The Real-Time Monitor Every Ham Needs de NØIDX

That is nice, But having one at your location is Real Time where you are.

 

TalkBack Pro – Compatible Radios & Setup Guide
Most Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood radios with an ACC, DATA, or USB Audio port can use TBPRO.
If your radio has any of these:

• 6-pin or 8-pin ACC (DIN) jack
  
  
• Rear-panel DATA or LINE OUT/IN jack
  
  
• USB audio interface for TX monitor/record
  
  
• Mic/Monitor pass-through
  

…it’s probably compatible!

Yaesu:

• FT-857D / FT-897D / FT-450 / FT-891 / FT-991A: 6-pin ACC tap (DIN cable to TBPRO)
  
  
• FTdx10: ACC/USB menu setup (see below)
  
  
• FTdx101D/MP, FT-2000, FT-5000, FT-1000MP, FT-950, FT-991, etc.: ACC/USB port
  
  
• Older Yaesu (FT-100, FT-817ND, etc.): Check for 6-pin ACC or DATA port
  

Icom:

• IC-7300, IC-705, IC-7610, IC-746, IC-756 Pro, IC-7100, IC-7000, IC-706MKIIG, etc.:
  
  • Use ACC2 (8-pin DIN) or USB Audio; TBPRO cable taps the TX audio pin.
    
• IC-718: ACC port
  

Kenwood:

• TS-480, TS-590SG, TS-990S, TS-570S/D, TS-2000, TS-50, TS-440, TS-930, etc.:
  
  • 13-pin ACC or 6-pin DIN, depending on model
    

Other radios:

• Flex, Elecraft, Alinco, and many more (with appropriate cable and menu setup).
  
  
• Most HF rigs from the last 20–30 years with “rear panel” audio monitor or ACC/DATA port.
  

Example: Yaesu FTdx10 – Setting up TBPRO with USB Audio Tap

1. Connect TBPRO to the FTdx10 via the rear USB-B or 6-pin ACC DIN port (as desired).
   
   
2. On the FTdx10:
   
   • MENU #154 (MONITOR OUT SELECT):
     
     • Set to “ON AIR” for true post-processing TX audio (this gives you “what goes on the air”).
       
   • MENU #135 (USB AUDIO OUT SELECT):
     
     • Set to “TX MON” to output processed TX audio on USB (for the TBPRO to monitor).
       
   • MENU #136 (USB AUDIO OUT LEVEL):
     
     • Adjust output level to match TBPRO input (start at 50, adjust by ear).
       
   • MENU #139 (USB AUDIO IN SELECT):
     
     • Use “LINE” or “MIC” as needed if you want to use digital input or mix sources.
       
3. Result:
   
   • You’ll hear your TX audio exactly as the FTdx10 is putting it on the air—including all EQ, compression, processor, etc.—right in your headphones or external speaker via the TBPRO.
     

Cable Notes:

• 6-pin DIN Y-cable: For most Yaesu/Icom/Kenwood ACC connections
  
  
• USB-B to USB-A cable: For radios with USB audio (e.g., FTdx10, IC-7300, IC-7610)
  
  
• 3.5mm audio cable: For radios with rear-panel monitor/line out
  
  
• RJ-45 Mic pass-through: For inline direct mic monitoring (unique to some rigs)
  

Want a specific hookup for your rig? Drop your radio model and I’ll give you the exact pinout/menu combo! Field-tested, ham-approved—let’s get you monitoring what you really sound like.

73, Glenn (NØIDX)
TBPRO is designed by a ham, for hams—ready for Field Day, POTA, and DX.

 

Did you mean FTdx101, not FTdx10? FTdx10 doesn't appear to have menu numbers, at least mine doesn't. Or a 6-pin DIN socket.
73, Simon G8DMN

 

I totally agree. I think it will be an item that will interest all those (like me) who use microphones like Heil or similar.
Congratulations Glenn, great idea

 

I just purchased the V6 version for my Kenwood TS-2000. The shipping took a while, but the processor seems very well made and gives me complete control of audio processing from my Electrovoice RE20 microphone. Additionally, it has a preamp that helps me get the most out of the dynamic microphone. For my TS-2000, I just set my monitor at level one so I hear myself at a low volume in my headphones. I paid $160.00 for mine.

 

Boy, I could one of those.

 

This is a perfect gift for my wife!

 

**"Thanks for the great feedback, IK0TIX!

You’re absolutely right—the TBPRO is designed to be compatible with high-quality microphones like Heil and others. For those who want to connect their preferred mic, it’s actually a very simple task to make the connection from the TBPRO to the mic.

