Setup your Icom IC-706 for Digital modes like FT8 with a SignaLink

[@Barty.Crowell]

One thing to note with this: programs for CIV control that only have presets for the MkIIG will need the address changed either in software or in the radios settings. The address for the MkI and MkII is 0x48 but the MkIIG address is 0x54.

[@temporarilyoffline]

#Protip! Thanks

[@ABikerLife]

FT8 seems to elude me,and I happen to have a 706. I got a bunch out of the vid.. Thank You from KK5VN

[@temporarilyoffline]

Join us over on TOADs (link in description) and we'll get uou sorted

[@g4jnw]

Ideal as i have just bought a secondhand signalink which came with a kenwood cable and module. I have ordered a icom cable and module and when arrived will set it up as your video. Thanks Les

[@temporarilyoffline]

Perfect timing. Let me know how it works out.

[@woodgrainandwhimsey]

What Mic Gain setting is the radio at? I find I’m constantly juggling the sound card gain and mic gain and I’m never sure if I have it optimized.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Dave, I didn't mess with the mic gain, next time I have that radio hooked up I'll take a look.

[@g4jnw]

@@temporarilyoffline Said i'd report back, defaults didn't work for me, i got some weird things like frequency changing to VHF odd frequencies way out of band, after Tx, not everyone but odd ones. what does work for me though is Radio: Com 19 (thats what im using on my computer) baud rate 19200, matched on serial port (device manager) data bits 8 stop bits 2 (also matched) handshake none. Force control lines not used. PTT Vox (as im using the signalink) Mode Data/pkt, split operations Rig. Works perfectly like that rx is set on the signalink to 70-80db around the 11 oclock setting, Tx is again around 11 oclock setiing power on wsjt-x is 1 notch off full giving ALC of zero. Delay set to counter clock wide and poll interval on WSJT-X set to 1 second.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sounds like you got it working. How are the contacts coming in?

[@ghostmandka5498]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You bet!

[@nosaj205]

I love that your running linux on a Mac! great video!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I can be a little twisted at times!

[@Barty.Crowell]

Long live the hackintosh!

[@temporarilyoffline]

You got that right, although I'm getting excited now that I can run raspberry pi os on the xiegu x6100

[@jameski5oeb668]

Thank you Steve for this video. It has taken me almost a year to get all the cables and bits together to make this work. Works like a champ now, into a dummy load. Now to make it work tomorrow into the CaHR Artemis for the win at k7687. By the way, the dummy load was receiving a station and decoding on 20m -16db.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice! I've had some amazing FT8 decodes like that too. Love it!

[@jpaterjr]

Great presentation. I hope to set up FT8 on my IC7000.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Should have been very similar, did I miss anything that the 7000 needs? That's a great radio!

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

Great video I have 706 and was looking for how to do both CI V and something like Tigertronics for doing FT 8 on the 706

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad I could help!

[@NovemberOneOscarGrouch]

Thank you for the information.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Any time!

[@DonzLockz]

Thnx To. I just got a good deal on this radio for my first HF radio. I can't wait. Lol I just need a tuner and the signalink cables. I have a signalink and a digirig already. What 100w auto tuner would you recommend?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I like the ldg z100 or the ant tuner

[@gm743633]

I saw the vic-20 box behind. I had one of those in 1982. I also saw what looks like a ts-570 behind you also. I am looking for a replacement since mine was destroyed by a lightning strike on the house. I am looking at the IC-706 and FT-891 right now. Just looking for a low dollar budget hf rig for voice and digital.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The Vic-20 is a great computer - I did a ton of retro commodore vids on my other channel (kzbin.info/door/EcsqeqMOqhDxj9D771s0eA). I also did a bunch of videos on the TS-570 here (kzbin.info/aero/PL01YuCls6edY9Jk_7s43sUGJUl7RuxK_e) , its a great rig and I think they go for around $500. There is one for sale in the TOADs discord (link in description).

