Mobilinkd vs DigiRig vs SignaLink and more - Digital Series Part IV
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- Опубликовано: 18 июн 2024
- In this episode, I'll share with you my experience using the Mobilinkd TNC, DigiRig Mobile, SignaLink USB, DigiLink Nano, APRS-K1 cable and the Sabrent USB digital mode interfaces. We'll even look at these radios: Baofeng UV-5R, Yaesu FT-60R, FTM-6000R, FT-2980R, FT-857D and FT-818.
0:00 Introduction
1:27 Mobilinkd TNC
5:56 DigiRig Mobile
9:51 SignaLink USB
12:35 DigiLink Nano
16:28 APRS-K1 Cable
17:58 Sabrent USB Sound Card
19:49 Summary
GEAR
- Mobilink TNC - store.mobilinkd.com/products/...
- DigiRig - amzn.to/3QkifOe
- USB C-to-A Cable for DigiRig - amzn.to/3NqmRkz
- SingaLink USB - www.tigertronics.com/slusbmai...
- DigiLink Nano - www.hb9zhk.ch/
- OTG cable for Android - amzn.to/3PtNRkT
- APRS-K1 Cable - amzn.to/39xGBUs
- Sabrent USB - amzn.to/3FU77DP
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#thetechprepper #mobilinkd #digirig #signalink #digilink #comms #hamradio #prepper #yaesu #baofeng
This series has been really enjoyable and informative. I can definitely tell that you have put a lot of work into this topic, and I look forward to getting my manpack out in the field and I will definitely continue to support your channel.
Thank you, Jose. It's been a fun ride and challenge at times to solve real-world problems using amateur radio equipment. I'll keep sharing as long as people are still interested. I am not done yet.
This is a great series. Even though I haven’t tx even one digital signal yet I’m gathering tools and information to start that journey. Between you and Julian the amount of knowledge you guys are sharing is phenomenal. Thanks again and I’m looking forward to a digital qso with you someday.
I'm glad you found the series useful. You may want to check out my latest video as it is related to making radio easy for humans. I named it badly, but it's called Repeaters for Dummies. In that video, I show off some new software that I am writing to make operations easier. Good luck with your license. I'd love to schedule a QSO once you're on HF.
Very good info! I have been using the Signalink USB with no problems but am now looking at the DigiRig for portable use.
Personally, I like these two systems. One for the shack and when mobile. I hope you enjoy the DigiRig if you decided to get one. Cheers!
Thanks for your video. I definitely appreciate the content that you share on your channel.
Just picked up a ft857 and hope to get my setup similar to what you have done. Looking forward to the next video
That's a great radio. It's my favorite radio. I hope that Yaesu announces an actual replacement at Dayton that does not weigh 8 lbs. Enjoy it and good luck with build.
Good review, and glad you tried out the Digirig. I'm considering changing my "TTP mobile pack" to a newer (v1.9) Digirig instead of carrying around the DRA-50, and moving the DRA-50 to a hard-case go box I am building for event deployments.
I really like what you've told me about the DRA-500 in the past, but the DigiRig Mobile v1.9 is proving to be a good match with the the FTM-6000R manpack for field use. In all honesty, the older FT-8900 will likely be my new daily driver. Please let me know if you encounter any RFI issues on TX. I don't want to steer people in the wrong direction.
Good sir, outstanding video thank you for all you input, I sure do learn a lot from you and all your great content, and I appreciate very much .
I use HT's at work all the time and I enjoy it a lot especially when we have a great production day...
I am thinking about getting my HAM license, however watching the contact videos, I have realized it do not interest me very much.
My friends and I will plan then execute bug out to location drills, using radios as we would split up for the drill. I also use my radio whilst camping .
I will also use my HT's if my friends and I are driving somewhere and there will be multiple vehicle's..
I definately agree with you that the signalink is a shack only device. I dropped mine when I first got it and broke one of the knobs off the board. ended up trying to resolder it back onto the board but could not. but I was able to solder some small wires on to contacts of the knob and found spots on the board to reconnect. then I hot glued it down and reinforced the rest with hot glue. I switched to the digirig haven't had any problems. good video showing what's out there.
Sorry to hear that but it sounds like you fixed it. I took my SignaLink USB out for Summer Field Day 2020 and a few SOTA activations and nearly broke off the controls like you did. I was even carrying it in one of my wife's Tupperware containers. I finally tried out all the devices shown in this video. Thanks for the view and comment. Enjoy that shinny new DigiRig!
I just received my digirig 1.9, which I purchased after watching one of your videos! 73
Fantastic! Please report back. Which radio(s) and digital modes are you planning on using? Enjoy.
Great video. Thank you for inspiring me to become a Prepper. I just started my channel and uploaded my first video. You’re one of my favorite Preppers. God bless you and your family.
