Winlink RMS Packet with VARA FM and Soundmodem
Hello,
?
Is anyone using Winlink RMS Packet gateway with VARA FM and Soundmodem?? I have tried various recommended settings and have not had success. Winlink with the VARA FM option work greats but the packet option with Soundmodem does not work.
?
I have tried using a Digirig mobile or Rigblaster Nomic sound card setup. The Window Device Manager shows the com port and the VARA FM and Soundmodem software settings requires a com port for the PTT control, but both can't use the same com port. Perhaps I am not using the correct settings. Here is one recommendation, and I have tried others.
?
?
Thank you
?
George VY1GP
?
?
|
On Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 09:21:57 PM EST, Dave Telling, KJ7WT via groups.io <davetelling@...> wrote:
So, did you have RF issues with an AIOC and a Baofeng using your mag-mount antenna? I still am curious about this.
|
So, did you have RF issues with an AIOC and a Baofeng using your mag-mount antenna? I still am curious about this.
|
Remember that a magmount is not a perfect antenna. The digirig mobile has molded on ferrites. It works perfectly with winlink express every time. Even used it with my ancient Icom IC-229H into the mic jack. (T+R+Gnd+PTT). Over? N2MHS
On Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 01:41:00 AM EST, Dave Telling, KJ7WT via groups.io <davetelling@...> wrote:
Charlie, do you mean that using an external antenna did NOT solve the interference with the AIOC?
|
Charlie, do you mean that using an external antenna did NOT solve the interference with the AIOC?
|
I use a Digirig and a magmount outside on 2M with both a BF and a TYT. I posted a BOM in the digirig forum. I tried the AIOC and had the same problem. toroids on the cables didnt fix it.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 07:58:46 PM EST, Dave Telling, KJ7WT via groups.io <davetelling@...> wrote:
I actually do have a remote antenna for my Baofeng, so hopefully, it will work ok.
Thanks, and 73,
Dave KJ7WT?
|
I actually do have a remote antenna for my Baofeng, so hopefully, it will work ok.
Thanks, and 73,
Dave KJ7WT?
|
Before giving up on the Baofeng handheld, try using a remote antenna and at least 10 feet of coax to position the antenna away from the Baofeng. I have had acceptable results using an antenna located away from the handheld and associated computer. The TX/RX delay may still be an issue but I have successfully used my Baofeng handhelds when using a remote antenna. Worth a try!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Feb 19, 2025, at 4:07?PM, Dave Telling, KJ7WT via groups.io <davetelling@...> wrote:
? Hello All,
I am expecting to receive an AIOC interface in the next few days, after un successfully trying to use simple audio cables to my Baofeng hand-held. The VOX in the radio "hangs" for quite a while after the TX audio stops, and I'm assuming that the handshake from the RMS station is never heard. I have used Winlink/VARA on HF (IC-7300) with success, and I'd like to get VARA-FM running.
Has anyone had good success with the AIOC and the Baofeng radios for Winlink/VARA? Is Direwolf required for this to work?
Thanks, and 73, Dave KJ7WT
|
Ok, thanks for that info! As mentioned, I've used VARA HF with RMS Express, and have been frustrated trying to find a reliable HF link. There are a couple of 2m? FM nodes nearby, and even if the speed is not as fast as it could be, I am looking more for a reliable connection at this point. I'll also look into a cable for my FT-70D and see if results are better?
73,
Dave, KJ7WT?
|
On 2/19/2025 5:04 PM, Dave Telling,
KJ7WT via groups.io wrote:
Hello All,
I am expecting to receive an AIOC interface in the next few
days, after un successfully trying to use simple audio cables to
my Baofeng hand-held. The VOX in the radio "hangs" for quite a
while after the TX audio stops, and I'm assuming that the
handshake from the RMS station is never heard. I have used
Winlink/VARA on HF (IC-7300) with success, and I'd like to get
VARA-FM running.
Has anyone had good success with the AIOC and the Baofeng
radios for Winlink/VARA? Is Direwolf required for this to work?
Thanks, and 73, Dave KJ7WT
?
The AIOC has hard PTT keying via the PTT line.?? You should be
disabling any VOX in the radio and it' associated delay.?? (The
VOX was intended for voice operation, and has delay on unkey to
avoid having the radio carrier thumping on and off after every
syllable of speech.
However, you will still have the problem of the very slow
turnaround from TX to RX (even without the VOX) on the Baofeng --
it's a HORRIBLE radio for digital applications.??
Direwolf is a completely different transmission mode (classic
AX.25 packet) from VARA.? One is not a substitute for the other.?
And will still have the problems of slow TX-to-RX turnaround.
Further, note that because you are going into the mic and speaker
jack of the radio (not a dedicated data port) with their uneven
and limited audio response (and high distortion), you will never
be able to achieve the higher speeds of VARA-FM FAST.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at) aol.com
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
|
Hello All,
I am expecting to receive an AIOC interface in the next few days, after un successfully trying to use simple audio cables to my Baofeng hand-held. The VOX in the radio "hangs" for quite a while after the TX audio stops, and I'm assuming that the handshake from the RMS station is never heard. I have used Winlink/VARA on HF (IC-7300) with success, and I'd like to get VARA-FM running.
Has anyone had good success with the AIOC and the Baofeng radios for Winlink/VARA? Is Direwolf required for this to work?
Thanks, and 73, Dave KJ7WT
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
Bob,
For a few reasons - it's best to open the squelch (wide open) for
VARA FM communications.? So - open the squelch and set the VU
meter to -10 -11 or so on a dead channel, and try again.? The
volume control doesn't affect receive audio level to the radio
interface when using a DB9 accessory jack, so just turn the
radio's volume down if the noise bothers you.
