FT 991A / WSJT-X Setup

There are a handful of videos like this, but in some cases they contradicted the others. I watched each of these and noted their directions. Where they agreed, I kept those. Where they disagreed, I tested them. This mostly applied to the 991A menu settings.
Hope you enjoy...
Chapters:
00:06 Introduction
01:06 Viewing your COMM Ports
04:32 FT-991A Menu Settings with Functions Scroll
07:58 WSJT-X Settings
13:41 WSJT-X (FT8) Demo - Colors
15:24 End Notes

[@KX4UL]

Very helpful! My FT-991A and WSJT-X worked perfectly with your suggested settings. 73!

[@AI5HV]

Thank you for the very detailed video. I have delayed getting started with FT-8 until I saw this video. I can't wait to complete setup of my rig using these settings and start making contacts using FT-8. Thanks again from KI5QHM.

[@ND3N]

Good luck!

[@cegesbailey1292]

Thanks for this! I struggled to find a video that explained the settings on the radio and WSJT-X. I’m finally up and running! 73, K8OOT

[@ND3N]

Glad I could help! 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@everetthooker4975]

Tom outstanding video keep up the good work

[@webmastercaribou7570]

Thanks for the great video. My radio died and had to be sent back to Yaesu for repair. I finally decided to setup ft8 again. Your video made that process painless compared to my first attempt. I use gridtracker along with wsjt-x for a lot more fun and functionally. Kd2knh

[@ralphbailey736]

Hey Tom Ralph here N7ZXG Been outta ham radio for awhile just received my ft991a the other day its still in the box .. 😞 I very much appreciate the videos you have put out. Overload on input lol. Still have many more of them to get to. You'll be my Bible for setting it up thanks again 73's

[@ND3N]

Very cool

[@keithvoller4424]

thanks again, after weeks of trying to see how it works. Quite new to digital modes, actually got it going. wouldn't have done if it was for you video -so clear and concise -GW0CMI West Wales UK

[@ND3N]

Glad it helped

[@toddfurniss6284]

Tom, Thanks a million for this video. I have used other instructions and for some reason I had not been able to get a successful transmission for 8 months of frustration. But I followed your video instructions and had a QSO in less than ten minutes with no difficulty in transmitting. Thanks for putting an end to the misery. KD9QZF

[@ND3N]

Thanks Todd - Getting comments like yours keeps me inspired to create more... I have a lot of other videos about the FT-991A that you might want to take a look at. I also have a few about WSJT-X - There's an FT4/FT8 contest this weekend that you might want to take part in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIGqg6CNjdJol7s 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@RockyMTHirvi]

Tom, I followed your video and got FT991A menu settings and the WSJT-X app installed, configured and monitoring successfully the first try! There's still some questions I have about frequencies, TX / data gain I should be using. Starting lower end of the spectrum. I shutdown about 23:10 when wife opened the ham shack door said, "the dogs need to go out!" Will pick up where I left off tomorrow. 😂 Thank you sir. 73 John

[@ND3N]

Glad it helped

[@jethrobrowne2942]

Thank you so much,,,3 days before I found this I was pulling my hair out

[@ND3N]

You’re welcome 😊

[@ScottyD]

Ok this may sounds like a crazy question but IF I setup my 991A for FT9 with WSJTX... can I still use it for Phone like I normally do when I am not using FT-8 or is it a massive task to switch back and forth between them?

[@ND3N]

You absolutely can. For FT8, or any digital mode, you want a flat response. So make sure that on your functions screen, your MIC-EQ and PROC are turned off. Then turn them on with your preferred DSP settings for voice.

[@michaelbacklund3881]

Great content

[@martinshaw2385]

I recently came across your channel, I think your videos are fantastic and very informative. Thank you for putting in the effort and keep up the good work. I look forward to watching and learning more. Vk4pie.

[@ND3N]

Thank you Martin. I really appreciate the nice comments and will do my best to keep up. I've been a bit under the weather the last few weeks and am just starting to feel better - so look for more to come. If you want, you can subscribe to my channel so you'll be notified when something new pops up. For now, I've put all my videos (good and bad) into a playlist here: kzbin.info/aero/PLA1sqCS7rel2gxLj81qel7Y7vWjVl3xFU 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@martinshaw2385]

@@ND3N I do hope you start to feel better soon and make a full recovery. I’ve subscribed and hit the bell, you have a great channel and great information. Thank you.