Glad you enjoyed it. And, welcome to the preparedness scene. Good luck with your channel. Be safe!
Always like the info you share.
Much appreciated. Sharing is caring ;-)
I have all of those except the digirig. I think I need to get a digirig now. Very fair assessment of everything in your video. I personally had connection issues with my mobilnkd 3. The first cable I received from them was junk, where it would only work, if I spun the cable just right. But the second one worked just fine.
The only issue I see with the DigiRig is how to interface it with a phone. I am trying to solve this. If you plan to get a radio to connect to a computer, I highly recommend it.
As a ham, vol firefighter, and an emcomm enthusiast, I'm glad I found this channel - great stuff! Looking forward to getting off TDC with digital data, and will be diving into manpacks as well. Also looking forward to seeing how your #ATAK journey goes when you jump back into that rabbit hole.
Welcome to the channel. Nice avatar. I grew up watching Home Improvement.Good luck with your manpack journey. I did a 5-part series on my various manpacks build. Have a good one.
@@TheTechPrepper Thanks! Definitely going through the manpack series, but you have a ton of great stuff on here, the more I dig! Oh yeah, back on the ATAK stuff... they're planning on releasing TAK-X, which is supposed to be multi-platform, including Linux! Hopefully that'll make it easier to integrate with the X6100 and your EmComm Tools! They said at one time, release likely Q4 2022, which probably means Q2 or 3 2023... at the speed of gov, right? 🤣
@@firstmighk Haha. I am working at their speed, too. But, I have a day job. Thanks for the update. ATAK has been on the back burner in terms of my todo's
Good reviews. Ordering a DigiRig today for portable VHF. I use a Signalink in the shack for VHF. Shack HF radios have built in sound cards but I use a Digimode-4 with my Xiegu G90 for portable HF. Thanks. Jack K5FIT
Morning, Jack. The SignaLink and DigiRig are both great. I have fully moved off the SignaLink and I'm running 5 DigiRig's at the moment. Although, I am keeping the SignaLink around as I like its monitoring capabilities and the ability to adjust a number of settings from the front panel. Enjoy your new DigiRig.
😊glad you mentioned Sabrent, cheap effective soundcard great alternative to the antiquated Signalink device for most applications
Absolutely fantastic analysis!🔥
😆🥰👍 heck yeah
Stay Prepped up!
Looking forward to that♡
Thank you. I have received so many questions on my Instagram/Twitter posts regarding one or more of these devices that it just made sense to make a quick video based on my experiences. Take care, HamFam.
Excellent Information. Subscribed.
Welcome aboard!
Excellent! 👏👏👏👏👏
Thank you! Cheers!
Great stuff.
Thank you, Malen. You may have edited your comment, but for your use case, I would recommend the Mobilinkd TNC if you have packet infrastructure in your area. It also works with your mobile phone, tablet and computer. The DigiRig is nice if you want to experiment with other digital modes and don't mind using a computer.
I have the digilink nano. I love the little device. Also congrats on 2 years. I’ll have 2 years on June 10th. 73 W5JBL
Thanks. Glad to see other new hams like myself on the air. Which radio are using with the DigiLink?
@@TheTechPrepper I use the yaesu FT891 in a self contained gobox with internal battery and ATU. And my ELecraft KX2
This is going to be Good!!!
I've been using the Signalink USB for HF VARA and ARDOP as well as VHF packet and VARA FM. With the plug in module the Signalink USB will do 1200 packet or VARA narrow, but for 9600 packet or VARA wide you would have to use the short jumper wires. I've used them without any issues. I also have a Kantronics KPC3+ on my packet gateway and one in my go kit, and I have a Mobilinkd TNC3 for my backpack go kit for packet.
Thanks for pointing out the 9600 packet support on the SignaLink. I need to look into that. I was a heavy user of the SignaLink on HF using ARDOP for Winlink. The standard digital modes such as FT8, JS8Call, etc. also worked without issue. 73's
Looking forward to your upcoming video on encryption. It's kind of funny really where some people get so bent out of shape about just *talking* about a topic to explore it. One of the backbones of amateur radio is experimentation and 'seeing what you can do'. For as many excellent HAMs as there are out there, there are also the HAM Karens and the 'wanna be' HAM cops.
Nowadays we're hooking our radios to computers and using purely digital modes anyway. From a purely theoretical perspective it should be well within the limits of even 'non-powerful' computers (like a raspberry pi, even) to encrypt a bitstream as it's being pushed out to the audio bus. Or even passing an email through PGP (like we did back in the day) before handing it off to WinLink to send out.