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 4:34 PM, Bob W0EG via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
No, squelch closed and meter is at the bottom.?
With a signal and audio heard in the speaker, metter is in the
lower part of the green.? ?Looks like it's not over driving.? Do
you want me to open the squelch on an empty channel and give?
the meter reading on the noise?
Bob,
I'm assuming you mean zero as in 0dB (needle in the red)
and the squelch is open.? If so - try lowering the receive
audio level with no signal - to around -10 dB on a dead
channel with no signal / modulation.? Or did you mean
something else?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 3:45 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Kevin,
Yes, Auto?Tune gives increasing volume on each of
the ten succeeding?steps.? The VU meter sits at zero
with no signal.? Tuning to a weather channel, the VU
meter bounces into the lower green area, around -25
dB.? I also see it go green on a connection attempt?
Response?to Auto Tune is No Signal.
Bob??
Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the
Auto-Tune you actually hear 10 different levels of
volume from the monitor receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive
audio level ride at when no signal is being
received on channel?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 10:28 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
I just ran Auto Tune on the DR-135 and it
works correctly, I can hear the audio volume
increasing in steps?on another radio and then?
I get the APPROVED banner.? Same interface on
the TYT Auto Tune transmits identically, ten
steps, but then I get NO SIGNAL.? Also, Ping
shows no SIgnal.? On connect attempts, I do
hear the gateway responding multiple times
after?the initial connect request.? Seems like
a receive path problem.
Bob,
Please do the following and report back:
Using another radio to listen to your
transmission from the TYT TH-9000D,
initiate an "Auto Tune" from within VARA
FM making the TYT radio transmit.? How may
different audio levels do you hear when
VARA transmits the 10 tries?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 9:37 AM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
Keven,
Thank you for your detailed
response.? I apologise for
hijacking?this thread, so I'll
contact?you directly for any
followup.? You are correct that the
receive?audio should be on pin 2 and I
mis-stated.? The receive?audio is on
pin?2 on my adapted TYT radios.? I
have been working with Scott at
Repeater Builder and using his
supplied TYT DB9 adapters and the
connections are correct.? However, I
read in another document from another
user that he had the TYT and VARA
working at a speed equivalent?to the
Alinco so I assumed (perhaps wrongly)
that the TYT would work with VARA Wide
mode.? The TYT is transmitting and the
gateway is responding, but no data is
passing. Once or twice Winlink shows a
connection, but then drops the session
without sending or receiving.? I have
tried setting VARA to narrow mode, but
it must not be working with the RB
interface. I'll contact you directly
to see about buying you interface and
adapter cables.
Bob
W0EG?
Bob,
I see that you responded to the
wrong thread this morning - so
I'll assume you're still having
the issues.
The - but
I feel compelled to respond -
anyway...
My guess is that you somehow have
the wrong RIM Interface or the
wrong accessory jack wiring, or
both.? Let me explain...
The TYT TH-9000 radio is only 1200
/ VARA FM Narrow capable.? As such
- and unlike the Alinco DR-135,
both 1200 and 9600 (type) baud
receive audio doesn't exist on the
DB9 accessory connector - only
1200 baud is available there.?
Depending on who made the DB9
adapter cable for your radio, it
may not wired to give your RIM
Lite receive audio on the correct
pin, or you have the wrong RIM
Lite that doesn't take the audio
from the correct pin on the DB9
accessory connector.? Unlike
DRA's, RIM Lite interfaces made
for digital data do not allow you
to switch between the 1200 and
9600 audio source pins.? As such -
you need to make sure the DB9
accessory connector puts the
receive audio to the correct pin
of the RIM Lite - or the interface
won't work.
Additionally - and unlike the
Alinco DR-135, switching between
1200 and 9600 transmit audio is
not possible on a TYT TH-9000.?
Again - the TYT TH-9000D is only
1200 baud (VARA FM Narrow)
capable, and depending on what pin
your interface's transmit audio
appears on - it might not be
making to the radio's modulator.?
Switching the TX audio on a RIM
Alinco 9600 requires surgery.
You claim you have receive audio
on "Pin 3" of the DB9, but receive
audio should exist on pin 2 - .? So - I'm confused
as to whether you have a receive
or transmit audio problem.? It's
possible you have both.? Transmit
audio would appear on pin 3 of the
DB9 with a RIM Alinco 9600, but
pin 3 isn't connected to any DB9
pin as per the above document.
You indicate that you own a RIM
Alinco 9600, but that interface is
not wired correctly for a radio
that's properly pinned for 1200
baud.? You need a "RIM Alinco" -
not a "RIM Alinco 9600" for your
TYT TH-9000 radio.? Otherwise -
you could rewire the accessory
jack to connect the proper pins -
making note of what you created,
as it no longer conforms to the
1200 baud standard.
---
I also make a retrofit accessory
jack for the TYT TH-9000, and it's
pinned exactly like the Alinco
DR-X35 considering the "1200" baud
audio type.? It's called the
"AC-25". When someone wants to
connect one of my DRA's to a TYT
TH-9000 radio, I recommend they
additionally purchase one of my
"Alinco-6" adapters.? This adapter
converts the DB9 to a Mini-DIN-6
that follows the industry standard
pinout.? This board allows either
1200 or 9600 transmit audio
to be selected, and either 1200 or
9600 receive audio to be
selected when paired with a
Mini-DIN-6 equipped RA or DRA.?
