A frequent issue when setting up FT8 or other digital modes on the FT-710 or FT-991a is the lack of audio output or power output during transmission. Beyond the usual soundcard settings within the software, one common problem is that the audio device’s sample rate and bit depth are set too high (e.g., DVD Quality). To fix this, ensure the audio properties are configured to CD Quality.
To set the sample rate and bit depth for your audio input:
- Navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for “Control Panel”.
- Select Control Panel and change the View By: option on the top right to Small icons.
- Choose Sound to open the Sound window and select the Recording tab.
- Select the recording device (typically USB Audio Device) you would like to configure, and choose Properties. The recording device properties window will open.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- In the Default Format section, change the option in the drop-down menu to 2 channel, 16 bit, 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
- Select Apply and then OK to save your changes
To set the sample rate and bit depth for your audio output:
Navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for “Control Panel”.
- Navigate to the Windows Start menu and search for “Control Panel”.
- Select Control Panel and change the View By: option on the top right to Small icons.
- Choose Sound to open the Sound window and select the Playback tab.
- Select the playback device (typically USB Audio Device) you would like to configure, and choose Properties. The playback device properties window will open.
- Select the Advanced tab.
- In the Default Format section, change the option in the drop-down menu to 2 channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz 44100 Hz (CD Quality)
- Select Apply and then OK to save your changes.
