[TVARC] Digital Interface/Rig Control Failing with IC-706MKIIG, SignaLinkUSB & WSJT-X
Anthony Hackenberg
anthony.w.hackenberg at gmail.com
Tue Jan 1 02:27:12 EST 2019
Hi Members of TVARC's MailList (especially good in configuring digital
interfaces),
I need help to resolve my digital interface problem. Basically, my
configuration to use digital modes (FT8) on my ICOM IC-706MKIIG will NOT
work. I cannot get PTT to actually put the SignaLinkUSB or the IC-706 into
transmit mode. So, if you got a IC-706MKIIG working with a SignaLinkUSB
controlled by WSJT-X software on a Windows PC, then give me a helping hand.
Read on for more details about my digital interface problem. I would have
put this lengthier part in an attachment but I can never remember if
attachments survive the MailList's automatic processing.
=====================================================================
TO: FILE
FM: Tony Hackenberg/K4QR
DATE: 02:00 01/01/2019
SUBJ: Digital Interface/Rig Control Failing with IC-706MKIIG,
SignaLinkUSB & WSJT-X
=====================================================================================
Hi,
If your digital setup matches mine and it's working, then please help me
find the problem withmy configuration, which consists of an IC-706, a
SignaLinkUSB, and WSJT-X running on a Windows PC.
My problem is that whenever WSJT-X tells the radio to transmit, no
PTT/transmit actually occurs; instead an ugly HamLib error message
appears! Read on for more details; hopefully, somebody
can help me before I pull the few remaining hairs out of my badly balding
head!
In a nutshell, my configuration is:
Amateur radio: ICOM IC-706MKIIG
Digital box: Tigertronics' SignaLinkUSB
Computer: Desktop PC running Windows 10
Software: WSJT-X
In a nutshell, my problem is I cannot get that software (WSJT-X) configured
correctly for that ham rig (ICOM IC-706MKIIG).
In particular, I can receive FT8 signals just fine using this
configuration; however, any attempt to transmit (i.e. clicking
WSJT-X's "Tune" button triggers this ugly HamLib error message:
"Hamlib error: Invalid parameter while setting current VFO mode".
==========================================================================
Here are the details regarding my digital configuration:
========================================================
THE DIGITAL DATA PATH:
----------------------
HARDWARE HF HARDWARE Digital
HAM RADIO Interface Box
=========== ================
ICOM Tigertronics
IC-706MKIIG (ACC*)<=Tigertonics-cable**=>SignaLinkUSB<=usb-cable=>Desktop
PC
Running software:
Windows 10 v1809
WSJT-X v2.0.0 784f75
Notes:
* The "ACC" port is the 13-pin "ACC" (Accessory) socket/jack on the
rear of the IC-706.
One end of the Tigertonics' radio-specific cable plugs into it.
** That radio-specific cable is Tigertronics model# SLCAB13I.
The other end of this radio cable plugs into a jack on the rear of
the SignaLinkUSB.
Inside this SignaLinkUSB is a jumper module (Tigertronics model#
SLMOD13I), which
provides the necessary jumpering of certain pins to tailor this
SignaLink to the specific
radio (an ICOM with 13-pin ACC port).
THE RIG CONTROL (CI-V) PATH:
----------------------------
IC-706MKIIG (CIV*)<-phono-cable->ICOM CIV
(DB25)<=Serial-to-USB-cable**=>(COM3)Desktop PC
(CT-17)* WSJT-X
Notes:
* The "CIV" jack is the CIV-Remote jack on the rear of the IC-706. It
connects via a simple mono phono
cable to one of the phono jacks on the front of ICOM's CI-V unit
(computer level interface). Up to four (4)
ICOM radios can be plugged into these jacks. I currently have two
plugged in (the IC-706 with its
default hex address 58 & an IC-7610 with its default hex address).
** The "Serial-to-USB-cable" is a Dontronics adapter cable using the
FTDI chipset.
One end of this cable connects into DB25/DB9 port on the rear of the
ICOM CIV unit.
The other end connects directly into a USB port on the desktop
computer.