Selection is done by moving
mechanical (push-on) jumpers onto
header pins - no soldering is
required.? When additionally
paired with a DRA-36M, this
combination makes a fool-proof
installation that works properly
on a TYT TH-9000D for VARA FM
Narrow, and can additionally be
used on Alinco DR-X35 radios for
either VARA Narrow or Wide.
This isn't a sales pitch - it's to
show you that alternative products
are available, that might be
easier to user and are certainly
more versatile.
Hope this helps...
Kevin
On 2/17/2025 9:49 AM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
Do you need to
change any settings in VARA ?or
the interface when you switch
between the DR-135 and the
TD-9000D?
On Mon,
Feb 17, 2025 at 9:15?AM Rick
Muething via
<rickmuething= [email protected]> wrote:
Bob,
I have been using
VARA FM with my DR-135
and also a TYT TH-9000D.
I added the 9 Pin D
connector to the stock
TH-9000D with the same
DB9 pinout as the
DR-135.? I am using the
DRA-36 Masters modem for
both.?
73,
Rick Muething, KN6KB?
Winlink Development
Team?
[Edited Message
Follows]
I have two TYT
TD-9000D low cost
Chinese radios and am
having trouble getting
them to work with VARA
FM.? I thought I had
this working with the
Repeater Builder RIB
ALINCO 9600 and the
DB9 adapter cable, but
apparently not.? Note
that the RIM ALINCO
9600 works flawlessly
with the Alinco
DR-135. I have set
this up on at least
five units with no
issues.? The TYT DB9
adapter cable from
Repeater Builder is
built correctly pre my
continuity checks and
the pinout information
I have.? the TD-9000D
will transmit to the
gateway and the
gateway responds, but
VARA and Winlink do
not connect. I can see
receive audio on the
DB9 pin 3 with a
scope.? Same RIM
ALINCO 9600 and
computer with Winlink
Express and VARA FM?
that works on the
DR-135.? Tried both
narrow and wide.? Is
anyone here having
success with the TYT
TD-900D?
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
OK, I just switched?back to the DR-135 and it connected as usual and moved data.? The VU meter was in the upper half of the green (-12) for the entire session and?did not go to zero afterwards.? With the DR-135 in digital mode, the speaker is muted.?
No, squelch closed and meter is at the bottom.? With a signal and audio heard in the speaker, metter is in the lower part of the green.? ?Looks like it's not over driving.? Do you want me to open the squelch on an empty channel and give? the meter reading on the noise?
Bob,
I'm assuming you mean zero as in 0dB (needle in the red) and the
squelch is open.? If so - try lowering the receive audio level
with no signal - to around -10 dB on a dead channel with no signal
/ modulation.? Or did you mean something else?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 3:45 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Kevin,
Yes, Auto?Tune gives increasing volume on each of the ten
succeeding?steps.? The VU meter sits at zero with no signal.?
Tuning to a weather channel, the VU meter bounces into the
lower green area, around -25 dB.? I also see it go green on a
connection attempt? Response?to Auto Tune is No Signal.
Bob??
Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the Auto-Tune
you actually hear 10 different levels of volume from the
monitor receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive audio level
ride at when no signal is being received on channel?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 10:28 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
I just ran Auto Tune on the DR-135 and it works
correctly, I can hear the audio volume increasing in
steps?on another radio and then? I get the APPROVED
banner.? Same interface on the TYT Auto Tune transmits
identically, ten steps, but then I get NO SIGNAL.?
Also, Ping shows no SIgnal.? On connect attempts, I do
hear the gateway responding multiple times after?the
initial connect request.? Seems like a receive path
problem.
Bob,
Please do the following and report back:
Using another radio to listen to your transmission
from the TYT TH-9000D, initiate an "Auto Tune"
from within VARA FM making the TYT radio
transmit.? How may different audio levels do you
hear when VARA transmits the 10 tries?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 9:37 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
Thank you for your detailed response.? I
apologise for hijacking?this thread, so I'll
contact?you directly for any followup.? You
are correct that the receive?audio should be
on pin 2 and I mis-stated.? The receive?audio
is on pin?2 on my adapted TYT radios.? I have
been working with Scott at Repeater Builder
and using his supplied TYT DB9 adapters and
the connections are correct.? However, I read
in another document from another user that he
had the TYT and VARA working at a speed
equivalent?to the Alinco so I assumed (perhaps
wrongly) that the TYT would work with VARA
Wide mode.? The TYT is transmitting and the
gateway is responding, but no data is passing.
Once or twice Winlink shows a connection, but
then drops the session without sending or
receiving.? I have tried setting VARA to
narrow mode, but it must not be working with
the RB interface. I'll contact you directly to
see about buying you interface and adapter
cables.
Bob
W0EG?
Bob,
I see that you responded to the wrong
thread this morning - so I'll assume
you're still having the issues.
The - but I feel
compelled to respond - anyway...
My guess is that you somehow have the
wrong RIM Interface or the wrong accessory
jack wiring, or both.? Let me explain...
The TYT TH-9000 radio is only 1200 / VARA
FM Narrow capable.? As such - and unlike
the Alinco DR-135, both 1200 and 9600
(type) baud receive audio doesn't exist on
the DB9 accessory connector - only 1200
baud is available there.? Depending on who
made the DB9 adapter cable for your radio,
it may not wired to give your RIM Lite
receive audio on the correct pin, or you
have the wrong RIM Lite that doesn't take
the audio from the correct pin on the DB9
accessory connector.? Unlike DRA's, RIM
Lite interfaces made for digital data do
not allow you to switch between the 1200
and 9600 audio source pins.? As such - you
need to make sure the DB9 accessory
connector puts the receive audio to the
correct pin of the RIM Lite - or the
interface won't work.
