Ham Radio Audio Interface | Raspberry Pi Audio Interface

[@northbetrue]

You are one of the best teachers in the hobby. Thanks for sharing what you know. On another note, I hate the cold!! You are a crazy man in the snow operating portable! Thanks brother, you’re an ace at making informative vids.

[@Liberty4Ever]

As my EmComm buddy Julian would say... OUTSTANDING! A clear tutorial with specific examples and some very useful information on best practices. I'd already learned most of this at the school of hard knocks, but still learned much from this video. Thanks! I wish I could have watched this video when I was getting started with digital modes.

[@OH8STN]

You are entirely too kind to me 😀 Honestly, a video without context doesn't really help. I almost published this video without the context. I'm glad I took the extra day. I'm also happy you all are tolerant about my loose schedules 👍👍👍

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@OH8STN - It's astounding how many amateur radio videos on KZbin purport to demonstrate something and they're just some button pushing and knob twiddling. If someone already understood the concept, they'd be able to see it in practice, but such videos are worthless to an operator trying to learn some skill or understand how to use some feature of their radio. I can forgive people who don't speak English for not posting a video that was only useful to fellow Serbians, at least to some extent, but at least their video would be useful to someone. It's actually very frustrating, but it makes the great amateur radio videos shine like precious gems. Tomorrow, next week or next month. Publish at your own schedule. The best things take time and are well worth the wait.

[@dougbas3980]

Time to support your channel. I have amassed the items in 'ultimate' video. Then I tried wsjt-x and could not find what the audio interface could be. This video got me back in the game. I do not have the money to go Surface Go & IC-705, so I work hard to save money and emulate 'ultimate' build. Thank you for the inspiration and knowledge you provide.

[@sm4inv]

Thanks for a outstanding video and for the kind words Julian! I set up my K3 as follows. 1) turn off compression, if any. 2) reduce audio input to zero. 3) slowly increase audio input until power output no longer increases. That way you are not overdriving the audio input. Hope this makes sense. Thanks again, 73 de sm4inv.

[@OH8STN]

Yes it definitely makes sense. This is really good advice if you don't have that ALC meter. I think it also works for any radio. Thanks again for helping me today and I hope to see you in the air this weekend.

[@titanium5]

Super Helpful Julian! So many thanks for the audio chain description. :)

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome. I wasn't sure if this video was too abstract oh, but I'm glad if you will get something from it.

[@JohnTarbox]

Another great video. As an aside for newbies, if you are having trouble decoding signals, don't forget to verify that your computer clock is set to the correct time.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the comment and the tip John. I think when experienced operators like yourself pitch in, there's nothing we can't do as a community.

[@luismirandakunert3475]

Outstanding video, thank you for sharing, I just have two questions can I do have the same, using SO Windows? and the last did you try the EASY DIGI before as an Audio interface between radio and PC or RPI? And last... I would like to encourage you if you can make a step-by-step configuring the RPI from the very beggining an install all the programs that are needed (from Debian to FLDIGI). I hope you can still follow the line you are currently making to helping newbie-ham radio operators like me. 73!!!

[@jimguelde4068]

Thank you for the video. I am attempting to set-up JS8CALL, using a Pi-4 , Signalink and FT-857D. I followed the instructions very carefully on configuring the Signalink with the appropriate jumper module. I then attached the "radio cable" from the Signalink to the data jack on the radio. (So far so good). Then I attached the USB cable to the Pi-4, and then to the Signalink. (Pi-4 running). I powered up the Signalink and following your video, entered terminal mode on Pi-4 and executed the "Lssub" command. The Signalink showed up as Bus 001, Device 003 " " " Texas Instruments PCM2906C Audio CODEC. Then, I right clicked on the speaker icon. I got a menu with three items... "Analog", "HDMI" and "USB AUDIO CODEC". I selected Audio Codec.I then got a sub-item under Audio Codec, titled "Output Device Settings". Selecting this new item brought me to a "Output Device Options" box, with "Playback", a volume slider and an "Enable" box. No options to "Select Controls". Quite frankly, I am stumped on how to proceed. (I have made no menu changes to the 857D. It is still factory configuration) You have been very kind in responding to previous requests, and if you will direct me to it, I would like to contribute financially to your fine efforts. Thank you.

[@beyondboris]

Julian love your channel. Heard you QSO with F4IKA using JS8call from Australia !!

