Cheap digital modes interface recommendation

[n0ywb]

Use a modified CM108 USB sound fob for the digital modes interface. https://www.ebay.com/itm/203958052588 $4. $7 with the added mini-DIN DATA cable. https://www.ebay.com/itm/224029009071 Read: https://allstarsetup.com/how-to-modify-a-cm108-sound-fob-for-allstar/ (The COS connection is only needed for the AllStar application -skip for all other digital modes)

If you cannot solder, buy an assembled unit: https://hamprojects.info/dinah/ https://www.masterscommunications.com/products/radio-adapter/dra/dra-features.html

Many transceivers have a mini-DIN "DATA" connector on the back. https://hamprojects.info/wp-content/uploads/Some-Radios-with-the-6-Pin-miniDIN-interface-v2.pdf https://masterscommunications.com/products/radio-adapter/faq/radios-with-mini-din6.html https://www.ebay.com/itm/133766387962 Scavenge a mating male mini-DIN plug from an old PS2 extension cable https://www.ebay.com/itm/224029009071 Note: The cord from a PS2 mouse is usually missing a necessary wire from pin 2 (GND).

Use the linux alsamixer or Windows sound (mmsys.cpl) to adjust TX and RX sound levels. https://www.maketecheasier.com/alsa-utilities-manage-linux-audio-command-line/

Also get a CAT (Yaesu,Kenwood) or CI-V (Icom) USB transceiver control cable https://www.ebay.com/itm/223441200938 https://www.ebay.com/itm/165538042336 https://www.ebay.com/itm/225004854999 https://www.ebay.com/itm/401243068674

fldigi, direWolf, soundmodem, ARDOP and Vara Winlink have added CM108/CM119 PTT support in their Linux and Windows versions. For other digital modes like WSJTx (FT8) and JS8Call, use the CAT cable and hamlib to command PTT. CAT7200 for Windows emulates the serial RTS or DTR interface for PTT. http://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/CAT7200.html