Additionally - and unlike the Alinco
DR-135, switching between 1200 and 9600
transmit audio is not possible on a TYT
TH-9000.? Again - the TYT TH-9000D is only
1200 baud (VARA FM Narrow) capable, and
depending on what pin your interface's
transmit audio appears on - it might not
be making to the radio's modulator.?
Switching the TX audio on a RIM Alinco
9600 requires surgery.
You claim you have receive audio on "Pin
3" of the DB9, but receive audio should
exist on pin 2 - .? So - I'm confused as
to whether you have a receive or transmit
audio problem.? It's possible you have
both.? Transmit audio would appear on pin
3 of the DB9 with a RIM Alinco 9600, but
pin 3 isn't connected to any DB9 pin as
per the above document.
You indicate that you own a RIM Alinco
9600, but that interface is not wired
correctly for a radio that's properly
pinned for 1200 baud.? You need a "RIM
Alinco" - not a "RIM Alinco 9600" for your
TYT TH-9000 radio.? Otherwise - you could
rewire the accessory jack to connect the
proper pins - making note of what you
created, as it no longer conforms to the
1200 baud standard.
---
I also make a retrofit accessory jack for
the TYT TH-9000, and it's pinned exactly
like the Alinco DR-X35 considering the
"1200" baud audio type.? It's called the
"AC-25". When someone wants to connect one
of my DRA's to a TYT TH-9000 radio, I
recommend they additionally purchase one
of my "Alinco-6" adapters.? This adapter
converts the DB9 to a Mini-DIN-6 that
follows the industry standard pinout.?
This board allows either 1200 or 9600 transmit
audio to be selected, and either
1200 or 9600 receive audio to be
selected when paired with a Mini-DIN-6
equipped RA or DRA.? Selection is done by
moving mechanical (push-on) jumpers onto
header pins - no soldering is required.?
When additionally paired with a DRA-36M,
this combination makes a fool-proof
installation that works properly on a TYT
TH-9000D for VARA FM Narrow, and can
additionally be used on Alinco DR-X35
radios for either VARA Narrow or Wide.
This isn't a sales pitch - it's to show
you that alternative products are
available, that might be easier to user
and are certainly more versatile.
Hope this helps...
Kevin
On 2/17/2025 9:49 AM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
Do you need to change any
settings in VARA ?or the interface when
you switch between the DR-135 and the
TD-9000D?
On
Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 9:15?AM Rick
Muething via
<rickmuething= [email protected]>
wrote:
Bob,
I have been using VARA FM
with my DR-135 and also a TYT
TH-9000D. I added the 9 Pin D
connector to the stock TH-9000D
with the same DB9 pinout as the
DR-135.? I am using the DRA-36
Masters modem for both.?
73,
Rick Muething, KN6KB? Winlink
Development Team?
[Edited Message Follows]
I have two TYT TD-9000D low
cost Chinese radios and am
having trouble getting them to
work with VARA FM.? I thought
I had this working with the
Repeater Builder RIB ALINCO
9600 and the DB9 adapter
cable, but apparently not.?
Note that the RIM ALINCO 9600
works flawlessly with the
Alinco DR-135. I have set this
up on at least five units with
no issues.? The TYT DB9
adapter cable from Repeater
Builder is built correctly pre
my continuity checks and the
pinout information I have.?
the TD-9000D will transmit to
the gateway and the gateway
responds, but VARA and Winlink
do not connect. I can see
receive audio on the DB9 pin 3
with a scope.? Same RIM ALINCO
9600 and computer with Winlink
Express and VARA FM? that
works on the DR-135.? Tried
both narrow and wide.? Is
anyone here having success
with the TYT TD-900D?
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
No, squelch closed and meter is at the bottom.? With a signal and audio heard in the speaker, metter is in the lower part of the green.? ?Looks like it's not over driving.? Do you want me to open the squelch on an empty channel and give? the meter reading on the noise?
Bob,
I'm assuming you mean zero as in 0dB (needle in the red) and the
squelch is open.? If so - try lowering the receive audio level
with no signal - to around -10 dB on a dead channel with no signal
/ modulation.? Or did you mean something else?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 3:45 PM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Kevin,
Yes, Auto?Tune gives increasing volume on each of the ten
succeeding?steps.? The VU meter sits at zero with no signal.?
Tuning to a weather channel, the VU meter bounces into the
lower green area, around -25 dB.? I also see it go green on a
connection attempt? Response?to Auto Tune is No Signal.
Bob??
Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the Auto-Tune
you actually hear 10 different levels of volume from the
monitor receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive audio level
ride at when no signal is being received on channel?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 10:28 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
I just ran Auto Tune on the DR-135 and it works
correctly, I can hear the audio volume increasing in
steps?on another radio and then? I get the APPROVED
banner.? Same interface on the TYT Auto Tune transmits
identically, ten steps, but then I get NO SIGNAL.?
Also, Ping shows no SIgnal.? On connect attempts, I do
hear the gateway responding multiple times after?the
initial connect request.? Seems like a receive path
problem.
Bob,
Please do the following and report back:
Using another radio to listen to your transmission
from the TYT TH-9000D, initiate an "Auto Tune"
from within VARA FM making the TYT radio
transmit.? How may different audio levels do you
hear when VARA transmits the 10 tries?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 9:37 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
Thank you for your detailed response.? I
apologise for hijacking?this thread, so I'll
contact?you directly for any followup.? You
are correct that the receive?audio should be
on pin 2 and I mis-stated.? The receive?audio
is on pin?2 on my adapted TYT radios.? I have
been working with Scott at Repeater Builder
and using his supplied TYT DB9 adapters and
the connections are correct.? However, I read
in another document from another user that he
had the TYT and VARA working at a speed
equivalent?to the Alinco so I assumed (perhaps
wrongly) that the TYT would work with VARA
Wide mode.? The TYT is transmitting and the
gateway is responding, but no data is passing.
