West Mountain Radio RIGblaster Advantage User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2012 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
RIGblaster
Advantage

Table of Contents
Introduction
RIGblaster Advantage Introduction .................. 3
Introduction to Digital-Mode Operating ............... 4
Package Contents ................................. 5
Controls, Connections and Features.................. 6
Software Driver Installation
Linux, Mac and Windows Drivers ................... 7
How to Renumber the RIGblaster Advantage COM port.. 9
Transceiver Connections ...........................10
Choosing the Correct ISC .........................11
Required Connections............................12
Optional Connections ............................12
Setting Audio Levels
Windows XP Audio Levels.........................15
Windows 7 Audio Levels ..........................17
Digital-Mode Operating
Multi-Mode: FLDigi ..............................18
Rig Control: Ham Radio Deluxe ....................21
 RTTY:ConguringMMTTYforFSK .................24
CW: Using MRP40 for CW ........................27
 JT65:ConguringJT65-HF .......................29
WinMOR: Using RMS Express/Winlink 2000 ..........31
 Packet/APRS:ConguringAGWPacketEngine .......33
SSTV: Using MMSSTV for Analog SSTV.............38
SSTV: Using EasyPal for Digital SSTV ..............40
Reference
RIGblaster Advantage Connection Diagram ...........43
ISC & Jumper Wiring.............................45
Digital-Modes, Software and Frequencies ............48
Troubleshooting.................................49
Warranty Information on back

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Introduction To The RIGblaster Advantage
We understand you have a choice when buying Amateur Radio products
and we would like to take a moment to thank you for choosing West
Mountain Radio. The RIGblaster Advantage has been designed with
you, the digital-mode operator in mind. It has many outstanding features
which will at the same time enhance and simplify your operating.
Some of the features of the RIGblaster Advantage which put it ahead of
the competition include;
• COM port push-to-talk (PTT) keying.
• A high-quality built-in USB sound card with level controls (both RX
& TX) on the front panel.
• Pre-wired Instant Setup Connectors – no more complex jumper
wiring!
• Rig-control (CAT/CI-V).*
• FSKjackforoperatingFSKRTTY.**
• CW keying jack for operating Morse Code.
• Digital VOX with adjustable delay.
• Separate audio jacks for received and transmitted audio.
• Foot-switch PTT input.
• USB virtual serial port with real RS-232C DB9.
• TX inhibit switch.
Connection to your computer is made very simple with the supplied USB
cable. We will go into connecting up your RIGblaster Advantage in the
rstchaptersodo not hook it up right away. Please read through this
manualrst(especiallythedriverinstallationsection)andyouwillnd
the RIGblaster Advantage will provide you with many years of reliable
service and enjoyment.
* Rig control is only available on certain transceivers.
** FSK requires the transceiver to have a dedicated
RTTY mode with FSK input and the software must
support COM port FSK.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Introduction To Digital-Mode Operating
The DVD is a collection of various digital-mode software programs for
use with the RIGblaster Advantage. The software is all Third-Party
software programs, however, we have tested our products on the
majority of them. Amateur radio software is constantly evolving and
we encourage you to visit the author’s website to check for updates for
software you wish to use.
Most modern digital-modes can be operated on the RIGblaster
Advantage.Someofthesemaybefamiliartoyou.ForinstancePSK31,
JT65 & RTTY are very commonly heard on the bands.
Try tuning to 14.070MHz (usb) and chances are you will hear multiple
PSK31QSOstakingplace.Tuneto14.076MHzandyouwilloften
hearJT65signals.Goingupanother10KHzlandsyourightinavery
popular RTTY segment. Other modes that will work with the RIGblaster
Advantage include, but not limited to, Olivia, Hellschreiber, WinMOR,
DominoEX, SSTV, Packet and ALE.
It is worth noting there are some modes in use which cannot be used
with the RIGblaster Advantage in Windows (nor any sound-card based
interface).ThesearetheARQmodesPactor-I/II/IIIandAmtor.These
modes require very precise timing cycles which Windows is unable to
deliver. Amtor is very rarely used these days but Pactor is commonly
employed for mail messaging using the Winlink 2000 system. In
practice this is not much of a limitation as the RMS Express software
(WinMOR) makes mail/e-mail messaging simple using the RIGblaster
Advantage.