To do this, you’ll need to create a custom cable that goes from the RJ45 jack on the TBPRO to your mic's 3.5mm or other type of mic plug. The wiring for this can be done easily with some basic soldering skills—just follow the standard mic wiring pinout for your particular microphone and solder the correct leads to the RJ45 connector.

Once you've got the custom cable, you can plug it straight into your mic, and you’re good to go. This is a quick, DIY solution that will allow anyone using high-quality mics to take full advantage of the TalkBack Pro’s audio monitoring capabilities.

Thanks again for your input, and I’m looking forward to hearing how TBPRO works for everyone! Feel free to reach out if you need any more details on the setup.

73,
Glenn (NØIDX)

 

**"hi hi Good one, W5TTP—I see what you did there! ‘A perfect gift for my wife’ is ham radio code for ‘I can’t wait to get my hands on one myself.’ No judgment here—we all know how that works.

If your YL happens to ‘borrow’ it, at least you’ll both sound great on the air! Let me know when you’re ready—I’ll make sure you get the ‘gift-wrapped’ version.
Glenn

 

I already sound great on the air, since I use mostly CW.

But DSP rigs which allow users to alter TX bandwidth, low rolloff and high rolloff, and use a very good microphone, close-talked with absolute minimum gain required to modulate...always sounds best.

When I do use voice modes, it's with a studio mike (usually just a PR40, although one of my old SM58s sounds nearly as good), close talked with gain low enough that a loud siren going off six feet behind me would not be picked up by the mike. A good test for mike gain is to tune up for a kilowatt output power, then use a QRP wattmeter with 5W full scale, key the PTT and see if it indicates anything at all above zero. If it does, you have too much mike gain.

I do that test. Meter reads zero. Switch to a higher power PEP meter and when speaking it indicates 1000W.

No substitute for proper settings and using a good mike with a cardioid pattern so it can't pick up blower noise and such...and use it on a boom with either VOX or a foot switch so it doesn't pick up the "PTT switch" sound.

Desk mikes are silly.

 

I appreciate the thoughts on proper equipment setup and audio quality, but I’ll be honest—my view of ham radio isn’t as much about the gear or the latest tech as it is about the experience. For me, it’s about enjoying the process, the communication, and the connections with others who share the same love for the hobby.

I’ve always tried to keep it simple. You won’t find me advertising my call sign on hats or t-shirts, or showing off every gadget I own. It’s not about collecting the latest gizmo or becoming an “appliance operator.” I’m just a guy who enjoys the freedom of getting on air, and the satisfaction that comes from reaching out and having fun with the community.

Sometimes, I feel that too many hams get lost in the tech and the ego of it all, trying to prove how much gear they have or how complex their setup is. For me, it’s about enjoying the moment, not measuring who has the best or most expensive equipment.

Sure, I love a good technical challenge, but at the end of the day, I’m more about the people and the experiences than the gear. And that's something I think a lot of us lose sight of sometimes. The joy in this hobby comes from the simple things.
Glenn E Rollins
NØIDX

 

Re: FTdx10 Audio Monitoring & 6-pin DIN

You’re right, Simon—the FTdx10 doesn’t have menu numbers like the FTdx101, and it doesn’t include a 6-pin DIN socket for audio monitoring either. My mistake there!

The FTdx10 relies more on direct access to audio settings through the menu and does not have a dedicated MONI button. As for the 6-pin DIN socket, that’s typically found on radios like the FT-857D or FTdx5000MP, which offer more straightforward monitoring options.

The TalkBack Pro is designed to work across a variety of radios, including those like the FTdx10 that rely on digital audio processing. We’ve focused on providing simple, plug-and-play solutions, so even radios without those specific connections or buttons will benefit from real-time monitoring via the ACC/DATA port or USB input, depending on the configuration.

Thanks for the clarification!

73,
Glenn (NØIDX)

 

A Personal Note from Glenn (NØIDX):

Hello everyone,

As I get closer to the launch of TalkBack Pro, I wanted to take a moment to update you on both my personal and professional journey. As many of you know, I'm passionate about amateur radio and innovation, and this project has been a labor of love. But life has also been throwing some exciting changes my way—I'm about to become a grandfather! Steven (KDØUUX) and his wife Kyla. They are in Evergreen, Co.

This milestone means a lot to me, and while it may cause a slight shift in timelines, my commitment to bringing TalkBack Pro to life remains as strong as ever. Family is important, and with the new addition to our family on the way, I’m working hard to balance everything and make sure the product lives up to the vision.

