This make me realize that I need to up my Winlink game with an alternative method to send email for times when I don't have a tablet/laptop and mobile radio with me. Great content!
Hey, these are all great tools. Sometimes one tool works when another one will not or is not appropriate. Winlink is now back in my toolbox after 6 months of stepping away from it. Personally, I now travel with the DigiRig Lite and associated cable. There's something nice about being able to use an HT your phone.
My dad back in the days of acoustic coupler modems, Bardot paper tape, and teletypes running at 300baud said, "Why would anyone ever want to go faster than 300baud?" This was as he was enjoying coffee and a cigarette while reading Barron's or Computer. It was a half hour well spent running his stock market program on a mainframe that was out of state.
Just ordered the digirig 891 and a mobile version for the 2m radio to get the truck full digital, got both of them because of your videos. I'm looking forward to getting everything set up. I got the digirig lite in the cart for my handheld as soon as I figure which audio cable to get. Love the videos.
I'm heading down the same path right now trying to determine if I have something misconfigured or I just can't reach any of the local packet stations. This is a great jump start. Thanks for all you do. 73.
Best video of WOAD I’ve seen. I hope I can test my setup again following your lead. I’ll be using an 817, wolphie link and an android tablet. I’ve tried and tried and have never been successful with WOAD. I’m down to give it another shot. Thanks for posting your instructions and sharing your RMS story.
I know that your exact configuration works. My friend William KI4HDU (who sent me an email during this video) runs your setup. However, I don't know if the audio settings needs to be adjusted. Good luck!
I can feel why you wanted this. In econm situations, rhis really reduces weight and DC power needs. With a DRL and cables, I have RF WL capability with a handi I keep in a sling.
Good for you. It really was an easier exercise than I had expected. If you're able to use Winlink Express successfully, making the jump to running an RMS gateway is fairly straight forward. I may do a video when I rebuild my gateway.
If enough operators get fed up with not having a local gateway the problem will solve itself. Well sorta. At least the equipment investment for most in minimal. Its mainly about redeployment of existing assets in most cases.
Yes, that was my experience. It took me about week to figure things out, but it is still awkward to use. The user experience is very non intuitive, but I'm happy that it exists. A big thanks to the developer for sharing it with the world.
Finally got my Digirig Lite ordered yesterday and ALREADY out of stock! Oh well should have acted faster but then if I did things when I should, it wouldn't be me. I will be happy when it gets here!
You're still getting one early. A second production run is perfectly fine. I ordered a second unit about 6 days ago and I'm waiting for August like everyone else. Report back when you're up and running. Happy 4th.
Do you know if the digirig lite works with andflmsg? Also, I thought the vx6r didn't have VOX. How does it interface? If I get one I plan on using it with icv86. Thanks
I think I am missing something in my setup. You show a radio, connected to the audio port of the DIGIRIG, connected through USB to an sndroid phone, using woAD Winlink Client. Where is the TNC? Or is woAD acting at the TNC? My APRS station runs Direwolf on a RPi which is the TNC. The RPi is connected to my DRA-70 sound card and that is connected to the data connector on my FT-1500M radio. So, there is a TNC app that is on the RPi. So, is that why my woAD is not connecting to nodes? So, does your radio in the instructional video have a built in hardware TNC?
WoAD has a packet engine built in as part of the app. The DigiRig is just providing the sound card and the ability to key the PTT. There is no TNC. WoAD has support for other Winlink modes like VARA and ARDOP but unlike the packet mode, those modems are not built into the software. If you want VARA or ARDOP you need to leverage other computers over the network. I only use the packet mode for this reason.
Have the DIGIRIG Mobile and the DIGIRIG Black cable for the BF-F8HP connected and have downloaded and installed woAD. I created a packet session type as you did in your video. Nothing is being sent or received. The transmitter is keyed. I listen with another radio and hear noise like a packet burst. I cannot receive or send anything after starting the created packet session. I have started the session. The log has entries but I do not know what the entries mean. Any thoughts? I run an APRS digipeater/iGate Rx/Tx. I have an average range of 115miles. Some up to 170+ miles. So, wouldn't my digipeater retransmit my signal?
What features would I trade off for having lite instead of mobile when the use case is just HT connection? I really like the minimalist setup of lite but interested to know what I'd let go from the mobile version.
