The (tr)uSDX can be controlled and programmed via its Micro-USB port, which provides CAT control and firmware update capabilities. This allows for integration with digital mode software like WSJT-X for FT8 and WSPR without needing a separate soundcard, thanks to recent firmware updates that enable direct audio over USB.

To update the firmware, use the AVR-Dudess software along with the CH340 USB driver. You can download custom firmware from the official DL2MAN website, where you will need to generate a firmware file using your radio's serial number. After flashing the new firmware, it's important to calibrate the reference frequency using an SDR or another receiver to ensure accurate CW tone alignment.

• CAT Control: Connect the (tr)uSDX to a PC via Micro-USB for CAT control and programming. This allows for digital modes like FT8 and WSPR without requiring a separate soundcard (via recent firmware updates).
• Firmware Updates: Use the AVR-Dudess software and the CH340 USB driver to upload custom firmware from the official DL2MAN website.
• Calibration: After assembly, calibrate the reference frequency using an SDR or another receiver to ensure accurate CW tone alignment.

Manual
Using the (tr)uSDX for APRS is typically done using High Frequency (HF) bands like 30m or 40m.
Because the transceiver lacks a built-in TNC, you must connect it to a computer or mobile device running APRS/packet software using an audio interface (e.g., Digirig Mobile) and use CAT control for PTT.
Key RequirementsAudio Interface: You will need an interface to link the radio's 3.5mm audio jacks to your computer.

Data Connection:

A separate micro-USB cable connecting the radio directly to the computer is required for CAT control.
Software:
Popular setups include Direwolf for the software TNC, paired with an APRS client like APRSISCE/32 or Xastir.

Radio & Software Configuration

Configuring the (tr)uSDX requires a few specific adjustments so the software can communicate with the rig:
Firmware: Ensure your (tr)uSDX is running firmware version 2.00u or newer to take advantage of CAT streaming.
Serial / CAT Settings:
In your software (e.g., Direwolf or WSJT-X), use the Kenwood TS-480 rig profile.
Port Settings:
Set the baud rate to 38400 with 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no handshake.
For control lines, set DTR High and RTS Low.
PTT Method:
Set the PTT method to CAT rather than relying on hardware RTS/DTR pins.

Frequencies:

Since HF APRS is not on the same standard 144.390 MHz as VHF, tune your radio to recognized regional HF APRS frequencies (such as 10.149.2 MHz on 30m or 7.083.5 MHz
for VARA APRS on 40m)
Because the (tr)uSDX is a QRP (low-power) radio with about 5W output, operating digital
modes like APRS highly benefits from an efficient, resonant antenna (like a dipole or end-fed) to effectively reach the digipeater network.

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Internet Videos

KM4ACK-Linux | 

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YAAC

Quick Start
YAAC allows ham radio operators to interact with the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) to track locations, monitor weather telemetry, and exchange tactical data.

Initial Configuration Summary

When launching YAAC for the first time, a setup wizard will guide you through entering your Amateur Radio Callsign and selecting your station type (e.g., mobile, fixed base, or I-Gate). To utilize the internet backbone, you will create an APRS-IS port and provide your callsign verification passcode. For local radio operations, you will establish a hardware or network port mapping to your radio's TNC.

Internet Videos

KM4ACK- YAAC |  KM4ACK -Setup  

For the (TR)uSDX, there will be one cable coming from the (TR)uSDX itself, while another comes from the Digirig. This wire mess happens because the (TR)uSDX uses a USB port for CAT control. The USB port is a good thing, but without an internal audio interface on the (TR)uSDX, it inadvertently creates a wire mess situation for us. For radios with a traditional CAT control port, there will be a single cable between the Digirig and computer.
To use the Digirig with the (TR)uSDX, you will need to connect the audio output from the (TR)uSDX to the audio input of the Digirig, and then connect the Digirig to your computer via USB. The CAT control will be handled through the (TR)uSDX's USB port, while the Digirig will manage the audio signals for digital mode operation. This setup allows you to use digital modes like FT8 and WSPR with the (TR)uSDX while still maintaining CAT control for frequency and mode changes from your computer.
Overall, while the (TR)uSDX's USB CAT control adds some complexity to the setup, it also provides a modern and flexible interface for controlling the radio from your computer.

Configuration

To configure your (tr)uSDX and Digirig Mobile on Linux Mint, grant your user account serial port permissions, configure audio routing via PulseAudio, and set up your preferred digital software (e.g., WSJT-X, JS8Call) to use the Digirig's CH340 virtual serial port for PTT and USB Audio.

Serial Port Permissions

Linux Mint restricts access to USB-to-serial devices by default. You must add your user to the dialout group:
Open your Terminal.
Run the following command:
sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER
sudo usermod -a -G dialout artisan
Important: Log out of your Linux session and log back in for the permissions to take effect.
Plug in the Digirig.
You should now see it listed as /dev/ttyUSB0 (or ttyUSB1) by running:
ls /dev/ttyUSB*

Audio and Sound Settings

The Digirig acts as a standard USB audio device. Open PulseAudio Volume Control (pavucontrol from your menu) or alsamixer.
Under the Input Devices tab, select the Digirig's USB microphone/capture device.
Under the Output Devices tab, select the Digirig's USB speaker/playback device.Tuning for (tr)uSDX: The Digirig provides a high-level audio signal. In PulseAudio or alsamixer, you may need to attenuate the output (e.g., dial your speaker playback down to around -25 dB) to prevent an overdriven, splattering signal on the waterfall.