Manydigital-modes(suchasPSK31)willworkfardownintothenoise
level. It is not uncommon to see copy on your screen even when you
havedifcultyhearingthesignalonyourspeaker.
This also implies you do not need to run high power levels during normal
conditionsandformostdigital-modesyouwillnd20-40Wample.In
fact, running close to maximum output on your radio is self-defeating.
In this case you stand a very good chance of having a spread-out badly
distortedsignal(thinkQRM!)andyoumayevendamageyourrigon
long overs as many transceivers are not designed to run high duty-cycle
transmissions for extended periods.
Atthebackofthismanualyouwillndasimplechartofdigital-modes,
software and frequencies to try. These are just suggestions but will help
you get started navigating the world of HF digital-modes.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Package Contents
The following is a list of the contents for the RIGblaster Advantage.
Verify that all the following items were included:
1 — RIGblaster Advantage Unit
Note: Cover is loose so you may easily remove it to
install jumpers)
1 — Accessory ZipLock® bag. Contains the following:
8 — Single pin jumper wires
5 — Mini blue shunts
4 — #6 black sheet metal screws (for cover)
4 — Adhesive pads and Rubber Feet
1 — Baggie of Instant Setup Connectors
1 — Microphone cable (RJ-45 to 8 pin screw-on)
1 — 1/8 inch stereo mini plug cable
1 — USB A-B cable
1 — RIGblaster & RIGtalk DVD
1 — Owner’s manual

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Controls, Connections And Features
Microphone output for 8 pin round mic:used with cable (Mic input with RJ45 connec- tor radio
PTT in/out RCA Connector (used with foot- switch or other PTT switch or connection.
Audio line input (outgoing audio from your radio connects here
Radio transmitted audio (allows you to monitor audio received by radio)
Computer transmitted audio allows you to monitor transit audio from PC
CW/FSKkeyingoutput(con- nects to radio keying input
CAT RIG Control at RS232 Levels
CAT/CI-V rig control (Connects to radio with accessory cable)
USB to interface (Read driver install before connecting.
PTTSoftwareCongCOM: RTS Control PTTDTGRControlsCW/FSKoff:com- puter can never activate PTT or CW/ FSK VOX:PTTandCW/FSKactivated automatically by audio.
USB LED (lights when unit is pow- ered. Will blink when software is receiving or transmitting audio
PTT LED (lights when software activates transmits)
Microphone input for 8 pin round mic (Mic output with RJ45 connector radio)
Transmit audio level (Use in conjunction with computer volume level Receive audio level (Use in conjunction with computer audio level
If VOX enabled, controls length of time transmit is active
FSK/CWLED(lightswhensoftwareaccessesserial DTRlineforFSK/CWkeying.AlsolightsinVOX mode and indicates signal level)

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Software Driver Installation
The RIGblaster Advantage when properly installed in Windows, Linux
or Macintosh operating systems will provide two new hardware devices;
a serial COM port and a sound-device.
Linux Installation
The RIGblaster Advantage was sucessfully tested with Ubuntu. Drivers
and instructions are available online:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/adv/drv/linux
Macintosh OS X Installation
The RIGblaster Advantage will work with OS X 10.5 and above. Drivers
and instructions are available online:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/adv/drv/macosx
Windows Installation
The RIGblaster Advantage has been tested on Windows 2000/XP/Vista
and Win 7. Drivers and instructions for Windows 2000 are available on
our website at the following location:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/adv/drv/win2k
Drivers for Windows XP and above are supplied on the DVD. They are
also available via Windows Update as they are digitally signed with
Microsoft.
To install the Advantage in Windows XP and above, connect the
supplied USB cable from the PC to the RIGblaster Advantage. This will
notify Windows that new hardware has been connected and the “Found
New Hardware” wizard will start.
Follow the prompts on the screen. When Windows asks for the
location of the drivers, point it to search the supplied DVD and/or
retrieve them from the Internet if PC is online. The online drivers are
digitally signed with Microsoft and will always be the latest version.