You will never have CAT control with the Lite version. The nice thing about the DigiRig Mobile is that some applications perform better when they control the PTT rather than awaiting for the VOX circuit to kick in on the Lite. Like I said, they are similar, but different devices and there's a place for both. Personally, I'm using the Lite on all my HTs and mobile rigs that do not have CAT control. The Lite is also easier to setup and it works with a wider range of applications on an Android device.
Will analog voice (ie normal rx/tx) still work while dr lite and phone are connected to the HT? Or will analog voice rx/tx be gone for the entire time dr lite is connected?
For most HTs, you will not have the ability to hear hear any received audio over the speakers while the DigiRig is connected. However, most mobile rigs and HF rigs will still allow you to use voice at the same time.
I'm having probs getting my Digirig to work with WOAD. Do You need to open up the Digirig and do any settings changes. I'm using a VX-6 and a Moto G 2024 android.
No. You should not have to open it. The details are exactly as described. Start by confirming the VOX circuit on the DigiRig. Max out your volume on your phone and getting the PTT light on the DigiRig to turn red. If it does not work, try another app like APRSDroid. If you're unable to get the light to to turn red, contact DigiRig. Once you confirm that DigiRig is getting enough audio to trigger the VOX circuit, check that the VX-6 is in TX. If the radio does not TX, try slightly loosening the threaded connector on the VX6.
Very interesting - I wonder if this would work on a mobile radio, I have a Yaesu FTM300. Not sure how the connection to the Android tablet would work...
I discussed this on the first video. It's depends on the application and whether it supports USB host mode. AndFlmsg was the only application that I can confirm works with the DigiRig Mobile. I believe some support may have been added to APRSDroid, but have never tested it.
Interesting series, Gaston! It would be an interesting way to use an old phone. It would be so great to have VHF Winlink gateways here. I wonder if you have a plan to making this work on your private business frequencies (e.g. winlink p2p) if things go south?
Glad you enjoy it. I actually have a separate DiY system that I built for my business license. I have a set of Motorola 7550e with the Bluetooth entitlement. Then, I wrote some software allows me to send messages from my phone over Bluetooth that is encrypted using symmetric key crypto. I may discuss this at the end of the year. For the average person, you do P2P Winlink and encrypt your payload using something like GPG. I should do a video on this. Thanks for the idea.
I've only tested the Lite with WoAD. For the Mobile you will need to check if the Android applications host USB host mode. Not all apps do. Some time back I was able to test AndFlmsg with DigiRig Mobile and host USB support. The nice thing about the DigiRig Lite is that it is presented to Android as a headset.
Unfortunately, no. WoAD does not have built in modems for VARA or ARDOP. It can only access those over your network on computer that is running those services. For me, WoAD is only useful for packet operation.
@@hikingfish3 You're welcome. When I saw the options for ARDOP and VARA listed, I was excited, then was disappointed as it needs to use another computer and transceiver. It defeats the purpose of using the WoAD app. Packet is built into the app, so it works fine with just your HT.
While waiting for the DRL, WoAD does work in Telnet. Not using RF. But if yoy cannot get WL Telnet to work, then you will have issues with the RF modes.
Great point. Using telnet out the gate is a great way to check your ability to access Winlink. I did this exact thing on WoAD, Pat and Winlink Express as my first steps.
@@TheTechPrepperWhen Harris Co ARES did the WL class, we downloaded the program and did telnet first. Once all got on TN, then we went onto FM Vara. This was before the DigiRig, so getting TNC, computer, and radio to play nice was not easy!
One problem with the alternative to this set-up (LoRa connecting with an android phone with mesh) that I have just learned...the hard way. The Lillygo T Beam Supreme I just completed EATS 18650 flat batteries. With the case design I'm using you must then remove 4 bolts and take the back off to replace or recharge. That is just not going to work. As such the above setup would be far more practical for my application.
Check out the Ham Radio Crash Course (HRCC). He has a whole series. I actually documented every step in my radio journey here on TH-cam starting with my first contact, but that requires people to go back four years on this channel. Good luck!
Sorry about that. I actually shot myself in the foot. After I proved to myself that the DigiRig Lite was a must-have tool, I went to order a second unit. I'm waiting like everyone else for August for the backup unit. Enjoy yours when it arrives.
It does. You just need to set your location in the settings. If you did this, you may have to scroll to the right on the RMS list. The columns may be hidden just offscreen to the right.
WoAD claims to support USB (OTG), so it might work with WoAD. I have tested it. For the DigiRig Mobile you would mowed try configuring WoAD to key the PTT with RTS. I have not tested.
