Data mode communication with the Yaesu FT-817

Setting up the Yaesu FT-817 and Signalink for data mode communication

Data mode communication is a lot of fun due to its pleasant pace and QRP (low power) performance. There is no voice communication involved, everything is done via text making data mode QSO's (contacts) a great way to learn basic radio etiquette.

This guide will take you through the steps required to set up and configure the FT-817 and Tigertronics SignaLink sound card for data mode communication. This guide may also be useful to users of other equipment.

Data mode communication on the FT-817 — Data mode communication on the Yaesu FT-817

Hardware and software required for data mode communication

In this guide the following items are used:

HRD-Ham Radio Deluxe
Signalink USB (order with SLUSB6PM leads)
FT-817 CAT lead
Window PC
Yaesu FT-817 radio
HF antenna

Configure the Signalink before connecting

Before connecting up, do ensure that your Signalink is configured correctly, this will involve taking the unit apart. It should have come with clear instructions on how to do this, alternatively go to the Tigertronics website for help.

There are four socket head screws on the front of the unit to remove, this allows you access to the configuration socket. Configuration is no problem and should not be too difficult to do. New units are supplied with pre-cut link wires which work just fine. Alternatively there are pre-configured adapters available which will slot right in and eliminates the need for link wires.

Connecting up the FT-817 and Signalink

Connect your Signalink, PC and radio as follows:

PTT control, received and transmitted audio is connected to the Signalink via data lead supplied with the Signalink (6 pin data socket)
PTT is activated by the Signalink when audio data is sent to it (like VOX).
Frequency control is via your normal PC control (CAT interface) lead

Setting up the FT-817 and Signalink for data mode communication — FT-817 and Signalink connections for data modes

Configure your PC to work with the Signalink sound card

You'll need to install the driver and setup your Signalink sound card levels on your PC as described here: http://www.tigertronics.com/index.htm . It's relatively easy to do, so this should not cause any problems.

Setting up the FT-817 and Signalink

Switch on the FT-817 and check your settings as shown below:

Menu settings:

Enter menu mode: Press and hold 'F'
Menu 07-Set to correct antenna position
Menu 52-Extend: ON
Menu:26-Digital Mode set to: USER-U
Menu 45- Set to: RF-GAIN
Menu 51-VOX Gain set to: 1
Menu 40-PKT Rate 1200 baud
Press and hold 'F' (two beeps)

General settings:

Press 'F' momentarily
Power MTRalc (press center button B to change)
Set receive mode to DIG (use MODE buttons on top of radio)

Signalink:

Set all dials to 50%
Switch on

Fire up HRD and load DM780

Fire up HRD and open the DM780 module
Click on 'Options', then select PTT
Ensure PTT is set to 'None' - via soundcard PTT or radio VOX
Then select 'SoundCard'
Make sure the HRD is configured to use the SignaLink sound card (not the PC sound card):

Getting ready for a QSO

Select your desired frequency (at the bottom of the screen), 40 m is a good starting point
Ensure the radio is set the DIG mode (use MODE buttons on the top of the radio)
Your screen should look something like this:

Setting up the Yaesu FT-817 for data mode communication

Trim the transmit and receive levels on the SignaLink

Adjust the RX knob on the Signalink so the waterfall displays good clear data streams. The FT-817 volume knob should have no effect.
When transmitting, adjust the TX knob on the Signalink so that the FT817 bar shows just a few transmission bars (ALxxx). See image on the right.
That's it. You should now be ready to make that first CQ call.

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