The Yaesu FT-710 is an excellent, modern SDR radio for Winlink. Like the Icom 7300, it has a built-in USB soundcard, so you only need one USB cable (USB-A to USB-B) to connect it to your computer.
However, Yaesu’s menu system and “Preset” features make the setup slightly different. Here is your step-by-step guide for the FT-710.
1. The Physical Connection & Drivers
- Crucial Step: Download and install the “SCU-17 USB Driver” from the Yaesu website before plugging in the radio.
- Plug it in: Connect the USB cable.
- Check Device Manager: You will see two COM ports (Silicon Labs Dual USB to UART).
- Enhanced Port: Use this for CAT Control (frequency/tuning).
- Standard Port: Use this for PTT (Push-to-Talk) if not using CAT.
- Tip: Write down the “Enhanced” COM port number.
2. Radio Internal Settings (The “Preset” Shortcut)
The FT-710 has a brilliant feature called Presets that configures almost everything for you.
- Press the [FUNC] knob.
- Touch PRESET on the screen.
- Select FT8. (Even though we are doing Winlink, the FT8 preset sets the soundcard and filters exactly how we need them for data).
- Important Menu Tweak: Go to MENU > OPERATION SETTING > GENERAL > CAT RATE and ensure it is set to 38400 bps (or match whatever you choose in Winlink).
3. Winlink Software Setup (VARA HF)
- In Winlink Express, select VARA HF Winlink in the dropdown and click Open Session.
- In the session window, go to Settings > Radio Setup:
- Radio Model: Yaesu FT-710
- Icom Addr: (Leave blank or default)
- Serial Port: Select your Enhanced COM port.
- Baud Rate: 38400 (Must match the radio menu).
- PTT Method: CAT
- Click Update. The radio should now follow the frequency if you change it in the software.
4. Setting Your Levels (The “ALC” Dance)
Yaesu radios are sensitive to audio levels. If your signal is “clipped,” the gateway won’t understand you.
- Mode: Ensure the radio screen says USB-D (The Preset should have done this).
- Power: Turn the RF PWR down to 25-50 Watts. Do not run 100W for long Winlink sessions.
- ALC: While transmitting, look at your ALC meter on the radio.
- Adjust the “USB Dial” (found in the radio’s “Function” menu under “USB Level”) or your Windows Sound Settings (Playback Volume) until the ALC meter is barely showing any bars.
- Goal: High signal, zero ALC.
Finding the Best Gateway (The Map)
Now that the radio is talking to the computer, you need to find someone to talk to on the air.
- In the session window, click Channel Selection.
- Click Update via Internet.
- The “Path Quality” Tip: Look for stations with a green or light blue line on the map.
- Daytime: Look for gateways on 20 meters (14MHz) or 15 meters (21MHz).
Nighttime: Look for gateways on 40 meters (7MHz) or 80 meters (3.5MHz).