I’ve got the equipment lined up, including top-of-the-line 3D printers for production and a carefully selected engineering team to finalize the design. With these in place, we’re ready to get TalkBack Pro out into the hands of hams everywhere. As soon as Kickstarter approves, I’ll be ready to launch—no rush, but everything is set to go live soon, probably Monday. Once that happens, we’ll be off to the races!
Speaking of races;
I also hope to see many of you at the TT races this year—what an exciting time!

Thank you for your patience and support as I juggle family milestones and the launch of this incredible project. I can’t wait to share TalkBack Pro with all of you and see where this journey takes us.

73,
Glenn (NØIDX)

Current Equipment and Resources for TalkBack Pro Production:

1. 3D Printers:
   • Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D Printers (2 units)
     • Multi-award-winning ultra-high-speed 3D printers
       
       
     • Capable of multi-material and multi-color printing with an AMS (Automatic Material System) for efficient, consistent production
       
       
     • Precision and reliability ideal for small-batch manufacturing
       
       
     • High-quality 7 μm Lidar resolution for detailed prints
       
       
     • Supports Polymaker ASA and other high-strength filaments
2. Filament:
   • Polymaker ASA Filament 1.75mm Galaxy Black (3 rolls of 3kg each)
     • Heat and weather-resistant, perfect for durable, outdoor-functional parts
       
       
     • Premium filament ensuring strong, long-lasting enclosures for TalkBack Pro
   • Polymaker ASA Filament 1.75mm Galaxy Red (1 roll of 1kg)
     • For special limited-edition runs (SEs), adding an eye-catching color for unique units
3. Packaging and Shipping Materials:
   • Heavy Duty Shipping Boxes (6"x4"x3")
     • 250 pack of lightweight, foldable corrugated cardboard mailer boxes ideal for shipping TalkBack Pro units
       
       
     • Strong, durable packaging that ensures safe delivery to customers
   • Protective Bubble Wrap (200 ft x 12")
     • Used to secure and protect each TalkBack Pro unit during shipping, preventing any damage in transit
4. Labeling Equipment:
   • Label Maker
     • For creating professional, clear shipping and product labels, ensuring all units are easily identifiable and properly handled throughout the fulfillment process
5. Laser Engraving Machine:
   • Ortur Laser Master 2 S2 with 10W Output
     • High precision laser engraver used for adding custom branding, logos, serial numbers, and other detailed markings on each TalkBack Pro unit
       
       
     • Helps achieve high-quality, professional-looking designs on the final product
6. Shipping and Fulfillment Setup:
   • Tracking and Shipping Systems
     • Fully integrated with Amazon and other fulfillment platforms to manage and track the shipment of TalkBack Pro units
       
       
     • Prepped for streamlined order processing and quick shipping turnaround
7. Miscellaneous Equipment:
   • Screw-down Lid with Brass Inserts
     • Custom enclosure design featuring a secure screw-down lid and brass inserts for durability and easy maintenance
   • Final QC Check Station
     • Dedicated station for hand-checking every TalkBack Pro unit before shipping, ensuring each product meets the highest standards of quality and reliability
     • Join me and make a difference in how amateur radios are designed forever. Support a ham invented product, and have some fun doing it.
   • NØIDX
   • Glenn

 

Talking and listening through headphones in real time is a bad idea. There should be a recording of 3-5 sec. and subsequent playback. Removable Li-on (18650) batteries with USB charging can be used, so that they can be replaced if necessary

 

Hi Aleksandras,

Thank you for your thoughtful input and suggestions!

Real-Time Monitoring vs. Playback:
The TalkBack Pro was designed specifically to provide real-time monitoring for operators who want to hear their processed TX audio as it goes out—something most radios, especially in the mid-range and mobile classes, don’t offer. You’re absolutely right, though: for critical evaluation or voice practice, having a short record-and-playback (aircheck) function can be very useful. It’s definitely a feature I’d consider for a future version or as an optional add-on.

Battery Power:
Great suggestion on using removable 18650 Li-ion batteries with USB charging! For this first production run, I opted for USB power to keep things simple, reliable, and compatible with power banks or USB ports already at most shacks and portable stations. That said, user-replaceable batteries are on my list for field-optimized editions—especially for SOTA/POTA and remote ops.

I appreciate your feedback—it helps make the product better and more useful for everyone. If enough hams express interest in a playback feature or battery option, I’ll absolutely look at adding those in a future revision.

Thanks for your interest and support from Lithuania!

73 de Glenn, NØIDX
n0idx.com