Configuring

an Apple Mac to Use the KF5INZ Easy Digi

USB-to-RS232 Digital Interface with a Yaesu FT-817ND

v1.0 June 6, 2015

Dave Markowitz, KB3MNK
davemarkowitz@gmail.com
http://www.qrz.com/db/KB3MNK

Page 1 of 7

In this guide I will show you how to configure an Apple Mac running OS X to use
Fldigi and one of Clifford Warehams KF5INZ Easy Digi USB-to-RS232 interfaces, so
that you can send and receive digital mode ham radio communications.

Note: I wrote this guide using MS Word and saved it as a PDF. Sometimes when
exporting to PDF, Word breaks embedded hyperlinks. If this happens, you can copy
the link text from this guide and paste it into your browsers address bar.

I used the following hardware:

1. Mid-2009 Apple MacBook Pro running Mac OS 10.9.5 Mavericks. This should
also work with Yosemite, or earlier versions of OS X, for that matter.
2. Easy Digi USB-to-RS232 interface purchased from KF5INZs eBay store,
http://www.ebay.com/usr/cliffordwareham
3. Three 3.5mm male-to-male audio cables. I bought them from KF5INZ along
with the interface.
4. Yaesu FT-817ND ham radio. The hardware section of this guide should also
be applicable to other Yaesu rigs like the FT-857 and FT-897.

And the following software:

1. FTDI chipset driver (download link below)
2. Fldigi v3.21.82 from http://www.w1hkj.com/download.html

Before starting, you should have the FT-817ND Operating Manual handy. If you need
a replacement or want to have a copy in PDF format, you can download it from
Yaesu, here:

http://www.yaesu.com/downloadFile.cfm?FileID=8032&FileCatID=158&FileName
=FT%2D817ND%5FOM%5FENG%5FE13771011.pdf&FileContentType=application
%2Fpdf

Page 2 of 7


Part 1 Radio Setup

Although the FT-817ND has a Data mode, we will not be using it here. Instead, we
will rely on the fact that digital modes use Single Side Band (SSB) and use voice
activated switching, AKA VOX, to activate transmission.

1. Put the radio into SSB mode and enable VOX.
a. See page 28 of the FT-817ND Operating Manual for how to put it in
SSB mode. Remember that regardless of band, it is general practice to
use Upper Side Band when operating digital modes.
b. See page 29 of the Operating Manual for how to enable VOX.



Part 2 FTDI Chipset Driver Installation

The Easy Digi USB-to-RS232 interface uses an FTDI chipset. KF5INZ includes a
driver disc for Windows with the unit. However, it's a mini-CD. Do not put a
mini disc into a slot loading optical drive! It'll get jammed.
Anyway, you the Mac FTDI VCP driver, which you can download directly from
FTDI at:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP/MacOSX/FTDIUSBSerialDriver_v2_3.d
mg
That is a direct link to the .dmg file containing the driver installer.
Before you run the installer, download and read the installation guide PDF from
FTDI, here:
http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/InstallGuides/Mac_OS_X_Instal
lation_Guide.pdf
Follow the directions in the install guide and make sure to reboot the machine
after installing the drivers.
After the Mac reboots you should verify that the drivers installed correctly.
1. Plug the Easy Digi interface into your Mac's USB port.

2. Open Terminal.app, and type in cd /dev.

Page 3 of 7

3. Then type in ls -l | grep usbserial. You should see

something like the screenshot below.

Note that you will not see the drivers listed unless you have the Easy Digi
connected to your Macs USB port. They are dynamically loaded and unloaded
as needed.
If you don't see the drivers listed you'll need to troubleshoot your installation.

Page 4 of 7

Part 3 Fldigi Configuration

Now you need to configure your soundcard and rig control in Fldigi.
1. In Fldigi, go to Configure > Sound Card. Under Devices, select PortAudio. For
Capture, select Built-Input. For Playback, select Built-In Output. Click Save.

Page 5 of 7

2. Next, go to Configure > Rig Control > Hamlib. Select your radio from the
drop down menu. For Device, use /dev/tty.usbserial-A103OP5V,
and make sure the Baud Rate matches your rig. Don't forget to click Save.

Part 4 Physical Connections

Now you need to physically connect the Mac, interface, and radio.

Page 6 of 7

1. Connect the white RJ45 mic cable from the Easy Digi to the mic port on
the radio.
2. Run a 3.5mm audio cable from the Easy Digi's Radio SPKR JACK port to
the rig's headphone/speaker port.
3. Run a 3.5mm audio cable from the Easy Digi's RX AUDIO TO PC port to
the audio input port on the Mac.
4. Run a 3.5mm audio cable from the Easy Digi's TX AUDIO FROM PC port
to the audio out (headphone/speaker out) port on the Mac.
Note that on newer Macs with a single 3.5mm audio in/out port, you'll need some
sort of splitter/combiner adapter cable.
You should now be able to receive signals in the Fldigi waterfall, and if you
transmit, it should activate VOX on the radio to transmit your signal. You may
need to fine tune volume levels on the Mac and the radio to prevent overdriving
your output or to prevent overloading the input.
I hope that you find this guide useful. If you have suggestions for improving it,
please send them to me at davemarkowitz@gmail.com.

Copyright Notice:
This document is Copyright 2015 by David S. Markowitz, KB3MNK. It may be
reproduced or redistributed, online or as a hard copy, as long as it is kept intact
with no additions or deletions, and credit to the author is retained.

Page 7 of 7