BOTTOM-LINE OF MY DEBUGGING TO-DATE:
====================================
"BAREBONES" SETTINGS WORK (PTT/transmit works; BUT no CAT control)
------------------------------------------------------------------
If I setup WSJT-X with these barebones settings, I can at least get the
SignaLink to put the IC-706 into transmit mode
when I depress WSJT-X's "Tune" button :
WSJT-X > File > Settings >
Radio tab:
Rig: None
PTT method: VOX [Tigertronics recommends this "VOX" selection for all
SignaLinkUSB devices for triggering PTT/transmit]
[Other settings: all other settings are grey-out as a result of
selecting Rig=none]
Depressing WSJT-X's "Tune" button with this setting:
Changes the SignaLink's "PTT" light from green to red; &
Actually puts the IC-706 into TRANSMIT mode!
THUS, these barebones settings (NO rig & VOX PTT) WORK!
(well at least I get the rig to go into transmit mode but I have no
CAT control that WSJT-X should provide once we specify a rig)
"INTUITIVE" SETTINGS FAIL! (PTT/transmit FAILS; Uncertain what degree of
CAT control)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If I setup WSJT-X with these, more intuitive, settings, neither the
SignaLink box nor the HF rig go into transmit mode
when I depress WSJT-X's "Tune" button; instead the HamLib error appears:
WSJT-X > File > Settings >
Radio tab:
Rig: Icom IC-706MKIIG
PTT method: VOX [Tigertronics says SignaLink will to the PTT into
transmit always using the VOX]
Serial Port: COM3
Baud Rate: 9600 [matches what set in the IC-706 & the PC's COM3
port]
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 2
Handshake: None
Force Control Lines:
DTR: [blank]
RTS: [blank]
Transmit Audiot Source:
_-Rear/Data X-Front/mic
[both of these options are greyed-out => unchangeable;
[even though they appear wrong since my configuration uses the
706's rear ACC (13-pin) jack]
Mode:
_-None _-USB X-Data/Pkt
Split Operation:
_-None X-Rig _-Fake it
Curiously, hitting the "Test CAT" button works! [it turns green but stays
that way a long time]
Since the "Test PTT" is greyed-out, you cannot test PTT (transmit) from
this screen.
Depressing WSJT-X's "Tune" button with this setting:
FAILS to do what you'd expect --=
It does NOT cause the SignaLink box's "PTT" light to change (rather
it stubbornly remains green => no PTT/transmit sensed);
It does NOT cause the 706 to go into transmit mode;
However, it DOES these unexpected things ---
It produces a few rapid, staccato "static-like" sounds on the IC-760 &
It causes the IC-760's screen to flip back & forth between two wildly
different frequencies (7.074.00 & 435.xxx MHz)
with each static sound!
A second or two later, the dreaded HamLib error message appears in this
pop-up window:
WSJT-X
Rig Control Error
Do you want to reconfigure the radio interface?
Clicking on the "Show Details" button provides these additional
details:
"Hamlib error: Invalid parameter while setting current VFO
mode"
THUS, these intuitive settings (Rig=IC-706MKIIG, etc.) FAIL! (no PTT; no
transmit)!
MISCELLANEOUS DEBUGGING FINDINGS/CURIOUSITIES:
==============================================
Internet research failed to discover a really good document or video by
anyone showing how to setup something like my configuration.
Internet research told me to disconnect mic & set mic gain to zero.
I tried both of these but no joy (still no PTT/transmit).
Internet research told me to run some "rigcntl" HamLib commands.
Heck, I don't even understand how "HamLib" got installed or where.
I assume the installation of WSJT-X installed HamLib because it needed it.
Entering HamLib commands in a Windows "Command-Prompt" window resulted
in an error message that the command could not be found. I suspect
the Internet advice came from UNIX-like installation, where the user
specifically installed HamLib.
Running other "rig control" software on the same desktop computer.
I ran N3FJP's "Amateur Contact Log" (ACL) software, it successfully
interacts
with the IC-760 via the rig (CI-V) control path. I can change the
freq/mode in this software & it will automatically change it on the rig.
Also, I can change the freq/mode on the rig and it will be reflected
automatically in this ACL software.
