This article covers setting up the DigiRig Mobile and WSJT-X for the Yaesu FT-857D, but if you’re completely new to FT8 you might want to check out my Introduction to FT8 article first, before digging into the configuration steps here.
The Yaesu FT-857D does not have support for digital modes like FT8 out of the box, but thanks to the DigiRig Mobile, it’s pretty easy to get up and running with modes like FT8 and JS8Call. As I’m based in the UK, I picked mine up from ML&S – but remember to select the correct cable.
The DigiRig Mobile takes a USB-C connection, but you can use either a USB-A to USB-C cable, or a simple USB-C cable. I recommend putting a couple of ferrites on this cable as it’ll avoid problems with your device locking up on transmit.
When you connect the DigiRig to your laptop (or ruggedised tablet if you’re like me!), you should check the device manager to ensure that the device is being detected and that your laptop has appropriate drivers installed.
If your Device Manager does not show a “Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge” device, then check for devices that require drivers (marked with an exclamation mark on their icon) and double check your USB connection to the DigiRig.
Here you can see that mine has been assigned COM9, although the number given to yours will likely be different. You’ll need to remember this number to give it to WSJT-X shortly.
The other connections for the DigiRig to the FT-857D are relatively fool-proof. You’ll need the correct cable from
The green connector goes into the green port and the black connector goes into the black port. On the back of the FT-857D the connectors only go in one way (green to the left as you look at the back of the radio, that’s the CAT port).
You may need to set up the CAT settings on the FT-857D – to do this you will need to enable the extended menu. First, hold the Func button until the menu opens, scroll with the main wheel until you reach Ext Menu (No-001) and set it to on. This will then let you change the required settings. You’ll need to set a CAT Rate (No-019), I set mine to 9600. You’ll need to set the mode (No-020) to CAT. You’ll also need to set the Dig Mode (No-038) to User-U.
When you connect the DigiRig to your computer, it will appear as a sound card with an input and output option. It’s important to set the level on these devices so that they are not over-driving. I found there are several places that these options may be set and which is the correct one appears entirely inscrutable.
However, I eventually found success by setting the input level within the control panel: Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound and then finding the DigiRig, which was under the Recording tab and was just called “USB Audio Device”. I selected this device, selected Properties and then set the following: Under “Custom” I disabled AGC, under “Levels” I set these to 85, and under “Advanced” I set the default format to 44100 Hz (CD Quality).
For the output, again just called “USB Audio Device” on my computer, under Playback: I set the Level to 10, under “Enhancements” I selected “Disable all enhancements”, and under “Advanced” I set the default format to 44100 Hz (CD Quality). I’ve seen other people set the output level much higher and then reduce it within WSJT-X, but I set it low on the device itself and it seems to work just fine.
I’ve already covered the basics of WSJT-X in my Introduction to WSJT-X article, however I’ll cover the configuration here. You can set up your device under File > Settings > Radio. Here you need to set your COM port, for me that’s COM9 but yours will likely be different. I also set PTT Method to CAT, Mode to Data/Pkt, and Split Operation to Rig. Other settings that I changed were under General, I set my callsign and grid, as well as enabling “Show DXCC, grid, and worked-before status”. Plus, under Reporting I set “Prompt me to log QSO”.
At this point you should be good to go, however you should keep an eye on the input audio level on the bottom left. Which should remain green at all times and not turn red. Mine reads around 70 for the most part. If this is reading too high, reduce the level on the input device as described above, 85 worked for me but you may need to reduce this.
Additionally, you should keep an eye on the ALC of your radio. To check this on the FT-857D press Func, then turn the Select dial (bottom left) to MFi and press the missing button (B) until it displays ALC (It’s always a good idea to check your SWR too, which you can do by changing ALC to SWR).
When you transmit the ALC should be very low. I’ve been guided previously that the “ALC should be so low that it almost doesn’t register”, so I dialed the output volume down until I did not register then tuned it up until I saw the smallest amount of ALC – and this has been working well for me. You may need to adjust this level based on your output RF power or band.
You can test your ALC/SWR quickly without transmitting an FT8 message by toggling the “Tune” button, which will begin transmitting a tune tone and allow you to check your radio conversation before attempting to make a contact.
I found the biggest problem with setting up WSJT-X was that the sound settings on Windows are very frustrating. Often it’s ambiguous as to what the current settings are and often Windows appears to overwrite, or forget, settings you’ve previously set.
So if things were working fine and now they’re not working (especially if you’ve disconnected the DigiRig or radio, or have rebooted your device), double check the settings presented above – starting with your audio output settings in Windows.