[@RayKasprowiczJr]

What power are you using w/FT8? I've been running power level 4 and wondering if I could go a little higher.

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you manage the heat, go for it... If not, Be safe!

[@tonyd6884]

Thanks for posting this. I have a mkiig and the signalink I want o use for pota ft8

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad it helped

[@keesvanoosbree5911]

Will this work with N1MM with CW? I'm probably going to be using this for CW contests.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't. I use a similar setup for fldigi

[@scarone83]

Hello, i need help, i have 706 and can't ajust alc in ssb, the alc meter its always in 0, no matter level mic.. Thank you!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Try increasing or decreasing the volume on the "PC speaker" that represents the 706 - or use the power slider on the right hand side of the WSJT-X screen.

[@RandomGene]

What is the ICOM CI-V Cable needed for? Great video, very helpful to get me started.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The software sets up the band, mode using the CI-V cable - you don't specifically "need" it, but its nice to have.

[@roach1317]

Hi, What power do you usually run on FT8?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I normally run all the power I have available and routinely miss some of the stations I'm trying to complete a QSO with. FT8 is a "weak signal mode", not a "low power mode"

[@santossalinas7209]

Thank you for the great explanation and demonstration. I have a 706mkiig and I'm going to be on ft8 soon. 73 KI5KGT

[@temporarilyoffline]

Looking forward to seeing you in #FT8Off on the scoreboard!

[@ronjones4069]

Thanks. Very helpful and very well done. Thank you, you saved me a bunch of frustration. However, I'm curious, in keeping the spirit of running only the power you need to, as you stated in your video, isn't 100 watts on FT8 excessive? Considering that most people run around 10 or 20 watts? Also, those digital modes are pretty high duty cycle and running any rig at full power key down is not a good idea. Why aren't you running much lower power?? Thanks for such a helpful video.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I run "the right Mount of power to make the contact" and usually I'm trying for DX. Being in Wisconsin, DX is very far away for me. Keep in mind that FT8 is "weak signal" not "low power ", as you said, use the right amount of power to get the job done

[@ronjones4069]

@@temporarilyoffline Cool. Makes sense. I have no problem with it, I was just curious. I run a lot of WSPR, which is a mode that has a totally different charter in life than making contacts. You have some great videos. I got a lot form this one because I am planning to use my 706 as a WSPR beacon so I'm in the throws of interfacing it and your video was a true god send. Thank you!! 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@ronjones4069 This will work great for WSPR setup

[@tonymcgee1146]

100 watts is low for some hams. Some EU's are running 700 -1000 watts on FT8

[@wesley20991]

Awesome video my only questions is do you leave the delay knob on the signal link to off or zero?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks! Yes, leave it at off/0

[@mully89]

Thank You for this video

[@temporarilyoffline]

Glad it could help. I especially liked watching the meters and seeing results. Thanks!

[@stevey2980]

Is there a reason why you didn’t use the 6 pin connector? My 706MKIIG has this connection on the back and DX Engineering said I can use it. Just curious. I haven’t hooked up the Tigertronics unit to test it yet

[@temporarilyoffline]

On the 706MKII, there isn't a 6 pin connector. Maybe on the MKIIG?

[@tomcruiser2407]

Great video, but unfortunately I didn't understand everything because my native language isn't English, sorry, and I'm not a computer freak! I have an old USB link from Tigertronic that has never been used. 1. Does the SL have to be connected to the PC using the USB cable? 2. a cable to the ACC from the Trx and into the SL and 3. 1 cable from the Cat Trx to the SL or to the PC? I have an IC 7000, the successor to the 706 Mk2g.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sure thing: 1. Yes, signalink connects to PC via USB cable. 2. Yes 3. CAT Cable from Radio to PC 7000 setup should be very similar to 706 setup.

