While I don’t generally use my IC-9100 on HF anymore (keeping it mostly for satellite work on VHF/UHF), I do follow the Yahoo IC-9100 Discussion Group, and a great number of people post seeking help using the IC-9100 with digital modes.
The most common misconception is “How do I hook my IC-9100 and SignalLink USB up?” Well, the answer is you don’t. The IC-9100 has everything it needs to run digital modes built into the radio (basically the equivalent of a SignaLink USB is built into the radio). You use a single USB cable (less than 1 meter in length) to gain access to rig control, and soundcard radio audio in/out.
The second most common misconception is somehow becoming convinced that you need to use “USB” (as in Upper Side Band) as the RX/TX mode. That’s correct for a microphone, but very bad practice for digital modes. You want to use “D-USB” (as in Digital Upper Side Band). This will ensure that the compressor is turned off, along with the RX and TX tone adjustments that would wreck havoc with your signal quality.
And the most common issue is “I can decode signals fine, but nothing comes out on transmit” or “My rig doesn’t enter transmit”. In the latter you need software that will send a CAT command to the radio that will enable/disable transmit, or you must use VOX (which can be difficult to get setup due to the restrictions on audio input level to avoid distortion). In the former typically the modulation source has not been setup correctly.
The key to success is getting a bunch of settings inside the radio to match a bunch of settings in your digital mode software. In this case, I’m describing WSJT-X (Version 1.6.0), the latest software from K1JT that supports JT65, JT9, and WSPR.
Begin by getting your IC-9100 Menu Settings set properly:
- Menu 56 USB MOD Level “25%”
- Menu 58 DATA OFF MOD “MIC”
- Menu 59 DATA MOD “USB”
- Menu 60 CI-V Baud Rate “19200”
- Menu 61 CI-V Address “7Ch”
Often, older software doesn’t allow the correct default value of the CI-V Address (7Ch) to be used, but WSJT-X is expecting that address to be used when using the IC-9100.
Note that the USB MOD Level of 25% is going to be close, but your particular radio might need some adjusting. The way you figure that out is to get the radio into transmit mode (perhaps using the “TUNE” button in WSJT-X) and adjusting the USB MOD Level until there is ZERO ALC on your meter. If you are showing ALC action, then your transmit audio is going to be distorted. It is a VERY sensitive adjustment. 27% causes mid-scale ALC in my case.
Likewise you are going to have to adjust the incoming level as well. Usually I run with AGC turned off (this prevents stronger signals from blanking out the display). If you are a “all knobs fully CW” sort of operator that will either blow out your speaker, or damage your hearing if you keep the RF gain at maximum. Turn the RF gain all the way down, then turn off the AGC. Slowly ramp the RF gain up until the WSJT-X incoming level meter is right around mid-scale when no signals are being received. (Note the blue slider control to the right of the meter should be at mid-scale.) In my case, with the AGC turned OFF, a setting just beyond 9 O’clock will cause a mid-scale audio input level (I will see +40 to +50 during the active part of the JT65 minute).
The WSJT-X Radio Settings look like this for the IC-9100 (my lower COM port is COM5):
The WSJT-X Audio Settings look like this for the IC-9100
I’m trying to get audio from 91oo into WSJT not WSJT-X and having no luck. Know any solutions?
Rick, W2JAZ
Well the “audio” part is simple — when you plug in your IC-9100 to the computer via the USB cable, Windows will add two new CODECs, one for audio in and another for audio out. You should be able to select those in the WSJT program setup. By the way, that part of Windows seems to work 100% of the time, so you should have no problem. You still need to setup both the radio and WSJT properly for things to work.
The actual challenge you will have is getting your IC-9100 to enter into transmit because WSJT (the original program) does NOT support CI-V commands to enter transmit. You will need to use a program that will simulate a com port PTT control. See my post on CAT7200 here: https://wb4son.com/wpblog/?p=2301 You can then enter that info into the WSJT setup for PTT.
Hopefully one day soon WSJT-X will support everything that WSJT did and more and these problems will go away. WSJT-X is FAR easier to setup.
Thank you Robert, your posting was very helpful. I have been able to do JT-65 with and without the Signalink. The good news is that I can use the Signalink box for another rig!
