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I'm really thick

Posted: 02 Oct 2021, 18:17
by Ant
and need a little help.

I have an FT-897 and I want to have a go at FT-8 or something. I've downloaded WSJT-X and have a data cable which fits in the USB socket on my laptop. The other end has the mini din for the data connection and it has two unmarked 3.5mm jacks.

Anyway I've looked at the settings etc and I'm like whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat. Haven't a clue what I'm doing :o

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 07:14
by Alan Pilot
Don't think your radio has a built in sound card has it.
You will need to read up a bit on what you need.
Something like this (first one i found) is what you want to connect your radio to the computer.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265272011327 ... SwmCxfomAq

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 12:00
by Ant
I've got one of these, it came with this radio but I've never used it. Fits in the data mini din port.

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Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 03 Oct 2021, 18:13
by acs
I used a simliar cable to connect my FT450 to a laptop for run FT8.

The information at this link may be of some interest



I had use a USB sound card as the laptop sound card would not provide a stable output signal. (abt £4 of Ebay)

It may take a little research but someone will have posted their setting.
73's

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 04 Oct 2021, 09:19
by Ant
Thanks, will take a look at it. Meanwhile had a go with my 991. Connected but can't make head nor tail of it :lol:

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 04 Oct 2021, 12:39
by acs

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 05 Oct 2021, 06:28
by Alan Pilot
A m8 had that cable with a ft-450 and after watching a video for the settings for ft-8 he just had to swap the small plugs round then he put a label on them how the manufacture should have done.

With the 991a i just followed this video and it worked first time.

Re: I'm really thick

Posted: 05 Oct 2021, 08:48
by Ant
Thanks guys, I managed to get that far, then was having issues which I think are due to RFI, so I've borrowed a lead from elsewhere which has ferrites, but I'm going to have to get some more ferrite cores.

Doing well so far with the FT-991, even on 5 watts. I'm using a DX Commander vertical.