Software development is a very expensive undertaking both in time and expense. It would likely be a support nightmare. My guess is that they opted for the platform with most users. For the traditional, old-guard of amateur radio, that platform is Windows. You can't blame them. As a software developer, I'm very cautious about releasing software due to the time and expense in building applications and systems. Software seems to be the only industry where people do not wish to pay for the product. This is why Android is not more actively focused on, IMHO.
This make me realize that I need to up my Winlink game with an alternative method to send email for times when I don't have a tablet/laptop and mobile radio with me. Great content!
Hey, these are all great tools. Sometimes one tool works when another one will not or is not appropriate. Winlink is now back in my toolbox after 6 months of stepping away from it. Personally, I now travel with the DigiRig Lite and associated cable. There's something nice about being able to use an HT your phone.
Same..
My dad back in the days of acoustic coupler modems, Bardot paper tape, and teletypes running at 300baud said, "Why would anyone ever want to go faster than 300baud?" This was as he was enjoying coffee and a cigarette while reading Barron's or Computer.
It was a half hour well spent running his stock market program on a mainframe that was out of state.
I love it. There was a famous Bill Gates quote about hard drive sizes too. Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Just ordered the digirig 891 and a mobile version for the 2m radio to get the truck full digital, got both of them because of your videos. I'm looking forward to getting everything set up. I got the digirig lite in the cart for my handheld as soon as I figure which audio cable to get. Love the videos.
Enjoy your DigiRigs. That's a great use for each variant. More on the way. Let's see about doing some HF with them next. 73
I'm heading down the same path right now trying to determine if I have something misconfigured or I just can't reach any of the local packet stations. This is a great jump start. Thanks for all you do. 73.
Thanks for always working with Gaston to provide these great videos.
Good luck, buddy. I spent a few days in your position. I recommend launching Dire Wolf on another computer/radio and see if the packets sent decode.
Best video of WOAD I’ve seen. I hope I can test my setup again following your lead. I’ll be using an 817, wolphie link and an android tablet. I’ve tried and tried and have never been successful with WOAD. I’m down to give it another shot. Thanks for posting your instructions and sharing your RMS story.
I know that your exact configuration works. My friend William KI4HDU (who sent me an email during this video) runs your setup. However, I don't know if the audio settings needs to be adjusted. Good luck!
I can feel why you wanted this. In econm situations, rhis really reduces weight and DC power needs. With a DRL and cables, I have RF WL capability with a handi I keep in a sling.
Bingo. The best camera, radio, gun... is the one you have with you. A small package like this helps. 73
This is helpful. I’ve been thinking of installing an RMS Gateway at my QTH for much the same reasons as you.
Good for you. It really was an easier exercise than I had expected. If you're able to use Winlink Express successfully, making the jump to running an RMS gateway is fairly straight forward. I may do a video when I rebuild my gateway.
If enough operators get fed up with not having a local gateway the problem will solve itself. Well sorta.
At least the equipment investment for most in minimal. Its mainly about redeployment of existing assets in most cases.
Bad-ass man! I wish WoAD was easier to use. It works but it is a challenge.
Yes, that was my experience. It took me about week to figure things out, but it is still awkward to use. The user experience is very non intuitive, but I'm happy that it exists. A big thanks to the developer for sharing it with the world.
Finally got my Digirig Lite ordered yesterday and ALREADY out of stock! Oh well should have acted faster but then if I did things when I should, it wouldn't be me. I will be happy when it gets here!
You're still getting one early. A second production run is perfectly fine. I ordered a second unit about 6 days ago and I'm waiting for August like everyone else. Report back when you're up and running. Happy 4th.
@@TheTechPrepper Roger That!
Do you know if the digirig lite works with andflmsg? Also, I thought the vx6r didn't have VOX. How does it interface? If I get one I plan on using it with icv86. Thanks
I think I am missing something in my setup. You show a radio, connected to the audio port of the DIGIRIG, connected through USB to an sndroid phone, using woAD Winlink Client. Where is the TNC? Or is woAD acting at the TNC? My APRS station runs Direwolf on a RPi which is the TNC. The RPi is connected to my DRA-70 sound card and that is connected to the data connector on my FT-1500M radio. So, there is a TNC app that is on the RPi. So, is that why my woAD is not connecting to nodes? So, does your radio in the instructional video have a built in hardware TNC?
WoAD has a packet engine built in as part of the app. The DigiRig is just providing the sound card and the ability to key the PTT. There is no TNC. WoAD has support for other Winlink modes like VARA and ARDOP but unlike the packet mode, those modems are not built into the software. If you want VARA or ARDOP you need to leverage other computers over the network. I only use the packet mode for this reason.