In using the Signalink box, when it goes into USB “D” mode it narrows down the reception to about 1.5KHz (I lose the JT-9 segment). However, when I deactivate the “D” it does not transmit (it does PTT with no signal). Do you have any thoughts about this? Thnx
To the best of my knowledge there are separate memories for the USB D mode and USB mode. In other words you can set a separate filter width on each mode. I suspect that you have a wide filter setting for SSB and are seeing it reduce on SSB-D because that was the last setting for that mode. However I don’t think you can set it wider than 3 Khz in any event, but that is still enough to fit part of the JT9 band.
Speaking of JT9, I wish there was more activity. More sensitive and less bandwidth.
73, Bob
Great information. Followed the instructions and it worked as advertised with one exception. ALC I could not get the ALC to display when adjusting menu 56 USB mod, any ideas? Other than that everything else works. I have a Signaling USB for sale. LOL
Hey Bob,
Assuming you have the ALC meter showing (a long-press of the Ant/Meter button to step through the choices), you have selected D-USB (press and hold that SSB button until the “D” shows up), and you aren’t seeing any ALC indication at all even with high settings of menu 56 USB Mod, then you need to adjust the output control of your SignaLink USB until you start seeing some indication. You might also have to mess with an internal jumper setting to boost the output level, which is set to very low values for microphone inputs by default.
Good luck & 73, Bob, WB4SON
Hi Robert. Thanks for the information-it worked! I do have a problem and was hoping you may have the answer. After I exit the program and return my IC-9100 menu 58 to “MIC, ACC” and 59 to “ACC” I cannot xmit voice. CW is fine. Do you have any clue why this is happening?
Thanks and 73s
Tony
W2ASX
Hey Tony,
With the settings I recommend, you don’t have to change anything. When you are doing the data modes, you are in “D USB” (Digital USB) and the audio to/from the USB connector on the rear is used for transmit/receive. When you are in normal USB or LSB, then the audio comes from MIC (the front panel microphone). No menu setting should be “ACC” which is the rear panel accessory connection. Menu 58 is “Data Off Mode” in other words, it is what you use to get audio from while in USB or LSB mode. That should be “MIC” which means use the signals from the MIC. Menu 59 is the “Data MOD” the audio source for D-USB or D-LSB (Data mode). That should be set to USB.
great information, thanks!
how does one turn off the AGC … seems I have only three settings (F, M, and S)?
73, Rich
Hi Rich,
The 9100 provides three presets; Fast, Mid, Slow. You push the button briefly to pick one of those settings. However, if you press and hold the button for about a second, you can change it. Then you rotate the main knob to select the time constant. OFF is one of the choices. I just changed one of the presets to be OFF. I think that is covered in the manual, page 72 or something close to that.
Hi Robert,
OK, got it now! thanks a lot – your site is very nice. 73, Rich, K3VAT
Hi Rich,
Glad it worked for you. Many thanks for your kind comments.
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thank you! You’re the Man!
Hello Bob.
Thanks for the great advice. Now that you have figured it out, have you ever managed to get MMSSTV working with the 9100? My friend has WSJT-X working just fine, but he’s having a problem getting mmsstv to key the 9100. It does receive well, but no transmit. Maybe he needs to install cat7200?
I run Ubuntu and have flrig controlling the radio for fldigi, which also works with qsstv (linux based SSTV program).
Keep up the good work!
73 Jim Darrough, KI7AY
EM25pd
Hi Jim,
Yes I suspect your friend will need to install CAT7200. While the 9100 does have a command to enter/exit transmit via the computer interface, very few programs use it. The other programs then require a hardware solution or something else that mimics it via software, like CAT7200.
Always something new to learn in this hobby!
Happy New Year
73, Bob, WB4SON
Hello all,
I have just set up my 9100 to try to operate FT-8. I set up the radio via menu settings listed above as well as the radio and audio settings. It all looks good and I can decode QSOs just fine but my 9100 will not transmit. I have down loaded the latest version of WSJT-X ( wsjtx-1.8.0-win32) Do I still have to download CAT7200? for a virtual com port? My 9100 has all the latest firmware upgrades FYI.
73s and thanks in advance, Jeff KA0JW
Hey Jeff, Happy New Year!