[@tomcruiser2407]

@@temporarilyoffline Thank You!! 73 Thomas

[@jsmith8598]

G'day, I used your suggested configuration of WSJT-X and the receive works fine on HF and VHF. However, transmit doesn't work. Have you heard of any issues with lack of transmit using this configuration? I am using Win10 and have rig control via RT Systems i/f. Tigertronics recommended the miniDIN cable for i/f.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I haven't used that config, PTT via SignalInk doesn't work for you on windows?

[@don_n5skt]

I'd like to get one for the Kenwood and I was in at HRO the other day and could not figure out what to even buy. But, Steve, no 2 meter FT8? ;)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Soon!

[@1973darrell1]

Hi, Do you need the chip cable that you show on IC-706? I have IC- 718 tiring to hook up to signalink do I need that chip cable with that chip in it to work with IC-718. And is it the same cable that you used? In the IC-706? I hope you can help me to hook up to IC-718 I CANNOT GET SIGNALINK TO WORK. THANK YOU KG7LNA

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you go to tiger electronics website, they should have a kit. You will need the chip and the cable and it could be the same chip and cable I'm using on the 706. Give them a ring and they can help you out better than I can.

[@carroll-w7wxv]

I just found your video, good video. Have you tried using digital modes in VHF/UHF using the IC-706? If so how? I have a mkiig and I can't seem to get it to key up. I am using a signalink connected to the ACC port. Works perfectly on HF, just not on the other side of the radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I haven't and I don't have the radio anymore. Its probably a setting inside the radio to allow it. At that era, VHF/UHF was packet more than audio injection, so it might just be expecting something different - Try turning on PKT mode, that's what I had to do on my FT-818. Let me know

[@carroll-w7wxv]

@@temporarilyoffline There are two ports on the back, the ACC port and the packet port, I needed to use the packet port. I did some research and found I already had the correct signalink and cable from another radio and hooked it up and it worked perfectly through the packet port. ACC port for HF, packet port for VHF/UHF.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@carroll-w7wxv there you go!

[@chilskater]

Can i connect ic-706mk2 using CI-V only to control the knob?my VFO encoder is faulty

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think so, try it out!

[@DavidBrown-cv7si]

Amateur radio operator looking to try FT8 .Im going to use the Icom 706 MK1 i know i need to order the CIV Cable and the sinal link box but what is the name of the DIN Cable with the RJ45 on the other end called and where do i purchase this if i may ask. Also is their anything else i need to buy Thank you

[@temporarilyoffline]

The signalink here: amzn.to/3pRw5fK includes the right cable and config chip for the 706 radio. Let me know when you get it all setup, the 706 is a great radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The signalink here: amzn.to/3pRw5fK includes the right cable and config chip for the 706 radio. Let me know when you get it all setup, the 706 is a great radio.

[@n1kkri]

I noticed you did not adjust the volume control on the radio for RX. Would that be because the audio on the rear DIN connector is a fixed output level? Would there be any benefit of using the rear MMJ connector for the TX/RX audio instead of the DIN connector? Thanks

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yes, the audio knob on the front is for your ears (and I can't decode FT8 in my head... yet), the audio out of the rear is fixed, although there might be a buried setting for changing that. I didn't find that I'd needed to mess with it. The signalink was hearing just fine without changing that type of setting. I don't have an MMJ connector on my 706 that I'm aware of, maybe thats a MK1 or MK2 or G model feature?

[@n1kkri]

@@temporarilyoffline That's what I assumed. A friend was having problems adjusting the audio level into FT8 using the vertical bar. I once had a Internet Radio station using a IC-706 and I used the rear mmj port for both TX and RX audio and it was adjustable from the radios volume control. When the friend said he was using the SignalLink but the radios volume had no effect I figured the rear round din was a fixed level.

[@n1kkri]

@@temporarilyoffline On my IC-746 I use the front mic connector. I can get RX audio their as well as mic in. I have a blank head phone plug I use when I want to mute the auido. I found it easier to adjust the RX audio from the volume control.

