[TenTec] Fwd: Re: FT8

[Jim Brown]

Thanks for helping with additional clarifications, Greg.

For what it's worth, CAT control is NOT a requirement to run FT8. In 
WSJT-X settings, simply choose NO radio, and for Split Mode choose Fake 
It, which will shift audio on TX when needed. You simply need to set 
both your radio and WSJT-X to the right frequency (so it will correctly 
log your QSOs).

I've always used VOX for both SSB and all digital modes, including FT8, 
RTTY, and other WSJT-X modes.

Yes, I did do a lot of work with Ward on the book. We also collaborate 
on several topics in the ARRL Handbook and Antenna Book. I'm happy that 
you find it useful. Ward is both technically sharp and a very good writer.

73, Jim

On 12/7/2018 1:38 PM, Greg S via TenTec wrote:
> Malcolm,
> The devices Jim points to are USB external audio devices. We must keep clear in our mind that all they do (essentially , in our case) is transfer audio between the rig and a computer. The rig can use incoming audio to start transmitting, by using VOX, however these audio devices alone do not help you control frequency, or mode selection, or filter width, etc. on the rig from a computer. For this, it additionally requires a “serial” cable (most likely USB to serial adapter cable today), that comes from the computer, and plugs into the 1/8” (3.5mm) serial port on the rear of the Omni VI. Much of the newer software will not have our beloved Omni VI listed as a rig to control, but many of the commands it needs are compatible with the Icom IC-735, and you will most likely find it listed. In my experience, the commands available on our Omni VI rigs were not fully developed, and I had varying amounts of success using software to control the rig. This was only MY experience, and could have fully been operator error! I do hope this is of SOME help......this is a great group, with much knowledge.
> As a side note to Jim’s comments:  I think the recently published book from the ARRL  “Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur” (which Jim, K9YC,  had some part in contributing, writing and/or editing), was long overdue, and deserves a place on the bookshelf of every ham, right next to “The Handbook.” It is a subject fraught with lore and misinformation, and the book does a superb job of explaining this difficult subject in terms we can all understand. I have no pecuniary interest, just a very satisfied reader.
> 
> Off the soap box, and back in my hole.
> 73-
> Greg, KC8HXO
> 
> Sent from my Linux device
> 
>> On Dec 7, 2018, at 14:39, Malcolm McLeman <f5vbu at cegetel.net> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Thanks Jim.. Unlike a PC sound card with appropriate audio input/output I was wondering how a laptop could achieve same without a USB interfaceand if the Omni VI CAT control would appear somewhere in the scheme of things?
>>
>>> On 12/7/2018 8:04 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>> On 12/7/2018 8:17 AM, Malcolm McLeman wrote:
>>>> Would like to try FT8 using a Win 7 laptop/Omni VI+ and was wondering if it could be achieved with or without an interface?
>>> If your station is properly bonded, including the laptop, it should work fine. Digital modes CAN work BETTER with a decent USB interface. "Better" in this context means a better A/D converter, which can improve the ability to decode weaker signals. I use a Tascam US100 at home, and a Numark Stereo I/O for portable work.
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