Setting up WSJT-X can be be a struggle if all the hardware and settings do not align. Based on a question by a reader a quick post on what has been working for me.
Recommendations
- Avoid Prolific USB cables, too easy to get a clone and have issues with drivers. I am very happy with the Gearmo adapter, while it is a few bucks more than a plain cable the diagnostic LED’s are a wonderful aid. You will also need a straight Female to Female cable to convert the connector gender to what the radio and the USB cable need.
- If you can solder make up your own audio cables, no need to lay out $$$ for a ham marketed external sound card. This is not hard to do, make your own.
Shopping list.
I earn commision on these ads.
FT450D Settings
- CAT RTS Disable
- CAT TOT 10
- CAT Rate 38400
WSJT-X Setup
Your serial port # may vary from my environment. Once you mimic the settings below, pressing the “Test CAT” should get you a “Green” success.
I use an external USB sound card as I detailed in a separate posting.
The audio settings are simple to config chose the Microphone and Speakers which are appropriate to your setup. You will need to adjust the levels on both the input and output.
On your task bar you should have a speaker icon. Right click on this and select recording or playback devices, you will need to review both.
I have selected recording and a dialog similar to below will be displayed.
Adjust the level of the device as needed to bring the levels in the desired range in WSJT-X. The WSJT-X application has controls to adjust TX and RX levels, you do not want to run those controls at either extreme. Adjust these levels to achieve that.
Also ensure that the radio sound card is not the “Default Device” or “Default Communications Device”
Until next time
73 Jay
Evening Jay,
Got everything hooked up and I am making some headway with JT65. Now I do have Rig control, receive is working fine. Under settings when I hit the Test Cat it does turn green now.
One problem I still have, when I try to transmit I get now RF power out as shown on the FT-450 meter. Any suggestions on what that problem may be?
I really appreciate your time Jay, you have been very helpful.
Thank you.
John
John,
If you hear the radio switch into TX mode with no power out your problem is in the audio path. Ensure that the proper output device is selected in WSJT-X. If the radio is not entering TX, check the radio config and ensure that PTT is set to CAT. You also have the knobs on the Signalink to worry about, be very careful not to overdrive on TX, your objective is no as in zero ALC. Set your TX power level to 30 watts or so and watch the ALC level, none is the objective.
73, Jay
Hi Jay,
I am using the Signalink Interface in my setup. When I changed the PTT Method from CAT to VOX I got RF Power out. I made my first FT8 contact this afternoon on 40 meters.
Thank you again for your advice and hand holding through this process.
Very 73,
John W9QP
John,
Makes sense I forgot you had set the radio to PTT Vox “PTT Method – Vox”. Have fun hope to work you sometime.
73, Jay
Hi Jay,
Just a quickie question, when using my FT450D for digital modes USB is highlighted on the radio, when transmitting it goes to USB Data then back to USB on receive. Is this the normal operation, seems to be working fine?
Thanks again.
John W9QP
John,
Is the WSJT-X settings, radio tab ensure you have FT-450 selected as the radio, and Mode set to Data/Pkt, PTT set to CAT and the correct speed. If Mode is none then the radio will stay in whatever mode you select via the front panel. Setting to Data/PKT will put the radio in USB DATA.
73, Jay
Good afternoon, Jay. I have a FT450D and have been using SignalLink USB for a couple of years on psk with success. Although I have been licensed since 1963 I have been slow to try out other digital modes. Today I downloaded the WSJT-X software. I cannot get a “green light” on the Test CAT settings screen no matter how many combinations I try. My serial port only indicates USB and the PTT Method Port indicates only USB. Any suggestions for setting up my Yaesu FT450D with WSJT-x for use on FT8 ?
Bob,
Per the article in addition to the signal link for best operation I would also hook up a serial cable for CAT control. Otherwise you will need to use VOX to key the transmitter per the instructions on the signalink website http://www.tigertronics.com/pgmsetup.htm#WSJT-X
Do you currently have a serial CAT cable connected?
Jay
Any help in getting a green light on Test CAT would be appreciated. I am using a Yaesu FT450D, Signal Link USB and for the first time FT8 software via WSJT-X. My serial and PTT method ports default to USB. Thanks in advance.
Do you have a serial cable connected to the radio?
Hello
I have FT450 (not D version).I followed your recommendation about the serial to usb cable and bought it.