[@ND3N]

Thanks Martin - It was just a really bad cold. Never had a fever, but sinus headaches, and body aches. Either I didn't sleep at all, or I slept all day. And keeping up with my real life job and other obligations - there just weren't any brain cells left to dedicate to doing a video - I am feeling much better and will be back to normal in no time.... 73

[@martinshaw2385]

@@ND3N don’t go pushing yourself. Health should always come first. Im sure your subscribers and viewers understand that. Make a full recovery and I look forward to your next vid. Thank you.

[@ND3N]

Thanks - I just posted one - post production work was kinky - but still good info (IMO)

[@jeff-73]

Thank you, this video was helpful.

[@ND3N]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Leonards_life]

Thanks Tom, problem was not radio, but WSJTx it self. Some kind of weird glitch. I totally turned off all sound input and it didn't affect the db bar at all. Maybe something else on PC glitched it. But after uninstall and reinstall it went back down between 30 and max 40,

[@ND3N]

Glad you found the problem and was able to fix it. I guess that’s the ham radio version of unplug it and plug it back in…

[@Leonards_life]

Thank you Tom. Guess I missed settings starting at 106 !

[@ND3N]

No worries!

[@MagicRichC]

Thanks for the setup, I have seen different versions of configurations. Testing them out. One thing I have noticed with my setup, the audio tab, the only config that has worked for me is Input: FT991a From Radio (USB Audio CODEC) Output: FT991A Audio to Radio (USB Audio Codec).(I forgot I changed the name of the CODEC, from computer to FT991a)I have bounced all over from London, Hungary, Canada and more.. Thanks for the video.. 73 - KN4YLL

[@ND3N]

That is the correct input/output for the 991A internal sound card. Did you set your SSB input to "Rear" Menu item 070? Did you install and verify the USV Virtual Comm port drivers? Did you use the Enhanced driver for your CAT controls and the Standard driver for your PTT (radio tab of the settings) - select RTS for menu item 071. Lots of variables... feel free to give more specific info and I'll be better able to tell you what's happening. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@MagicRichC]

@@ND3N - You answered my question - none of vids show the audio tab Soundcard in the setup with the FT-911A as the Input and Output, everyone shows the computer's usb input mic and output computer speakers... I am having no issues running FT8 - making loads on contacts...(So Apparently in the past I had renamed the USB CODECs to F991A)

[@ND3N]

Fantastic - I know that in my research I have seen someone rename their codecs - but I didn't include that in the video. Something to include in the future (and to do for my own rigs). 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@sylcorsica7197]

Many thanks for this great video, very helpful ! 73's from TK4TH

[@waynesinnott1973]

Wish I had found this three hours ago !!

[@ND3N]

I’ve got an updated one coming out in a day or so. All the video work done and just work through the editing and post processing….

[@rockysmith4700]

I have looked at many videos of the FT-991A setup using WSJT-x and none of them worked for me. After 8 hours of trying, I found your video and everything worked perfectly. Thanks much for putting this video together. WB9QAA

[@ND3N]

Glad it helped

[@ND3N]

You're very welcome - I have a lot of other FT-991A videos that you may be interested in: kzbin.info/aero/PLA1sqCS7rel1e_ESBnLS9Z42HZuceAmSm 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@ND3N]

You're very welcome - I have a lot of other FT-991A videos that you may be interested in: kzbin.info/aero/PLA1sqCS7rel1e_ESBnLS9Z42HZuceAmSm 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@XE3KLF1]

Gracias por la orientación, lo configuré pero a la hora de Tx en FT8 se pasaba a modo SSB ABANDONO DE FT8 La radio. Mi asunto particular tengo usado micrófono externo conectado atrás de la radio en datos

[@M7JVH]

Thanks Tom, just bought my 991A and this was a great help setting up for wsjt-x. M7JVH John

[@ND3N]

Glad it helped

[@gregscott7397]

Tom, enjoy your videos, question for you since I'm new to HF and FT-8. I have a Yaesu 991a and after setting up for FT-8 is it necessary to reset the settings back to use SSB or do they not effect the voice portion?

[@ND3N]

Good question - I'm putting the finishing touches on a video that discusses that further. It should be posted on Tuesday afternoon (6/31/22) Long Story short - make sure that when using FT8, that the MIC-EQ and PROC buttons in your functions are both turned off. Then you'll be using a "flat" profile across your bandwidth.

