Image: ZS1I Yaesu FT817 Radio
Image: ZS1I Homebrew Yaesu FT817 Soundcard Interface
During the PEARS VHF/UHF Contest that took place in January 2025 I decided to setup my trusted Yaesu FT 817 Radio using my homebrew soundcard interface to work a few digital mode stations. The FT817, 857 and 897 radios have a few settings that must be setup correctly, if not then you will not be able to play with digital modes.
Please take note that the setup explained worked for me. I did not use the CAT on this occasion as I need to buy the necessary accessory plug before I can use CAT.
My Setup: ( Yours might differ depending on the equipment you use)
Setting up the Computer and Software:
DO NOT switch the Yaesu FT817 or the computer ON.
We first need to plug in all the cables.
Plug the USB cable coming from the Soundcard Interface into a USB port on the computer.
Plug the data cable coming from the Soundcard Interface into the Data socket of the Yaesu FT817. (Back of the radio.)
Now we can switch the radio on and then the computer.
The radio, computer and interface will now be be ON.
Start WSJT-X by clicking on the icon in your desktop or program start menu.
Go to File and then click on Settings then Radio.
CAT must be OFF - Rig = NONE
PTT Method = DTR Port: Com3
Next click on Audio
Here we will setup the Soundcard to be used
Soundcard:
Input: Microphone (19-USB Headphone Set) - Left
Output: Speakers (19-USB Headphone Set) - Both
Click OK
Monitor Button should be green and round 0 should be green. Radio and WSJT-X are now talking to each other. If not check your hardware and sound on the computer.
Select: Go to Control Panel. Click on Hardware and Sound and then on Manage Audio Devices. Sound window will open with Playback displayed. Note: If you do not use VoiceMeeter then ignore those settings.
Playback:
Speakers: 19-USB Headphone - Ready
Speakers: Behringer USB - Disabled
VoiceMeeter Aux Input - Default Device
All others disabled
Recording:
Microphone: 19-USB Headphone - Ready
Line In: Behringer USB - Disabled
VoiceMeeter Aux Output - Default Device
All others disabled
Managing Devices:
To set the level of the devices go back to Playback and double click on Speakers.
Select Levels.
Set levels as:
Speakers 83
Main volume 83
To set the level of the devices go back to Recording and double click on Microphone (or Line In) Select Levels.
Set levels as:
Microphone 82
AGC MUST BE OFF!!
Go back to Playback
Select VoiceMeeter Aux Input (Double Click)
Select Levels
Set levels as:
VoiceMeeter Aux Input = 100
Main Volume = 93
Click OK
Go to Recording and double click on Voice Meeter Aux Output
Select Levels
Set levels as:
VoiceMeeter Aux Output = 89
Wave in Volume = 100
Click OK
We completed the setup of sound on the computer. Now we need to setup VoiceMeeter Banana
Open the VoiceMeeter program
Hardware Input 1 = Behringer USB Audio
Hardware Out = Behringer USB Audio
Select the above if not displayed in VoiceMeeter. Restart VoiceMeeter once selected.
Setting up WSJT-X Program:
I am not going to explain setting up the WSJT-X software as there is a complete manual explaining how to install and setup WSJT-X. Please use the manual.
Setting up the Yaesu FT817 Radio to work digital modes:
Press F for more than 2 seconds
When in MENU rotate the SEL knob on radio to select menu 1 - 57
Set the following Menus:
# 3 9600 Mic = 50
# 7 Antenna = Front or Rear
#14 Cat Rate = 9600 (If used)
#24 Dig Disp = 0 hz
#25 Dig Mic = 70
#26 Dig Mode = user-u
#27 Dig Shift = 0 hz
#29 FM Mic = 50
#38 OP Filter = OFF (CW or SSB Filter)
#39 PKT Mic = 50
#40 PKT Rate = 1200
#45 RF Gain/SQL = RF Gain (Digital) SQL FM
#46 SSB Mic = 50
#51 Vox Gain = 50 (If used)
#52 Extend = ON
MODE = DIG in SSB
= PKT in VHF/UHF
General Checks and Settings:
1. Set MTR ALC Press F once, select MTR ALC by pressing B. This will reflect ALC when in TX mode.
2. Check antenna Input = Front or Rear MENU = #7 (Select socket where your antenna is plugged in.)
3. Check SWR Meter (PWR and SWR)
4. Check receiving meter (WSJT-X) Must be in the green between 40 - 60 dB. If in the red adjust recording level - microphone to a lower setting until meter is in the green.
5. Add Fan to the back o the Yaesu FT817 to prevent the radio from overheating.
As said previously the above settings worked for my setup. Your setup might differ but I am sure that some of the information in this article will be useful in setting up your Yaesu FT817, 857 or 897 radio to work digital modes.
You should now be able to work digital modes with the Yaesu FT817 Radio.
Enjoy working digital modes in amateur radio!!
Images: (Click on images for larger view.)
