure this all out. Best practice based on many factors - location, mode, frequency, antenna, direction & height etc. No formulas to use since all the variables for each person are unique. However, you can see patterns and use some wisdom to get optimal results on a budget. Also, we all have different lot sizes and shapes to try and use the best wire antenna for the results we want. Thanks for taking the time to post this!!

[@gary6212]

@@hamradiomadesimple Me too - prepping is what brought me to radio. Before I knew about NVIS setups, I figured all radio was repeater-based/infrastructure dependent - so I dismissed its usefulness. Now I'm falling down the radio rabbit-hole pretty quickly consuming as much knowledge as possible in my free time. Focusing on ecomms/nvis/stealth antenna setups/solar recharging, etc.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

A man after my own heart. I have gone down that trail and would recommend others to the same. As far as EMCOMM, I have formed a group of like minded preppers across North America. (I want it small and more personal than AmRONN or other large groups) We are building out the Comms Plan now as we use HF Digital for directed calls. Still more work to be done since we know when SHTF, 40M and 20M will be crowded. Working on different frequencies and time of day for optimal communications. Also, KO4UGF has set up a microblog for JS8Call allowing for messages to be picked up on JS8Call. In the end, it is all about testing what works best (Best Practices), practicing what we know and working on our antenna setup / positioning now so we are able to be ready when SHTF. Email me at [e-mail] when you get a chance.

[@gary6212]

@@hamradiomadesimple Sounds great, will do.

[@zl2bmh]

Thank you for all your research, time and really easy-to-understand video. It certainly helped me.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful! My goal is to make it easier for you than what I had to experience. I love it when I hear from someone like yourself, who confirms exactly what my stated goal is!!

[@christopherhague2329]

Just learning Fldigi and this video really helped. Thank you 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You are welcome! Now on to JS8Call :-) I did some recent videos on it. My top choice to date. Have fun!!!

[@ernestlindsay1038]

Thanks for this video, the info is great and at the right level for beginners like me new to the software. It's the best 30 minutes I have spent on KZbin for a long time. Thanks again.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful Ernest. What is your call sign so I can look for you out on the digital modes? If you need any setup instructions for all the digital modes, let me know.

[@jamescady723]

Just getting in to HF and I truly appreciate this!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Dig in, it is a lot of fun. Focus on JS8Call (have videos on this). Ton of activity on this app and best weak signal too.

[@jamescady723]

@@hamradiomadesimple Been playing with JS8Call last week-I like it better than FT8 for some reason. lol

[@hamradiomadesimple]

So much functionality in this app, it is mind blowing.

[@dougbas3980]

Nice refresher. Next video part 3 will teach me new stuff. Much appreciated.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for the kind words!!! Nice to get a post like this :-)

[@garywoods8989]

THANK YOU! Best explanation on the web!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Gary, that is one of the best compliments someone could receive!! Thank you for sharing this.

[@thebnbaldwin]

Wow, that's a lot to chew on! What a huge help, thanks M.J.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Any time and let me know if you have any questions!

[@a1atcs]

This is one of the best instructional videos I've seen on fldigi, thank you!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for the great compliment my friend.

[@braddephataz]

@14:20 lifesaver. Thank you. Another great video.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I really appreciate this!!

[@Swamp-Fox]

Although I am late to the game, this video is spot-on. Simple, easy to follow, and no fluff. Thank you!!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it helped! My next video is on JS8Call from a "preppers perspective." When SHTF, what is the best way to use it.

[@Swamp-Fox]

@@hamradiomadesimple I am looking forward to it!

[@ETFRoss]

This was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad I could help! Let me know if you have any questions.

[@iwbnwif]

Thank you, this is presented clearly at just the right depth and pace! FYI version 4.1.26 of fldigi seems to have Call Lookup under a new "Call" subsection of Configure and no longer under "Logging".