[@matthewsarahplyler7304]

Thank you for the video! I am very very new to digital modes and learning so much from your videos. Keep up the great work Julian! 73, de K8KNX

[@SDR-DXobserver]

I like to to compile a field setup in the near future and have see most of your video's in the past year. I see that all your devices are setup as separate boxes. I also hear you say that you want a practical en reliable digimode setup and here is were I had some trouble getting the way you see at things, no pun intended. Why not strip the components from their housing an building them inside a home brew, lightweight box were all wired connections are safe and only make the connection to the radio and the power source from this box. Much safer and faster to set it up. It was just a tought from my part. Keep making nice video's!

[@wushock92]

Another fabulous tutorial, Julian. TNX!

[@OH8STN]

Thank You Philip. 👍

[@MichaelLloyd]

Great video Julian. Thanks again for all the help that you give us. 73 de NE5U

[@timb4655]

Thanks so much for making this Julian. A lot of reference points to work with. Well worth the wait personally. Grab yourself your favourite beverage and put your feet up, you've earned it 😊👍73 de 2E0IEH

[@OH8STN]

No problem Tim. I figured it would only take a little bit more effort to do a time-lapse video then to do one just running through the main points. I think it was definitely worth the investment in time. Now I'm going to get myself ready for winter Field Day :-)

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Always such great, and informative videos. Thanks Julian!

[@ShiftedBit]

Very good and informational video! Btw. happy seeing my callsign made it into your video within js8call. Misteriously I never receive readable signals here in OE1. 73s de OE1MAX

[@davegilden6603]

Julian, just confirming the thinking behind case removal of the sabrent. Was this due to bulk and allowing multiple devices to be plugged in with no additional hardware. Before heat shrinking the interface have you applied tape as well? Going through a Pi build and noticed it is a challenge having my CAT plugged into adjacent ports to the audio. Many thanks, M6NGQ

[@OH8STN]

You've got it that is exactly why I removed the enclosure. I wanted to have as much space between the parts as possible. The Raspberry Pi has extremely tight quarters between each port. I'm even thinking of going as far as soldering the wires directly to the sound card circuit board itself. Anyway I also remove the enclosure from the GPS, the cat control circuit board,...

[@francoisdastardly4405]

Very useful video !!

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Thank you Julian! Excellent vid.

[@OH8STN]

Ur welcome Rodney 👍👍👍

[@dreupen]

Lots of great help in your videos. As a newby, they have been extremely helpful. I am able to get make FT8 contacts but not any Winlink connections. My rig is FT-891 w/ Signalink. I original made FT8 contacts (wsjtx) with: "DATA PTT Select: RTS" using "USB" mode and no shift(settings or rig). I then noticed on an earlier video that you differ from my setting and use "DATA PTT Select DAKY" with all settings similar and set on the rig the "D-U" mode and set shift to "+1000". I tried that and it worked for me too. For Winlink Ardop, I use Pat and manual set the radio frequency to the station frequency I find using the Winklink.org tools page. Should I shift the frequency? Thank again.

[@blackrazorus]

This is another outstanding video - I continue to learn more and more watching this channel, and appreciate all that you do! Are you planning on doing more content around the NW Digital DRAWS board? I got mine after you talked about it on your channel, and have incorporated it into my system. Based on your video, it would have simplified your setup quite a bit if you had taken that path - any reason that you didn't?

[@OH8STN]

Hi Mark. Thanks for the comment, question and kindness. The DRAWS hat has some very desirable features. Yes, as a hardware solution, it should certainly simplify our kits. Unfortunately it's uses some sort of proprietary driver package which is extremely difficult to get set up and working. They do have a turnkey version which I'm looking forward to. The downside of a turn key solution and difficulty in setup, is users can't maintain the hardware. As an audio interface, it's the only one which is not Plug and Play on Linux systems. That's the deal breaker ATM. Hopefully they're set up scripts will mature, and we'll be able to get an easily Deployable system.

[@blackrazorus]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply! I guess I was lucky to have so little trouble getting my DRAWS board configured! I did spend a lot more time than I wanted getting the GPS component to sync the system clock so I could use JS8Call, etc. For now, I am building something along the lines of your tutorial- my goal is an integrated system based on the uBITx and an integrated Raspberry Pi 4. By using a tablet as the interface as per your tutorials, I think I can get the size and complexity of the unit way down. If it is all on one monolithic case, I can keep the cabling robust and internal. Thanks again for all you do!