[@alanjames4526]

Hi, Tom. Great video! I have an FT-991A and use it a great deal on PSK31 and FT8. The one thing I cannot resolve is the ALC setting with the DT-G knob. One FT-991A video says the ALC should be zero, another FT-991A video says just keep the ALC bars within the blue ALC line and another FT-991A video says you should have 1-2 bars showing for ALC. I would appreciate your input on this as I definitely would like my signal to be clean. I also have an Elecraft KX2 and the Elecraft manual says 1-2 bars of ALC and I always get great reports with it at that setting. Anyway, thanks. KZ6B Alan

[@ND3N]

Alan, you want your ALC to read near the top of the blue bar. Any less and you won't be getting your full audio out and any more you'll be clipping your audio signal. The 991A will rapidly clamp down on your audio past the blue line, so when you're adjusting it, bring it down to around 1/3rd of the bar and raise it until you get to the top. Set your input audio at mid-level and use the slider on the right side of WSJT-X to tweak, while watching your 991A ALC reading. You may need to adjust it between bands. All that said, if you're getting good reports with what you're doing, keep it up. I'm not familiar with the Elecraft - though I've used one during RTTY contesting as part of a multi-op station - someone else adjusted everything. Hope this helps, 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@alanjames4526]

@@ND3N Thanks, Tom. That is what I have been doing but just needed some confirmation. 73 Alan KZ6B

[@Colin_In_VK]

Hope its not a stupid question, but changing those settings in the radio, does it make any difference to using the radio normally as in SSB and so on?

[@ND3N]

It shouldn't as the data for WSJT-X comes out of the back of the rig via the USB or RS-232 ports, while the voice is via the mic on the front. The mic is suppressed if the data ports are active, but if inactive, the mic is primary. Try testing it and see if I'm right... hi hi... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@weshowe51]

I have a curious question. I set my radio levels to transmit 100W on FT8. I notice the during the course of the transmission my wattage drops from 100 to 50 to about 25 watts, and sometimes 10 watts. Is this being done within my radio transmit circuits, or is it managed by WSJT-X software? I am guessing it is there to protect the finals, but I am not sure what is doing it.

[@ND3N]

That could be happening inside your radio if you don't have a good match. The reflected power from a high SWR would cause excessive heat and your rig would throttle back to keep from burning up. Do you notice the fans come on? Of course, this is a first guess as I'm not sitting at your rig, so my troubleshooting will be limited. I'm sure that its not the WSJT-x S/W, but it could be something in the audio from the computer. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@weshowe51]

@@ND3N Makes sense. I does seem to change some band-to-band.

[@ND3N]

Make sure your ALC is set properly as well...

[@weshowe51]

@@ND3N Since I asked this I obtained another radio, same antenna, etc., and this does not happen. Answer: Some radio protection feature in the IC-718.

[@cliffruder8784]

I don't see the silicone com ports as in the video. All I have is "Communications Port (Com 5) and "Multiport Communications Port (Com 6). How do I get the other ports to show up?

[@ND3N]

Your serial port is the 9-pin D-sub port that is located next to where you plugged in your USB cable. It is labeled "GPS/CAT" You'll need a Serial to USB cable or adapter, then just plug it in while watching your settings in Device Manager. You'll see it pop up along with your other comm ports. Set your menu 028 to RS232C, 029 to 9600, and 030 to 100msec. Make sure that port is set to the same values in your Device Manager on your computer. You can then use the RS-232 port for CAT operations (along with your Comm Ports - in your case com 5 and com 6), and is useful if you are running multiple programs that require a CAT control signal. btw - I've added this idea as a new video to do more research and produce sometime in the next few weeks. So, let me know how it worked for you.

[@jodyclarke7481]

thank you for this video, very informative and just what i was looking for

[@ND3N]

Thanks Jody - Let me know if there are any problems that you find - or if everything works as advertised. It all checked out on my system, but want to be sure it is valid for more than just me.... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@jodyclarke7481]

@@ND3N i was able to install it today and i ran into 2 issues, after installing the drivers from the yaesu website i did not restart the computer so when i went to the device manager it did not show the com ports, completely my fault but took me a while to figure that out. 2 after i finished all the settings for the radio and wsjtx when i tried to test the cat and ptt an error came up, it wasn't until i unplugged the usb and plugged it back in that it all started working, again my fault due to my in experience with computers. but again thank you for this video it enabled me to get my ft991 working

[@ND3N]

Glad you were able to finally make it work... I can usually be found working FT4 (mostly) and FT8 after 10PM most weekday nights. Would love to have you in my log. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@watchmanmichael2023]

😊👍

[@Leonards_life]

TOM, I have watched several videos on the setup for WSJTX and the 991a. And all worked for awhile. But now since it has messed up and I don't know why. I cannot find any video expaining the bar DB bar graph in the WJSTX program window, It used to be around 40. But now is at 85 and I can't figure out how to change it back. Any reply appreciated. N6ZKI

[@ND3N]

I believe you’re talking about the receive indicator bar. Use the RF gain control knob on your rig to turn it down. I try to keep mine in the 45 to 55 range.