I also has simple usb sound card that works fine.
When I’m working with VOX everything functioning good.
When I’m working with CAT and all configuration as you wrote above while transmitting the power
Drops almost to zero.
I didn’t changed anything in sound card configuration.
I need the CAT to work with SPLIT (Fox/Hound) mode.
Any Idea to solve this problem.
ELI – 4Z5PJ
Eli,
Sorry for delay I wanted to test and ensure the 1.9.1 works fine with my FT450D prior to responding. As you have not provided much detail on when you have checked I would start with the radio power setting. If yours is like the D this is in a menu setting RFPOWER. Next I would check the audio level setting in Windows for your USB soundcard and check the TX level (PWR Slider) in WJST-X. I set mine by using the tune button and then raising the level until max output is reached. I then reduce the level until I see a reduction in output power on the PO (Power Out) meter on the 450D and leave the slider in this position.
I use have used Split and no split with success. If you roll your VFO down 500hz it will bring the Fox up into the bandpass of the 450. Likewise you will need to do the math in your head and keep your TX signal up above 1500hz assuming a 500hz offset.
Hope this helps, Jay
Hello
Thanks for your reply.I’ll try to test it like you suggested and see if it helps.
As I wrote the problem occurs only when I’ trying to work with CAT.
If I’m working with VOX there is no problem.
ELI – 4Z5PJ
Sorry for the delay, please share any updates.
73, Jay
Hi Jay
I followed your reply and after changing configuration on the sound cards and checked DATA/PKT ,It’s
working now and I’m enjoying every minute on FT8.
Appriciate very mucu your help and maybe will meet on the bands sometime.
ELI – 4Z5PJ
Awesome, I will look for you on the bands as well.
73
HELP HELP
je suis F4HJL Christophe
j’ai un FT450D + SCU 17 + WJST-X et rien de fonctionne.
Je suis perdu
Si vous pouvez m’aider dans tous les réglages ! merci beaucoup
73 F4HJL Christophe
Christophe,
Happy to try and help you, first more detail is needed. Your note indicates you have a pile of hardware and nothing works. In order to diagnose your issue remotely I will need the history of what you have done to date and specifically what is not working. As a start please answer the following questions.
1) Did you install the SCU17 driver prior to connecting the SCU17 to your PC?
2) What version of WSJT-X are you using?
3) What are your radio and audio setup in WSJT-X
4) On the 450D, menu settings for CAT what are the values for the the three cat items CAT RTS, CAT TOT, CAT RATE.
5) Describe what is not working audio, cat, ptt all of the above.
Jay
Hello Jay
1) SCU Driver is OK
2) WSJT-X is 1.9.1
3) Radio usb audio codek and audio usb codek
4) CAT RTS = disable CAT TOT = 10 CAT RATE = 38400
5) the audio is no good
Christophe
Please expound on “the audio is no good” no audio making it to the waterfall, audio is not decoding, etc?
I’ve just bought my first ever amateur rig, the FT-450D. I got my callsign in November 2018. First wanderings in digital modes was with a cheap ud01un TNC and a borrowed FT-840. Everything went well. After trying the same thing with my shiny new FT-450D however, I could not get the rig into USB data mode with wsjt-x. Out of the box the data mode was stuck in LSB data. I found an answer with experimentation. Start FLdigi, get CAT serial cable connected, change the mode to USB / pkt, close FLdigi and it should be good to go in USB / data mode. What I want to know is why when selecting a mode or frequency in wsjt-x does it not change the rig into the correct SSB sideband and mode?
Thanks
Larry
Larry,
I need more information on your setup, need to start at square 1.
Version of WSJT-X
Cat cable is in place?
WSJT-X Radio setup tab
model
mode
split
does test CAT work?
Jay
Having a strange issue with my FT-450D and WSJT-X. When monitoring WSJT-X CQ calls etc. The rig’s AF Gain must be up to at least a 2 (as shown on HRD). So I need to hear the FT8 noise for the FT450D to be able to listen. I am using SignaLink USB along with HRD and for the most part have everything set the way it’s setup on the web page. So then I was wondering does this sound like a hardware or software issue? Or where to I start looking? Thank you in advance.
Steve,
If the Signalink is connected to the data port on the rear of the radio the volume can be set to minimum. Check and ensure that WSJT-X audio input is using the Signal link and not the built in microphone on your PC. the rear output out of the 450 is not adjustable in the radios menu nor does the front panel control the levels.
