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 Arduino Soundcard Interface to work a few digital mode stations. In a previous article available HERE I explained another type of homebrew interface that includes the CAT control.
The Arduino Soundcard Interface I am going to describe can be used with many types of radios. This interface function the same as the commercial available SignalLink Interface, therefor the reason that it is called a SignalLink Clone.
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.
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 FT817 Mic Cable coming from the Soundcard Interface into the mic socket of the FT817
Plug the 3.5 mm Extension plug into the SP Ext. Socket on the FT817
The switch next to the 3.5 mm socket must be set to SP = Speaker
Plug antenna and radio power cord in
Ensure the correct antenna port is selected. Either front or rear. (Menu #7)
Now power up the computer and the FT817 Radio
Radio and Interface should now be ON
Set frequency on radio. In this case we start with VHF and FT8 = 144.174 MHz USB
Now start the WSJT-X Program
WSJT-X Setup:
Go to file settings - Radio
CAT must be OFF if you not going to use CAT = Rig: NONE
PTT Method = VOX
Click on Audio TAB
Soundcard:
Input: Microphone (32-USB PNP Sound Device)
Output: Speakers (32-USB PNP Sound Device)
Input = Mono
Output = Mono
Click OK
In WSJT-X:
Monitor Button should be green and O next to the band should also be green. Radio and WSJT-X are talking to each other. If not then check Hardware and Sound.
Control Panel = Hardware and Sound. Select Manage Audio Devices in Windows computer
New window will open named: Sound with playback displayed
Double click on Speakers
Speaker Properties will open
Go to Levels
Speakers 98 Balance
Microphone 68
Click OK
Go to Recording TAB
Double click Microphone
Microphone Properties will open
Go custom. AGC must not be selected
Go to Levels
Microphone 50
Click OK
All other Playback and Recording devices must be DISABLED!
Voicemeeter Banana must not run at all if you have it installed!
That should be it for the computer audio settings.
Now for the Yaesu FT817 Radio Setup:
Press F for more than 2 seconds
We are now in the MENU of the FT817
Rotate teh SEL knob on radio (left side) to select menu 1 - 57
Setup the following MENUS for the Arduino Soundcard Interface as follows:
# 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 SQL/RF-G = SQL (VHF) (RF Gain for HF)
#46 SSB Mic = 50
#51 Vox Gain = 50 (If used)
#52 Extend = ON
MODE =VHF/UHF = FT8 144.174 Mhz USB (USB work in VHF)
To check if equipment is setup correctly we are going to use an SDR Receiver Dongle installed on another computer. Start the SDR computer with the RTL plugged into a USB port. Open OpenWegRX program. Once open select RTL-DDR 2m Voice Repeaters. The 2m band will be displayed. If you can hear white noise and signal meter works, go back to the computer with WSJT on it. Click on the Tune button in WSJT-X. Radio should TX and a line will appear on the window (waterfall) Move the yellow ^ marker exactly on the line in the waterfall. You will hear the tune signal clearly and your RX bar will go to red. This means you are on the frequency of your radio that is in TX mode. Stop Tune.
Select USB in Modes and click on the down arrow.
Select FT8 and two screens will open while DIG in the modes will turn yellow. On screen = waterfall and other display station info. Now enable TX on WSJT-X using FT8. You should hear FT8 clearly in OpenWebRX. Decode box in OpenWebRX will display CQ info:
UTC dB DT Freq Message
08:58:00 1 0.2 144.175 CQ ZS1I KF15
That's it your TX signal is now going out on the airwaves and being received by OpenWebRX
You are now ready to make your first QSO on VHF with the Yaesu FT817 Radio and the Arduino Soundcard Interface.
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.
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.
6. From time to time the FT817 screen will warn you of high SWR = SWR High. If your antenna is tuned correctly check all other connections that they are tight. Check also all patch leads for good connectivity. Check if the radio is cutting power and if the warning comes up between voltage and mode. You can also try to use the other antenna socket on the radio (Front or Rear) This anomaly happens from time to time especially if the radio is moved around or used in portable mode.
7. Never forget to have the FT817 Operating Manual in close proximity. You will need it more than you think.
Images: Click on images for larger view.
NOTE: The Arduino Soundcard Interface needs an urgent facelift. Hopefully I will find some time to re-spray and label it properly.