[@paulhastings3109]

Hi Tom, been trying to use ft 8 . I see no alcohol but I don't see power out. Everything looks right It's beating me up. Going to put a watt meter out to the antenna. Guess it might be I don't know what Iam doing. Do the test and get the green and red for Transmit. Thank it just night be brain freeze 😴

[@ND3N]

Keep chipping at it - it's probably a simple problem. If you have no ALC (hi hi to your alcohol...) you won't get any RF out. Does your rig indicate that it is transmitting? If not, you've got a keying problem - if yes, then make sure your codecs are selected in the setup>audio tab. and double-check your menu settings.

[@paulhastings3109]

@@ND3N yes on alcohol I see nothing

[@paulhastings3109]

My typing is bad lol🙏✌️⚓

[@MrJimmy440]

Great video, I have a few issues, The CAT works, BUT: NO power when it clicks into xmit. (Slider is all the way at the top), There is audio going out from my mic which i can see on my meter. The radio is xmitting my voice instead of data. I think the issue is with my laptop, but I've been unable to fix the situation. Any help or being pointed in the right direction would be appreciated. Yes, I have also looked at countless videos to NO avail. Thanks, Jim K2WPA. (Also, I've been doing FT-8 for over a year and this is quite frustrating)

[@ND3N]

Check the audio settings on your computer. It sounds like WSJTx is using your computer audio instead of the codecs.

[@MrJimmy440]

@@ND3N it shows codec c in the audio section of WSJT-X. I can’t for the life of me understand how to change the pc settings. I’ve been trying for a week.

[@bradfordwilliams9760]

@@ND3N Same problem; I set up my FT-991A exactly as you described in your video. And I use the exact same FT8 settings. I can receive signals and decode them correctly. When I test the settings, the CAT button turns green. But when I attempt to transmit with the PTT button, the PC will key the radio, but no power is transmitted. I disabled the computer audio setting, so it is not possible for the rig to use any output except CODEC. I can appreciate that this is a problem that others have had with this radio, but I have yet to find a solution to this problem. I should note also that I can transmit using the Winlink program. So, I don't think it's a sound card problem, and it is not a USB cable problem as has been suggested by others. Has anyone else had this problem and is there a solution?

[@s56lxb]

Heaving problem with audio on data transmition. It čuta out low frequences where F/H stations transmit.

[@paulhastings3109]

Is there a app or program for greyline

[@ND3N]

GridTracker has the option to display the greyline, as does HRD Logger, and many others. (hint GridTracker is free). You can also go to (amongst others) dx.qsl.net/propagation/greyline.html. Just do a search for "GreyLine Map" and you'll get many web-resources I keep a white board above my computer with my video ideas, and greyline is on there. Just haven't taken it past the idea stage yet. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@Lymitliss]

In the radio tab within the settings menu, the "Transmit audio source" is greyed out and doesn't let me select rear/data. Any ideas?

[@ND3N]

Do you have the latest drivers installed. Go to the FT-991A page on Yaesu.com and select the files tab, follow the instructions there for installing the drivers.

[@Lymitliss]

@ND3N I'll have to double check. Strangely enough, everything seems to be working anyway. I've already had a lot of success hearing other stations and being heard on WSPR.

[@Lymitliss]

@ND3N Yeah I have all the drivers, still greyed out. I guess as long as it works, I'll leave it.

[@XE3KLF1]

Yo pregunto acerca de DT Gain ??

