Problem using FT-857D on digital modes

[W2PSK]

I've been using my FT-857D with a SignaLink USB for a while now, working mostly PSK31. Today, all of a sudden it isn't working. The radio and SignalLink USB go into transmit mode, but there's no output power according to the radio or external meter. If I use any other mode, it is working fine.

I am using Ham Radio Deluxe. Any ideas what this could be?

[WB2WIK]

Divide and conquer to troubleshoot.

Offhand I'd guess a problem with the SignaLink or a connecting cable, although it could be the USB driver or almost anything.

I doubt it's the rig itself if it works fine on other modes using other input ports.

[KJ4VTH]

Check the soundcard settings in HRD/DM780. Something might have got bumped.

[K7MEM]

On my laptop, I can manipulate the volume and mute the audio right from the keyboard. Sometimes I accidentally hit the mute key. Check to make sure you haven't muted your PC.

[N5MDT]

The signalink is put into transmit mode by audio, is it not? If that is the case then you have audio getting to the Signalink. And it keys the radio, therefore you have something getting there as well.

I would look at the mode, be sure it is in Digital if using the data port, USB if using the mic port.
Then look at the Digital mode, be sure it is in USER-U
Finally, look at Digital Gain if using the data port, dial it up and see if you get any response on Power Meter, or on ALC meter.
If using the mic port look at the SSB Gain, dial it up and see if you get any response on the Power Meter, or on ALC meter. (when transmitting, of course.)

There is always the possibility that a connection has been lost on the audio wire in the jumper block of the Signalink.. Plug in a set of head phones in the AUX port of the Signalink and monitor while transmitting. Anything? (Although I do not know what side the audio there is taken from.)

[KB3FEI]

Did you turn down the power knob on the signalink (the knob on the left)? de kb3fei, Dale.

[KF5FEI]

Even though the SignaLink is a separate sound device and you've set the levels to work correctly, sometimes Windows has a brain-fart and changes the settings. Refer back to your SignaLink manual and re-check these levels.

IIRC, if you have the radio set to USB and not USER-U, the radio will key, but it ignores the audio in from the rear port. And as mentioned previously, the TX knob on the SignaLink will affect the power output.

[K8MCN]

on occasion, after a reboot, windows in its infinite wisdom, will change the sound card selected--make sure the signal link is still the one selected.......

[KF5FEI]

on occasion, after a reboot, windows in its infinite wisdom, will change the sound card selected--make sure the signal link is still the one selected.......

There are some programs out there that will manage your sound settings on a per-application basis. Romac Sound Card Manager is one such program. They keep track of which sound device a particular application uses, and what the settings are.