Have the DIGIRIG Mobile and the DIGIRIG Black cable for the BF-F8HP connected and have downloaded and installed woAD. I created a packet session type as you did in your video. Nothing is being sent or received. The transmitter is keyed. I listen with another radio and hear noise like a packet burst. I cannot receive or send anything after starting the created packet session. I have started the session. The log has entries but I do not know what the entries mean. Any thoughts? I run an APRS digipeater/iGate Rx/Tx. I have an average range of 115miles. Some up to 170+ miles. So, wouldn't my digipeater retransmit my signal?
What features would I trade off for having lite instead of mobile when the use case is just HT connection?
I really like the minimalist setup of lite but interested to know what I'd let go from the mobile version.
You will never have CAT control with the Lite version. The nice thing about the DigiRig Mobile is that some applications perform better when they control the PTT rather than awaiting for the VOX circuit to kick in on the Lite. Like I said, they are similar, but different devices and there's a place for both. Personally, I'm using the Lite on all my HTs and mobile rigs that do not have CAT control. The Lite is also easier to setup and it works with a wider range of applications on an Android device.
@@TheTechPrepper That's a good categorization to consider - lite for no CAT
Where can I get those field cards you have?
All the field cards are available to the supporting members on Buy Me a Coffee. The link is in the video description.
@@TheTechPrepper thanks sir, love the channel.
@@coreysheckler4777 Thanks! I appreciate the view. Have a great 3-day weekend.
Will analog voice (ie normal rx/tx) still work while dr lite and phone are connected to the HT? Or will analog voice rx/tx be gone for the entire time dr lite is connected?
For most HTs, you will not have the ability to hear hear any received audio over the speakers while the DigiRig is connected. However, most mobile rigs and HF rigs will still allow you to use voice at the same time.
I'm having probs getting my Digirig to work with WOAD. Do You need to open up the Digirig and do any settings changes. I'm using a VX-6 and a Moto G 2024 android.
No. You should not have to open it. The details are exactly as described.
Start by confirming the VOX circuit on the DigiRig. Max out your volume on your phone and getting the PTT light on the DigiRig to turn red. If it does not work, try another app like APRSDroid. If you're unable to get the light to to turn red, contact DigiRig.
Once you confirm that DigiRig is getting enough audio to trigger the VOX circuit, check that the VX-6 is in TX. If the radio does not TX, try slightly loosening the threaded connector on the VX6.
Very interesting - I wonder if this would work on a mobile radio, I have a Yaesu FTM300. Not sure how the connection to the Android tablet would work...
This works on a mobile radio. I tested this setup in the last video (APRS) with my FT-2980R. You just need the correct DigiRig cable for the FTM-300.
Can you use the regular DR with this?
I discussed this on the first video. It's depends on the application and whether it supports USB host mode. AndFlmsg was the only application that I can confirm works with the DigiRig Mobile. I believe some support may have been added to APRSDroid, but have never tested it.
I am assuming the original digirig mobile will work also?
Not sure. For the original DigiRig Mobile to work the app needs to support host USB. Most apps do not.
Interesting series, Gaston! It would be an interesting way to use an old phone. It would be so great to have VHF Winlink gateways here. I wonder if you have a plan to making this work on your private business frequencies (e.g. winlink p2p) if things go south?
Glad you enjoy it. I actually have a separate DiY system that I built for my business license. I have a set of Motorola 7550e with the Bluetooth entitlement. Then, I wrote some software allows me to send messages from my phone over Bluetooth that is encrypted using symmetric key crypto. I may discuss this at the end of the year. For the average person, you do P2P Winlink and encrypt your payload using something like GPG. I should do a video on this. Thanks for the idea.
@@TheTechPrepper Thank you as always for responding!
I keep droid psk on all our phone. Now i can't find it in play store.
Good program today, thanks
What connector to connect to the FT60?
It's available here: digirig.net/product/yaesu-ht-cable-for-digirig-mobile/p/2/
Thanks, I enjoyed it.
Glad you did! I hope the video is useful.
Amazing content like always!
Appreciate it! Thanks.
Do I have to use digirig lite or can I use digirig mobile?
I've only tested the Lite with WoAD. For the Mobile you will need to check if the Android applications host USB host mode. Not all apps do. Some time back I was able to test AndFlmsg with DigiRig Mobile and host USB support. The nice thing about the DigiRig Lite is that it is presented to Android as a headset.
