Yaesu troubleshoot

RadioMail
1

Hi,

I am new to the TNC4 and Radiomail. I believe I have set it up properly but since it have never connected there are doubts.

So I have the TNC4 app with audio controls input and output working. When I use Telnet on radiomail it collects and send email but when attempting to connect to packet radio it finds the TNC4 device and attempts to connect. The red light turns on, on the TNC4 and Yaesu FT3dr and from a second radio I can hear the handshake but in short order it writes "Could not establish connection". I am only 7km from the repeater and I am using a vertical antenna mounted on my roof. With this set up I have tried to connect to other packet radios (if that is the term) farther away and had the same result.

I have ordered the Icom cord to try it on a different radio but need to wait. In the meantime if you have any suggestions let me know. Btw I normally turn to FB groups as well but there does not seem to be such a group yet. Let me know if you have found one.

73

Brad VE3CGD

2

I had the same issue with my FT70 and 5dr. Turn the squelch setting all the way down. You’re likely getting the error because the TNC isn’t hearing the response.

73,

Eric Klinc, KE8LPK
XWARN Secretary

3

Hi Eric,

Thanks for the suggestion. However my squelch is 0 and my volume is set to just lick the top - it is green all of the time. I have added volume and reduced it with the same connection issues.

I tried my output audio at various settings using the subjective method suggested and it ended up somewhere around 117. Since it didn’t work and I read somewhere else that it will likely be lower than 64 I changed it to 57. Still does not connect.

I can’t help but think there is a radio setting eg tx on low instead of high, VOX, using b instead of A, turning off APRS on B even though volume is on 0 on B. IDK

Thx for responding

Brad

4

You might check the radio to make sure the "Wires" is not turned on.

5

Hi Kent,

I think you mean - I need to ensure wiresX is not operating? It is not and the radio is set at FM on band A. I have tried both UHF and VHF too - though I did not change the baud to 9600 when the packet radios could handle it.

Brad

6

For sure APRS radio must be off, and aprs mute must be off. I think 3dr can
transmit packet on A or B, but I’ve only used B band with my tnc3.

7

Hi Josiah,

APRS on 3DR only works on B - I am using A.
Given it has never connected instead of connecting and being interrupted it’s unlikely to be the issue. Nevertheless it’s worth a shot so I’ll post if it resolves.

Just out of curiosity what are your audio out settings?

Brad

8

Haven't done it in a long while. Firmware update (or something) reset my settings one day, and I couldn't be bothered to figure it out again.

In my case, FT5d and Mobilinkd TNC4.

My vague recollection was that listening to the modulating tones on another radio tricked me into thinking "Yeah, that sounds legit." And it would never connect. Or I'd get the "welcome" message from the node 4mi away, but then fail.

There's a setting in the Mobilinkd App called "Audio Output Twist" which, IIRC, has to do with the ratio of the lower 1200Hz tone's volume to the higher 2200Hz tone's volume. Or something like that.

In my case, the "Twist" setting that actually worked was a lot further from the middle than I might've expected. I mean, I had to REALLY twist that bugger to get 'er to go.

Hope I'm being helpful, and not just making useless noise (like my Mobillinkd TNC4 does, with factory settings).

GL, & 73, de n0mql

9

I also found it vital to change the mobilinkd dual vs mono setting. I think
3dr is dual (since mic and speaker are same port).

10

HI Josiah,

Are you referring to simplex vs multiplex or something else? The 3DR is multiplex which is consistent with your statement about the mic and speaker sharing the same port.

I only clarify as i have read something about dual and moni in the manual but I think the mini has to do with the Sql setting.

Brad

11

Hi, I was referring to multiplexing. Thanks. Did you get it working?

12

Hi Josiah,

Thanks for following up - unfortunately no it's not working yet - I may have to wait until I get the cord for the Icom to see if its a radio setting.

There are a lot of Yaesu radio settings that could be interfering - so it may take some time. I’ll add anything I learn to this thread when its working.

Btw - I checked the repeaters and packet radio is operating on their end.

Brad

13

I’m facing very similar issues with my Yaesu VX-6R and the Mobilinkd TNC-4. Super frustrating, especially considering I had a couple of successful connections at first. Since then, I’ve encountered repeated “Could not establish connection” errors on every station I’ve tried, even with nearby VHF and UHF stations using a Diamond X-300 that hits stations much further away without problem.

Each time, I’ve verified:

  • The radio is tuned correctly and the squelch is open
  • I’m transmitting on simplex
  • Battery saver is disabled (on both Rx and Tx)
  • The audio input level is set correctly (per the Mobilinkd utility app)

I’ve so far tried resetting both the TNC and the radio with no joy.

I’m stumped.