73, Jay
Hello, just got an ft-450D last week and am trying to get it set up for WSJT-X FT8.. Through some googling I’ve managed to make it transmit with the data cable, but ALC is maxed out.. this should be pretty low/no ALC, yes? How do I get that level to lower?
Rig is set up with just a data cable(no cat for now) going to a simple Easy-Digi VOX interface(basically, just isolation transformers).
Thanks for any help,
Sam,
Yes little to no ALC is the goal otherwise your signal quality will degrade and your station will splatter. To adjust TX audio level you will need to reduce the speaker level on the sound interface you are using. Which based on your description is the motherboard built in sound card on your PC. You will also want to disable all sounds by setting your sound scheme in windows to “No Sounds” otherwise you will TX whenever windows makes a sound.
73, Jay
Hi Everybody
Before sending my FT-450AT to repair I’ll ask here about problem started on FT8 TX
And I want to be sure if it’s rig problem or not.
All settings I have before the problem started on WSJT-X Ver. 2.0.0 and sound card
Did not changed.I also purchased new USB sound card connected to the data on the
Rear of the 450AT.When TX I hear the relay but there’s no power out.Also I tried to
Work in VOX but in this case I don’t here the relay.
I don’t have TX problem in SSB or CW.
Any suggetions?I’ll appericiate any help.
ELI – 4Z5PJ
Eli,
You have proved the radio works, to test the rear data interface I would recommend using amplified pc speakers, headphones, an AC volt meter. Anything which will confirm you are sending audio out of the sound card. No sound = no TX power. Could be a simple miss config of interface and audio levels on the PC and in WSJT-X.
Jay
Hi Jay,
I tested it on 2 laptops and it’s the same on both.
Anyway, where to connect the speakers or headphone,
On the laptop or on the 450?
Eli
Eli,
Referring to this post verify signal on the 6 pin din plug which plugs into the back of the 450.
http://morsetutor.com/2015/01/yaesu-ft-450d-digital-interface/
Jay
Hi Jay
OK.I sent CQ and in the headphone connected to the pc I heard sound but
No power out on the 450.It seems I have problem in te radio.
Eli
Eli,
What is your Soundcard output setting in WSJT-X? Is the interface the cable to the radio using this interface? Next in the windows sound control panel verify the level for the playback device you selected in WSJT.
Jay
Hi Jay
I have a simple soundcard connected to USB from the 6 pin connector on the radio.
It’s configured fine in WSJT.The level of the speakers is 50.
Eli
Eli,
Ok the speaker level for this USB soundcard is set at 50 and if you connect a headset you hear FT8 sounds. And the cable to the radio has not failed, I would agree indications are a problem with the rear input. Is the radio output working are you receiving and decoding traffic?
Jay
Hi Jay
Yes.I’m receiving and decoding on WSJT,but can’t TX.
It seems I’ll sent it to lab.
Thanks for support.
Eli
Jay, thank you so much for your help on the 450D last week. I’m not sure I could have done it had it not been for your guidance. I am up and running, and a not on the radio says something like “stay away, very far away”. Thanks again for your tech help, it was a Godsend.
Rick,W5FKW
Round Rock, TX
Happy to help Rick.
73, Jay
Thanks loads for the help last week. Sorry TO take up your time, but not sure I could have done what you did in a month. I appreciate your time and guidance. There is now a sign on the radio saying “DO NOT TOUCH, STAY AWAY, VERY FAR AWAY”.
You are most welcome Rick, enjoy the setup.
Jay
My Yaesu FT450 PTT does not work in FT8 mode together with multicon unterface. All works well in PSK but no TX start in FT8. How can I change in the Menu from DATA LSB to DATA USB ?
Fred,
Additional information is needed.
1) Do you have a CAT cable connected to the radio and is it working? Can WSJT-X command the radio to change bands etc.
2) What PTT method do you have WSJT-X configured for, you want to choose CAT.
I have the CAT Cable connected. But did try all other ways. Must the FT450 be in Data USB mode? How can I change from Data LSB to DATA USB on my TX? It seems that DATA USB mode has no Connection with the PTT.
Fred,
Let’s get the PTT working first, please answer all questions.
In WSJT-X what are your settings for.