[@temporarilyoffline]

If it works it works, right?

[@n1kkri]

@@temporarilyoffline It certainly does

[@anonymous_friend]

Would a digirig work with the 706mkiiG?

[@temporarilyoffline]

It would. Just need the right cable set. I like the digirig, but it wasn't available when I made this video. Let me know if you run into any snags. The basics are the same.

[@themasterhammer]

Do you know If there is a big enough difference between the Mk2 and the Mk2g the make set up any different?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't think there is. Maybe a menu item has moved from slot 3 to slot 4 or something... but the concepts are the same for almost every radio. Try it out and let me know.

[@skipareyn2ei881]

Is the CIV cable necessary or can I use the SignalLink without it?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Skip, thanks for commenting. I replied to your email, let me know if that helps! Short answer is no, but its harder to do.

[@danielwarren7037]

Do you have to change these menu settings back and forth when you are swapping from ft8 to ssb and back?

[@temporarilyoffline]

No, the settings in the rig were for how the Serial Port/CAT control works. Once you exit WSJT-X, it will try to return to where it belongs. On my Kenwood when I left WSJT-X it would return every setting EXCEPT for the mic-gain and it took me a while to figure that out, so there might be something minor left behind like that... or split... but you'll know it right away!

[@danielwarren7037]

@@temporarilyoffline ok thanks! I'm about to add a mk2g to my collection and i will be grabbing a signallink for it

[@latipwinasis2802]

Saya punya icom 706 versi japan .apa bisa open TX freq vhf nya trimakasih

[@temporarilyoffline]

Most Likely you can, but I don't have that radio to verify.

[@madmoe1]

Id like to mention the CIV Cable that is linked is not compatible with Windows 11.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Interesting, I'll find one and update. Thanks!

[@elanpaim33]

great video how ever how you set to USB D on the radio ? I think it will not show many thanks

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've got "Data/Pkt" set in the WSJT-X setting. I don't remember if you can press "mode" on the radio enough times to get it to Data mode. If not, it is what it is. This is a great radio and has gotten me lots of QSOs over the years. A keeper for sure.

[@ryanjones9305]

Excellent video. Any tips on getting the 706 to work digital on VHF? I get it to work fine on HF, but i can’t get the radio to key up on VHF. Any help is appreciated.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't see any reason or settings that would stop this from working. Does the software change the frequency to the VHF WSJT-X freq?

[@ryanjones9305]

@@temporarilyoffline no, I don’t use rig control. From my limited experience, when I run into issues like this, it’s a setting somewhere.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Does the signal link PTT for you?

[@ryanjones9305]

@@temporarilyoffline ya. Everything seems to be set right, it just won’t key the radio on VHF or UHF. Change it over to HF, she fires like she’s supposed to.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@ryanjones9305 very weird! Mine is in a bit right now or I'd fire it up and see if it does the same.

[@williamarnold4349]

When I tested my Cat control I got a red light and now I am stuck.

[@williamarnold4349]

MkIIg

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you press "Test CAT" and it goes red, then one of the cat settings is wrong, double check the radio settings for baud rate and the computer settings to be on the right serial port. If you press "Test PTT" and it goes red, then you're good to go on PTT, press "Test PTT" again to turn off the transmitter. You're making progress!

[@petermilne7063]

well, I followed it step by step but the signalink doesn't turn on for me

[@temporarilyoffline]

Are you powering it from the rig or from the wall?

[@petermilne7063]

@@temporarilyoffline I just connected things the way you showed it. You don't show how you connect to the computer so I watched some other videos and there is a cable that plugs into the USB port on the back that goes to the computer for power. You didn't show that so I didn't plug that one in. Once I did that it powered up. It doesn't have a power cord to plug into the wall so I'm not sure what you mean by that. In any case once I got it plugged and powered it wouldn't transmit on FT8 so I have some configuration issues to deal with. Thanks for your response.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@petermilne7063 I must have forgot that part. Sorry about that. What OS are you running?