Curiously, when running that ACL software, I can NOT get the IC-760 to go
into
transmit mode (via PTT across the CAT rig control/CIV path). When I
press ACL's
When I press ACL's"TX" button (via this navigation path
ACL > Settings > Rig Interface > Load Settings > browse/select
IC706's settings file > TX button)
no PTT occurs (rig does NOT go into transmit mode)!
Although this result (no PTT/transmit via ACL's "TX" button) is
disappointing, I believe it
correlates with this factoid that I also gleamed from the Internet:
ICOM's IC-706 line (the entire line regardless of which flavor)
does NOT support the CI-V command for PTT!
In other words, software can send the PTT command out; but it will
be ignored (or worse) because although
the command is in ICOM's CI-V command reference, the manufacturer
decided not to implement/support it in
their IC-760 line!
Unfortunately, I don't have any other rig control software installed (no
Ham Radio Deluxe, no MixW, no TRX-Mgr, no LOGic);
so, I cannot try these others without some work that might not pay off
considering the possibility of steep
learning curves just to get some of these programs installed and
working.
Use the other ACC port (6-pin DIN jack) on the IC-760.
My interenet research resulted in one hit where the person's
configuration was very close to mine;
but he/she used the 6-pin port/jack on the IC-760 (whereas I am using
the 13-pin one).
They claimed it's working fine without any problems.
I would need to order another Tigertronics radio-specific cable with the
6-pin plug.
Also, I would like to order their corresponding jumper module to avoid
the hassle of placing the individual jumper pins/wires.
Both these items are not cheap.
So, I'd like to hear more feedback before pursuing this alternative.
Maybe the Tigertronics radio-specific cable (13-pin ACC) is defective?
I don't have another such cable to try.
Maybe the Tigertronics radio-specific jumper module is defective?
I don't have another such module to try.
My eyesight isn't up to dealing with the individual jumper pins/wires
that they also sent with the unit.
===========================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================
Ok, this has gotten too lengthy already. So, I've run out of ideas and
debugging tactics.
BOTTOM-LINE: So far, I can get PTT/transmit working (with the SignaLinkUSB
triggering it via it's magical interaction
with the rig's VOX); yet, I have NO CAT rig-control) via the "barebones"
settings in WSJT-X.
Since I don't see how you could operate effectively on FT8 (or other
digital modes) without some additional CAT rig
control, I need somebody's help in getting my configuration problem
resolved.
Anxiously awaiting a response from that somebody.
73 & *HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!*
Tony
TVARC Member
Call sign: K4QR
Email: anthony.w.hackenberg at gmail.com
P.S. In case an attachment does survive the Maillist's
auto-processing/scrubbing, I've attached the above detailed problem
description as a Microsoft Notepad text (*.txt) file. It maybe easier to
read as it's formatting may be preserved better.
-------------- next part --------------
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-------------- next part --------------
TO: FILE
FM: Tony Hackenberg/K4QR
DATE: 02:00 01/01/2019
SUBJ: Digital Interface/Rig Control Failing with IC-706MKIIG, SignaLinkUSB & WSJT-X
=====================================================================================
Hi,
If your digital setup matches mine and it's working, then please help me find the problem with
my configuration, which consists of an IC-706, a SignaLinkUSB, and WSJT-X running on a Windows PC.
My problem is that whenever WSJT-X tells the radio to transmit, no PTT/transmit actually occurs;
instead an ugly HamLib error message appears! Read on for more details; hopefully, somebody
can help me before I pull the few remaining hairs out of my badly balding head!
In a nutshell, my configuration is:
Amateur radio rig: ICOM IC-706MKIIG
Digital box: Tigertronics' SignaLinkUSB
Computer: Desktop PC running Windows 10
Software: WSJT-X
In a nutshell, my problem is I cannot get that software (WSJT-X) configured correctly for that ham rig (ICOM IC-706MKIIG).
In particular, I can receive FT8 signals just fine using this configuration; however, any attempt to transmit (i.e. clicking
WSJT-X's "Tune" button triggers this ugly HamLib error message:
"Hamlib error: Invalid parameter while setting current VFO mode".