I find the FCC definition interesting as it is purely based on 'intent' and having a publicly available schema. I mean technically... Base64 or UUencode could be valid transport methods for handling a bitstream intended for amateur airwaves. As long as the intent was for... increased efficiency (or something), rather than an intent of obfuscation. And 'technically' passing a digitized audio stream through an AES 256 algorithm could be viewed as 'legal' - as long as the intent was for 'bit integrity' (or something) and you published the 'decryption key' (decoding mechanism?) publicly in some dark and unused corner of github or something. When you get right down to it, even the most mundane encoding scheme (like pig-latin or something, LOL) is encryption, if you don't know the decode mechanism. Then again - D-Star 'technically' falls into the encryption category (and as I understand it, it's illegal for amateur use in some countries). And what about D-Star/DMR/YSF (or even raw voice) that goes into a hotspot and through the internet - and gets passed through an encrypted VPN tunnel somewhere along it's journey.
But then again... I don't have a RUclips channel where the world gets to see everything I do. Heh
Anyway... definitely looking forward to hear what you have to say on the topic!
You certainly win the most useful and productive comment of the year award. I agree with everything you stated. I am sure that this topic will ruffle a few ham feathers, but I am a firm believer in talking about topics that are of general interest do the preparedness community even if it is taboo in certain circles. At the end of the day, we are all adults and need to make our own decisions on when to employee certain tactics. I have not yet decided how much to share or how much I will be "planting the seed" in terms of generalized approach. Thanks again!
I'm sorry for being late to this party. I just found this channel a few days ago. Privacy and security of our smartphones has been a concern for quite a few years now. End to end encryption for text and email has become quite common. Doing so from your smartphone ( rf frequencies)is not an issue with the FCC, but heaven forbid that an amateur radio operator use encryption.
Informative video.. good to options for a change..side note on the Baofeng,, I believe you can turn the “tail” off in programming from the radio.. I may be incorrect but
Thanks for the info! I'll have to double check, but last I recall it still had a tail.
Subscribed and all notifications!
I love your perspective on comms, focused on usability and practicality , not fancy and bling.
I'm not sure which video to comment, as many are relevant for my comms needs.
My station today is a Icom M506 marine VHF, and a Icom IC-706mk2g with RTL-SDR signal tap, opened to all freq's.
I Have a ROC international marine HF and VHF license, and I'm getting a radio amateur license soon.
Today, I cannot transmit on amateur bands(no license) and not on marine bands (radio not licensed).
I use the Icom IC-706 just to scan Marine emergency freq's. Antennas are 9 meter backstay antenna for HF, tuned by a Icom AT-140. At about 60 degree angle. And for VHF i have a 1/2 wave dipole, at the top of the mast. (16m). Plus a backup 15m inverted V dipole and some directional VHF and UHF antennas.
I will be buying a licenced Marine HF station for the boat to be legal, question is whether to open this on all HF bands (but not modes), or to have a rig like IC-706/7000/7100 too.
I need a rig to carry on hunting trips away from the boat. Need to communicate with the boat on NVIS (Norwegian mountain terrain) and with my hunting buddies on 430-450mhz licence free hunting radios. If this rig could also be used at home to communicate with the boat at up to 1000 mile range (first or second impact skywave) it would be great. I was planning to upgrade the HF rig in the boat and use the 706' as a carry, but looking at your experience with the Yaezu 718 and 818, I wouldn't mind loosing 3 pounds of radio. Just really like Icom's...
I was a Jeger (hunter/ranger) HF and VHF comms operator in the Norwegian army 20 yrs ago, but know nothing about today's digital modes. I would really like to dynamically share positions and short messages between 3-4 hunters on 430-450mhz, and to send position back to the boat on NVIS. In the boat I could have lots of equip but hunting, every ounce has to be carried, so less is more.
I've been looking at ATAK and the PiRaTn Raspberry Pi Zero interface, but will follow your EmComms project closely.
I have loads of RPi-3+ and RPi-Zero W's
My buddies has been looking at the TTGO T-BEAM radios and ATAK combo too.
I'm grateful for any thoughts or ideas about my setup.
Welcome to the channel. Glad to hear my content is of interest to you. I do not have any experience with marine radios, but you do have one of the best radios for preparedness--the IC-706MkII. I am a huge fan of all band, all-mode rigs. That radio is similar in capabilities to my FT-857D manpack. You may want to consider adding the ARMOLOQ TPA pack frames to your IC-706. Like the FT-857D, the IC-706 is a heavy radio, but it is easily man portable. My actually preference is the Yaesu FT-818ND in a manpack configuration if you're able to carry out your communications with 6 watts. I use mine for NVIS on 40m and 80m with good success all the time. Here's a recent video that shows it of: ruclips.net/video/-pKLZCuWZY4/видео.html
My project shares a lot of features with ATAK, but is more amateur radio focused. That project is delayed with no release time due my day job, family, life and RUclips. ATAK is worth exploring and a good fit for small teams. Take a look at the HAMMER plugin. To share positions another option is APRS. I highly recommend looking into the Mobilinkd TNC3 for your HT and/or mobile radio and using the APRSDroid or aprs.fi. I've done many videos on the Mobilinkd TNC on my channel.