Once or twice Winlink shows a connection, but
then drops the session without sending or
receiving.? I have tried setting VARA to
narrow mode, but it must not be working with
the RB interface. I'll contact you directly to
see about buying you interface and adapter
cables.
Bob
W0EG?
Bob,
I see that you responded to the wrong
thread this morning - so I'll assume
you're still having the issues.
The - but I feel
compelled to respond - anyway...
My guess is that you somehow have the
wrong RIM Interface or the wrong accessory
jack wiring, or both.? Let me explain...
The TYT TH-9000 radio is only 1200 / VARA
FM Narrow capable.? As such - and unlike
the Alinco DR-135, both 1200 and 9600
(type) baud receive audio doesn't exist on
the DB9 accessory connector - only 1200
baud is available there.? Depending on who
made the DB9 adapter cable for your radio,
it may not wired to give your RIM Lite
receive audio on the correct pin, or you
have the wrong RIM Lite that doesn't take
the audio from the correct pin on the DB9
accessory connector.? Unlike DRA's, RIM
Lite interfaces made for digital data do
not allow you to switch between the 1200
and 9600 audio source pins.? As such - you
need to make sure the DB9 accessory
connector puts the receive audio to the
correct pin of the RIM Lite - or the
interface won't work.
Additionally - and unlike the Alinco
DR-135, switching between 1200 and 9600
transmit audio is not possible on a TYT
TH-9000.? Again - the TYT TH-9000D is only
1200 baud (VARA FM Narrow) capable, and
depending on what pin your interface's
transmit audio appears on - it might not
be making to the radio's modulator.?
Switching the TX audio on a RIM Alinco
9600 requires surgery.
You claim you have receive audio on "Pin
3" of the DB9, but receive audio should
exist on pin 2 - .? So - I'm confused as
to whether you have a receive or transmit
audio problem.? It's possible you have
both.? Transmit audio would appear on pin
3 of the DB9 with a RIM Alinco 9600, but
pin 3 isn't connected to any DB9 pin as
per the above document.
You indicate that you own a RIM Alinco
9600, but that interface is not wired
correctly for a radio that's properly
pinned for 1200 baud.? You need a "RIM
Alinco" - not a "RIM Alinco 9600" for your
TYT TH-9000 radio.? Otherwise - you could
rewire the accessory jack to connect the
proper pins - making note of what you
created, as it no longer conforms to the
1200 baud standard.
---
I also make a retrofit accessory jack for
the TYT TH-9000, and it's pinned exactly
like the Alinco DR-X35 considering the
"1200" baud audio type.? It's called the
"AC-25". When someone wants to connect one
of my DRA's to a TYT TH-9000 radio, I
recommend they additionally purchase one
of my "Alinco-6" adapters.? This adapter
converts the DB9 to a Mini-DIN-6 that
follows the industry standard pinout.?
This board allows either 1200 or 9600 transmit
audio to be selected, and either
1200 or 9600 receive audio to be
selected when paired with a Mini-DIN-6
equipped RA or DRA.? Selection is done by
moving mechanical (push-on) jumpers onto
header pins - no soldering is required.?
When additionally paired with a DRA-36M,
this combination makes a fool-proof
installation that works properly on a TYT
TH-9000D for VARA FM Narrow, and can
additionally be used on Alinco DR-X35
radios for either VARA Narrow or Wide.
This isn't a sales pitch - it's to show
you that alternative products are
available, that might be easier to user
and are certainly more versatile.
Hope this helps...
Kevin
On 2/17/2025 9:49 AM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
Do you need to change any
settings in VARA ?or the interface when
you switch between the DR-135 and the
TD-9000D?
On
Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 9:15?AM Rick
Muething via
<rickmuething= [email protected]>
wrote:
Bob,
I have been using VARA FM
with my DR-135 and also a TYT
TH-9000D. I added the 9 Pin D
connector to the stock TH-9000D
with the same DB9 pinout as the
DR-135.? I am using the DRA-36
Masters modem for both.?
73,
Rick Muething, KN6KB? Winlink
Development Team?
[Edited Message Follows]
I have two TYT TD-9000D low
cost Chinese radios and am
having trouble getting them to
work with VARA FM.? I thought
I had this working with the
Repeater Builder RIB ALINCO
9600 and the DB9 adapter
cable, but apparently not.?
Note that the RIM ALINCO 9600
works flawlessly with the
Alinco DR-135. I have set this
up on at least five units with
no issues.? The TYT DB9
adapter cable from Repeater
Builder is built correctly pre
my continuity checks and the
pinout information I have.?
the TD-9000D will transmit to
the gateway and the gateway
responds, but VARA and Winlink
do not connect. I can see
receive audio on the DB9 pin 3
with a scope.? Same RIM ALINCO
9600 and computer with Winlink
Express and VARA FM? that
works on the DR-135.? Tried
both narrow and wide.? Is
anyone here having success
with the TYT TD-900D?
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
Bob,
I'm assuming you mean zero as in 0dB (needle in the red) and the
squelch is open.? If so - try lowering the receive audio level
with no signal - to around -10 dB on a dead channel with no signal
/ modulation.? Or did you mean something else?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 3:45 PM, Bob W0EG via groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Kevin,
Yes, Auto?Tune gives increasing volume on each of the ten
succeeding?steps.? The VU meter sits at zero with no signal.?