[@paulhastings3109]

Tom can you go over the ALC I see nothing. Help with HRD. It's a confusing mess for me with HRD. Need alot of help here. Thank you KQ4CD Paul ⚓️

[@ND3N]

I’m traveling right now, but will try to give you a better answer yonight

[@paulhastings3109]

@@ND3N Is wanna try Skype or some other video chat thing that I see you and you see me. Chat later will send you what changes to the radio 991a

[@thomashenderson603]

Tom, when you are looking at WSJT , I sometimes notice people say CQ DX or maybe a state or country. Do you know where you would input that in the program when you are calling cq? Thank you Tom K1CXS

[@ND3N]

It’s in an alternate menu. It’s been a while since I did that, but will check it out tomorrow when I get home from work and let you know. It might make a good video as well, so thanks for the idea

[@thomashenderson603]

@@ND3N Thank you! And Yes it would make a awesome Video!

[@ND3N]

So, I was wrong. The answer isn’t in an alternate menu…. It was so much more simple than that. In the list with all the reports and the CQ message, simply edit the CQ message. So the normal CQ is “CQ CALL Grid square.” Edit it to say “CQ DX Call …” It will stay like that until you edit it back or shut down WSJT-x. Upon restart you’ll have to re edit…. To edit click on the screen just after CQ and type your modifier. You can enter a state, country call (DL for Germany, etc)…. Play with it and let me know what you think…

[@thomashenderson603]

@@ND3N - Wow! Tom, The reason I wanted this is because, I need to make a contact with Alaska to get my "WAS" I have not seen anyone no in Alaska yet on FT8, So I will try CQ AK. Thank you! Tom K1CXS

[@thomashenderson603]

@@ND3N Tom, I found where you are talking about, but I could not edit the message, I had CQ: none CQ:first and CQ: max dist. none of them would let me retype over them. -Tom

[@jonthebru]

How does the message field get populated?

[@ND3N]

The messages are (for the most part) pre-programmed. You can change these messages, but that's another video (hi hi) 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@hillcountrysawdust351]

Tom How about a video on FT-991A running WinLink VARAFM. Please go through complete setup and all menu settings. Greg K5KYR

[@MrMarkus49]

Yes would like to see that as well :)

[@josembernardino]

Thank you. CT4UZ

[@Leonards_life]

Device manger...just hold windows key and X, then click on device manager

[@ND3N]

Good tip. Thanks

[@paulhastings3109]

tnxs one problem is RTS comports

[@ND3N]

Did you get this figured out?

[@paulhastings3109]

@@ND3N yes but thr tes and green for For your position and frequently I can't keep them blind up they got a whole mind of their own and it took me almost 4 hours to make one contact yesterday. Obviously I don't have something right so I don't know thanks

[@anthonydefallo9295]

I've been fighting mine for HOURS and I still can't get it! If there's any HAMs out there that are willing to hop on a Zoom call someday please let me know. I'm at a loss here

[@denniswage9748]

There is a lot about this video that is wrong. But you got your 991 to work despite it. First of all, port settings in device manager have nothing to do with running WSJT-X. All that matters is that the settings on the radio Menu #31 and the settings in WSJT-X match. I run 38400 on each and the device manager still says 9600. And you are running WSJT-X in USB mode, so none of the DATA settings you did have no affect.

[@ND3N]

Thanks for the additional info - I tried setting up with Data-USB, following several YT videos and research in the owner's manual. Was able to get everything working except when I went into the WSJT-x settings I got good test results for CAT and PTT, but no sound was coming out. So, I did the video as I did and as you noted, my 991A worked with WSJT-x. Will play some more (I have a few thoughts but ran out of time to play) and see if I can get it working to spec... then put out an updated video. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@jorgerueda7087]

Him Tom< I like you so much your videos I know you know so much about radio. How download the QSL to my log

[@XE3KLF1]

Cambie radio set un en WSJTX CAT, Psk y Split

[@jorgerueda7087]

Him Tom the radio right now is MODE USB is ok o have to be D-U

[@ND3N]

Jorge... You can use either. However, you can optimize your DSPs for SSB and Data-SSB modes individually. That video was made a few months ago, and I've now grown a bit in my knowledge and recommend Data SSB for Data modes. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@MAUROLO71]

Thanks Tom for your great videos! Mauro IU2GGD Italy❤❤

[@ND3N]

My pleasure!

[@smoberdeen]

Tom, Thank you for another great video. I just set up my radio tonight. I saw a reference to LoTW User [b/g unset] listed on the Colors drop down. I have a LoTW account so, should I check that box? Maybe I should read the User Guide? Hi Hi 73 K8STU

[@ND3N]

Yes - I believe the UID for LotW is already there. I automatically upload all my FT8/FT4 contacts there. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@anatoliantonets3203]

Thank You for video.Thank for the setup.SK73 Jim./KS0AA/Anatoli