Digital modes have become a constant talk of the Ham Radio community within the last decade. Though times of PSK, Olivia, and Packet have come to pass, with only the dedicated few still typing away, digital modes themselves have evolved into a major part of the hobby.
There is rarely a time when a disagreement about FT8, Winlink, or VarAC doesn’t occur in today’s radio conversations. Spin the dial one afternoon and see for yourself. If you don’t hear, “I don’t mess with any of that old computer stuff. That’s not real radio!” at least once, I own you a coffee!
Continued development of better SNR and small signal operations pair with the excitement of POTA, Field Day, and SOTA events as the future of Ham Radio unfolds. Though many will say digital modes aren’t true radio, I have to disagree. Ham Radio is a hobby build on pushing the limits and exploring with the electromagnetic spectrum through innovation and experimentation. Though many resent this idea, I find that most digital modes have their place as more than just a mouse-click conversation. Digital modes offer the enthusiast the ability to effectively and efficiently test antennas, use less power and more efficient batteries, and operate in areas that my shack just won’t go. Try making DX contacts from a hiking trail 2 miles from the nearest road in the dead of the night with a IC-7610! There are benefits of plenty when exploring even the most misunderstood modes of radio.
Though many manufactures understand this option of the future, there are many rigs that hold up well with the modern USB-equipped without dropping a small mortgage on your home to get them. Even the old girl on your desk right now is probably capable of the wonderment of digital radio with a few cheap accessories. My personal favorite is my old trusted Kenwood TS-440. Sure, these rigs weren’t built with heavy duty cycle digital signals in mind, but that’s where the Digirig Comes in.
The Digirig is simply put, a computer interface linking your radio with a PC, Mac, or Linux computer. There is even the possibility of using your phone as the operating system, though I have not explored that option. The really interesting part, is how small, effective, and simple it is…….and best of all, CHEAP! The entire unit consist of the device and a few cables that will completely fit in a small weatherproof box or pouch. Perfect for the POTA enthusiast. The USB-C device requires no drivers and can be powered from the USB serial cable requiring no external power. I like the sound of that! The manufacturer also sells pre-made cables for a majority of the radios on the market including HTs.
The basic premise is the device has 2 cables. One to provide the audio signal in/out of the computer, and one to operate the CAT control of the transceiver. If your radio does not have CAT capabilities that is no problem however, the Digirig board allows a PTT signal or VOX control to be used. If you’re looking for more DIY options, most pin-outs of the cables are available on the site or community forum as well to create your own cables with ease.
For less than 60$, you have an extremely small audio interface that is built like a tank, efficient, versatile, and available to be used on a variety of rigs without changing settings, but instead merely swapping cables! A win-win if you ask me!
You can purchase on Amazon* links below, or for more info check out their website at digirig.net
CABLES:
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