1) Radio type, should be FT-450
2) PTT Method
3) Transmit audio source
4) Mode (should be Data/Pkt)
5) Split operation
Hello
Rig FT450 Interface: MulticonII by G3LIV
settings:
COM 3
38400
eight
two
None
CAT
NONE
NONE
Audio: Mikrophone realtek Speaker
Cat Cable connected.
No the bands do not change on the Ft450 when changing bands in the FT8 program.
Fred,
The CAT not working will cause many issues, I would check the following in order.
1) Verify your serial cable is on Com 3, easiest way it to observe ports in device manager while unplugging and then re inserting the USB end of the cable. Notice which port goes away and then comes back. While doing this also take note of which audio devices come and go as these are the microphone and speaker you will configure WSJT-X to use.
2) Verify the CATRATE in menu mode on the radio, it needs to match the PC 38400.
3) Once the serial test button turns green for you I would also make the following changes
4) Change the transmit audio course in WSJT-X to Rear/Data
5) Change mode to Data/Pkt
6) Split operation Rig
7) Ensure WSJT-X is configured to use the correct audio devices.
Jay
Sorry to but in on this thread, but I also cannot get mt ft-450 to power out on tx. I have full CAT control, perfect decode but no PO, Have tried every combination and only saw power out when I changed mode to CW, then i lose CAT control and still no contact, Thanks for any help you could provide -Ed KE0HGI 73
Ed,
More info needed, in order to help I need to understand your setup and what checks you have already performed.
Jay
Jay
I am running the RT systems USB63 cable for CAT control with WSJTX. I have full control to change bands, PTT etc., but no power out. My settings are the same as in the first slide in this thread. Today I was able to get the meter to move 2-3 bars and made 1 close by contact:} I have the same issue in HRD DM780 as well, so I am thinking sound card config, also running Win10. -Ed
Ed,
Please detail your soundcard configuration, how have you ensured WSJT-X is using the correct “Speaker” and how have you verified the your TX (speaker) levels in the PC. Also please confirm what radio interface you are using, and what the pin out is between the radio and soundcard.
thanks
Jay
The RT systems USB63 cable has built in interface. It is rs232 to USB so there is no pin out. All is working fine now as It seems that my audio levels were amiss. Also may have been a conflict with added USB sound card. I surely appreciate your help, again thank you!
73 -Ed KE0HGI
Ed,
My question was focused on the audio settings for the soundcard connected to the radio. Please confirm you have an audio connection between the PC and the radio per this article http://morsetutor.com/2015/01/yaesu-ft-450d-digital-interface/ or are using a Signalink or other audio interface.
Jay
Hi
I have FT450AT and has the same problem.After I gave it a colleague here he did
Firmware update ant it solved the problem.I hope this will help.
ELI 4Z5PJ
Eli,
Thank you checking the release notes from Yaesu for the FT450AT there is mention of a change when in data mode.
Ver. 0228 implements improvements:
・ The USA 5MHz (60m) channel frequency change US3 (5.368MHz to 5.3585MHz).
・ Permit CW transmission on the USA 5MHz (60m) channels.
・ The beacon setting MENU time is changed. The new setting is up to 690 seconds.
NOTES: After installing main software Ver. 0228;
・ The DATA MODEM must be connected to the DATA connector on the rear panel. PKT-PTT
transmissions will disconnect the microphone.
・ The TNC (PSK sub carrier) setting must be 1.5 KHz.
・ Select the USB or CW operating mode for each channel with the [MODE] switch.
73, Jay
Time for me to swallow my pride and ask for help! Here are my current settings.
WSIJ Radio Settings:
Yaseu 450 (I have a 450D)
Serial Port – COM3
Baud Rate – 38,400
Data Bits – 8
Stop Bits – 2
Handshake – None
PTT Method – CAT
Port – USB
Tx Audio Source – Front/Mic
Mode – Data/PKT
Split Oper – Reg
Signal Link:
TX – Set at 11:00 0’clock
RX – Set at 11:00 0’clock
DIY – Full counterclockwise
PC Computer:
Microphone – USB Audio CODEC
Speakers – USB Audio CODEC
(Computer Sound Settings at DVD Quality 38,400 Baud)
Yaseu 450 Settings:
CAT RTS – Disable
CAT TOT – 10
CAT RATE – 38,400
D DISP – 0
D Type – User – U
DIG VOX – 50
Problem:
• Cannot get Green Box, when test box is pressed, about a minute later I get red box and the message, Rig Failure timeout testing current VFO.