Well I can tell you that the settings in the article above work for my IC-9100 and for many others too. But what you are experiencing is the most common user issue for the IC-9100: They hear/decode just fine, but can’t get into transmit. The settings listed are critical to accomplish that. Especially the “PTT Method” setting, which must be set to CAT. WSJT-X will then control TX/RX via the CAT port. And make sure that the CAT port is working (will correctly set your rig frequency if you change bands).
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thanks for the reply Bob,
I have the “PTT Method” is set to CAT and as far as I can tell everything is set to the way you show it on the website. I looked on device manger and I have the two comports labeled Silicon labs CP210X USB to UART bridge. One is COM Port 3 and the other is COM 4. The port settings are set to default 9600 baud, data bits: 8, parity None, Stop bits: 2, Flow control: None. Should these settings be set to 19200 baud?
Thanks, Jeff , KA0JW
Hi Jeff,
I am copying a post from the IC-9100 user group that was made just this morning. The poster is commenting that his IC-9100 is working just fine on FT-8. I think you will find his settings are similar to what I recommended:
Ari Þórólfur ari@ice.is [ic9100]
6:06 AM (4 hours ago)
to ic9100
My IC-9100 works 100% on FT8 WSJT-X
My settings WSJT-X
Under Radio Tab
Baud rade 19200
Data bit 8
Stop one
Handshake None
PTT Method CAT
Split oper None
MODE Data/PKT (important)
IC-9100 settings
55 open
56 USB MOD 35%
57 OFF
59 Radio setting under MENU
60 CI-V 19200
61 Address 7Ch
62 CI-V transceiver ON
DATA MOD USB
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thanks Bob,
I have everything working. I was using older CODEC drivers for the 9100. Anyway, I made a couple of contacts and I was wondering what power level to run on FT-8. I’m running about 25 – 30 watts.
73 and thanks for the advice! Jeff KA0JW
Hi Bob-
Thanks for all the information you have posted! I did follow the set up information, but I seem to be having a problem receiving. I backed off the RF gain control so I have green bar on the far left bottom. I had one posting in the left screen showing two callsigns. I do go into transmit and I hear my signal on another radio in the shack which has the antenna disconnected. I show no ALC when I go into transmit. I have the input and output CODEC selected. Any suggestions? Thanks and 73! Dick, K1HC
I am on wsjt working ft8 when 9100 is in d-usb filter band is 1.2 and it drops a lot of signals on ft-8 when radio is in usb mode it gets a lot more signals band filter is 3.0 but when I tx the radio goes into d-usb how can I keep it in usb when I tx thanks
Hey Rick,
You really DON’T want to use the USB mode, just D-USB. It think from your note your issue is that you don’t have the filter width set wide enough in the D-USB mode. That is user selectable. You can set it to whatever width you want (up to the 3.0 KHz limit). So adjust it to 3.0 and you will receive all the signals that you are hearing in the regular USB mode.
The reason the regular USB mode is not desirable is that compression and audio equalization have an impact in USB mode. Those are automatically disabled in the Digital D-USB mode, which is exactly what you want. Using D-USB allows you to continue to use the regular USB mode for standard SSB audio — so you don’t have to keep adjusting things.
73, Bob, WB4SON
on page 73 of the icom 9100 manual it states ssb-d 1.2 k and I cant get it to go any wider but on ssb I can but it goes back to ssb-d when I tx this is not going to work for me I lose to many signals
Hi Rick,
Those are the default settings for each mode. Keep reading to the right by the row that lists D-USB and you will see “600 to 3600 Hz (100 Hz)” under the adjustable column. You can adjust the filter wider, by following the instructions on page 72.
73, Bob
looks like ill be ordering another yaesu 991a this icom 9100 in usb-d is death. thanks for the help
helloBOB
i cannot get it to talk to the radio on cat
i have done all the set per what i read here and it says
hamlib error rig failure
Hi Pat,
The best I can figure out is that error will occur when hamlib is out of date. Lots of folks have followed the instructions in this post and it does work for them. I know that is no comfort at all when it doesn’t work on your end. But you might want to be sure all your software is up to date.
