- West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 7
- West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows
- West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows Xp
- West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 8
- West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 10
ft-991a digital modes
West Mountain Radio RIGtalk RT1 USB/Cl-V Computer Interfaces do everything that the ICOM CT-17 does, without the requirement for a serial port. It provides a USB interface for CAT and CI-V Radios. You can use any rig control and logging software that is compatible with your computer and radio. They offer USB rig control of ICOM and Ten-Tec radios with CI-V interfaces Find West Mountain Radio. RIGblaster Windows Drivers The WMR Device Diagnostic Utility includes drivers for all of our products and the RIGblaster COMport Splitter software. More information and the link to download can be found here. West Mountain Radio is a wholly owned subsidiary of Custom Computer Services, Inc.
CAT control as well as PTT via one USB cable from the computer to the radio.
No USB to Serial converter needed, so additional interface boxes – just a USB cable (*Note, see farther down in the post as to which cable you want to purchase. Not all cables are made the same!)
UPDATED 6/9/2020 – There is a BUG in WSJT-X V.2.2.0. when you try to connect the 991 you will see a “hamlib error” when you try to do the CAT connection. Version 2.2.1 appears to have FIXED the issue. If you are running V2.2.0 with the 991 upgrade to V2.2.1.
Ok,
Some of you might might be new to digital communications on the ham bands, so let me start from the beginning.
Hams who are running PSK31 or JT65 or FT8/4 or some other digital mode are using a computer connected to an audio interface that is then connected to the radio.
The software on the computer generates audio that goes from the computer sound card to the radio as well as from the radio to the sound card. Totalperipherals driver download for windows.
COMPUTER <–>INTERFACE <–>RADIO
There are several different types of interface devices that you can purchase to make this connection. Buxcom, West Mountain Radio, Signalink, and even MFJ is getting into the market with their own audio device. I have tried the Buxcom, the West Mountain Radio (The M8, yeah. a while ago!) as well at the Signalink.
However!
This post is about setting up digital communications with the FT-991/991a, with only a USB cable. No external device required.
Yes folks, it is true. CAT control as well as PTT via one USB cable from the computer to the radio.
SWEET!
No USB to Serial converter needed, so additional interface boxes – just a USB cable (*Note, see farther down in the post as to which cable you want to purchase. Not all cables are made the same!)
The FT-991 comes with a built in sound card. Some say it is the same sound card that is in the Yaesu SCU-17, Yaesu’s equivalent of the Signalink device. However, the FT-991 also do FSK RTTY as well as CW, (with its built in sound card) something that the Signalink cannot do.
“So, the FT-991 has a built in sound card. Neat Jay. do I just connect a USB cable and go?”
Not quite cowboy, you have to take a minute (or in my case about 40) and do some research, find the right directions online and then follow them to make sure everything is setup properly. The FT-991 packs a TON of features, and this can be confusing.
In this blog post, I did the research for you, and once you get all the software loaded, the right boxes selected and menu items changed it works!
So lets dive in here and get to it.
SET UP for the FT-991 using the internal sound card
(These directions are based on a Win 7 OS. I have been told that in Win 8 and W10, you do NOT have to install the drivers first, but I think it is good practice to install the drivers before connecting the radio. To be safe, always install the driver before connecting the radio to the computer.)
Step 1. Read this post from start to finish
Step 2. Read it again
Step 3. Follow the steps below and do them in order
Step 4. If something isn’t working, revert to step 1
A. Do not connect a USB cable from your computer to the FT-991 until you load the drivers listed below. (See my comments above).
B. Go to the Yaesu web site and download the drivers for the FT-991. The drivers you are looking for are the: FT-991/ SCU-17 USB Driver (Virtual COM Port Driver) (3.74 MB).
Some users might have a USB to serial converter based on the chips (Prolific, FTDI). These drivers will not work with the 991/991a. You need to download and install the Yaesu drivers.
Download the FT-991/ SCU-17 USB Driver (Virtual COM Port Driver) and follow the directions to install them on your computer. (Just follow the prompts of the software during install and you will be fine.)
What will happen is that you will end up installing:
TWO (2) COM ports.
One is an ENHANCED COM port (in my case COM 4)
the other is a Standard COM port (in my case COM 5)
West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 7
Now that you have installed the drivers, now you can connect a USB cable from the PC to the 991. You might even hear the PC making some system beep noises as it realizes that it has been connected to an external USB device (the radio).
