FLdigi Install 6/04/2009
 FLdigi operating with the RIGblaster interface
 Credits: (W1HKJ – M0GLD – WA5ZNU – ZL1BPU) 

FLdigi is a computer program intended for Amateur Radio Digital Modes operation using a PC (Personal Computer). Fldigi operates (as does most similar software) in conjunction with a conventional HF SSB radio transceiver, and uses the PC sound card as the main means of input from the radio, and output to the radio. These are audio-frequency signals. The software also controls the radio by means of another connection, typically a serial port.

FLdigi is multi-mode, which means that it is able to operate many popular digital modes without switching programs, so you only have one program to learn. FLdigi includes all the popular modes, such as: CW, DominoEX, HELL, MFSK, MT63, Olivia, PSK, RTTY, THOR, Throb, NBEMS Modes.

Hardware:
 Radio Shack 1/8 “Y” M/F/F cable (1ea) RS 42-2570 
 Radio Shack 1/8 “M/M” cable (2ea) RS 42-2387
 
RIGblaster:
 Strap P1 to match your radio's Microphone. (i.e. RJ45 IC706 page 9, page 10). 
 Set Audio Level Control full counter-clockwise. 
  Cable RIGblaster to radio and computer, as shown in RIGblaster manual’s hookup diagram i.e.:
 Cable RIGBlasrer-IN to computer speaker OUT
 Cable RIGBlaster-OUT to computer speakers (The RIGblaster interface will allow computer speakers to continue to operate for 
 music etc. Don't use low impedance un-amplified speakers).
 
Computer: 
 Download FLdigi v3.11.4 Digital software: www.w1hkj.com/fldigi.html
 FLdigi Help: v3.11 4/6/09: www.w1hkj.com/fldigiHelp/index.html 
 Computer Volume Control:
  Record: select Line-in - set all Volume controls 1/2 from bottom - Balance sliders to middle & EXIT
 Playback: un-mute all – set all Volume controls 1/2 from bottom - Balance sliders to middle & EXIT
 
Radio setup: 
 Set all IF Filters to OFF (or as wide as possible)
 Set Audio RF to MAX - Set AF volume not to overdrive signals on the Waterfall Display window
 Set SQL to minimum (CCW)
 Set VFO to: 14.070 
 Set Transmitter output power to 1/2 manufacturer’s rated power output, 45 watts or less is a 
 good operating setup for a 100 watt transmitter.
 Set Mode to USB
 Set Processor to OFF set SWR ON set ALC ON
 Connect antenna (connecting a Dummy Load will give bad ALC reading in Digital setup)
  Adjust Tuner for 1:1 
 Speak into the microphone, adjusting MIC control so that ALC doesn’t occur above the
 ALC Zone indicator. 
 
Fldigi Software Program setup:
 Install Fldigi
 Select Configure
  Operator: Type Callsign, Name, QTH, Ant., Locator 
 Colors & Fonts = Defaults
 User Interface UI General = Defaults 
 Waterfall – Display = Defaults
  Modems =Defaults
 Rig Control – Hardware PTT = Use separate Serial Port, Device = COM 1, Use RTS/TDR
 Sound Card – Audio = Defaults 
 IDs = Transmit Mode = ID; Transit Mode = RSID 
 Misc. – Sweet spot = Defaults
 Contest = Defaults
 QRZ = Defaults 
 SAVE 
 
 MACROS: right click on a MACRO, type in MACRO info. For ie.: (CQ - BTU – Signoff)
 
 Fldigi display:
 Select: Op MODE - PSK (BPSK31)
 Select: WF Waterfall (FFT – Sig.)
 Select Upper Signal Level (db) = -30
 Select Signal Range (db) = 69
 Select Waterfall scale = X2
 Select Waterfall Drop Speed = Normal
 Select AFC
 Do not Select RSID; must be off for Transmitting mode 
 
 Left Click on the HamScope Waterfall Display at any TX frequency between 100hz and 2500hz
 of the selected VFO’s frequency. 
 
 Left Click on Tx (Transmit) button --Transmission starts. (Don’t use TONE, it doesn’t allow for 
 a good IMD reading at a receiving station) 
 
 Adjust RIGblaster Audio Level Control clockwise, stopping as transmitter output power reaches MAX 
 (ie. 45 watts) keep an eye on your ALC so that ALC does not occur. Run with NO ALC
  indicating occurring; any ALC indicating means that it is distorting your TX Signal,
 causing harmonics. The receiving Operator’s HamScope Spectrum analyzer will display
 incorrectly adjusted Transmit signals.
 
  Left Click on Rx (Receive) button -- Transmission stops.
 
 Note: The RIGblaster Audio Level Control is the most precise way to adjust the 
 Soundcard output voltage into the radio. The Microsoft Volume controls were
  designed to vary the voltage, through a range of reasonable outputs, for Speakers;
 They were not designed to be adjusted so precisely as to be reliable set to 
 5 millivolts for PSK31 operating.
 The MIC Gain, once set for Phone, should not be readjusted for Digital PSK31; 
 that would cause operating problems in some Modes like SSTV.
 ALC can remain (on) to control drive limit. 
 
 
Joe mettle sends: