Digirig, FT-60, Winlink, Soundmodem on Evolve Maestro III with Globalsat GPS 

I got a 250 GB mini flash drive, card. It works great too!

Hi Bradley. If there are no VHF stations nearby, then it's time get an HF radio!

The user groups can help with that issue. Check them out here: winlink.org/content/user_support_and_help

Good question. Haven’t tried VARA HF for the FT-60, Digirig. Try the comm port first. Then try CI-v.

Just the volume level. Make sure ALC as shown in the VARA Fm program is in the acceptable range. Too loud will over deviate the transmission. Too soft and there will be no signal. Talk to the vara FM station owner and coordinate a test.

It turns out I need the Soundmodem utility too. Still not running but I’m getting closer.

Yes, You can get them on Amazon "GlobalSat GPS Receiver" - about $32-60 depending upon model / sales. I assume they all work the same. www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BR-355S4-GPS-Receiver-Black/dp/B00AMAJFUO

@@MarkWarrick Thanks Mark. There are several USB styles around $20.00. Do these receivers usually come with special software too?

@@chrissewell1608 no special software except comm port drivers. Winlink uses any gps unit for location info in certain forms.

@@MarkWarrick Great. So would another program, like an APRS program work with it too? (So you wouldn't need online service, or cell phone service to get your location.) I guess it would... if it works, it works with all applications!?

They are about 3 pounds. There are certainly lighter choices on the market. But a couple nice things about the Evolve is that it can be charged off 12 volts and for the price it's something you probably wouldn't mind breaking.

@@MarkWarrick Yeah, the 12V charging is a big plus. I don't think you can charge the Surface Go off a 12V supply.

@@dangermandave67 actually you can. See: www.amazon.com/Surface-Charger-Microsoft-Including-Carrying/dp/B06Y57HD7Z

@@MarkWarrick Have you used this product? I bought a USB-Surface charging cable and it didn't work. So I've become skeptical about these 3rd party products.

@@dangermandave67 The exact one I have used is this one. It's a SLOW charger, so don't expect to provide enough power to charge and operate at the same time. a.co/d/aEdhazt

For the price of these things, I would say dump it and get a new one.

​@@MarkWarrickAs a follow up, comment: I was able to disassemble the screen & lid portion, easily enough by tracing the edges with my finger nail and a small plastic pry bar. Once apart, I was able to locate the ribbon wire harness, located along the hinge at the center point. Then push the wire back into the screen connector. The lid snaps back into place. It has operated properly since the repair!

The DigiRig does it. It creates a comm port and in Soundmodem I select that comm port as the PTT.

@@MarkWarrick What about from Android phone?

@@Jay-hr9ci If your android phone's operating system is capable of recognizing an external USB sound card, I imagine this would work but so far I haven't found one that does. The Mobilnd TNC3 would probably be a better choice since it connects via Bluetooth.

Did you use PTT.ZIP an extracted to Soundmodem directory or folder?

@@va7dgp no. I selected the correct comm port matching the digirig