Afterthedriversinstallationhasnished,thegreenPWRLEDon
the front of the RIGblaster Advantage will be illuminated. During
installation,theredXMITLEDmayickerafewtimes.Thisisnormal
and does not indicate a problem.
Note: The green PWR LED will blink when incoming or outgoing
audio is detected and remain solid when idle. This LED will only be
illuminated if the driver installation was successful.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
After successful installation a good idea is to check Windows Device
Manager and verify there is a new COM port and audio device (see
Figure 1).
How to verify in Windows XP:
1. Open the Windows Control Panel (Start->Settings->Control Panel)
2. Look for the System icon and double-click it.
3. Choose the “Hardware” tab at the top and click the button marked
“Device Manager”.
How to verify in Windows 7:
1. Open the Windows Control Panel (Start->Settings->Control Panel)
2. Change Control Panel to “View By Small Icons”
3. Click on the icon labeled “System”
4. Click on the icon labeled “Device Manager”
A window similar to the one shown in Figure 1 should appear. There will
be a section called “Ports (COM & LPT)” which can be expanded to view
by clicking on the + symbol to the left.
Fig 1 - Windows XP Device Manager

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Look for the entry West Mountain Radio RIGblaster Advantage. Im-
mediately after this text, look for the COM port number in parenthesis
(e.g.COM5).Makeanoteofthisasitwillbeneededtoconguredigital
mode software to use this COM port later.
When expanding the section marked “Sound, video and game control-
lers”, notice the new entry labeled USB Audio Device (or RIGblaster
Advantage Audio in Win 7).
Note: Windows may assign any number for the COM port. Windows
typically treats COM1 to COM4 as special and does not normally use
them for USB serial devices. Therefore, it is not recommended to re-
number the RIGblaster Advantage COM port to a value lower than 5.
Note: Some digital mode software, especially older software, may not
allow a COM port greater than 8. In which case, renumber the COM port
to a value within the range 5-8.
How to renumber the RIGblaster Advantage COM port.
If needing to renumber the RIGblaster Advantage COM port in Windows,
refer to Figure 2.
Bring up the Windows Device Manager and highlight (single left-click of
the mouse) on the West Mountain Radio RIGblaster Advantage entry
under the Ports (COM & LPT) section.
Next, select the Action menu at the top of this window and select
Properties. A new window titled West Mountain Radio RIGblaster
Advantage Properties will appear.
Select the Port Settings tab and then click the Advanced button. A new
window named Advanced Settings will appear. On the drop-down list
near the bottom of this window with the current RIGblaster Advantage
COM port selected, click on the little down-arrow to the right and select a
new COM port.
AfterselectingthenewCOMport,click‘OK’onthiswindowandonthe
Properties window. Continue running the Device Manager, disconnect
and reconnect the RIGblaster Advantage USB cable. The Device
Manager window will refresh with the new COM port setting.
Sometimes Windows may show that a COM port is in-use. It is safe to
use this COM port number as long as the device to which it refers is not
physically connected at the same time as the RIGblaster Advantage.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Fig 2 - Renumbering COM Port
Transceiver Connections
ConguringtheRIGblasterAdvantagewithatransceiverisverysimple
by use of the Instant Setup Connectors (ISC). The baggie included
in the package contents has six small printed circuit boards. Each
ISCisrespectivelyidentied:IcomRoundMetal,IcomRJ45Modular,
YaesuRoundMetal,YaesuRJ45Modular,KenwoodRoundMetaland
KenwoodRJ45Modular.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Depending on the transceiver in use, one of these ISCs will need to be
installed inside the RIGblaster Advantage before use. They take care
of all the microphone connection wiring that previously was done by
installing jumper wires and shunts. If using a non-standard microphone
wiring, jumper wires and and blue shunts have been provided in the
package contents. The ISCs cover most popular brands and models of
radios.
Choosing the Correct ISC
Observe the microphone connector on the radio. Typically it will be
one of two types – either an 8-pin round metal connector or an RJ-
45 “square” modular jack. The RIGblaster Advantage is designed to
interface the transceiver through the microphone jack. Be sure to select
the ISC that matches the connector on the radio. If unsure which ISC
to use,refer to the back of this manual and for a chart of common radios
and the correct ISC to use.
