Winlink Express with the Yaesu FT-891

Winlink Express with the Yaesu FT-891

I think I figured out the high ALC issue

Adjusted RF PWR to 50 watts. Turned SignaLink TX knob to slightly below the 9 o clock position. Checking the PO meter shows an output of 10 watts. FT-891 is set in Data mode (which used to be in SSB per page 65 in the advanced manual from Yaesu) and this does better. Width is set to 3000Hz. The ALC is no longer visible in the meter!

PSK31 contacts

I was able to make a dozen or so contacts with PSK31 from all across the USA this weekend. It was a lot of fun!

Setting up FT-891, SignaLink USB, and FLDIGI

I'm still figuring this out. I can decode the PSK31 signals, but doesn't seem like I am able to TX correctly.

Physical Connections

The radio cable is connected to the RJ-45 at the back of the SignaLink, and the other end of the cable is connected to the FT-891 through the DATA connection. A USB cable is connected to the laptop and the SignaLink. The external speaker is plugged into the rear of the FT-891.

FT-891 Menu Settings

08-01 MODE DAT: DATA MODE PSK

08-02 MODE DAT: PSK TONE 1000Hz

08-09 MODE DAT: DATA IN SELECT REAR

08-12 MODE DAT: DATA BFO USB

16-03 TX GNRL: HF PWR 20

16-10 TX GNRL: DATA MIC GAIN 50

16-14 TX GNRL: DATA DATA GAIN 50

Function 1

WDH 3Khz

Windows 10 Settings

Default: Speakers Realtek High Definition Audio

Default: Microphone Realtek High Definition Audio

Line in setting: 0 dB

Fldigi setting for capture/playback. The SignaLink USB is selected for both (USB Audio Codec).

Can see PSK31.


Responding to a CQ (or sending one myself) has not received any response. I don't think I have the ALC setup correctly or the TX/RX volume setup correctly. 

Installing the SLMOD6PM module into the SignaLink USB SLUSB6PM

For the Yaesu FT-891. It wasn't terribly difficult after reading the instructions! Just make sure you're wearing an anti-static wrist band.

FT-891 and the SignaLink USB

6-pin Mini DIN Data Port Connector

Module






This is the correct model needed.

Tigertronics SignaLink Radio Interface Cables SL-CAB6PM

DX Engineering

Yaesu FT-891 has been ordered!

After a long time figuring out what I should order, I finally picked the FT-891 and ordered it. I also ordered two dipoles from Radiowavez, the 40 meter and the 20 meter. Not sure what antenna tuner I'll choose, but I'm thinking about going with the LDG Z-100 Plus. I'm very excited!

Almost everything you need right here!

From my QTH the radio will be powered by a Yaesu FP-1030A power supply. Ordering an antenna tuner and a SignaLink USB soon.