Am just setting up my IC-9100 with WSJT-X v2.0.0 software. Am using a Dell laptop running Win10 and found the Icom USB driver for Win10 on the Icom global site. Have configured rig settings for 55-62 as shown here. My audio Input/output selections are “USB Audio CODEC” which seems to recognize the IC-9100. My problem is that after all these configurations, when I fire up WSJT-X it gives me an error message, “Error in Sound Input – An error opening the audio input device has occurred”. Any suggestions?
Hi Rich,
If you have installed that driver an are seeing the “USB Audio CODEC” show up in the list of input and output devices for WSJT-X, then it sounds like you are mostly there. While there might be something specific to WSJT-X that is causing an issue, it sure sounds to me as if the sound card has been grabbed by Windows and is already in use. Only one application can use any one sound device. While it was more of a problem prior to Win10, adding a new sound card was almost always guaranteed to mess up everything that was already setup when using Win7 and earlier.
So go into your Windows Sound Mixer and make sure that no devices are showing USB Audio CODEC as their default.
Also check the WSJT-X instructions for error messages as there might be something specific.
Good Luck & 73, Bob
This is usually due to applications not having permission to use the microphone.
Hi Robert,
I would like to receive information about ICOM 9100 with PC for digital mode.
I’ve PC Windows and macOs X Apple. Have you preference with 9100?
Why user manual say “Dangerous” ti connect radio to PC before download the driver? How I know if mg ic9100 have right driver inside?
Tks and sorry for bad english.
Giacomo Iu1hhp
Hi Giacomo,
The reason for the warning to not connect the radio to the PC before installing the driver is that Windows 7/8/10 will then mark the radio interface as “Unknown”. It will show up in the list of COM ports with a yellow “!” symbol. Installing the drivers after that won’t fix it. What you need to do, if you attached the radio before installing the drivers, is to remove that device (right-click) then unplug the radio. Install the drivers, then plug the radio back in. At that point it should correctly identify the two COM ports and the Human Interface Device (USB CODEC).
I have used both MAC and PC software. Usually there are more things on the PC side, so I mostly use that. There has been reports of issues when using a MAC. The radio appears as two serial ports. When using a MAC, the order of the ports will change from time to time. So you sometimes have to adjust things in the MAC software to be sure you are using the correct rig control port.
73, Bob, WB4SON
Tks for answer, finally I’ve right drivers and two port com but I’ve this error “hamlib error rig failure”. I Copy your informations to set software and Icom-9100 but noting. The USB codec Is inside the Human interface or inside new folder audio input/output?
Welcome. I have read all the information from you related to ICOM 9100. Thanks to you, I solved the problem with the too high level of the AUDIO signal at the program entrance. This can be adjusted using RF GAIN and it does not change the sensitivity of the radio and does not cause clipping on the PC screen. You can also set the control to 1 in the audio options. Then the signal is just right. But I have another problem. My ICom is connected to a PC via USB. Listening to the signal on another radio, I noticed that during the FT 8 transmission, after placing PTT, a strange BRUUUUM signal appeared instead of the audio from the PC. The same is true when the Audio is no longer going and before PTT turns off. It doesn’t bother making QSOs on FT 8 but it annoys me a lot. I checked if it was the fault of the PC but not because this problem also occurs on another PC. When I mute the audio on the radio in the WINDOWS sliders, this strange BRRRRUM can be heard all the time. Fortunately, the FT 8 signal covers this BRRRRUM without any problems and you can make QSOs. What could be causing these problems. I have the correct ALC radio settings, etc., because everything is fine. Thank you for the info SQ5AAG.
Hi Jacek,
I haven’t noticed a similar strange signal when using FT8. I would suggest that you dial the power down very low and see if the problem goes away. If so, that might be an indication of RF getting picked up by the cabling system between your PC and the rig. Clamp-on ferrite beads might help prevent that. The other thing is that it is VERY challenging to listen to your transmitter using another radio simply because your RF transmit signal is so strong it overloads the receiver. Most receivers, even with the RX antenna grounded have so much leakage through the case, that they become overwhelmed. The best thing you could do is work with a ham that is 5 to 50 km away from you and see what the signal sounds like to them.
Good luck and 73!