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to point this out. I can't edit past videos so the changed info is stuck in the internet universe LOL. Maybe someone will read you EXCELLENT info and learn from it. Again, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikehuizenga9854]

Bingo! Thanks iwbnwif for pointing this new location of this setting. And than you hamradiomadesimple for the very thorough video!

[@BretChilcott]

Thank you for your work and dedication to support ham radio! 73 Bret/AC0AE

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Much appreciated!

[@roberteckstadt9103]

Thank you for this video. Was about to drink cheap wine and talk to myself trying to set this up. Great job.😅

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Have fun!

[@andrewsuhren5372]

This was very helpful! Thank you.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

So glad to hear Andrew

[@EvanK2EJT]

This was extremely helpful!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know. If you have any questions, just email me [e-mail] Have a great day.

[@Mustang68]

Best I have found on all of You Tube! Thx from KJ7CPI. Got it all working.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it helped! I had to figure this all out and dig into the manuals. My goal with this channel is to make sure others don't have to do all this work. Pass it on as much as possible and shorten the learning curve for all those who are just getting into this. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. It does matter :-)

[@joewillj]

Super helpful! thank you so much for this!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful Joseph. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@swflKVNC]

Thank you for the clear setup

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Any time! Let me know if you have questions

[@silentdragon1957]

Great job, great explanation

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for taking the time to let me know Hartmut. I appreciate the encouraging words!

[@EarlGray_kd7sjt]

Great video good sir. I'm set up now and looking forward to trying out some of the fun

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Have fun thanks for taking the time to let me know!!

[@EarlGray_kd7sjt]

@@hamradiomadesimple Absolutely! I could not have gotten this far without you. I've got everything connected and gonna see what happens :)

[@martirjd]

Thank you. This is a huge help.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it brought some clarity!

[@davidgray2969]

Have flrig working on 7300... now on to flDIGI! Thanks for the videos....k5hec

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Have fun! Fldigi is the most difficult one on the setup. Not uncommon to run into TX issues. Signal on waterfall but Rig does not engage. Let's hope that is not one of your issues.

[@pogo1963]

Great discussion.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for your support and encouragement. GREATLY appreciated!!

[@NN3RP]

Excellent video with the latest updated software. Learn a bunch more on the subject. I will forward to a friend whom I've just assisted in setting it up for he will profoundly benefit from. Rafael / NN3RP

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for letting me know that is useful. Have fun and explore the world of digital ham radio. Still evaluating different ones to see what works best for what I'm trying to do. Key is having a few others who you can practice with in order to fine tune your rig, settings and antenna.

[@paulmaine6433]

Great job!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks Paul. Glad it's helping you and I hope it is presented in a way you can make sense of all this information (overload lol...)!

[@d1gital.alch3my]

Checking in on you. I hope you're recovering well!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks for checking. Recovering from 3 heart stents that required me to stay 2 days in the hospital recently. My rolodex of doctors continues to grow LOL...

[@d1gital.alch3my]

@@hamradiomadesimple hang tough. You've got this! In this "goldfish brain" social media world, here sits another human, genuinely praying you have a speedy and full recovery. You can do it! You've got the best content out there for hf radio. It's helped me so much. Thank you!

[@d1gital.alch3my]

@@hamradiomadesimple You've got this! Hang tough

[@OH3WE]

Go to the point, OM.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Hope your able to get setup and know others to practice with. Sometimes there are not many people to connect with on Fldigi.

[@pogo1963]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Your the 1st person to donate money. THANK YOU!!!

[@jmac217x]

thank you very much

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I pray it was helpful my friend!!

[@theodorangouris1465]

BRAVO!...BRAVO!...BRAVO!... THANK 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Checking back to see how it is working out for you? Have any questions??

[@pa7rw639]

Very helpfull

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad to hear that. Have fun.