Example:TheIcom706MKIIGusesanIcom RJ45 Modular jack.
A Yaesu FT-897D uses a Yaesu RJ45 Modularjack.AKenwood
TS-590S uses a Kenwood 8 Pin Round Metal jack.
Note: Some radios use a 4-pin round microphone connector, these
include some Kenwood and Ten-Tec radios. An adapter will be needed
to use the RIGblaster Advantage with these radios. The correct adapter
is sku #58136-1000 and available online for purchase.
Fig 3 – Installation of a Kenwood RJ45 Modular
ISC inside the RIGblaster Advantage. Notice
the orientation of the ISC and the location of
pin 1.
Locate the correct ISC for the radio and install it on the ISC header (2
rows of 13 pins) located inside the RIGblaster Advantage ensuring pin
1 on the ISC matches pin 1 on the header. Refer to Figure 3 for correct
installation.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Now hook up the RIGblaster Advantage to the radio. Follow the steps in
the next section and refer to the connection diagram at the back of this
manual.
Required Connections
1. Disconnect the microphone from the transceiver.
2. Reconnect the microphone to the RIGblaster Advantage.
Note: There will be only one connector on the Advantage that will
mate with the microphone plug; either the 8-pin round metal
socket mating to the front panel or the square RJ-45 connector
mating to the rear panel.
3. Connect the 8-pin (round) to RJ-45 (square) microphone cable,
included in the package contents, to the transceiver’s microphone
input socket. There will be only one end that will mate with the
transceiver’s microphone socket.
4. Connect the other end of the microphone cable to the
RIGblaster Advantage.
5. Take the 1/8” inch stereo patch cable and connect one end to the
transceiver’s speaker out (or headphone) jack.
Note: If the transceiver uses a 1/4” jack, it will require use of 1/8”
inch to 1/4” stereo adapter.
6. The other end of the patch cable should be connected to the jack
labeled LINE IN on the rear of the RIGblaster Advantage.
Optional Connections
Additional jacks are provided on the rear of the RIGblaster Advantage for
operation enhancement:
1. Serial DB-9. This connector can be used to interface some
transceivers that require RS-232C level CAT.
Note: This serial connector is a hardware extension of the USB
virtual serial port. All lines are connected but take note that
some control lines are used by the RIGblaster Advantage for
PTT & CW/FSK. See page 14 for details.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
2. CTL IN/OUT. This is a TTL level jack providing CI-V/CAT rig
control. Many radios can be interfaced to this jack with a low-cost
cable for complete rig control with suitable software (e.g. Ham
Radio Deluxe, OmniRig, DX Labs Commander etc.)
3. CW/FSK.ThisjackcanbeusedforserialportCWkeyingorFSK
shift if your transceiver supports it. See page 14 for details.
4. AUDIO OUT. This jack provides a transmitted audio output.
Connect an external speaker here for transmit monitoring.
5. SPKR OUT. This jack provides a rig receive audio output.
Connect an external speaker here to hear receive audio.
6. PTT IN/OUT. This RCA phono jack is primarily used for
connection to a foot-switch for PTT. The contacts are in parallel
with the Advantage PTT relay (rated 30 VDC 2A max.) and in
 parallelwiththetransceiver’smicrophonePTTline,andwilloat
at the same voltage.
HintsAboutPTT&CW/FSKKeying
On the front-panel of the RIGblaster Advantage there is a three
position switch labeled TX. This controls how PTT is activated (the
method by which the transceiver goes into transmit).
Postion 1 – COM.
The Advantage is under computer control and switches the
transceiver between transmit and receive depending on the state
of the serial port RTS control signal.
Position 2 – OFF.
The Advantage is prevented from activating transmit on the
transceiver. Note the RCA foot-switch input is still active.
Position 3 – VOX.
The Advantage contains circuitry which detects the presence
of an audio transmit signal and automatically switches the
transceiver into transmit. When the signal ends the transceiver is
returned to receive mode.