Tuning to a weather channel, the VU meter bounces into the
lower green area, around -25 dB.? I also see it go green on a
connection attempt? Response?to Auto Tune is No Signal.
Bob??
Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the Auto-Tune
you actually hear 10 different levels of volume from the
monitor receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive audio level
ride at when no signal is being received on channel?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 10:28 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
I just ran Auto Tune on the DR-135 and it works
correctly, I can hear the audio volume increasing in
steps?on another radio and then? I get the APPROVED
banner.? Same interface on the TYT Auto Tune transmits
identically, ten steps, but then I get NO SIGNAL.?
Also, Ping shows no SIgnal.? On connect attempts, I do
hear the gateway responding multiple times after?the
initial connect request.? Seems like a receive path
problem.
Bob,
Please do the following and report back:
Using another radio to listen to your transmission
from the TYT TH-9000D, initiate an "Auto Tune"
from within VARA FM making the TYT radio
transmit.? How may different audio levels do you
hear when VARA transmits the 10 tries?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 9:37 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
Thank you for your detailed response.? I
apologise for hijacking?this thread, so I'll
contact?you directly for any followup.? You
are correct that the receive?audio should be
on pin 2 and I mis-stated.? The receive?audio
is on pin?2 on my adapted TYT radios.? I have
been working with Scott at Repeater Builder
and using his supplied TYT DB9 adapters and
the connections are correct.? However, I read
in another document from another user that he
had the TYT and VARA working at a speed
equivalent?to the Alinco so I assumed (perhaps
wrongly) that the TYT would work with VARA
Wide mode.? The TYT is transmitting and the
gateway is responding, but no data is passing.
Once or twice Winlink shows a connection, but
then drops the session without sending or
receiving.? I have tried setting VARA to
narrow mode, but it must not be working with
the RB interface. I'll contact you directly to
see about buying you interface and adapter
cables.
Bob
W0EG?
Bob,
I see that you responded to the wrong
thread this morning - so I'll assume
you're still having the issues.
The - but I feel
compelled to respond - anyway...
My guess is that you somehow have the
wrong RIM Interface or the wrong accessory
jack wiring, or both.? Let me explain...
The TYT TH-9000 radio is only 1200 / VARA
FM Narrow capable.? As such - and unlike
the Alinco DR-135, both 1200 and 9600
(type) baud receive audio doesn't exist on
the DB9 accessory connector - only 1200
baud is available there.? Depending on who
made the DB9 adapter cable for your radio,
it may not wired to give your RIM Lite
receive audio on the correct pin, or you
have the wrong RIM Lite that doesn't take
the audio from the correct pin on the DB9
accessory connector.? Unlike DRA's, RIM
Lite interfaces made for digital data do
not allow you to switch between the 1200
and 9600 audio source pins.? As such - you
need to make sure the DB9 accessory
connector puts the receive audio to the
correct pin of the RIM Lite - or the
interface won't work.
Additionally - and unlike the Alinco
DR-135, switching between 1200 and 9600
transmit audio is not possible on a TYT
TH-9000.? Again - the TYT TH-9000D is only
1200 baud (VARA FM Narrow) capable, and
depending on what pin your interface's
transmit audio appears on - it might not
be making to the radio's modulator.?
Switching the TX audio on a RIM Alinco
9600 requires surgery.
You claim you have receive audio on "Pin
3" of the DB9, but receive audio should
exist on pin 2 - .? So - I'm confused as
to whether you have a receive or transmit
audio problem.? It's possible you have
both.? Transmit audio would appear on pin
3 of the DB9 with a RIM Alinco 9600, but
pin 3 isn't connected to any DB9 pin as
per the above document.
You indicate that you own a RIM Alinco
9600, but that interface is not wired
correctly for a radio that's properly
pinned for 1200 baud.? You need a "RIM
Alinco" - not a "RIM Alinco 9600" for your
TYT TH-9000 radio.? Otherwise - you could
rewire the accessory jack to connect the
proper pins - making note of what you
created, as it no longer conforms to the
1200 baud standard.
---
I also make a retrofit accessory jack for
the TYT TH-9000, and it's pinned exactly
like the Alinco DR-X35 considering the
"1200" baud audio type.? It's called the
"AC-25". When someone wants to connect one
of my DRA's to a TYT TH-9000 radio, I
recommend they additionally purchase one
of my "Alinco-6" adapters.? This adapter
converts the DB9 to a Mini-DIN-6 that
follows the industry standard pinout.?
This board allows either 1200 or 9600 transmit
audio to be selected, and either
1200 or 9600 receive audio to be
selected when paired with a Mini-DIN-6
equipped RA or DRA.? Selection is done by
moving mechanical (push-on) jumpers onto
header pins - no soldering is required.?
When additionally paired with a DRA-36M,
this combination makes a fool-proof
installation that works properly on a TYT
TH-9000D for VARA FM Narrow, and can
additionally be used on Alinco DR-X35
radios for either VARA Narrow or Wide.
This isn't a sales pitch - it's to show
you that alternative products are
available, that might be easier to user
and are certainly more versatile.
Hope this helps...
Kevin
On 2/17/2025 9:49 AM, Bob W0EG via
wrote:
Do you need to change any
settings in VARA ?or the interface when
you switch between the DR-135 and the
TD-9000D?
On
Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 9:15?AM Rick
Muething via
<rickmuething= [email protected]>
wrote:
Bob,
I have been using VARA FM
with my DR-135 and also a TYT
TH-9000D. I added the 9 Pin D
connector to the stock TH-9000D
with the same DB9 pinout as the
DR-135.? I am using the DRA-36
Masters modem for both.?
