My defaults for FT8 on my Yaesu FT-891
I have found various pages and videos on the settings for FT8 on the FT-891, but none that really scratch the surface of what needs to be turned on or off. So here's what I have figured out on my own. WSJT-X and the cat programs that are utilized by WSJT-X DO NOT send these commands for you. It's up to you the operator to set these parameters in the radio ahead of time. You can send these commands from the CMDline. With a little adjustment you can also create a batch file to do your bidding. Make sure you're not accessing the COM port before issuing these commands or you'll get an access denied error.
The EX CAT commands are menu functions. There might be menu functions for the rest, but not easily identified in the CAT manual. The 4 numbers after the EX is the menu location.
| Description | CAT Command | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Notch (OFF) | BC00; | |
| Clarifier (OFF) | CF000; | |
| AGC Function (OFF) | GT01; | |
| IF-Shift (OFF) | IS00; | |
| Keypad Lock (OFF) | LK0; | |
| Operating Mode (DATA-USB) | MD0C; | |
| Monitor Level (OFF) | ML000; | |
| Meter Display (SWR) | MS3; | This is just preference, I like to see the SWR in case my Ariel gets tangled up in something and I don't see it right away. I will see it on the display. |
| Narrow (OFF) | NA00; | |
| Noise Blanker (OFF) | NB00; | |
| Noise Reduction (OFF) | NR00; | |
| Preamp (IPO) | PA00; | Intercept Point Optimization just works better for me. PA01; (Pre-Amp) could work better for you |
| Power Control (5 Watts) | PC005; | Set low for QRP, but can be anything up to 100. |
| RF Attenuator (OFF) | RA00; | |
| RF Gain (Max 30) | RG0030; | |
| Band Width (3000) | SH0117; | |
| Squelch Level (0) | SQ0000; | |
| Data Mode (OTHERS) | EX08011; | |
| Data Lower Cutoff Frequency (OFF) | EX080500; | |
| Data High Cutoff Frequency (OFF) | EX080700; | |
| Data PTT Select (DAKY) | EX08100; | |
| RTTY Lower Cutoff Frequency (OFF) | EX100100; | |
| RTTY High Cutoff Frequency (OFF) | EX100300; | |
| Data Gain (50) | EX1614050; | This is the default level |
| RTTY Output Level (50) | EX1008050; | This is the default level |
| DATA Output Level (50) | EX0811050; | This is the default level. On the Signalink your receive dial will be at 9 O'clock provided your input(MIC SIDE) is set to 100% |
| DATA In Select (BACK) | EX08091; | This might might not be necessary as Operating Mode DATA-USB(MD0C;) does the same thing. |
Building the Wall (Part 2) Antenna jack mockup.
I got this aluminium plate from one of our sister companies Looks like it might work well for my wall plate.
Building the Wall (Part 1)
We've started on the garage by redoing the ceiling and building a partition between the step up in the garage. Tried my hand at tape and bedding and I think I really suck at it. Pictures don't look straight but that an optical illusion of the camera.
New Rack Case
I crammed everything into a new rack case and it's so much lighter now.
Fishing Pole Antenna (Part 3)
I thought I had made breakdowns for all my antenna projects, but I guess I was just sending them in emails to people that asked for them. Here's the loadout for the Fishing pole antenna. This started as a 53' end fed vee with a 9:1 unun that branched into two different antenna. Project29 and this.
- Caribeaners from a hamfest somewhere. Irving I think. 3$
- Paracord from Dollar Tree 3$
- Shakespeare 20' Crappie pole from Amazon 20$
- Landscape stakes from Lowes 9$
- Guy ring made poly-carbonate golf car windshield 0$
- rope tensioners made from poly-carbonate golf car windshields 0$ (Check out these alternate tensioners)
- 22gu stained wire at 29ft length. 11$ 100' roll on Amazon (Not seen)
- 9:1 Unun 0$ Donated to the project by Craig Coley WB5KUO (Not seen) the exact model ebay listing
There's also a couple of jubilee clamps to keep it from collapsing from guy rope tension. Also I have 4 bundles of 8 1m radials that I use on everything portable I have. Pet boarder fence wire is super cheap for this.
