I had my FT 897 working on FT8 last winter, now I cannot key the transmitter and I do not know what changed? I use no interface, hook 1/8 plugs from panasonic toughbook (mic and earphone jacks) into DIN plug on back of 897. Receives is fine, if I unplug the earphone plug I do get tones from the internal speaker. Any thoughts on what setting I need to adjust (I wonder if its in the computer, not the radio, but n idea what was changed. I am the only one who messes with the computer, and I use it pretty much for qrz surfing during qsos and digital hf. Seem to have the same issue on fldigi and js8 call, both of which I used in the past, but only a little. What should I check?
I've had issues like this with my ft897d. I don't think the mini din connector for the cat control is secure as it ought to be. I think the way the case is made around the plugs interferes with a good connection. In fact I had just this problem with it today when I went poking around things. It seems to come up once in a while for me too.
Check where you have hidden the cat cable. Those radios require 2 cables. One for audio and the other for computer control.
A loose DIN connector was not the issue - but a poorly assmebled homebrew cable was. After fighting struggling and being in general ticked off, I will switch to embarrassed. The problem with homebrew equipment is too frequently the quality of workmanship, at least in my house. A joint in the cable came apart (in fact I cannot even tell if they were ever soldered.) Bizarrely, I used it for 6 months with no issues, then set everything aside for 6 months and the issue appeared. All fixed now made a QSO even. Thanks for trying to help!