The VOX method of operation is suitable for many digital-modes and
often simplies software conguration. An example of this would
be running a logging program (which requires exclusive use of the
serial port to read frequency and mode) but having the ability to run
a preferred PSK31 software simultaneously. Using VOX mode allows
the PSK31 software to key the rig without conicting with the logging
program.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Note that this method of VOX operation applies only to the RIGblaster
Advantage – there is no need to use the transceiver VOX setting.
Morse (CW) Operation
The RIGblaster Advantage has two methods of sending Morse Code
(CW). One method is using MCW (Modulated or Tone CW) in SSB
or FM modes. Some computer software will only produce this type of
CW.
The second, and preferred, method is to use serial port keying.
Connect a stereo patch cable from the RIGblaster Advantage’s CW/
FSKjacktothetransceiver’sCWkeyingjack.ThiswillpermitMorse
operation when using the radio’s CW mode with suitable software.
This hardware CW keying can be realized by use of the DTR control
lineontheUSBvirtualCOMport.Inpractice,needingtocongure
the CW software to use RTS for PTT and DTR for keying. Refer to
page 28 of this manual for an example of setting up CW keying using
the MRP40 software.
It is also possible to operate MCW in VOX mode, in which case
the DTR circuit is logically OR’ed with PTT - the result is hardware
keying from software which only uses the MCW method. Further, by
disconnecting the microphone cable, but leave the CW keying cable
connected,allowingtooperateQSK(break-inCW)frommostCW
software.
By using a dual 1/8th inch stereo adaptor plug (or ‘Y’ splitter cable),
connecttheMorseKeyinparallelwiththeCWjack.Theoutputis
opencollectorsoissafetousewithcontact-closureMorseKeys
and modern “pull to ground” electronic keyers. This will allow to send
computerMorseorusethekeyformaximumexibility.
Warning: Do not attempt this if your radio uses grid-block keying or
cathode keying - you will destroy your Advantage!
RTTY Operation
Similar to CW, there are two methods used to generate RTTY
signals.MethodoneisAFSKRTTYbeingusedinSSBmode.This
relies on the software to generate the RTTY tones. Most digital-mode
software will use this method.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Setting Audio Levels
Proper audio level setting is crucial to successful digital-mode
transmission. The RIGblaster Advantage transmit audio level can be set
by use of the Windows volume slider and the front-panel XMIT LEVEL
control. Receive level can be set by the Windows recording volume
slider and the front-panel RCV LEVEL control.
It is recommended to set the RIGblaster Advantage audio device levels
to 50% for both “recording” and “playback” within Windows. Fine tuning
can then be made using the XMIT & RCV level controls on the front of
the Advantage.
Note: It is important not to set the RIGblaster Advantage as the default
Windows audio device. This will prevent any unintentional transmissions
if operating in VOX mode (Windows audio-alerts, music etc).
Note: Some older digital-mode software only uses the default sound-
card in Windows for output. If using older software be careful when
changing the default Windows sound-card to the Advantage. In this case,
it is recommended to change the Windows sound scheme to silent.
Serial Line Function
RTS Transceiver PTT
DTR CWKeying(withCWsoftware)
DTR FSKKeying(withRTTYsoftware)
Theothermethod,FSKRTTY,mayalsobeusedbysomePC
software.OnlytransceiversthathaveanRTTYmodeandFSKshift
input will work in this method.
OftentimesaspecialcableisrequiredtointerfacefromtheCW/FSK
jackontheRIGblasterAdvantagetotheFSKinputonthetransceiver.
FSKshiftinputiscontrolledbytheserialDTRline.Refertopage25
ofthismanualforanexamleofconguringMMTTYtouseFSK.
In summary, the serial control lines used by the RIGblaster Advantage
are shown in the table below:

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Fig 4 – Setting Windows XP volume levels to
50% for both playback (red) and recording (green)
Windows XP Audio Levels
Windows XP and earlier used a simple mixer control which can be accessed from
the volume control in the system tray. Access with a double-click on this speaker
icon which will bring up the audio mixer window for the default windows device.