Good luck.
@@TheTechPrepper APRS is on my list, as AIS position data is sent over APRS in norway.
I'll look at your other recommendations too. Thanks a bunch!
I've decided on a Icom IC-M802 Marine HF. This can , when unlocked , transmit at 125W on 10 to 160 meter bands in LSB/USB mode. This works for comms to hunters, and winlink+ wheatherfax with my pactor modem.
(i loose NOAA sattelite images ++ as they transmit on 137Mhz just below 2 meter.)
So the 706 will get a ARMOLOQ chassis. (thanks!)
But.. I looked at this:
Radio Wheight Watts Rx amps
Icom IC-706mkIIg 2,46kg 100W 1,8-2A
Icom IC-7000 2,3kg 100W 1,3-1,6A
Icom IC-7100 2,8kg 100W 0,9-1,2A
Icom IC-705 1,1kg 10W 0,3-0,5A
Yaesu FT-857 2,1kg 100W 0,55-1A
Yaesu FT-818 0,9kg 6W 0,25-0,45A
So.. IF I can get by with a low-power rig for NVIS in Scandinavian conditions AND I can afford it , I might take a look at the Icom IC-705. But that 818' is one sleek affordable package....
If I want a full power rig , I get more than double battery life with a Yaesu FT-857, compared to the 706. And half sized solar panel..
I love Icom radios , and I can unlock any Icom to Rx/Tx on all possible frequencies. Im not familiar with Yaesu's, and my carry rig must Tx at 446Mhz.
But it would be sweet if the 818 or 857 worked for me. I would save 1,5-3 kilos in weight (radio+battert+solar).
Well, I'm getting M802, so soon i have a legal and working solution in the boat + the 706 in a bag. Next is getting the exam.
Then try to get hands on a FT-818 and try it. But now, I'll read the Ham book I bought today! Thanks again for your thoughts.
@@ovejohansen77 Sounds like you have a solid plan. Definitely to take a look at the IC-705 it is modern and loaded with the features. The FT-818ND is based on the older FT-817 and is showing its age. Personally, I can't use the IC-705 as I would destroy it in the backcountry, but it may be perfect for you. Good luck!
Thanks for the review and comparisons. So would you say to avoid getting the TNC altogether? If was to do it again, would you just go digiRig only even for the HT’s? Am assuming it works w the HT? Thanks in advance.
I keep all my manuals for everything I own, not just my radios, but my vehicles, tv’s etc… all in pdf format on my IPad. All available at a fingers touch
Nice to hear feedback about all your devices. Besides all the common digital modes, I definitely want to set up for win link. Looking to get an 891 with Digirig. Curious as to what sort of laptop and operating system you are using. Considering using windows, just don’t know what type of laptop/computer set up
Go with the computer and operating system that you are most comfortable using and run the software that meets your specific needs. For most people, this tends to be Windows 10. If you're a technical person and don't mind tinkering, Linux is a good choice. Personally, I run Ubuntu Linux on an old Panasonic CF-20 Toughbook from 2008. Amateur radio software runs great on older hardware.
@#thetechprepper Great review! Thank you! I really like the Mobilinkd TNC for APRS and Packet Winlink operation, but have been unable to find a configuration to operate packet BBS. Any recommendations? Thanks!
I Live in Germany an have Buy one of the Digilink Nano for my FT-818. I habe Subscribe Your RUclips Chanel. Good Stuff.
Cheers from the U.S. The FT-818 and DigiLink Nano are a great combination. They're both great small packages. Enjoy.
Tools not Toys, something to live by. I always try to work with professional grade equipment, as it is always more reliable and dependable than typical 'ham' gear.
I'm by no means a prepper, but I do believe in using good quality, well tested and proven equipment. This is why I mainly use professional grade radio kit, especially for VHF/UHF. Thanks for the video, very useful and interesting. Stay well, de M0PIR Jordan.
it sounds like you have of a preparedness mindset. It never hurts to invest in good tools. What type of professional grade radio kit? I have been looking into some LMR options that fall into the amateur radio spectrum.
@@TheTechPrepper Being an engineer, I like to know that what I use is strong, reliable and will put up with anything I make it do. I tend to stick with Motorola or Icom professional radios. Motorola is an excellent brand to work with. The equipment is rugged, Hardy and widely available as well. Although the radios are single band only, they provide excellent filtering and sensitivity. I haven't managed to desense the front end on my Moto VHF radios (portable and mobile) and believe me, I've tried!
I'm not sure on US model numbers, they are different to UK but I stand by the DM4601/DP4601 (D denotes Digital, the M & P denote Mobile & Portable respectively). Feature rich but not complicated to use in the field
@@jordesclark Any thoughts on Hytera? I've heard that the Motorola's have a steep learning curve for the programming software. I'm looking at experimenting with LMR.
great info
Glad it was helpful!
I am enjoying a lot of your videos, and I want to thank you for taking the time to do them. In this one, though, I am not quite sure how you are using the little usb sound card, so where could I learn more about that?
It's been years since I've used the Sabrent USB. They're a few dollars on Amazon, but the audio cables to connect to your computer run $30-40 on eBay. KM4ACK was the one who introduced me to it originally. Search his channel for: Sabrent USB.
Great video! If I have a radio that has Bluetooth and a driver recognized by windows and the radio and can cat control the radio by telling windows it is a kenwood radio (its an fx4cr), can I use vara instead of a digirig or other similar device?
Excellent video, as always. Where did you get your case for your mobilinkd?
Thank you. I have no idea. I believe it was some kind of earphone case from a decade ago. It had a foam insert that I removed. It is the perfect size for the Mobilinkd, USB cable, HT cable and even room for a couple of coax adapters.
What are your settings on the VX-6R for the Mobilinkd? I have the V4 and not sure what is the issue. Driving me nuts that I can't get it to TX. I got it to work once on my Kenwood TH-F6a but that's it....arghhhhh.
Gee Thanks, now I had to order a digirig. Why oh why do you make me buy all these things.
No really, another good review of devices. I have the TNC3 set up on my manpack. Can't wait to try this out.
I do what I can. I'm Batman. ;-) At least you're ahead of the pack and already have a TNC3.
Have you used the the Digirig for SSB QSO recording of Rx and Tx for the FT-857D?
Sort of. I did a video where I demonstrated using an SDR and Audacity to record audio over RF. The same technique works with a DigiRig. However, I have only done this when the radio is acting as a dedicated recording station. For example, I'll leave my 857D at the shack recording (sound activated) and will climb a nearby peak with my 818. The 857 records my SSB contacts remotely..
OH man just wait till you get into ATAK, the HD satellite maps you can get ahold of to run completely standalone are amazing. Then there's also a plugin for ATAK called HAMMER which uses APRS-esque sounds to send messages and location information to other ATAK users in your group that's been setup. ATAK and winlink is what primarily sent me down this rabbit-hole of digital comms.
The DIGILINK may be best for that since it's hardwired and no bluebooth and one less battery to worry about. Your little note about encryption will be handy for atak and hammer as well I'm sure.
Thanks for mentioning HAMMER. I dabbled with HAMMER and a recent version of ATAK last year. I had to put the exploration on hold as I did not have time for another rabbit hole. When I revisit ATAK, I may look into porting portions of my EmComm Tools project as plugins. The TAK ecosystem is amazing tech. Take it easy.
I want to get into this too
Quick question about your FTM-6000R and DigiRig. @9:14, you mention you use the 6-pin cable to interface with your FTM-6000. My FTM-6000R does not have a 6-pin plug. In the back, it has a 10-pin data plug. So, do you use the 'Data Cable (MDIN10 pin to MDIN6 pin)' CT-164 adapter cable to make this work? Or did you mean to say you use the 10-pin cable from DigiRig?
There are two options. I was an early prototype tester. Initially, I used the 10-pin to 6-pin adapter along with the Yaesu 8xx data cable from DigiRig. Later Denis from DigiRig created a 10-pin data cable. Personally, I still use the adapter cable as it allows me to standardize on the Yaesu 8xx cables for all my Yaesu rigs.
Will the digirig work with echolink?
Are you using the Digirig with the Yaesu VX-6R? If you are-What cable are you using? Really want to pick one up-just not sure of which cable. Thanks again for the great content!
There isn't a cable available yet. I contacted the DigiRig creator specifically about the line of Yaesu HT radios like the VX-6R that use the threaded-style TRRS connector. He said he was looking into it. I would send him an email so that he knows that others are interested.
@@TheTechPrepper absolutely will do. Thanks for the response!
Unfortunately I have the first generation of the Tigertronics unit and is not compatible with some of the faster digital modes. Real bummer is there is no update modification for replacing the two internal transformers with the smaller units which allow use of the faster modes.
You are allowed to encrypt on a frequency that has been assigned to you. No encryption allowed on Amateur, GMRS, MURS, FRS.
If I have the Digirig do I need the mobilnkd?