==========================================================================
Here are the details regarding my digital configuration:
========================================================
THE DIGITAL DATA PATH:
----------------------
HARDWARE HF HARDWARE Digital
HAM RADIO Interface Box
=========== ================
ICOM Tigertronics
IC-706MKIIG (ACC*)<=Tigertonics-cable**=>SignaLinkUSB<=usb-cable=>Desktop PC
Running software:
Windows 10 v1809
WSJT-X v2.0.0 784f75
Notes:
* The "ACC" port is the 13-pin "ACC" (Accessory) socket/jack on the rear of the IC-706.
One end of the Tigertonics' radio-specific cable plugs into it.
** That radio-specific cable is Tigertronics model# SLCAB13I.
The other end of this radio cable plugs into a jack on the rear of the SignaLinkUSB.
Inside this SignaLinkUSB is a jumper module (Tigertronics model# SLMOD13I), which
provides the necessary jumpering of certain pins to tailor this SignaLink to the specific
radio (an ICOM with 13-pin ACC port).
THE RIG CONTROL (CI-V) PATH:
----------------------------
IC-706MKIIG (CIV*)<-phono-cable->ICOM CIV (DB25)<=Serial-to-USB-cable**=>(COM3)Desktop PC
(CT-17)* WSJT-X
Notes:
* The "CIV" jack is the CIV-Remote jack on the rear of the IC-706. It connects via a simple mono phono
cable to one of the phono jacks on the front of ICOM's CI-V unit (computer level interface). Up to four (4)
ICOM radios can be plugged into these jacks. I currently have two plugged in (the IC-706 with its
default hex address 58 & an IC-7610 with its default hex address).
** The "Serial-to-USB-cable" is a Dontronics adapter cable using the FTDI chipset.
One end of this cable connects into DB25/DB9 port on the rear of the ICOM CIV unit.
The other end connects directly into a USB port on the desktop computer.
BOTTOM-LINE OF MY DEBUGGING TO-DATE:
====================================
"BAREBONES" SETTINGS WORK (PTT/transmit works; BUT no CAT control)
------------------------------------------------------------------
If I setup WSJT-X with these barebones settings, I can at least get the SignaLink to put the IC-706 into transmit mode
when I depress WSJT-X's "Tune" button :
WSJT-X > File > Settings >
Radio tab:
Rig: None
PTT method: VOX [Tigertronics recommends this "VOX" selection for all SignaLinkUSB devices for triggering PTT/transmit]
[Other settings: all other settings are grey-out as a result of selecting Rig=none]
Depressing WSJT-X's "Tune" button with this setting:
Changes the SignaLink's "PTT" light from green to red; &
Actually puts the IC-706 into TRANSMIT mode!
THUS, these barebones settings (NO rig & VOX PTT) WORK!
(well at least I get the rig to go into transmit mode but I have no
CAT control that WSJT-X should provide once we specify a rig)
"INTUITIVE" SETTINGS FAIL! (PTT/transmit FAILS; Uncertain what degree of CAT control)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If I setup WSJT-X with these, more intuitive, settings, neither the SignaLink box nor the HF rig go into transmit mode
when I depress WSJT-X's "Tune" button; instead the HamLib error appears:
WSJT-X > File > Settings >
Radio tab:
Rig: Icom IC-706MKIIG
PTT method: VOX [Tigertronics says SignaLink will to the PTT into transmit always using the VOX]
Serial Port: COM3
Baud Rate: 9600 [matches what set in the IC-706 & the PC's COM3 port]
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 2
Handshake: None
Force Control Lines:
DTR: [blank]
RTS: [blank]
Transmit Audiot Source:
_-Rear/Data X-Front/mic
[both of these options are greyed-out => unchangeable;
[even though they appear wrong since my configuration uses the 706's rear ACC (13-pin) jack]
Mode:
_-None _-USB X-Data/Pkt
Split Operation:
_-None X-Rig _-Fake it
Curiously, hitting the "Test CAT" button works! [it turns green but stays that way a long time]
Since the "Test PTT" is greyed-out, you cannot test PTT (transmit) from this screen.
Depressing WSJT-X's "Tune" button with this setting:
FAILS to do what you'd expect --=
It does NOT cause the SignaLink box's "PTT" light to change (rather it stubbornly remains green => no PTT/transmit sensed);
It does NOT cause the 706 to go into transmit mode;
However, it DOES these unexpected things ---
It produces a few rapid, staccato "static-like" sounds on the IC-760 &
It causes the IC-760's screen to flip back & forth between two wildly different frequencies (7.074.00 & 435.xxx MHz)
with each static sound!