From the menu at the top, choose “Options” and then “Properties”. Select
RIGblaster Advantage Audio from the mixer device drop-down menu. Select
either“playback”or“recording”andclickon“OK”.ThiswillbringuptheWindows
mixer and allow for setting audio levels. Refer to Figure 4 for assistance.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Windows 7 Audio Levels
Windows 7 sound level settings are found in Windows Control Panel.
Refer to Figure 5 below. Be sure to set both Playback and Recording
audio levels for the RIGblaster Advantage Audio device.
Fig 5 – Setting Windows 7 volume levels to
50% for both playback and recording.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Digital-Mode Operating
This section provides a quick overview of some of the most popular and
current ham radio software that has been tested with the Advantage.
KeepinginmindthattheseareThird-Partysoftwareprograms,West
Mountain Radio cannot guarantee it will work with every particular PC
& radio. Most of this software is under constant development so some
features referred to in this manual may not be exactly as described in
future versions released by the respective authors. Also included are
screencapturestoaidinconguringthesoftwarewiththeRIGblaster
Advantage.
Multi-Mode Software: FLDigi
Modescovered:CW,Contestia,DominoEX,Hell,MFSK,MT63,Olivia,
PSK,QPSK,PSKR,RTTY,THOR,Throb,WEFAX,NBEMSmodes.
W1HKJ’sFLdigiisaverycapable,cost-free,andeasytousedigital-
mode program. It has all of the most popular modes in use today
(includingPSK31)anditsdecodeperformanceishighlyregarded.It
is used by HF operators, ragchewers, contesters, experimenters and
EMCOMM users alike. Many of its EMCOMM modes (NBEMS) are
used on HF & VHF under control of other software which provides error-
checkingandautomaticrepeatrequest(ARQ).Italsosupportslogging-
integrated rig-control (CAT/CI-V) by a variety of methods.
Note: The CW mode in FLdigi is tone modulated Morse Code (MCW).
Normally operated in SSB mode on HF and FM mode on VHF/UHF.
Congure FLdigi to Use the RIGblaster Advantage Sound-device
Steps:
1.Choose“Congure”fromthemainmenu.
2. Choose “Sound Card” from the popup menu.
3.Choose“Audio”fromtherstrowoftabs.
4. Choose “Devices” from the second row of tabs.
5. Select the “Port Audio” checkbox.
6. Assign “RIGblaster Advantage Audio” to both of the
“Capture” and “Playback” drop-down boxes.
7. Click on “Save” to make the changes permanent.
Refer to Figure 6 for assistance.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Fig 6 – Conguring FLdigi to use the RIGblaster Advantage sound-device.
Setting Up FLdigi For Hardware PTT
Steps:
1.Choose“Congure”fromthemainmenu.
2. Choose “Rig control” from the popup menu.
3.Choose“Rig”fromtherstrowoftabs.
4. Choose “Hardware PTT” from the second row of tabs.
6. Select the “Use separate serial port PTT” checkbox.
7. Assign the Advantage COM port in the “Device” drop-down.
8. Select the “Use RTS” checkbox.
9. Ensure “Use DTR” is NOT SELECTED.
10. Ensure “RTS=+V” is NOT SELECTED.
11. Ensure “DTR=+V” is NOT SELECTED.
12. Click on “Initialize”.
13. Click on “Save” to make the changes permanent.
Refertogure7.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Fig 7 – Conguring PTT in FLdigi.
Setting Up FLdigi For Rig-control
FLdigi offers a number of methods of rig-control; beyond the scope of
this manual to detail them all. Hamlib (on the rig-control tab) may be the
simplestmethod,asFLdigicomeswithrigdescriptionlesforthislibrary.
RigCATisanothergoodmethod.Downloadarigdescriptionlefora
specicradiobygoingto:http://www.w1hkj.com/xmlarchives.html.
TypicalConguration:
1. Specify the Advantage COM port as the rig-control “device”.
Note: Do not set RTS or DTR high, otherwise, the transceiver
may go into transmit when the program rst loads!
2. Match the transceiver’s communication settings – check CAT baud
rate and CI-V address (Icom).
3. Flow control is not usually needed, but if needed, use XON/XOFF as
the method. Never choose hardware CTS/RTS.