• On the main screen, the long rectangular box is solid red with 0,000.000 instead of the current band frequency. The WSIJ program is receiving and decoding. The little circle to the left is mainly orange sometimes red and once even green, even though frequency box stayed red.
• I ordered a FTDI2 RS-232 from your web site. I forgot about the F to F cable. I bought a Star Tech2m Black DB9 RS232 Serial Null Modem Cable F/F – DB9 F to F 9 Pin RS232 Null Modem Cable. It appears slightly different than the cable on your Web site.
Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Steve,
Will not work with a null modem cable, requires the straight part number.
73, Jay
Thanks! I came to that conclusion last night when I was able to download a Yaseu 450D CAT Operation Reference Book. The lesson here is not all Serial Cables are the same! Again thanks!
Since I last wrote you, I have made hundreds of FT8 contacts all over the world, but something has changed. I still get the Green Light and make contacts, but the power output has been reduced. If I have the Power Slider too high up, my FT450D will make an short audible sound, the whole screen will flash and finally when that stops, the “TX” symbol will flash. I can lower the slider and this problem stops. Unfortunately, on the 20 Meter band, that means power output of only 20 watts. I know that I have done more than that in the past (Normally, the most I use is 40-50 watts). I have checked all the settings, can’t figure what has changed. Second question, I use a CAT/Split configuration which normally works fine. The serial cable is plugged into the back of the FT450 Data Port. I’m surprise in the WSJT Radio tab, the “Rear Data” is not an option. The Front/Mic is always selected and everything is greyed. Just curious! Thanks in advance for your help!
Stephen,
First lets separate the controls the their proper use.
1) The TX Power slider in WSTX adjust the TX audio level. To properly adjust use the ALC meter on the radio, you want barely any defection. The goal here is sufficient audio level for full drive and no more.
2) To set the TX power level refer to the 450D manual, it is a menu setting. Do not adjust the audio level via the slider to adjust power level.
Next, your low output power.
Switch the rig to CW and check the SWR and if the you have a low SWR, then verify the rig can TX at 100w. Based on the description provided verify your power source, the power cord and fuses are not loose in their holders. Refer to the manual to display the VCC during transmit to verify the rig is getting rated voltage.
Cables
The serial cable needs to be connected to the DB9 connector label CAT on the back of the radio. Referring to the manual, when in data mode the rear connector is used ensure “Data/Pkt” mode is selected in WSJT radio setup. The transmit audio source is not valid on all radio types.
73, Jay
Hello Jay!
This is Pedro, CS7BAC, from Portugal. Congrats for your tutorial and answers, i have read them all.
However, i am still fighting to make it work…
I have a FT-450 with CAT cable and a sound USB interface with DIN-3.5mm (x2) cable as you suggested. My CAT control is working, i am controlling the radio by OmniRig 1. Both Test CAT and Test PTT buttons worked fine. I can see Tx triggered on the radio, however without any transmission power like there was no signal input on the DATA jack on the radio, but there is because i have already removed the speakers 3.5mm plug and put my own headphone to check if WSJTX is transmitting the data sound, and it is, very audible. I have already checked the cable, there is nothing wrong with the connections too, according to your cable diagram.
WSJTX is listening correctly and decoding the signals received by mic input, and the level is OK, not overloaded. I have checked my WSJTX settings and both input and output are correct, to avoid any problem i disabled all other sound profiles, only left the headphone output and mic input from the USB soundcard.
For other setings, that’s what i have done:
Rig: OmniRig 1
PTT Method = CAT
Transmit Audio Source = Rear/Data
Mode = None
Split = None
I have already tried to use option Mode = Data/Pkt but it happens something strange: as soon as click OK on the Setting pane, the radio shifts to USB-DATA mode and the reception is not understood by WSJTX anymore. As far as i understood DATA mode should be triggered on the radio only during Tx period, but thats not what is happening here, i have noclue why. Maybe that’s the main problem, actually.
If you have any idea of what’s going on, please let me know.
Thanks!
73 de CS7BAC, Pedro Silva.
Not familiar with the 450, on the 450D the rear data connector only works when the radio is in DATA mode. Double check the rear connector pinout, perhaps the 450 is slightly different.