DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS: PC LAPTOP

This article is a work in progress. Content may not be complete or have full background information and links. This page was started on June 30 2026, please contact Ron WB9YZU for more information.

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Background:

May 2026 - The Club seemed to need a separate computer to enable Digital Communications on the Yeasu FTDX101D tranciever.

The UW's requirement for shared sign-in computers on the network restricting installation of software required a solution that was a computer not using UW IT resources. The solution was a Chromebook running Linux OS with OS Verification disabled. This allowed the Chromebook to operate off-line. The Chromebook was donated to the club by wb9yzu. It has one fault; the battery is bad which shouldn't affect station operation in the shack.

This Chromebook has been superseded by a PC compatible Lenovo Laptop running Windows 10 due to ease of use and availability of better HAM apps.

There are 3 programs installed - MSHV (uses WSJTX engine), FLDIGI, and a SSTV app. This will allow the operator to run most popular Digital Modes.

Connection to the Yeasu FTDX101D is via USB port connection on the back of the radio. The FTDX101D has a Baud Rate of 38,400.

Booting the PC Laptop

The PC Laptop is plugged into a constant power outlet on the back of the station surge suppressor and is normally running though it may be asleep. To return the Laptop from Sleep, mouse around on the trackpad, it should wake up and display the Desktop. The USB port will already be initialized, and it is ready to talk to the FTDX101D when it is turned on.

Setting up the FTDX101D for Data Mode:

If you have not done so, there is a Mode switch on the radio on the upper right side of the screen. Press it. A selection of modes will appear, select "DATA-U" to enable the radio to accept audio from the Chromebook.

Filter Adjustment: I have observed that when DATA-U is enabled the bandpass filter may be set to 600hz. This is too narrow for viewing of the entire channel spectrum of 2500hz. To adjust it, the WIDTH knob is located on the lower right side of the front panel and is the outer ring. This will allow adjustment of the roofing filter from 600hz to 2500hz. The SHIFT knob (Inner) will allow shifting of the bandpass, this is very helpful using digital QSO modes to ensure good decodes in crowded conditions.

Starting MSHV or FLDIGI:

Find the ICON on the desktop for the program you want to run and click on it. The Program will execute and a User Interface will appear. Each app has been customized for W9YT, and CAT functions will link with the radio; either adjustment from the computer or the radio will change the T/R frequency of the radio.

Setting output Power (Audio Level):

Before you make a QSO you want to set/verify the audio output level to the radio to ensure the output is distortion free.

• On the PC verify the speaker output level is set to 3/4 scale.

• Set the Antenna selection on the Antenna switch (Switch above LDG Tuner) to Dummy Load. Turn the power setting on the radio to no more than 50W to prevent thermal damage to the Radio's Finals de to the high duty cycle of digital signals. Never exceed 50W of output power from the radio, you don't need it.

• With MSHV Select your Mode and Band, then click on the TUNE button. The radio should enter TX mode and output RF. Set the Slider on the Right Side so the ALC meter is no more than 75% to the Red band. Click Tune again to shut off TX.

• With FLDIGI, click on the T/R button and the radio will enter TX mode and output RF. Set the ALC level using the db adjustment on the lower right of the program using the same guidelines as above.

{Need to add Basic WSJTX and FLDIGI Operation: PC Laptop Installation (separate WIKI)}