Very good info. I am a Yaesu Die Hard individual. So my question is what is the best option for VX8DR and FT 857D Yaesu Radios for sending text messages and emails via HAM Radio frequencies? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks a lot, 73
Personally, I have had great success with DigiRig Mobile on all my radios. You can interface the DigiRig with most radio just by swapping the cables out. I run my FT-857D with the 8xx cable. I don't believe there are any cables yet for the VX8, so you may want to contact Denis, the owner. I have a have a VX8, but have never used it for digital.
Trying to get the Digirig working with my ICOM 2730a. I have a mobilinkd that works and the cable doesn't seem compatible with the Digirig so I'm troubleshooting that. I love playing with these radios. Part of the hobby
The Mobilinkd cable is likely not compatible. None of my Yaesu cables for the Mobilinkd had the same pin out for the DigiRig. Good luck!
@@TheTechPrepper I figured that out. I can't even get the cable that I got for my ht with the digi to ptt right now. Maybe it's the software.
@@TheTechPrepper is there a way to set up the yaesu like with the mobilinkd? I know I had to change it to multiplex.
@@chunkylover54 Yes. I have used the Mobilinkd TNC with a number of Yaesu radios that use the 6-pin MiniDIN data port (818, 857 and 6000).
The digirig sounds interesting, but I'm a bit confused poking around their website. Are the jumpers inside the actual unit different for different radios where if you use it on an FT-857D, IC7100, and Baefeng HT...not only do you need 3 sets of rig to digirig cables at $30+ a set, but completely different digirigs themselves. Requiring 3 separate $50 units, dedicated to each rig. They also neglect to mention how long the "short" cables are...only mention how long the "standard" ones are. Rather significant oversight.
Just a question. I have per-ordered the mobilinkd TNC-4 want to know if you can do simple packet with it. When I got into Ham Radio I Ywas most interested in the digital modes. Any ideas to help me out. My HT's are Baofeng BF-F8HP, ICOM ID-51A and YAESU FT3D.
Yes, you can do simple packet with it. I have connected to packet BBSes, used Winlink over packet, APRS and even used the low level AX.25 library under Linux with the gen 2 and 3. I have gen 4 on the way, too. Enjoy!
@@TheTechPrepper Thanks. Ant guide I can use or one of your RUclips videos. I guess I should dig out some of my programming book. The only thng holding me back is for Mobilinkd to ship the TNC-4.
Looks like you're using the FT-8900R for digital mode; Winklink & VARA FM? I am also curious where you got the case for the rig. If I get an answer great...if not oh well. You personal thoughts about linking the digirig & 8900, that is, do they work well together.
Yes, I run Winlink (packet and VARA FM), APRS and a variety of modems with NBEMS (fldigi/flmsg). These are TPA pack frames from a company called ARMOLOQ. I have done dozens of videos on them. If you search for "manapack" on my channel page you will find a lot of example uses of these frames in the wild.
Thanks for the reply...I just happened to come across your video with the FT-8900R setup (in the RV) which answered my questions...before you responded. I too have the 8900R and love it and recently set it up for VARA HF and it works great. I spend time in the Utah desert and adding VARA FM may be a benefit. Anyway, thanks for the response and your videos. Leaving you with De Oppresso Liber ( I will let you figure that one out).
Is the digilink nano the only one that will work with android?
Also excited that you will be exploring atak. I have explored and played with atak a little bit but didn't get very far and did not integrate any radios to it.
Awesome review as always
Nope. The Mobilinkd works great on Android. That's what I typically run as part of my EDC. The SignaLink has a VOX circuit just like the DigiLink, so it will work. The APRS-K1 cable works with Android if you use VOX on the Baofeng. The DigiRig might work if you use VOX on your radio, but I have not tested this configuration.
ATAK is in the books for 2023. Thanks for stopping, bye.
@@TheTechPrepper thanks for the clearing up for me. Trying to decide if I should wait for the mobilinkd to be available or if I want to go a different route. Will most likely be used for packet mostly, but maybe the digital mode capability of the others is worth getting. For now I will be using the ft60 with an android phone so looking for the least cumbersome way to accomplish that. Thanks again!
@@ryanfralic1115 I have not figured out yet how to interface the FT-60R with a phone with anything other than the Mobilinkd TNC. It's on my todo list to figure out how to perform full digital using a sound card with the FT-60R. There are technical constraints with the magic combo. I have a feeling a custom cable with the DigiLink Nano is the route to purse since the FT-60R has no VOX. If I crack this nut, there will be another video. 73, my friend.
Was reviewing your review of these trying to decide what one to get. Does the digirig mobile interface with android?
I am wanting to start with packet but the mobilinkd is still out of stock.
Do you have a link for the pouch you carry the Mobilinkd in?
I don't. That pouch was acquired a very long time back, and I don't recall how I acquired it. They fit nicely in an Altoids tin. Happy hunting.
So question is does the mobilinkd let you do regular kiss packet, not aprs, on say the thd74a?