With the 991 connected you can check that these COM ports were installed on your machine by going to Control Panel, then Device Manager, and look under the “Ports (COM & LTP)” drop down. You should see two newly added ports:
- Silicon Labs Dual CP210x USB to UART Bridge: Enhanced COM Port (COM 4) (<–OR SOME OTHER NUMBER)
- Silicon Labs Dual CP210x USB to UART Bridge: Standard COM Port (COM 5) (<–OR SOME OTHER NUMBER)
Again, your new ports might be numbered 3 and 4, or 6 and 7, or some other combination. The key is that there are TWO of them, one is labeled Enhanced, the other Standard.
Note:These ports will not show up unless you have the 991/991a connected to the computer via the USB cable.
I recommend the Triplite USB 2.0 Hi-Speed A/B Cable with Ferrite Chokes (M/M), 3-ft. cable for the connection to the radio from the computer. Other cables do not have the ferrite or may not have the shielding that you need to have within the cable.
MANY errors that show up with software crashing or Hamlib pop up errors, or folks crashing software when on 40m or high power on 20m are due to the cheap USB cables without shielding out there. Get a quality cable and be done with it.
Lack of grounding and RFI issues are quick to present themselves when using digital modes. If your keyboard starts to lock up, or your mouse, or the software starts acting sluggish. check your grounding and address RFI issues.
** NOTE! **
If you have different radios that you are connecting to the same laptop for digital (in my case, a FTDX1200 and the FT-991), PAY ATTENTION to the different COM ports that are assigned and make sure your are using the correct “pair” of standard and enhanced ports.
Know what you have installed.
Check them in the System Properties!
Once the drivers are loaded, it is a matter of getting the digital software that you want installed and setting it up to talk with the USB port on your laptop.
Remember:
USB drivers (Win 7) HAVE TO BE installed first.
DON’T SKIP THIS.
If you do not install the driver first, NONE of this will work.
Just stop reading now. Stop reading and install the driver from the Yaesu site. Here is the link again. Once that is done, then move forward to the next step.
Yaesu FT-991 MENU SETUP:
(If you have a 991(A), your menu numbers will be slightly off, just go by the menu name)
DO this before trying to configure the WSJT-X or any other software on the computer.
These are the MENU settings that I changed from the default values.
031 CAT RATE 4800 (or faster – just make sure the software and radio match the same CAT RATE many are using the fastest “38XXX” vale. I use 4800 and it works fine.)
032 CAT TOT 100ms
033 CAT ENABLE
062 Data Mode OTHERS (NOT PSK – change to OTHERS)
064 OTHER DISP (SSB) = 1500 Hz
065 OTHER SHIFT (SSB) = 1500 Hz
066 DATA LCUT FRED = OFF
068 DATA HCUT FREQ = OFF
070 DATA IN SELECT = REAR
071 DATA PTT SELECT = RTS
072 DATA PORT SELECT = USB
Yaesu FT-991 Screen settings:
These are the settings on the main screen of the FT-991 that I adjusted.
MODE: DATA-USB (NOT USB), choose the DATA-USB setting.
WIDTH: 2400 or 3000
METER: ALC (I use an external meter to watch RF power out)
RF PWR: 8-50w start low and work up.
WIDTH: 3000
NAR/WIDE: W 3000
DT Gain: 6 *** IMPORTANT ***
The DT Gain defaults to 50! This will overdrive the rigs modulator which will cause unwanted audio harmonics. Not good. Turn the DT Gain setting down to about 4, and start working your way back up, watching for ALC on the meter as well as the power out that you want. As you move the DT Gain setting back up (higher), you will see your power level increase as well as ALC levels. Find the happy medium of NO ALC showing on the meter. Excessive ALC indication is a sign that the audio drive is too high and distortion is most likely happening.
WSJT-X
With all the updates to the software, it is best to just get the latest release when it is available. Running outdated versions will lack features and in some cases not allow you to work stations running the new software. So, UPDATE the software when the new versions are out.
You can get it here:
http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html
West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows
Once you download it and install the software, you have to configure it to talk with the radio. Drivers vatech mobile phones & portable devices.
CONNECT THE USB CABLE from the computer to the FT-991 NOW.
Start the WSJT-X application.
Below are some OLDER screen shots. They are for reference only. The latest version of the software will have additional selections, however, the layout is similar.