Welcome. I checked it with other stations. Unfortunately, it’s leaking :-). I need to replace the USB cable between the radio and the USB HUB with external power supply. I used one for IC 9100 because thanks to this I avoid problems with the disappearance of the USB port in the PC. FERITE beads should do the trick. If not, we’ll see what the cable change will bring? I am also thinking about common RADIO and PC grounding. Working with minimum power does not add anything, the symptom is the same. I also note that I have 4 ICOMS also connected via USB and the problem is only in 9100. Regards 73!
The problem I have is FT8 works great, but MSK144 does not receive. Every now and then it will decode. I have tried everything. Any idea what to do Thanks
I am a new FT-8 user. Just installed WSJT-X Ver 2.2.2 in my Windows 10 laptop. I use IC-9100 and its CAT. I can receive FT-8 signals and show up in the left display screen, I can put the IC-9100 in the TX mode from WSJT-X but doe not transmit any FT-8 signals. My setting for Radio is as follow: Baud Rate 19200, Data bit 8, Stop one, Handshake None, PTT Method CAT, Split Op None and Mode Data/PKT. My IC-9100 setting is as follow: 55 Open, 56 USB Mod 35%, 57 OFF, 59 Data Mode USB, 60 CI-V 19200, 61 Address 7ch, and 62 ON. Appreciate any help you can give to me. Thanks. George N3GS
I closed the loop with George offline. I’m happy to report that he is now happy and running FT-8 using his IC-9100. The solution to his issue was to press and hold the SSB button to get it into D SSB (Digital), at which point all the other settings were spot on. Enjoy!
I have seen the other posts about can’t transmit and seem to have everything set okay, but I’m still having problems with my 9100. I can’t transmit and get the following when I press the Test CAT button…
Rig failure Hamlib error: Communications bus error while getting current frequency
Hi Jim,
Usually that error message can mean two things. The most likely is that you don’t have the proper USB drivers loaded for the IC-9100. Check the Icom website for the drivers and instructions. The second is that HAMLIB errors are sometimes associated with out of date WSJT-X (at that loads the most recent library).
Good luck & 73, Bob, WB4SON
Also, it says on my computer that CP2102 USB to UART Bidge Controller, Driver is unavailable
As Gilda Radner use to say on SNL, “Never mind”.
I downloaded a driver and the Test CAT button worked.
Haven’t tried transmitting yet due to lightning in the area…
Would rather you not post all of this.
TNX
Called one CQ and got 3 responses.
Thanks for your web site and all of your posts. I’ve it bookmarked on my browser.
Glad it is working, Jim!
Enjoy this new and exciting mode. I’ve been in the hobby long enough that I’ve seen things take a decade to be adopted. Joe Taylor’s WSJT-X suite has a fantastic following and it just keeps getting better
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thanks for such a wonderful, helpful article. I have an odd problem I haven’t seen listed yet:
WSJT-X seems to be knocking my radio out of USB-D mode. I hold down the button to put it into SSB-D mode, which works fine, but when I click tune, TX, PTT test, or any other button to transmit, radio kicks out of SSB-D mode and of course that doesn’t work. It does not return to USB-D mode. Anyone have any ideas on this? I can’t seem to find any information on it at all.
~KI5NXD
Hi John,
I am guessing that you have the WSJT-X File/Settings/Radio tab “Mode” set to USB. You likely want it to be Data/Pkt, although I have mine set to None as I prefer to set it myself manually.
Hope that helps!
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thanks Bob. When I set to Data/Pkt, PTT test works but on my first Tx it gives me the rig control error and stops working until I set it back to USB.
Alright, set to none and now it at least lets me keep it when it switches back… progress. I’m only seeing half a watt on my external meter though. I swear, FT8 has been the most frustrating thing to get running, and I don’t even get a conversation out of it!
I’m starting to think the 9100 is destined to become my remote rig when I get the ranch tower set up. I feel like I’m so close though.
Hi John
Check your audio input level (ic-9100 menu setting). Also check the windows sound mixer output levels. Usually people have the exact opposite problem — their audio is too hot, lots of AGC action and resulting clipping (which drives harmonic content way up).
I had a similar problem. When I changed the ‘Split Operation’ to none or Fake It, the mode stayed in D-UBS. When it was set to Rig, the TX started it would change to USB.
