I installed the latest version of FLDIGI, FLRIG, FLAMP, and FLWRAP on my Asus Netbook today for use with my IC-9100 on VHF. I had used FLDIGI about 18 months ago to handle my first digital contacts with the Icom on HF, so I figured it would be an easy thing to get it running again.
Well the software had changed a bit (broken into multiple parts for different aspects), but it was easy to get installed and running. I was already used to the craziness that comes with configuring a rig that has everything on a single USB connection (rig control, audio in and out). I was pleasantly surprised to find that FLRIG, a CAT interface designed to work with many different rigs, was already setup for the IC-9100. I dialed in my baud rate (19200), CI-V port address (60h), and selected COM3, which is the port where the Icom drivers installed the USB driver (making SURE to install the drivers BEFORE attaching the IC-9100).
The only issue I’ve noticed is there is no support in FLRIG for the FM Data mode (“D” Icon on the upper left corner of the screen). So when FLRIG starts, it sets my 9100 to the regular FM mode (which means modulation comes from the MIC input on the front rather than the USB interface). It is easy enough to press and hold the FM/AM button on the IC-9100 and get that “D” (data) icon back on the screen.
With the Icom menu #56 (USB MOD LEVEL) set to 27%, and menu #59 (DATA MOD) set to USB, the rig keyed up and transmitted tones without over driving the audio input of the rig (per a PSK IMD meter).
While the use of digital modes on a FM rig might seem odd, keep in mind that very few people have all mode (SSB) VHF equipment, or D-STAR capable rigs. D-STAR itself has a built-in 1200 baud data channel that runs with the Digital Voice channel. It provides about 5x the data rate as the fastest NBEMS mode (MT63-2000). But there is some controversy over using D-STAR, which is perceived to be proprietary (even though it is not; it does rely on a commercial CODEC, which only one company makes due to lack of volume). D-RATS software works with D-STAR radios to provide automated file delivery and keyboard chat services.
Now to drum up some support for NBEMS in the local area.