Yes, but the D74A already has a built-in in TNC, so The Mobilinkd is not really needed for that radio. I use the Mobilinkd with other radios where I want to do packet. I'll use it with most of my Yaesu HTs and mobiles for Winlink packet.
Have you tried the Bluetooth Cat Device for FT-857D's. Works flawlessly over Android with the exception of not being able to activate tune on an ATAS 120 (however that may have been updated since I last used it). Would presume it works with an 897D also.
I have not, but the should work just fine. Personally, I prefer a single cable.
@@TheTechPrepper having a radio in a bag, would facilitate an issue. In myv vehicle it foes work flawlessly though. So in man pack, I would probably keep to a cable too. Under my Pax Seat in my Ford Everest, theres plenty of room for the blue tooth dongle. Cheers for the response. I just thought it to be something you msy like to try, as we all end up with enough spaghetti around our shacks and vehicles that are simply just a pain the butt, compared to example an IC-705 where everything can be done over bluetooh. Either way, theres a point of failure. The cable can break, the dongle can break and it can also fry itself. Just my thoughts. Keep making these vids, I cant wait for your software to come out 73's
Great info again. If they can stand your abuse, they're good for me!👍
You're welcome. I'm about to release a Mobilinkd video in about 2 hours. I hope you like it.
Rant: I am new to HAM radio. I've worked in the professional video engineering and manufacturing industry for 40 years, which includes developing interface standards. Users demand that devices from Sony be able to communicate with devices from Panasonic, and so there are forums where standards are negotiated and put down on paper. Protocols, connectors, signal levels, all of it.
The lack of standards in HAM radio drives me nuts. On the digirig site I counted 22 available interface cables. This is obscene and unnecessary. HAMs should demand manufacturers develop standards for interface connectors. Another area is audio levels. Modulation levels should be standardized inside the radio. There is no need for fiddling with audio levels. Standards would solve so many of these problems.
HAM radio offers two things: communication and experimentation to advance the art. But having dozens of protocols for doing the same thing gets in the way of communication. Once the experimentation is done, we should agree on a single method of communicating.
The lack of standards is maddening. I have a bin full of interface cables that I have cost hundreds if not close to a thousand dollars. In my opinion, USB-C should be the standard interface for exposing a serial interface (for CAT control and programming) and the sound card.
Now that SMSGTE way is shutdown, are we still able to send messages via APRS?
Hi Guston, I am a Tech AKA an novelist. I've tried to text my friend via APRS and couldn't do for 3 days. That's why I am reaching out to you because you are a mentor to me. Thanks
73s... What about lorawan intercom?
Can you use the Mobilinkd while it is charging? Great video!
Yes, you can.
@@TheTechPrepper thanks! About to order the 4 but was worried about going to use it and finding a dead battery. I always carry a small power bank so that should keep me going just in case.
@@KempOutside Mine always runs dead. I. hate that button. They did not correct it on the TNC4. I also carry a small 5v battery pack for this reason.
THERE'S NOTHING IN THAT COFFEE CUP!!!!!
That's because I drank it.
Love my 8900
It's a great rig. I've never had a Yaesu with the Hyper Memory feature and love it. I wonder why this feature was dropped on future radios. I bought it primarily for its cross band repeat capabilities. I see it as easily becoming my daily driver. 73 de KT1RUN
@@TheTechPrepper I bought it for the same reason and have been planning on using it on hunting trips however i got transferred to 3rd shift and haven't been able to play radio much. I really need to hit up friends and try new things instead of just listening. 73 - KJ7BRK
@@ca5o22m Be safe out there. Start hitting that PTT, man!
You’re one of the few people on here that reviewed the digilink nano.
The DigiLink Nano is a fine device. I actually have three of them and have been testing for months, but in the end to DigiLink just worked a bit better for my personal needs. It works with great with Android as an OTG device. I may do a video on this.
@@TheTechPrepper makes sense. I don’t have an android. And I enjoy how the nano is with the internal vox and simplicity of it. I plan on making my own sound card interface at some point just to try it out.
@@brentOhlookAsnake Best of luck with this project. Report back if you get this working.
That Btech tail issue sucks. It seems impossible to fix unless the radio has a shorter tail setting
Some radios are better in terms of adjusting the TX tail. The Ailunce HD1 allows a tail as short as 500ms.
Where can we see more of the ft8900 man pack?
It's a brand new build. I'm posting the progress on Instagram (@thetechprepper). There will be a video in the coming weeks.
Can I send text and data msg from radio to radio p2p without any need middle Wi-Fi or cell or router? Thanks
Yes. We do this every day across the region and country on HF. Search my channel page for "JS8Call".