73,
Rick Muething, KN6KB? Winlink
Development Team?
[Edited Message Follows]
I have two TYT TD-9000D low
cost Chinese radios and am
having trouble getting them to
work with VARA FM.? I thought
I had this working with the
Repeater Builder RIB ALINCO
9600 and the DB9 adapter
cable, but apparently not.?
Note that the RIM ALINCO 9600
works flawlessly with the
Alinco DR-135. I have set this
up on at least five units with
no issues.? The TYT DB9
adapter cable from Repeater
Builder is built correctly pre
my continuity checks and the
pinout information I have.?
the TD-9000D will transmit to
the gateway and the gateway
responds, but VARA and Winlink
do not connect. I can see
receive audio on the DB9 pin 3
with a scope.? Same RIM ALINCO
9600 and computer with Winlink
Express and VARA FM? that
works on the DR-135.? Tried
both narrow and wide.? Is
anyone here having success
with the TYT TD-900D?
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
On 2/19/2025 12:25 PM, Kevin Custer wrote: Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the Auto-Tune you actually hear 10 different levels of volume from the monitor receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive audio level ride at when no signal is being received on channel? This will depend whether you are using a normal speaker-like output where the radio remains squelched between signals (where you will see nothing on the VU meter).? If you are using the "9600 baud" pin of a data port, you will normally see some indication from the white noise between data bursts.
|
Re: TYT TD-9000D for VARA FM
#VARAFM
Kevin,
Yes, Auto?Tune gives increasing volume on each of the ten succeeding?steps.? The VU meter sits at zero with no signal.? Tuning to a weather channel, the VU meter bounces into the lower green area, around -25 dB.? I also see it go green on a connection attempt? Response?to Auto Tune is No Signal.
Bob??
Bob,
Can you confirm that when the TYT transmits the Auto-Tune you
actually hear 10 different levels of volume from the monitor
receiver?
Also - where on the VU meter does the receive audio level ride at
when no signal is being received on channel?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 10:28 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
I just ran Auto Tune on the DR-135 and it works correctly,
I can hear the audio volume increasing in steps?on another
radio and then? I get the APPROVED banner.? Same interface on
the TYT Auto Tune transmits identically, ten steps, but then I
get NO SIGNAL.? Also, Ping shows no SIgnal.? On connect
attempts, I do hear the gateway responding multiple times
after?the initial connect request.? Seems like a receive path
problem.
Bob,
Please do the following and report back:
Using another radio to listen to your transmission from
the TYT TH-9000D, initiate an "Auto Tune" from within VARA
FM making the TYT radio transmit.? How may different audio
levels do you hear when VARA transmits the 10 tries?
Kevin
On 2/19/2025 9:37 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Keven,
Thank you for your detailed response.? I apologise
for hijacking?this thread, so I'll contact?you
directly for any followup.? You are correct that the
receive?audio should be on pin 2 and I mis-stated.?
The receive?audio is on pin?2 on my adapted TYT
radios.? I have been working with Scott at Repeater
Builder and using his supplied TYT DB9 adapters and
the connections are correct.? However, I read in
another document from another user that he had the TYT
and VARA working at a speed equivalent?to the Alinco
so I assumed (perhaps wrongly) that the TYT would work
with VARA Wide mode.? The TYT is transmitting and the
gateway is responding, but no data is passing. Once or
twice Winlink shows a connection, but then drops the
session without sending or receiving.? I have tried
setting VARA to narrow mode, but it must not be
working with the RB interface. I'll contact you
directly to see about buying you interface and adapter
cables.
Bob
W0EG?
Bob,
I see that you responded to the wrong thread this
morning - so I'll assume you're still having the
issues.
The - but I feel compelled
to respond - anyway...
My guess is that you somehow have the wrong RIM
Interface or the wrong accessory jack wiring, or
both.? Let me explain...
The TYT TH-9000 radio is only 1200 / VARA FM
Narrow capable.? As such - and unlike the Alinco
DR-135, both 1200 and 9600 (type) baud receive
audio doesn't exist on the DB9 accessory connector
- only 1200 baud is available there.? Depending on
who made the DB9 adapter cable for your radio, it
may not wired to give your RIM Lite receive audio
on the correct pin, or you have the wrong RIM Lite
that doesn't take the audio from the correct pin
on the DB9 accessory connector.? Unlike DRA's, RIM
Lite interfaces made for digital data do not allow
you to switch between the 1200 and 9600 audio
source pins.? As such - you need to make sure the
DB9 accessory connector puts the receive audio to
the correct pin of the RIM Lite - or the interface
won't work.
Additionally - and unlike the Alinco DR-135,
switching between 1200 and 9600 transmit audio is
not possible on a TYT TH-9000.? Again - the TYT
TH-9000D is only 1200 baud (VARA FM Narrow)
capable, and depending on what pin your
interface's transmit audio appears on - it might
not be making to the radio's modulator.? Switching
the TX audio on a RIM Alinco 9600 requires
surgery.
You claim you have receive audio on "Pin 3" of the
DB9, but receive audio should exist on pin 2 - .? So - I'm confused as to whether
you have a receive or transmit audio problem.?
It's possible you have both.? Transmit audio would
appear on pin 3 of the DB9 with a RIM Alinco 9600,
but pin 3 isn't connected to any DB9 pin as per
the above document.
You indicate that you own a RIM Alinco 9600, but
that interface is not wired correctly for a radio
that's properly pinned for 1200 baud.? You need a
"RIM Alinco" - not a "RIM Alinco 9600" for your
TYT TH-9000 radio.? Otherwise - you could rewire
the accessory jack to connect the proper pins -
making note of what you created, as it no longer
conforms to the 1200 baud standard.