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*** Do the below section a Windows machine, as the AVR-Dudess software is Windows-only.***

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To update the (tr)uSDX firmware, you will need to use the AVR-Dudess software along with a CH340 USB driver.
First, generate a firmware file using your radio's serial number on the DL2MAN website.
Then, connect your (tr)uSDX to your computer via Micro-USB and use AVR-Dudess to upload the new firmware.
After flashing, it's important to calibrate the reference frequency using an SDR or another receiver to ensure accurate CW tone alignment.
The firmware updates also enable direct audio over USB for digital modes like FT8 and WSPR without needing a separate soundcard interface, making it easier to operate digital modes with the (tr)uSDX.
After flashing, calibrate the reference frequency using an SDR or another receiver to ensure accurate CW tone alignment.

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Get firmware version

To check the firmware version on your (tr)uSDX, turn the radio on and observe the OLED display during the startup sequence.
The firmware version (e.g., 2.00i or 2.00u) will temporarily flash on the screen alongside your programmed callsign or serial number.
If you miss the startup screen or are running a terminal program, you can also check it via a serial connection by typing the CAT command V into your computer
If you find you are on an outdated version (such as below 2.00u, which is required for
features like audio streaming over USB), you can grab the latest software updates and flashing instructions directly from the (tr)uSDX Firmware Page.

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Wine

AVR-Dudess is a Windows-only application, but you can run it on Linux using Wine. To do this, first install Wine on your Linux system. Then, download the AVR-Dudess software and the CH340 USB driver for Windows. You can run the AVR-Dudess installer using Wine, and it should allow you to flash the (tr)uSDX firmware from your Linux machine. However, keep in mind that running Windows applications through Wine can sometimes lead to compatibility issues, so it's generally recommended to perform firmware updates on a native Windows machine if possible for the best experience.

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Linux Mono

AVRDUDESS is a popular graphical user interface (GUI) for the command-line tool AVRDUDE, which is used to program Atmel AVR microcontrollers. While it is a Windows application, it can run on Linux by using the Mono runtime environment.
To run AVRDUDESS on Linux using Mono, you will first need to install Mono on your system.
Then, you can download the AVRDUDESS executable and run it using the Mono command in the terminal. However, keep in mind that running Windows applications through Mono may not always work perfectly, and you may encounter issues with USB drivers or other compatibility problems. For the best experience, it's generally recommended to perform firmware updates on a native Windows machine if possible.
Quick Installation Guide (Ubuntu/Debian)
To get AVRDUDESS running on your Linux system, follow these steps:
Install AVRDUDE:
This is the underlying tool that does the actual programming.
bash
sudo apt install avrdude binutils-avr
Install Mono:
This allows you to run Windows applications on Linux.
bash
sudo apt install mono-complete
Download AVRDUDESS: Get the latest version from the official website and save it to your desired location.
Run AVRDUDESS: Use the terminal to navigate to the directory where you downloaded AVRDUDESS and run it using Mono.
bash
mono avrdude.exe
Note: You may need to configure USB permissions to allow AVRDUDESS to access the (tr)uSDX for firmware updates.

The (tr)uSDX CAT interface offers a USB Serial COM port on the host with speed 38400 / 115200 (2.00t and upwards), 8N1, No Flow control, DTR should be HIGH, RTS should be LOW on RX, may be HIGH to key CW/PTT.
The CAT command set is based on the Kenwood TS-480 protocol, with some extensions for additional features. This allows for control of frequency, mode, and other settings from compatible software.
For digital modes, ensure your software is configured to use the correct COM port and baud rate to communicate with the (tr)uSDX for seamless operation.
The CAT interface also allows for remote control of the radio, making it possible to operate the (tr)uSDX from a computer or even a smartphone with the right software, providing flexibility for various operating scenarios.
Overall, the CAT capabilities of the (tr)uSDX enhance its versatility and make it a powerful tool for both traditional and digital amateur radio operations.

Supported TS-480 CAT Commands

The (tr)uSDX responds on the following TS-480 CAT commands:
FA; FAnnnnnn; IF; ID; PS; PS1; AI; AI0; MD; MD0; MD1; MD2; MD3; MD4; MD5; RX; TX; TX0; TX1; TX2; AG0; XT1; RT1; RC; FL0; RS; VX;
The most important ones are:

• FA; FA00014195000; Get / Set Frequency in Hz
• MD; MDn; Get / Set Mode (1..5 = LSB, USB, CW, FM, AM)
• IF; Get transceiver status, returning Frequency, Mode only
• TX0; Set transceiver in TX (transmit) state
• TX2; Set transceiver in Tune (transmit) state (mode must set to CW)
• RX; Set transceiver in RX (receive) state
• ID; Get transceiver ID: 020 = TS-480 which is emulated by (tr)uSDX

Configuration

• Firmware Update: Use AVR-Dudess software and a CH340 USB driver to upload personalized firmware via Micro-USB. You must generate the firmware file using your serial number on the DL2MAN website.
• Critical Menu Settings: After flashing, configure these essential parameters in the menu:
  • 8.3 Ref Frequency: Calibrate using a known signal source (e.g., WWV) to zero-beat the tone.
  • 8.7 LPF Config: Set to Lo, Hi, or Classic depending on the hardware filter board installed.
  • 8.2 PA Bias Max: Set to 128 for BS170 MOSFETs or 160 for FDT86256 MOSFETs to ensure proper power output.
  • 8.6 Rshunt: Adjust to correct power efficiency measurement errors if necessary.

Operation:

Use the Menu button to enter settings and the knob to adjust values.
Double-press the tuning knob to cycle through bands, ensuring the selected band matches the installed LPF.