@@TheTechPrepper thanks
I have yet to be able to make the digirig work with packet winlink (i have used both baofeng and yaesu HT). I even had the folks at digirig try to help...has anyone here been able to get the digirig to work with packet winlink?
I have not had an issue other than some RFI issues at higher RF power output. It works fine on Winlink packet. I have tested successfully packet+winlink with the DigiRig and these Yaesu radios: FT-60, VX-6R, FTM-6000R, FT-8900, FT-818ND and FT-857D. I still do not know how to use Windows, but all of this works under Linux using Dire Wolf, Pat Winlink and kissattach. Good luck!
Can you use the DigiRig Mobile to operate Echolink?
I've never used Echolink. The DigiRig is just a sound card and CAT control interface. So, if the SignaLink USB works with Echolink, then I would imagine that it would be possible. Anyone else know?
@@TheTechPrepper I use a SignaLink now, which works well as an outside Sound card. But as you know, it is sort of bulky, and requires several cables, and a propiratory chip / wiring to match different radios.
@@TheTechPrepperIt appears that the DigiLink Nano, would actually work with Echolink (instead of using a SignaLink unit). It has the needed ground isolation & VOX circuit, for hooking up an HT to laptop.
Are you still using yours, and having the pin connection issues?
Can you use an android device on the digirig?
Yes, but there are very few applications that support the serial interface at the moment. I have personally only tested the "AndFlmsg" app. I am waiting for APRSDroid to support it.
Need to provide more information how you use those modules.
Check out my digital mode playlist series. I cover a number of use cases.
@@TheTechPrepper Great
Is the digirig compatible with android phone? Thanks.
Your mileage will vary on Android. You will need to buy an OTG. There are only a couple of Android applications that currently support the USB/serial interface. I have personally used AndFlmsg with the DigiRig Mobile, but believe that WoAD (winlink) may also work. I have not tested the WoAD.
@@TheTechPrepper Thank you for the information.
I have used and purchased a couple of Signalink's over the years. They are solid, but are now way overpriced for what they are. Thankfully we now DigiRig at about half the price, and owned by a very nice and responsive fellow Ham with them in stock! There are more options on his site, than in a Ham store too. I will never buy a Signalink again...
The SignaLink was revolutionary for its time. The small footprint of the DigiRig is a game changer. However, there are some radios like the FT-2980 that are not yet supported by the DigiRig.
FT60DR cable? What's that?
Which device are your referring to? The cables are different for the Mobilinkd and the DigiRig for the FT60.
@@TheTechPrepper I was referring to digirig. have ft5dr on order
@@malanalan1 I am not familiar with the connector on the FT-5DR, but I hear that's a great radio. According to the DigiRig site, the "Yaesu HT Cable for Digirig Mobile" works for the FT-5DR.
Digirig is best.
Personally I don't like Digirig. Because I have lots of troubles with it. I love my Signalink.
Well, at least you're not spraying yourself with water in this video! I got my General amateur radio license for one reason and one reason only; to practice using ham radio, (legally) so that I'll be able to hit the ground running in the event that traditional modes of communication are disrupted for whatever reason. Therefore, I am only interested in ham radio subjects and equipment that address off grid type ham radio emergency communications. I think the rest of it is just plain silly. Stay dry! 73! Roger ramjet over and out and all that stuff!
Take a look at my No Random Contacts series. It should align with your goals.
I will do that! Thank you! @@TheTechPrepper
lol. Not a believer in programming ht’s using software?? Huh? Muscle memory is fine and all but why would anyone want to hand program dozens and dozens of channels using tiny buttons when they can get it done in a fraction the time with chirp? I’m confused by this statement. Is it u just want to know how to do it without chirp?
It's good to know how to enter the repeater parameters from the keypad in a pinch away from the computer 🖥. But I greatly prefer to enter using Chirp, esp if I've got like a dozen or so to input.
Ham radios nowadays should have ethernet, wifi, usb, hdmi
Ham radio is stuck in 1993
93 was a good year. Personally, I'm a fan of simple and don't want my radio gear connected to the internet. It all depends on your needs.
Awesome video I have both but I prefer the Digirig …73s from WP4JMV…
Me, too. They both work, but I find the DigiRig to be a bit more robust. Which radios are you using with each? I'm curious what others are running.
@@TheTechPrepper normally in my usdx QRP and my Kenwood TS-2000.
Is your android phone „degoogled“??
73 de HB3XBL 👍🇨🇭
It will be.
@@TheTechPrepper will you speak about it on the channel?
I have a braxphone👍🇨🇭
Kenwood uses the same plug as the UV-5R. So if you have the cable and don't like the way the UV-5R the cable should work with Kenwood hand Held and some other hand holds. Thank you for the information. I am getting a setup for Winlink that our ARES uses at Hurricane shelves. 73. de W4DES