Yaesu FTDX-3000 FT8 Settings Page

The Yaesu FTDX-3000 doesn't come setup out the box for FT8 digital work.

A number of menu settings need to be changed to get this radio up and running to it's full potential.

The following settings need to be changed from their defaults in the menu. These options are correct as of firmware version V01-25

• 038 CAT RATE 38400bps (Increases the speed the radio communicates with your computer. Ensure your software is set to the same speed)

• 065 PC KEYING DTR (Method used for the computer to PTT, this setting works fine with my software)

• 067 MODE DATA OTHERS (Unless you're using PSK, enable others for more options)

• 069 MODE DATA OTHER DISP (SSB) 1500Hz (The audio bandwidth needs to be shifted from the dial frequency to correctly cover the FT8 band spectrum)

• 070 MODE DATA OTHERS SHIFT (SSB) 1500Hz (Same reason as above)

• 071 MODE DATA DATA LCUT FREQ OFF (We want to receive the largest bandwidth possible to maximise the number of stations heard)

• 073 MODE DATA DATA HCUT FREQ OFF (As above to maximise the bandwidth)

• 075 MODA DATA DATA IN SELECT USB (Use the audio coming from your PC via the USB cable)

• 077 MODE DATA DATA OUT LEVEL 5 (The radio massively overdrives the output audio level to the PC. Needs to be turned right down)

Ensure the FT-8 Software is putting your radio into DATA USB mode for these settings to be utilised, Some online sources suggest using FT8 in normal USB mode, but the settings above 'fix' the issues with DATA USB and means you don't need to mess up the regular SSB settings.

Additional Tips for Data modes on the FTDX-3000

FT8 is hard on the transmitter driving the SSB at constant full power. I recommend setting the output power to no more than 50W and following the ALC adjustment procedure below. This will ensure a clean non distorted signal that does not over stress the transmitter.

Use a shielded and ferrited USB cable to minimise RF pickup on the cable causing issues.

I recommend (1.8m Tripp Lite 6-ft. USB2.0 A/B Gold Device Cable with Ferrite Chokes U023-006 ), available from the usual online retailers.

If experiencing odd behaviour with the computer control and COM port be sure you are using the YAESU provided drivers. There are newer versions of the drivers available (and Windows 10 will install them), but some users have experienced issues with the newer drivers. Available from the YAESU support page: https://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=721B3F7D596827E0B37BD528EE1A56F1&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0

To set the TX Level use the software PWR/Gain Slider. You want maximum power without ALC activation. You can achieve this ideal setting by following this simple process.

• With the meter showing TX power put the software into test transmit or start your first CQ Call.

• Turn the PWR/Gain slider down until you see the power level just start to drop from the power level set.

• Switch to ALC to confirm Zero, or very small reading. This is the ideal setting for maximum power without distorting the signal.

• Be aware the radios response to different tx audio frequencies is not linear. If you move your TX up or down the FT8 spectrum you will need to recheck and tweak the PWR slider.

Turn off any receive filters that may be enabled, such as DNR, DNF, NB etc. These shouldn't be on in DATA USB mode.