[@mumi009]

Are you still happŷ with the Genasun mppt solar charge controller? 5amp or 10amp version? I saw they are now on sale in Europe.

[@OH8STN]

Actually yes I am. I have the both 5 and 10 amp versions. I also have the 8 Amp boost controller which works really well with flexible solar panels.

[@BlackRabbitVW]

Dose anyone know how to get flrig to work with the ft-450d? I am having trouble getting my cat-usb cable to work.

[@OH8STN]

You'll need to offer a few more details than that.

[@nvrumi]

This is an excellent tutorial, Julian. Thank you. I have already worked through these issues and I keep after my audio chain to avoid mucking up the audio and generating splatter. I notice that some operators do not send clean signals in these narrow-band digital modes. I noticed your ZLP interface. Have you compared the ZLP with the SignaLink? I recently read a report that the SignaLink had (or has) some design flaws that make it a less desirable unit, although they are everywhere. (I have one and use it with the KX3. I also have a ZLP that is setup for my FT897D.) If you have some wisdom to share, I would appreciate it. FS8Call is not very active here in the western U.S. I sometimes see some traffic, but it's sporadic. But I also live where there is too much RFI. Again, thanks for what you do. I'm looking to do a Pi build sometime later this year. 73 de AG7TX

[@mtngr1]

I'm using the sabrent usb adapter with my 817nd, and can't figure out why my js8 CAT is so low and not at least 50? I am receiving but not tx. I followed to the letter as far as settings. I had to raise the mic all the way to get the mic to be green and at 20 db

[@OH8STN]

Try the Digirig for audio and cat control.

[@mtngr1]

@@OH8STN Yes, was just experimenting until I get my digirig. Should hopefully get shipped soon

[@Aussat]

Great video thank you, just starting out myself.

[@direhavok8732]

I use sabrent device, my issue is volume sliders seem to do no change to input or output or RX/TX levels.

[@nateschroeder8324]

Have you ever thought about stuffing all that gear in a pelican case, for added protection and that tactical/field appearance? I’ve done a raspberry pi/pelican case setup for capturing NOAA satellite images, leave it outside and forget about it, works great!

[@OH8STN]

Definitely. The Pelican case idea is excellent. I'll eventually do a full integration. Capturing NOAA satellite images remotely, is high on my list of things to do soon. Thanks for the comments and for watching. It's very much appreciated.

[@neubert500]

Wow wish I had this video when I was beating my head against the floor when first setting up my JS8Call!

[@OH8STN]

Agreed. A tutorial like like this has been a long time coming.

[@miomatteo]

immediate like given! :D

[@Subgunman]

Too bad no one has developed a device for the issue of power, audio level and bandwidth. I use a PSK meter when working PSK 31, makes things quick and easy for that old mode. Just curious, are you ex mil or just love the outdoors?

[@OH8STN]

ALC meter is built into most modern radios, but I agree. There should be an easier way to normalize the audio so it never goes nonlinear. Q1 & 2= Grumpy old Jarhead 👍 73 Julian oh8stn

[@Subgunman]

@@OH8STN Need to finish up some interfaces so as to try out these new modes, too much down time in Rethymno. we get grumpier with age not older! 73

[@herrprepper2070]

I’ve never tried any digital modes, so my knowledge is very sparse. My question is.... do all digital communications depend on the internet... or is HF used? Thanks.

[@OH8STN]

Hello Herr P. No internet required. This is pure grid down communications.

[@herrprepper2070]

OH8STN Ham Radio thank you

[@TonyLing]

That is a very British setup

[@Frisky0563]

Way to go bud! 73's de kc9dfk

[@va2dv1]

Is that a Vx-1210 Julian ?.. Has Gil spoiled you into getting a military radio ?

[@OH8STN]

It's a 1210 :) I've had green radios for a couple of decades but nothing as cool as Gil until recently.

[@va2dv1]

OH8STN Ham Radio , with Trump and Putin, it’s a good thing to have one of those and a stock of MRE

[@АндрейДенисюк-ш7п]

6:28 ALC - Automatic Level Control

[@OH8STN]

When you call it automatic level control nobody understands what it does. If you call it Audio Level control, it's less abstract.

[@АндрейДенисюк-ш7п]

Doesn't matter if somebody understands it or not. It's well-known term in use for many years.