Then click on [FILE] and then [SETTINGS].
Here is where you need to select the right options to connect the FT-991 to your computer.
Here is an older screen shot of what works for my setup.
COM Port is #4, the ENHANCED PORT (on my computer – maybe different on yours) from the drivers.
4800 baud (or faster if you desire)
8 data bits
2 stop bits
Hardware: Handshake
Poll interval: 1 second
CAT control: via COM 4
Mode: NONE
Split: FAKE IT OR RIG (YES, I KNOW… I have NONE selected in the image above) choose FAKE IT or RIG.
*** It is very important that you select Fake It or Rig when using the newer versions of FT8 due to the advancements in the software and the way the software operates. ***
Click on Test CAT. It should turn GREEN.
Click on Test PTT. It should turn RED and you should see the radio switch into TX mode, (no RF out).
Supposedly all you need to do for Windows 10 is the same as I did in for Win 7/8.
Once you are done with the [RADIO] tab, click on [AUDIO].
Set WSJT-X sound card Input AND Output settings to USB Audio CODEC.
Do not select the default sound card or microphone or any other software you have in there. You want the “USB AUDIO CODEC” as the selection. This new audio option should populate automatically in the drop down for the input and output option, now that you connected the radio to the computer.
You DID do that before you got to this point yes?
Note: You may see USB Audio CODEC -7 or -8. (Or some other possible number) That is fine as well. Just select the USB AUDIO CODEC.
Set the TX level (on the far right side of the software) to the top of the scale. Adjust the DT GAIN setting on the FT-991 so that ALC is not observed (or barely observed) on the meter on the FT-991 radio.
PAY ATTENTION to your ALC settings. This is done by watching the DT GAIN setting on the front panel of your FT-991 and monitoring the ALC screen (switch from PO or SWR to ALC).
2/9/2017 – THE RIGHT USB CABLE TO USE
Recently on the 991 Yahoo group there has been a lot of discussion around the proper USB cable to use with your 991 / 991A.
RF floating around and poorly made cables has made some connections intermittent and or drivers would not load.
The recommendation is to use Tripp Lite Model U023-006 USB 2.0 Gold X Cable A (Male)/B (Male) – 6 ft with two molded chokes. Amazon Prime cable at $6.51 delivered.
From Gary, WW8O – This is the setup for a USB cable and Singalink.
NOT using the internal sound card in the 991, but rather the external Signalink device. Has has had this work both on wsjt-x and fldigi.
West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows Xp
Additional directions can be found here:
West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 8
GitHub repository of great articles on the 991.
https://github.com/rfrht/FT-991A/wiki
FT-991 Setup for VHF Winlink. (pdf)
Dan, W9SAU created a guide for using the FT-991 for Winlink on VHF.
FT-991 Setup from W6PQL (pdf)
https://www.w6pql.com/misc/wsjt-x/ft991-wsjt-x.pdf
JT65 on the FT991 YouTube tutorial
Shawn Johnson, KU0D – Video Tutorial. (Thanks for the mention Shawn!)
FT991 Blogspot page
Getting the 991 up and running with FLDIGI.
https://ft991.blogspot.cz/2016/09/fldigi-setup-my-version-3227-win-10-com.html
FT991 CAT directions:
http://blogzs1jen.dyndns.org:83/wsjt-x-config-for-ft-991/#comment-758
FT991/991A with N1MM. http://www.hb9amo.net/n1mm-ft991.php
West Mountain Radio Port Devices Driver Download For Windows 10
HRD Support has a great set of starter directions as well as some good nuggets of information deep down in the comments.
http://tickets.hrdsoftwarellc.com/kb/faq.php?id=89
DXEngineering:
https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ysu-ft-991.pdf
FSK controls:
http://www.dxlabsuite.com/dxlabwiki/YaesuSCU-17
My compiled list:
If you get real bored, here is some more reading for you. This was a copy and paste of various FT-991 menu settings from all over the globe, from translated German pages as well as translated Japanese blogs. It is where I finally found the settings that worked for me.
I do not remember the links to the pages to give credit. If you see something that looks like your settings, and you posted it online. Chances are they are yours! Thank you for adding to the collective.
Again, I have not tested all of them, just what I found worked for me. If what I HAVE above does not work for you, this might save you some internet searching for what others are using for settings for the FT-991 and JT65.
Jay’s scoured_the_internet_for _FT_991_settings list.