I am assuming that the reason for that is the transmit VFO has not been changed to D USB. When you do none, or “Fake it”, it uses the main VFO, which you have set to D USB.
Hello and thanks for the information. I purchased this 9100 yesterday and now trying to configure it for WSTJ-X. Drivers have been downloaded and installed; I have the latest version of WSJT-X installed (works on my IC-7610). I used the above recommended settings and unable to get CAT control. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
There are many moving parts to getting CAT control working. The good news is if you have the 7610 working that pretty much means you have a handle on the communication part. However keep in mind that the 9100 is going to setup a new set of COM ports because it is a different device. In fact, if you accidentally use a different USB port on your computer it will usually setup different COM ports. So first off be sure you know what COM port the 9100 is actually using (actually which TWO ports – usually the lower port number will be the control port). You can figure that out by disconnecting the radio, seeing what COM ports are still present in your computer, then connecting the radio and seeing the new ports. Make sure you set WSJT-X to use the correct port. The other issue is what CIV # you are using. Make sure it agrees with WSJT-X setting.
Good luck & 73, Bob, WB4SON
I have a 9100 that is grief on WSJT. It worked on an older computer but I had to replace it with an HP EliteDesk G800. I can run Winlink, fldigi and MARS ALE no problem but JT will not decode although signals show on the waterfall. I have W10 firewall access for the app.
I also have a FT-897D that sets up fine
73 Steve VE5SR
Hey Steve,
Hard to know for sure. I can tell you that the USB inside the IC-9100 is VERY picky. It doesn’t like longer cables, or cheap cables for that matter. Usually using a USB hub will fix the issue if it is communication related.
Since you say you see signals on the waterfall, that means you have the sound setup, but perhaps the audio is not adjusted correctly? Are you within the green bar area on the signal level indicator (bottom left corner of WSJT-X? Two other things to check is to be sure you are in the correct Digital SSB mode D-USB and that your computer clock is accurate to within a second.
Have you set the rig type correctly and made sure the CIV address is correct?
73, Bob, WB4SON
Rig settings fine. Winlink works on this radio as does MARS-ALE
I just tried a VARA-HF connection and rig works fine.
I haver an FT-897D on WSJT and it works fine, the Icom used to but getting errors.
You can look at the error here: https://ve5sr.wordpress.com/rigs-and-things/ic-9100/
I get signals on the waterfall but no decodes.
I’ve contacted you before and everything was running fine until I moved my computer and rig… And as so many have said before, I can receive but cannot transmit. If I press the TUNE button, I get the following message:
Hamlib error: Command rejected by the rig
icom.c(2212):icom_set_mode_with_data return(-9) Command rejected by the rig
icom_set_dsp_flt: mode=PKTUSB, width=-1
icom.c(1903):icom_set_dsp_flt return(0)
icom.c(1903):icom_set_dsp_flt return(0) rig_set_mode: targetable retcode after set_mode=-9
rig.c(2048):rig_set_mode return(-9) Command rejected by the rig
icom.c(2212):icom_set_mode_with_data return(-9) Command rejected by the rig
icom_set_dsp_flt: mode=PKTUSB, width=-1
icom.c(1903):icom_set_dsp_flt return(0)
icom.c(1903):icom_set_dsp_flt return(0) rig_set_mode: targetable retcode after set_mode=-9
rig_set_mode: targetable retcode after set_mode=-9 while setting current VFO mode
I wonder what I messed up in the move? Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.
Never mind….
I thought I tried it before, but the problem seems to go away when running the rig in DUSB instead of just USB. In my case, it appears not so much to be a suggestion, but a requirement.
Now on to lowering the swr after moving things around!
Hi Jim, Glad you have it working! All my setup info is dependent on the radio being in DUSB mode which says it gets its modulation from the USB bus as opposed to the microphone Jack on the front of the radio.
That is desirable because DUSB removes any equalizer setting and compression which is harmful to a digital signal
Hello to all, I’ve seen many posts about issues with the 9100 and CAT, loading drivers and hamlib errors. All of these I’ve had until I found an obscure reference on a google search to the USB (not upper sideband!!) internal hub needing more power that some USB interfaces can provide. So it’s my understanding that the serial to USB interface and the audio interface, which are both USB, go into an internal USB hub in the 9100 that is not powered by the 12v in the radio but from an external USB interface. By adding a powered USB interface, it fixed all my intermittent issues with CAT communications and now the 9100 is stable.