[@gunny2444]

Oh my... whew that was rough. So at 8:30 this morning I watched at set up everything however, the one failure point that I hit was I missed that on the Sound card Hamlib page you had to check mark the box at the top. You would think that if you hit the Initialize it would know you wanted to use it. Oh my goodness I chased that around and around. OK-OK, I'm up!!! Thanks again. Guny sends 73

[@hamradiomadesimple]

GREAT, so glad YOU figured this out. Congrats and have FUN!!

[@paulspratt362]

End fed halfwave antennas for 80 - 10M will work if you "take out" the 49:1 transformer and feed against ground, preferably with radials. Works on 60M and 160M that way. I use a relay to switch out the transformer.

[@paulspratt362]

I meant to say will work on 60M if you "take out" the transformer.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Great information and I appreciate you passing this onto me!

[@gary6212]

Working through setting up my new rig control computer, this setup was very smooth. The only thing that has changed is that now the CallLookup page is no longer under "Logging" it is now under a new heading "Call"

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Absolutely correct Gary. Why they moved it is beyond me BUT the fact you found it is IMPRESSIVE!! You are not afraid to learn and search out all the facets of this app. What really helps me is digging into the manuals. There is so much more we can do with these apps that we have not yet explore. I always love seeing your name pop up in the post section!!! It makes my day :-)

[@km6yss-daveincaldwellid601]

Best video on KZbin about this subject. I watched both this and previous and followed to the letter. My PTT acivates on ft-891, but no audio is being sent to the sound card from Fldigi. I sent you an email. Hope you can help. I have been chasing this issues for several days...

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad you got it up and running. The issue with all this stuff is that 3 areas could impact the outcome. Windows settings, Rig settings and Software settings. Also, I have found that it may require some 3rd party utilities software to fix some of the Windows issues like Glary Utilities & DeviceCleanup.exe (ask me about this before you download and install). One common denominator is you need to turn off the rig and reboot they system for many of the new settings to work. Again, so glad you are up and running and feel free to email anytime Dave!

[@km6yss-daveincaldwellid601]

@@hamradiomadesimple Your videos are top notch! I found my fix on your Fldigi troubleshooting video! I love the thoughtful way you lay out what you will cover, then you cover it, and finally you summarize what you covered! Very well done! Thanks for all your hard work, first to learn the ins and outs and then to share the knowledge in a clear and concise way… BRILLIANT!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Sorry for not seeing this sooner, THANKS!!

[@BastHoen]

Excellent video, thank you! 73 PA5BAS

[@hamradiomadesimple]

You are welcome!

[@Charlie-CVD]

Thanks for the info. I am struggling finding information n on setting up the software with the ft710. Hope this gets me down the road. If you have any resources for that rig please share. 73!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

That's a tough rig, to get the digital settings correct. WHEN you get your set correctly, please send it to me at [e-mail]. I am going to start collecting more rig settings and then posting them. Thanks.

[@JohnWallace74]

I appreciate your doing this video as this is exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. John WD8OQS

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@4X4-RADIO]

Amazing content... Will need to replay the section over souncards, I have FT-991A with Internal Sound Card, "USB Codec" I didn't get the choose "PKTUSB" bit, I was expecting "USB Codec" Thanks...

[@hamradiomadesimple]

If you need help with the setup, just let me know. I can jump on the phone with you. [e-mail]

[@4X4-RADIO]

@@hamradiomadesimple Hi, Many Thanks Going to re-watch it again... see how I get on. :)

[@Aimsport-video]

Amazing, but I’ve been wondering why yaesu FT-DX10 is not on the list? And which to use?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Try the FT-991 A This should work for the FT-DX10. Let me know how it goes!!

[@patrickelyn1519]

Hello, This video explains everything well. Still, I have a question. I personally use version 4.2.03.09 and notice that the waterfall is much larger than your waterfall. This was also the case in the other versions. So I'm wondering if there is some way, according to your experience, to make the waterfall narrower. You can adjust the transmit and receive windows, but I can't find any way to narrow the waterfall. I also asked the question in the Fldigi group. 73 the ON6AT Patrick

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I am out of town and don't have my rig in front of me. When I get back, I will if I can adjust it.