---
I also make a retrofit accessory jack for the TYT
TH-9000, and it's pinned exactly like the Alinco
DR-X35 considering the "1200" baud audio type.?
It's called the "AC-25". When someone wants to
connect one of my DRA's to a TYT TH-9000 radio, I
recommend they additionally purchase one of my
"Alinco-6" adapters.? This adapter converts the
DB9 to a Mini-DIN-6 that follows the industry
standard pinout.? This board allows either 1200 or
9600 transmit audio to be selected, and
either 1200 or 9600 receive audio to be
selected when paired with a Mini-DIN-6 equipped RA
or DRA.? Selection is done by moving mechanical
(push-on) jumpers onto header pins - no soldering
is required.? When additionally paired with a
DRA-36M, this combination makes a fool-proof
installation that works properly on a TYT TH-9000D
for VARA FM Narrow, and can additionally be used
on Alinco DR-X35 radios for either VARA Narrow or
Wide.
This isn't a sales pitch - it's to show you that
alternative products are available, that might be
easier to user and are certainly more versatile.
Hope this helps...
Kevin
On 2/17/2025 9:49 AM, Bob W0EG via wrote:
Do you need to change any settings
in VARA ?or the interface when you switch
between the DR-135 and the TD-9000D?
On Mon, Feb
17, 2025 at 9:15?AM Rick Muething via
<rickmuething= [email protected]>
wrote:
Bob,
I have been using VARA FM with my
DR-135 and also a TYT TH-9000D. I added
the 9 Pin D connector to the stock
TH-9000D with the same DB9 pinout as the
DR-135.? I am using the DRA-36 Masters
modem for both.?
73,
Rick Muething, KN6KB? Winlink
Development Team?
[Edited Message Follows]
I have two TYT TD-9000D low cost
Chinese radios and am having trouble
getting them to work with VARA FM.? I
thought I had this working with the
Repeater Builder RIB ALINCO 9600 and
the DB9 adapter cable, but apparently
not.? Note that the RIM ALINCO 9600
works flawlessly with the Alinco
DR-135. I have set this up on at least
five units with no issues.? The TYT
DB9 adapter cable from Repeater
Builder is built correctly pre my
continuity checks and the pinout
information I have.? the TD-9000D will
transmit to the gateway and the
gateway responds, but VARA and Winlink
do not connect. I can see receive
audio on the DB9 pin 3 with a scope.?
Same RIM ALINCO 9600 and computer with
Winlink Express and VARA FM? that
works on the DR-135.? Tried both
narrow and wide.? Is anyone here
having success with the TYT TD-900D?
|
Re: Alinco DR-CS10T as Winlink Gateway radio
On 2/19/2025 1:26 PM, Bob AF9W via
groups.io wrote:
FTM--6000 works great for VARA FM Wide using a DRA-50. Don't
know about Digirig.?
_._,_._,_
?
I have tested end-to-end VARA-FM FAST links with a pair of
FTM-6000s and they work perfectly.? Effortless connect at 22K-plus
speeds.?? I have had a mix of SignaLinks, DigiRigs and my homebrew
interfaces in the test setups.
The main headache is the doofus non-standard TEN-pin miniDIN port
on the rear. It combines the 6-pins of the industry-standard 6-pin
mini-DIN data port,? and 4 conductors of an actual physical RS-232
serial port (not USB) for memory programming and cloning,? on one
connector.??
Yaesu sells a forked cable that breaks out the 10-pin mini-DIN
into both a standard female 6-pin mini-DIN data port and a DB-9
serial port for around USD $40.? I buy 10-pin-male-to-10-pin-male
mini-DIN cables for USD $7 a pop,? cut them in half and then
splice a cable with a 6-pin female mini-DIN connector to each
half. ? Net result is that I get TWO cables for under USD $20.
My Panasonic Toughbook laptops have an actual physical RS-232 DB9
serial port on them. I have successfully used this with the
embedded serial port on the FTM-6000 DIN port to clone the memory
load of one FTM-6000 into four others.?? No hassle with virtual
COM ports over USB drivers.??
Note that once you get around this cable nuisance, that the
FTM-6000 properly implements both the "1200 baud" (de-emphasized
RT audio) and the "9600 baud" (raw discriminator audio) RX
connections of the mini-DIN data port.? It's internal menus also
properly switches the TX-in audio bandwidth properly for both 1200
and 9600 baud modes on transmit. (The 9600-baud TX mode is
required for VARA-FM FAST.)
Another nice feature of this radio is that it only consumes about
140 mA on standby receive compared to around 1 amp for most mobile
radios. Nice for battery-backed standby in remote locations.
Yaesu WAS having an end-of-model-life clearance sale
NOV-though-JAN. Most of the major ham dealers were selling them
for USD $259.?? i snapped up 4 of them in December.?? I don't know
if there are any left at some of the dealers.
Stephen H. Smith??? wa8lmf (at) aol.com
Skype:??????? WA8LMF
EchoLink:? Node #? 14400? [Think bottom of the 2-meter band]
Home Page:?????????
30 Meter?? APRS-over VARA? Frequency?? Details Here:
????
- APRS over VARA? --
??
"Studio B" Ham Shack on Wheels
??
-
?
?
|
Re: Alinco DR-CS10T as Winlink Gateway radio
FTM--6000 works great for VARA FM Wide using a DRA-50. Don't know about Digirig.?
|
|
|
Charlie N2MHS
Keith Ballow
Kevin Custer
Bob AF9W