I got a RPC-I17-UF-3M cable to install between my Icom 718 and computer. I installed DX Lab which gives me CAT control of the rig. I want to do FT8 and WSPR so what else do I need? I installed WSJT-X and Meinberg. I am thinking I need a Rigblaster or something like that? Sorry to sound so stupid but I'm upgrading from my 1960s vintage radios so this is all new. Is there a simple step by step guide to using FT8 with a 718?
Yes, you need a Rigblaster, SignaLink, etc. That plugs into the 13 pin DIN connector on the back of the 718, and into a USB port on your computer. See this link for a short description: http://www.tigertronics.com/pgmsetup.htm#WSJT-X You'll also need to configure the WSJT software to work with your radio. Launch the WSJT software, and go to "Settings", "Radio" and select the Icom IC-718 from the rig dropdown. That should be all you need....
I found a Rigblaster Plus for $50. I guess that will work. Not the newest and greatest but I dont want to spend $200 until I am sure I like the modes. I have poor antennas and low power. Hoping that FT8 works better than results on SSB.
Yes. I get there is this prejudice against using the digital modes. At some level I get it (and sort of agree that many people don't have the knowledge that used to be standard) but the hobby allows for all types in my view. I mean hams have been using RTTY since the 1930s and no one seems to give them a hard time. That's actually what I am interested in but I just don't have the space for an antique RTTY machine. My answer I guess will be to describe what I have in my shack besides my FT-718 -- (partial list) Collins S-line, Hallicrafters, Drake line including R4B, Gonset, National, Hammarlund and an RME-69 -- all of which I rebuilt myself - I guess if that and having a ticket since 1978 makes me lazy and unskilled that's how it is. And I can do CW by hand at 30 WPM.
You'll need a CI-V interface to enable Commander to control your IC-718, and a soundcard interface to enable WSJT-X to use a soundcard in your computer to receive audio from your transceiver and send audio via your transceiver for transmission. You can build or buy a CI-V interface. The RPC-I17-UF-3M you purchased should satisfy this need. You can build or buy a soundcard interface. There are commercial products, like the Rigblaster you mention above, that incorporate both a CI-V interface and a soundcard interface. If you already have the CI-V interface, a standalone soundcard interface will probably be less expensive. Step-by-step instructions for configuring Commander to control your IC-718 are here. Step-by-step instructions for configuring WSTJ-X can be found in the Configuring WSJT-X section of this article. After you have that working, other sections of that article explain how to log QSOs directly to DXKeeper, and how have decoded callsigns in WSJT-X color-coded to reflect award need (relative to the award objectives you've specified in DXLab), and participation in eQSL and LoTW: I suggest that you join the DXLab Discussion Group, where all questions are welcome, no matter how many times they may have already been asked and answered.