[@patrickelyn1519]

Hi In the meantime I have received the answer via the Fldigi group. It's just the setting via Configure -> Waterfall -> FFT Processing that was too high. Thanks in advance for your answer. 73 the ON6AT @@hamradiomadesimple

[@hamradiomadesimple]

WOW, nice insight!! I just reset my pixels and it worked perfectly. THANK YOU!!!!!!!

[@HotHammster]

Appreciate the video and the effort that went into it. But I don't understand why you set up flRig and then selected Hamlib. Isn't Hamlib another way of controlling the rig? Does Hamlib also need to be downloaded or is it part of the flDigi package? Really confused.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I am sorry for the confusion. Hamlib is for Direct CAT control with my IC-7300. I use the Flrig with my Digirig (for my external sound card) for the FT-891. Two ways to use this depending on whether you are using an external or internal sound card. To make it even more interesting or complicated, you can take the IC-7300 and select Flrig in CAT Control so you can use Flrig software. Some do this since they can listen to Fldigi and JS8Call (same frequency) at the same time. Again, sorry for the confusion.

[@HotHammster]

That makes sense now. Thank you. But does Hamlib also need to be downloaded and installed or is it part of the flDigi package? @@hamradiomadesimple

[@hamradiomadesimple]

In this regard, Hamlib is an option in Fldigi CAT Configuration settings. Email me at [e-mail]. I will send you my setup instructions that has screen captures. It will make more sense. Make sure to ask for the Fldigi setup document.

[@Francois_Dupont]

quick question: isnt there a auto audio-freq select? for example if my cursor on the waterfall is at 500hz, and i am getting a transmission on 1500hz. i want FLdigi to auto-seek and select 1500hz because that transmission is the strongest. i am basically installing a FLdigi VHF system between two HAM houses, located 15miles appart. i have sucessfully tested my hardware and everything is ready, i just need to get the program set and working as automatically as i can.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

If I understand you correctly, you want the Fldigi to seek out the strongest frequency and lock onto it? If that is what you are asking, nope they don't offer it. You can set your own "default starting offset" under Config - Config Dialog - Modem and open the OpMode. There you can set your default starting point for both your rigs. Also, you can drag the offset in the waterfall and move it to where you want to use. Some OpModes won't always cooperate with this and just uses the default settings. If that is the case, use the first response I just stated. Does this help?

[@Francois_Dupont]

@@hamradiomadesimple alright, thank you very much for the information.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Sorry for not seeing this sooner, THANKS!!

[@bodstrup]

I connected my TX-500 through a Digirig Mobile - and FLDigi can control/key the transciever - however - I do not see al the controls between the power meter and the bottom tool bar. There I only have ATT and PRE - how do you open the section in the middle? Regards Michael

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Please send me screen images of this to [e-mail]

[@user-pf4fg6jf3b]

Yes, I have a rig blaster plug and play. Everything seems to be working but I can’t get them in sync. What am I doing which what video do I need to watch to coordinate all this together?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

No simple answer! Make sure your Rig settings for digital are correct. Next, make sure you baud rate in Device Manager Ports (Comm Port - USB Audio Codex) is matching the Rig & Software. Make sure it is recognizing the Rig Blaster. Are you using Flrig or Hamlib in Fldigi for CAT control? Send me your set up to [e-mail]

[@stevefox6864]

Is there a FLDigi for Mac computers?? Thanks Steve

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Not at this time but it will work with Linux

[@kcscarecrow]

I am having lots of trouble getting fldigi install on my windows 11 laptop. I select the correct com port but cant get it to communicate with the 7300. The 7300 workds fine with my windows 10 laptop. I did get the audio to work with the windows 11 but no rig control. I followed the same settings i used on the Windows 10 machine. And I had the same usb bridge. Any help would be great.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Email me at [e-mail]

[@SolarTara]

I cant seem to find any exe's on the Sourceforge site for Fldigi? Did something happen or am I missing something, it appears there are only files for Apple computers there?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Yep, on the latest version, they left it off. This website will have it, just sent it to another person yesterday: www.w1hkj.com/files/fldigi/ Let me know you were able to download it!!