A second or two later, the dreaded HamLib error message appears in this pop-up window:
WSJT-X
Rig Control Error
Do you want to reconfigure the radio interface?
Clicking on the "Show Details" button provides these additional details:
"Hamlib error: Invalid parameter while setting current VFO mode"
THUS, these intuitive settings (Rig=IC-706MKIIG, etc.) FAIL! (no PTT; no transmit)!
MISCELLANEOUS DEBUGGING FINDINGS/CURIOUSITIES:
==============================================
Internet research failed to discover a really good document or video by
anyone showing how to setup something like my configuration.
Internet research told me to disconnect mic & set mic gain to zero.
I tried both of these but no joy (still no PTT/transmit).
Internet research told me to run some "rigcntl" HamLib commands.
Heck, I don't even understand how "HamLib" got installed or where.
I assume the installation of WSJT-X installed HamLib because it needed it.
Entering HamLib commands in a Windows "Command-Prompt" window resulted
in an error message that the command could not be found. I suspect
the Internet advice came from UNIX-like installation, where the user
specifically installed HamLib.
Running other "rig control" software on the same desktop computer.
I ran N3FJP's "Amateur Contact Log" (ACL) software, it successfully interacts
with the IC-760 via the rig (CI-V) control path. I can change the
freq/mode in this software & it will automatically change it on the rig.
Also, I can change the freq/mode on the rig and it will be reflected
automatically in this ACL software.
Curiously, when running that ACL software, I can NOT get the IC-760 to go into
transmit mode (via PTT across the CAT rig control/CIV path). When I press ACL's
When I press ACL's"TX" button (via this navigation path
ACL > Settings > Rig Interface > Load Settings > browse/select IC706's settings file > TX button)
no PTT occurs (rig does NOT go into transmit mode)!
Although this result (no PTT/transmit via ACL's "TX" button) is disappointing, I believe it
correlates with this factoid that I also gleamed from the Internet:
ICOM's IC-706 line (the entire line regardless of which flavor) does NOT support the CI-V command for PTT!
In other words, software can send the PTT command out; but it will be ignored (or worse) because although
the command is in ICOM's CI-V command reference, the manufacturer decided not to implement/support it in
their IC-760 line!
Unfortunately, I don't have any other rig control software installed (no Ham Radio Deluxe, no MixW, no TRX-Mgr, no LOGic);
so, I cannot try these others without some work that might not pay off considering the possibility of steep
learning curves just to get some of these programs installed and working.
Use the other ACC port (6-pin DIN jack) on the IC-760.
My interenet research resulted in one hit where the person's configuration was very close to mine;
but he/she used the 6-pin port/jack on the IC-760 (whereas I am using the 13-pin one).
They claimed it's working fine without any problems.
I would need to order another Tigertronics radio-specific cable with the 6-pin plug.
Also, I would like to order their corresponding jumper module to avoid the hassle of placing the individual jumper pins/wires.
Both these items are not cheap.
So, I'd like to hear more feedback before pursuing this alternative.
Maybe the Tigertronics radio-specific cable (13-pin ACC) is defective?
I don't have another such cable to try.
Maybe the Tigertronics radio-specific jumper module is defective?
I don't have another such module to try.
My eyesight isn't up to dealing with the individual jumper pins/wires that they also sent with the unit.
===========================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================
===========================================================================================================
Ok, this has gotten too lengthy already. So, I've run out of ideas and debugging tactics.
BOTTOM-LINE: So far, I can get PTT/transmit working (with the SignaLinkUSB triggering it via it's magical interaction
with the rig's VOX); yet, I have NO CAT rig-control) via the "barebones" settings in WSJT-X.
Since I don't see how you could operate effectively on FT8 (or other digital modes) without some additional CAT rig
control, I need somebody's help in getting my configuration problem resolved.
Anxiously awaiting a response from that somebody.
73 & HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019
Tony
Call sign: K4QR
Email: anthony.w.hackenberg at gmail.com
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