@@TheTechPrepper is there any extra modems to download for packet or Vara with woad or is it already built into the app?
Can you do an HF version of this video? Ideally with the trusdx with minimal cable setup. GREAT video as always.
Unfortunately, no. WoAD does not have built in modems for VARA or ARDOP. It can only access those over your network on computer that is running those services. For me, WoAD is only useful for packet operation.
@@TheTechPrepper Finally, a clear and concise answer to my question. Cheers!
@@hikingfish3 You're welcome. When I saw the options for ARDOP and VARA listed, I was excited, then was disappointed as it needs to use another computer and transceiver. It defeats the purpose of using the WoAD app. Packet is built into the app, so it works fine with just your HT.
While waiting for the DRL, WoAD does work in Telnet. Not using RF. But if yoy cannot get WL Telnet to work, then you will have issues with the RF modes.
Great point. Using telnet out the gate is a great way to check your ability to access Winlink. I did this exact thing on WoAD, Pat and Winlink Express as my first steps.
@@TheTechPrepperWhen Harris Co ARES did the WL class, we downloaded the program and did telnet first. Once all got on TN, then we went onto FM Vara.
This was before the DigiRig, so getting TNC, computer, and radio to play nice was not easy!
One problem with the alternative to this set-up (LoRa connecting with an android phone with mesh) that I have just learned...the hard way. The Lillygo T Beam Supreme I just completed EATS 18650 flat batteries. With the case design I'm using you must then remove 4 bolts and take the back off to replace or recharge. That is just not going to work. As such the above setup would be far more practical for my application.
My DigiRig Lite is ordered. Sounds like it won't be here until August.
Enjoy. It's nice having a compact package. I'm starting to EDC mine. I assume you're on Android? I have. not tested with an iPhone.
Can you do an intro to ham radio video?
Check out the Ham Radio Crash Course (HRCC). He has a whole series. I actually documented every step in my radio journey here on TH-cam starting with my first contact, but that requires people to go back four years on this channel. Good luck!
it took about 4 milliseconds for the digirig lite to sell out. guess i'll see you in august when back orders arrive o/
Sorry about that. I actually shot myself in the foot. After I proved to myself that the DigiRig Lite was a must-have tool, I went to order a second unit. I'm waiting like everyone else for August for the backup unit. Enjoy yours when it arrives.
WoAD does have all the ICS froms from WL!
Yes, it does!
Happy 4th of July across the DX Land. 73 de Your Friend Uncle Günter 💯🍻
Thanks, Uncle Günter. How are things outside of the US?
9600 baud next. Love Vara but it requires a computer to run the software modem
Worse...Vara requires Windows. Or Wine.
@@LeeMcc_KI5YPR agreed
I was excited when I first saw Vara listed in WoAD, but it turns out that you need a network connection to a computer running Vara.
@@TheTechPrepper yup, as is the case for RadioMail app on iPhone
Too bad WOAD doesn't provide distance when RMS station list.
It does. You just need to set your location in the settings. If you did this, you may have to scroll to the right on the RMS list. The columns may be hidden just offscreen to the right.
I had to turn the ulefone sideways to reveal it. Thanks!
Great video.
Glad you enjoyed it. 73
😊
Those vertical ellipses are called "hamburgers".
I thought the hamburger was the menu with the three horizontal bars? UI guys love to make up names for everything.
@@TheTechPrepperThree bars become three dots in a tight ui, I guess.
Guess i am starting on winlink😂😂
Good luck!
Won’t standard Digilink device work as long as you have the correct cables?
WoAD claims to support USB (OTG), so it might work with WoAD. I have tested it. For the DigiRig Mobile you would mowed try configuring WoAD to key the PTT with RTS. I have not tested.
Why hasn't the WL programers forgotten the Android community. Considering most people own some sort of Android device.
Software development is a very expensive undertaking both in time and expense. It would likely be a support nightmare. My guess is that they opted for the platform with most users. For the traditional, old-guard of amateur radio, that platform is Windows. You can't blame them. As a software developer, I'm very cautious about releasing software due to the time and expense in building applications and systems. Software seems to be the only industry where people do not wish to pay for the product. This is why Android is not more actively focused on, IMHO.
Way too hot to play Army. Good job though buddy.
Not playing army. That's an REI sun shirt and the chest rig contains the minimum gear that I need to self support on these daily desert runs.
do you need a license to send these emails? God bless our freedom!
Yes, you do. In the US, all you need as the entry level Technician class license.