Jonathan,
"Be Prepared!"
the FT-817 will do FM just as well, if not better, than a
2m Baofeng. What's the exact problem?
Generally, when the 817 is set to 2m (144MHz) with the
band switch, and FM with the mode switch, and with
a 2m antenna attached, then it simply needs a working
microphone plugged in to the socket on the side for
speech.
Assuming that the 817 receives on 2m, and presuming that
you have, or apparently have, all of those items above,
then the most likely issues with FM, but no transmitted
audio are:
1) the microphone is faulty (if using speech
FM) (try substituting another mike, preferably
from a working 817)
2) the receivers are using a CTCSS access tone
(or DCS) and your transmission has not been set up to
send these signals (for speech FM)
3) the mode for packet on 2m FM is PKT
if using packet data (not
FM)
But when all else fails read the fine manual,
which you will find, assuming that it's an FT-817ND
at?
or for the FT-817 at .
It isn't always easy to follow, but for these purposes the
information is all there. You may well need other
information, particularly for ARES operation, where "Be
Prepared" is very much the order of the day!
You didn't say, but presumably for HF data operation
you've been using a laptop and audio interface cable to
the DATA socket, and possibly another cable to the CAT
socket to control PTT (other options are available). That
setup should also work for 2m FM data, assuming that
you're using fldigi (or similar multi-mode program).
You'll also need to adjust fldigi to the correct mode.
Debugging things remotely can be frustrating, but p.41 of
the 817ND user manual Packet (1200/9600 bps FM) Operation
is very much your friend, and details setting the baud
rate (1200 or 9600) and deviation (mic gain, menu #39).
You will need a local FM receiver (better a deviation
meter), and preferably a knowledgeable friend or mentor to
help you set the deviation correctly. (The ND is a more
robust 817, is still labelled FT-817, but offers 3, rather
than 2, colours under menu item #15.)
No-one ever said it would be easy or simple! Good luck,
73,
Robin, G8DQX
?
Hello
all:
We use fldigi for my local ares group. ?I
want to use my FT817 for some simple practice at our
local face to face meetings. ?When I go to transmit
I don't get any audio out of the radio.
I know you need to use the "User-U" mode
for digital on HF, but I'm working with people with
baofengs on 2m fm...
Many thanks,
Jonathan?
KC1BOS