Of course, if none of this works for you, or you do not want to take advantage of the internal sound card, you CAN just connect a Signalink and use that device with the FT-991 for digital communications, but why get one if you do not need it?
That money could be put towards the FH-2 remote wired keypad for the FT-991 (another great product).
OK! Now what?
Well, now that you have the radio configured, the software working, and the radio talking to the computer – download this file created by Gary, ZL2IFB. It is great read on how to operate the WSJT-X software.
http://www.g4ifb.com/FT8_Hinson_tips_for_HF_DXers.pdf
Hope to hear your FT-991 on the bands soon! GL OM/YL!
The WMR Device Diagnostic Utility software allows you to view and change which COM port your RIGblaster is connected to. It also allows you to test a COM port to make sure that the RIGblaster is functioning correctly. This software can be used with all RIGblaster models. It can also be used to monitor and change settings in the Epic PWRgate.
- Includes COMport Splitter v that works with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP SP3
Software Installation | How to Renumber the RIGblaster COM Port | COM Port Tester
The RIGblasters have been tested on Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. They should also work on Windows 98 Second Edition as long as all Microsoft USB updates have been applied.
All of our Windows drivers (except Windows 98 & Windows 2000) are also available via Windows Update as they are digitally signed with Microsoft.
Software Installation
The WMR Diagnostics software contains drivers for all our products and an easy pre-installation and diagnostic program.
Ensure that the 'Pre-Install Drivers' check-box is checked and click on the 'Next' button.
The next window will ask you if you want our diagnostic software to start each time Windows starts up. We recommend you do this as we have provided facilities in the software to allow easy configuration of the RIGblasters without having to navigate through the Windows Control Panel and Windows Device-manager.
Whether you have chosen to install our software or not, click on the 'Next' button and follow the Wizard prompts until installation is complete.
Note: The green PWR LED will blink when incoming or outgoing audio is detected and will remain solid when idle. This LED will only be illuminated if the driver installation was successful.
After successful installation, you should notice a new icon in your Windows system-tray. If you click this icon, you should see a window similar to figure A2. This is our diagnostic software which allows you to monitor the state of your Windows COM ports and sound-devices and to make changes if necessary.
In this example, a quick glance at the main screen will show that this computer has three COM ports (your computer may show only one COM port - the RIGblaster COM port). In this example, the RIGblaster Advantage is set to COM port 19 and is running driver 6.6.1.0 dated 10-18-2013.
Windows may assign any number for the COM port after first installation. We have found that Windows treats COM1 to COM4 as 'special', and for this reason we don't recommend using a RIGblaster on a COM port less than 5.
Another point to bear in mind is that some digital mode software, especially older software, may not allow a COM port greater than 8, in which case you will need to renumber your COM port to a value within the range 5-8.
How to Renumber the RIGblaster COM Port
If you need to renumber your RIGblaster COM port, we have provided a simple way to do this using our diagnostic software:
Right-click over the COM port you wish to change and select 'Change Port #' from the popup menu. You will be presented with a window where you may type a new value. After clicking on the 'OK' button, you must disconnect and then reconnect your RIGblaster USB cable.
There are other functions that we have provided in the diagnostic software which you might find useful:
The 'Utilities' button at the lower part of the screen includes options to download the latest drivers from the Internet and automatically e-mail West Mountain Radio technical support with operating parameters. You do not need to do this unless asked by our technical support staff.
The 'Show All' button shouldn't be used unless directed to by our technical support staff.
The 'Refresh' button simply refreshes the display. Useful if you make changes and need to confirm the current configuration.
Right-clicking over an item will bring up a popup-menu with the following options:
- Detail: Gives a listing of device driver details.
- Update Driver: Starts the driver update routine.
- Change Port #: Allows you to quickly change the RIGblaster COM port.
- Rename: If you wish to rename any of the devices. Unless you have a reason to do so, we recommend you don't use this option.
- Test: Start the COM port tester. Refer to Figure A3.
- Volume: Allows quick access to the Windows volume control associated with this item.
COM Port Tester
Figure A3 - COM Port Test Window
There are two buttons on the COM port test window (DTR and RTS) which are useful for checking correct functionality of the RIGblaster.
Clicking on the RTS button should activate the PTT line & relay.
Clicking on the DTR button should activate the CW/FSK keying line.
For advanced users, connecting up a loop-back on the DB9 connector will allow you to verify proper serial port operation.