[@petermilne7063]

@@temporarilyoffline I'm running Windows 10. I had the same problem running FT8 on my Yeasu FT-1000MP MKV. The PTT light would go on and the rig showed transmit but the indicator on the left would show a green bar going up to about 8 during recent but then disappear in TX and the arrow drops to zero with no sound even though SignaLink and rig show in transmit mode. I could never get it to work. I thought it might be the rig since they are known to have trouble with FT8 so I was hoping the IC 706MKII would work. Same problem so an issue with the computer configuration must be it.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That is usually windows audio settings (volume levels). And in windows they are known to reset after system updates.

[@chillychurchil5972]

if baud rates is set to auto, will it work?

[@temporarilyoffline]

If you're using a USB to serial adapter it might be fine with Auto. You won't hurt anything if you try it, it just will or will not work.

[@rodwillett8814]

Great video. However I can’t find a usb driver for my 706. Any suggestions? ROD. K7UJ

[@temporarilyoffline]

Which cable did you get? Which OS?

[@rodwillett8814]

@@temporarilyoffline windows 10. The ci-v cable arrives Wednesday. My understanding is that I have to install the driver before connecting the radio to the computer. Icom website has a lot of drivers but none listed for the 706.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The cable I linked comes with a CD, I can plug it in tomorrow and see what chip it is

[@rodwillett8814]

@@temporarilyoffline thanks

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@rodwillett8814 The chipset on the cable in the description is Prolific Pl2303 - Driver for Windows is here: www.prolific.com.tw/US/ShowProduct.aspx?p_id=223&pcid=126. (the trailing period is important if missing)

[@frankbaron1608]

so the chip you change is for the pim mapping of the audio lead? that's archaic? why can't they use a microcontroller which can be programmed? Wierd.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Ham radio is pretty archaic in general

[@frankbaron1608]

@@temporarilyoffline i wouldn't say that. some of the newer gear can make your tea for you in the morning. :)

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@frankbaron1608 there are some features I long for in ham radio.

[@frankbaron1608]

@@temporarilyoffline me too. one of those features is a lower than rididculous price :)

[@Adirondacks4me]

One thing like finger nails on a chalk board for me is hand models on You Tube, showing every screw being taken out and then realizing oh wait not these, let me show some more hand modeling by putting them back in because I just love re-watching my own hands for some sick reason. It has to be some type of sick fetish that tons of you tuber's are doing across every spectrum? I'm sure the people doing it know exactly why it thrills them so much but it just annoys TH out of me every time I want information without the gay hand modeling presentations.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Let it all out man. Take a deep breath and maybe push fast-forward next time.

[@Adirondacks4me]

Don't get it, your equipment is talking and making contacts and you personally are doing nothing? 🤔

[@temporarilyoffline]

I like it because of the data and mapping... And specifically not having to talk to grumps. I also make plenty of phone contacts too. It's all fun.

[@UpdisamedMuuse12-ev2ql]

Yaa shirkada icom sheer Somali ka a

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't understand?

[@russb7432]

Another KZbin hand model. You can always tell with all the constant un-needed movements of the fingers and hands. They are all over KZbin these days. I'm not sure if it's some fetish or just a need to do it? I guess what ever floats your boat.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The human mind gets bored watching a video where nothing on the screen moves, so we add movement. It also helps to draw attention to the specific thing on screen that I'm talking about. If you'd like to see my face or some other demonstration, I have over 300 other videos that are not all hand model vids.

[@russb7432]

@@temporarilyoffline lol, finally someone who admits it. You can't find any info anywhere on the internet to see if it's for enhancing videos and/or possibly some other deep rooted reason within people's psyche to do it?

[@mikecallahan8234]

More than one radio? Order more than one signalink. 73 de ke4obe

[@temporarilyoffline]

Exactly