[@techguy9023]

Is there any PSK activity anymore? It seems to have been replaced with FT8

[@hamradiomadesimple]

GREAT question. Not as much as before. With JS8 and VarAC, more people now have other options. Also, with Fldigi, Contestia and Olivia have been the place more have jumped on.

[@josva13]

Have a ic775, but it is not on the list in flrig. Hov do I Connect it?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Go with an external sound card setup (Like Digirig) and use the software Flrig. Launch Flrig first!! Next, in Fldigi go to ConFig settings and go to Rig Control. Use Flrig settings (just check the box at the top) and you should be good to go. Here is the link on the info for Digirig Setup with the IC-775: forum.digirig.net/t/cable-for-icom-ic-738/442 If you have questions, email me at [e-mail]

[@ChesneyDigital]

Can anyone help answer this question- is there a ham digital mode whereby users can access and add to a message board being hosted by one users computer? Is there a software for that? Thanks to anyone that knows and can answer.

[@ChesneyDigital]

Just an additional thought, I see this being the most efficient and effective method of maintaining vital community wide communication during a grid down or SHTF situation. If the internet and cell service goes down, users could access and post comments on the message board which would be available continuously or at predetermined intervals such as for 15 minutes after each hour or something like that if limiting power consumption is a factor. Is there something like this in existence already? Sifting through all of this technical info to find an answer is like trying to find a lost item that sank to the bottom of a murky lake.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

I don't know of one but that doesn't mean one does not exist. I will ask around. Sounds interesting however you would need the internet to post the messages to. What my group is doing is using is JS8Spotter. We are posting our own forms (just the letter or number to from multiple question drop downs) to one another when ever we have our rigs on. Short messages but a ton of info is being sent this way. We can pull or post to the group. Love it.

[@peterolsen3797]

i really wish you would put the episode or part number in the title..

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Good suggestion.

[@chulchue2619]

Does it work with OS or only PC?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

General usage support for Linux, Unix, OS X : Join 'linuxham' at groups.io NBEMS support for Windows, Linux, Unix & OS X: Join 'nbems' at groups.io Support group for Windows users of fldigi: Join 'winfldigi' at groups.io Go to this website: www.w1hkj.com/

[@stephenvandyke4084]

My computer will not assign a comport to flrig and my digirig. I do not know how to get it to recognize the digirig

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Email me at [e-mail] and we can set up a time to talk.

[@justawfulgamer7738]

My flrig doesn't have any of the volume options or etc.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

The top slider on the Flrig window is the volume selection. What exactly are you trying to do?

[@billdomb]

URLs for part 1 and 2?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

For links in the description or for the KZbin Videos?

[@billdomb]

this shows as part 3 and trying to discern where parts 1 and 2 are; titles are confusing at best; show different episode numbers

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Here are the links and sorry about my mess up on clarifying the links better. Overview Of All The Fldigi Op Modes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vZdXx7qZqYjLM Grid Down" Best Ham Radio HF Digital Mode For COMM's: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pae6g3yufZ6eZ5I Windows & Rig Setup For Ham Radio Digital Modes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzYnGmcYq2GpKs

[@billdomb]

Thankee!

[@craigpalmer9196]

windowa or something else?

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Not sure what you are asking.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Brad, email me at [e-mail] and I will send you my list I have been working on. Thanks for reaching out and I appreciate your kind words of encouragement!

[@minicowman]

A lot of opinion. not a lot of facts. Also, you go so fast that it really isn't enjoyable to watch at all.

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Sorry it did not measure up to your standards. Thanks for the feedback.

[@bradfordwilliams9760]

Thanks!

[@hamradiomadesimple]

Thanks again, heading out in a few for my heart cath.