[wsjt-devel] WSJT-X PTT issues when using 2nd serial port

[Gennaro A. Z. <w4...@ar...>]

Dear Joe.

I tried installing the latest version of WSJT-X v1.4.0-rc2 r4403 on a
Ubuntu 14.04 64bit machine and found the following problem, which seems to be
a bug.

But first let me describe the hardware.

Rig is an Icom IC-756PROII Connected via CI-V to USB converter cable to
computer.

Radio's Microphone and audio are connected via an MFJ-1275 (Sound Card
Radio Interface) This interface is connected via a second Serial to USB
converter. The Input/Output Audio signals are connected to sound
card of Computer.

I can also tell you that flrig/fldigi do not exhibit any issues with
this same hardware configuration, working correctly in all the digital
modes it supports.

The WSJT-X Settings are:

Rig: Icom IC-756PROII Poll Interval (1 s)
CAT Control
/dev/ttyUSB0

Serial Port Parameters: Baud Rate=as per Icom, Data Bits=8, Stop Bits=2

Handshake = NO and Forced DTR / RTS = NO

PTT Method = RTS

Port: /dev/ttyUSB1

THE ISSUE: The rig goes to TX as soon as the software is started.

The WHY: The RTS / DTR lines behave in a weird way with this software

If PTT Method=RTS, when [Test PTT] is toggled RTS does toggle ON/OFF.
However DTR remains asserted ON all the time.

If PTT Method=DTR, when [Test PTT] is toggled then DTR toggles ON/OFF.
However RTS remains asserted ON all the time.

Why is this happening!
The MFJ-1275 schematics shows that the RTS/DTR are ored to the same
transistor so that the user can select either one to control the rig's
PTT line.

Also I noticed that if I set the Test PTT to ON on the Settings page AND
hit the Test CAT button, the Serial port RTS/DTR are reset both to off.
However further clicks on the Test PTT button yield no changes to either
lines.
They return to the previous condition when the Test CAT Button is
pressed again. The OTHER unselected control line is ON always.

I hope you can use this information to improve on the functionality of
the software, meanwhile I will hack the interface by not feeding one of
the control signals to the MFJ box.

Much appreciation for your work on improving digital modes on Ham Radio
and many thanks for your time reading this, accept

Warmest regards and

73 de W4BFL.