Also, many folks talk about programs that won’t key the rig via cat and have to use a piece of software. There is an easy fix. I run external preamps and high power, all of which requires a sequencer. I turn off cat control of PTT and build a simple circuit right into a DB9 connector with a 2N2222 or any NPN switching transistor and a 1K resistor. The emitter goes to ground (pin 5 on a db9), the base to one end of the resistor and the other end of the resistor to RTS (pin 7 on a db9). The collector goes to the PTT input on the 9100. When RTS goes high it turns on the transistor and keys the rig. In my case I use it to run the sequencer and the last sequence of the sequencer keys the 9100. I’ve used this method via N1MM spawning WSJT-X from there and also standalone WSJT-X using RTS method of PTT.
Hope this helps someone!
Thanks for the info, so far I only have my IC-9100 able open the TX but with no data signal is eminating. I’m using the internal sound card and the same settings you posted but no data as yet. I listen on another radio to see what is transmitted and it’s just noise.
Hi Bernie,
Usually no TX audio is a sign that you don’t have the radio in Digital Upper Sideband (DUSB). You get that by pressing an holding the mode button until the “D” shows up on. The other potential cause is not having the modulation source correctly set in the radio menu system. The default is that modulation comes from the front panel mic jack when NOT in Digital modes, which makes sense. But when you get the rig into DUSB, then you will need to configure the modulation to be USB (the rear Universal Serial Bus connector). You might want to set the Digital Modulation level to a value like 50% then use your slider control in WSJT-X to get the correct modulation level.
Not that it has anything to do with transmitting, but the final word of advice is to turn AGC off when you are using WSJT-X. This will require you to back off on the RF gain control. The idea is you don’t want the strongest signals that are coming in that 3KHz or so bandwidth to start engaging the AGC, which would cause clipping, and also reduce the gain enough that you might not decode weaker signals.
Hope that helps!
73, Bob, WB4SON
Thanks for your info, it is very helpful.
My radio has quite suddenly had a sound card input failure, have you heard of this before?
Cat control works, TX works but RX sound “Not Found” I’m sort of stuck for any more idears. I have not tried a different USB cable yet, that’s next to try.
Any thoughts?
Hi Bernie,
Sorry to hear that – I’ve never had that issue personally or heard of it before. There is a groups.io Icom 9100 group that may help shed light on the issue: https://groups.io/g/ic-9100
I certainly would try a different SHORT length USB cable (1 meter or less) (The IC-9100 has a reputation of being very persnickety about the USB Cable Length). The other thing to check is to see if there is a chance that the sound interface still exists but has changed to something else. I usually go into the Control Panel then pick Sound, Video, Game controllers, and plug/unplug the cable to see if something pops up and goes away. Do this to make sure you have selected the correct device in whatever software you are using. Finally I would make sure that you haven’t altered the menu settings inside the radio.
Best of luck to you.
73, Bob, WB4SON
I’ve recently installed VaraFM on my computer and been using Winlink VaraHF with great success. What I’m trying to do is use the 9100 internal sound card with VaraFM WIDE at 9600 bpm. Has anyone had success with this using the 9100 internal sound card? I asked on the 9100 forum and was told nobody has succeeded. Although I don’t really know how many people actually attempted this mode. The menu system has a 9600 setting and needs to be taken from the rear 6 pin mini din connector.
Anyone?
Todd
AL7PX
Hi Todd,
I can confirm that neither the the IC-9100 will NOT support the wide mode of VaraFM (at least I was not able to get it working). I believe the same issue exists with the IC-9700 as well. There appears to be some filtering done by the DSP in those rigs that prevent the internal sound card from working with VARA-FM Wide. But the raw audio from the DIN connector works fine if you have an external modem.
73, Bob, WB4SON
The problem I am having is if I use fake-it it works fine, but if I change to rig, I loose the D. It change to USB when transmitting and back to D USB when it receives. Any way to make it D USB when transmitting?