The creative spark behind Digirig, an open-source integrated digital modes interface for amateur radio, was ignited when Denis Grisak, K0TX, logged his first FT8 QSOs back in 2020. What he saw was a “rat’s nest of cables, breakout boards, dongles, and ferrite beads” between his radio and computer—a particularly messy operation when going mobile, as noted on the Digirig website.
Not satisfied with the current digital interface options, K0TX went to work on a solution that only required a single USB connection to the computer “with all the digital goodness packed in a single small enclosure.” The internals include a USB hub, audio codec, a fully featured serial CAT interface, and, in some cases, other modules such as a GPS receiver for time synchronization.
While Digirig is a new addition to DXEngineering.com, the company has a well-established customer base and a full lineup of gear that have become station essentials for hams the world over.
You’ll find lots of raving fans of Digirig at eHam.net, who call the Digirig Mobile (below) a “great audio/CAT interface,” “nicely made,” “easy to set up,” “convenient and compact,” and an ideal solution for “reducing the number of cables to carry and the amount of space required” for POTA operations.
DX Engineering is pleased to carry a wide range of Digirig kits featuring the Digirig Mobile and cables. These are popular devices, so be sure to check DXEngineering.com for availability:
Digirig Digital Mode Interface Kits
- DR-891 for the Yaesu FT-891: This compact, USB sound-card-based device for streamlining digital communications features a standard audio codec and flexible push-to-talk (PTT) options. Featuring a single USB connection to the computer that consolidates all digital functions, it delivers broad compatibility across major desktop and mobile platforms. The kit comes with a Digirig Mobile, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and the appropriate transceiver cables. Computer, tablet or smartphone with available USB-A or USB-C connector and transceiver required.
- All-in-One Connectivity—At the heart of the Digirig Mobile is a built-in USB hub that integrates two essential components: a CM108-based sound card for audio processing and CP2102-based serial port bridge for CAT control and programming
- Additional Circuitry Support for hardware PTT switching, serial level conversion, and signal filtering and attenuation
Computer and Transceiver Connections
Digirig connects to your computer via a single USB Type-C port labeled “USB.” This connection handles both power and data. The other end of the cable can be USB-A or USB-C, depending on your device—ensuring compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems (including Raspberry Pi), Android tablets and smartphones.
On the radio side, Digirig features two 3.5mm TRRS sockets:
- Audio: Connects ground, audio input/output, and hardware PTT—essential for all digital modes
- Serial: Used for optional CAT control with the transceivers supporting this functionality, firmware updates, and programming presets or channels. All Digirig cables use a straight TRRS connector on the Digirig side for consistency and reliability.
Serial Port Configuration
When using the serial socket, Digirig must be configured to match your transceiver’s expected serial voltage levels. This is done via solder switches and is not typically changed during regular operation. If you use multiple Digirig units with different configurations, labeling them is recommended to avoid confusion.
Note: Serial configuration is only relevant for radios that support CAT control. Digirig works seamlessly with basic transceivers that do not support CAT control or transceivers that do not have serial cable connected.
- DRLITE: The DRLITE is a minimalistic version of the original Digirig DR-891. It delivers the same high-quality audio codec but without the serial port. The DRLITE combines an audio codec and PTT switching into a single unit, supporting both GPIO3-based PTT functionality using a specific pin on the CM108 USB audio chip, and experimental VOX PTT by tone via the unused right audio channel.
DX Engineering carries these other Digirig Digital Mode Interfaces for the following transceivers:
- Xiegu G90/G106/X5105, mini-DIN-8/3.5mm TRS connectors
- Baofeng/Kenwood/AnyTone/Wouxun/Others, HTs with K1 connector
- Elecraft KX2/KX3, 3.5mm TRS connectors
- Kenwood, 13-pin DIN/DB9/3.5mm connectors
- Icom, 13-pin mini-DIN/3.5mm, TRS CI-V CAT connectors
- Icom/Alinco, RJ-45 mic jack/3.5mm connectors
- Yaesu, 10-pin mini-DIN/3.5mm connectors
- Yaesu, RJ12 mic jack/3.5mm connectors
- Yaesu/Kenwood/Icom, 6-pin and 8-pin mini-DIN/3.5mm connectors
- Yaesu Handhelds, 3.5mm TRRS connectors
- Digirig Mobile, default configuration for select Yaesu FT-8xx/Xiegu/HTs, or any radio without CAT support (cables not included)
- Digirig Mobile, RS-232 configuration for Elecraft KX and Kenwood transceivers with DB9 connector (cables not included)
- Digirig Mobile, CI-V configuration for Icom transceivers (cables not included)
- Digirig Mobile, TX-500 configuration for Lab599 TX-500 transceiver (cables not included)
Digital Mode Transceiver Interface Cables
Digirig offers nearly 40 transceiver-specific cable sets, making it easy to connect your Digirig Mobile to a wide range of radios. Whether you’re replacing a lost cable, building your own custom kit, or outfitting multiple transceivers, these high-quality cables provide the flexibility and reliability you need.
Each Digirig cable is crafted with premium materials, featuring a coiled design that keeps your shack organized by preventing knots and kinks (with the exception of the FT-891 cable set). With a relaxed length of approximately 24 inches and the ability to stretch up to 72 inches, they offer both compactness and reach when needed. They come shielded and equipped with ferrite beads on both ends to minimize RFI.
See all Digirig Digital Mode Transceiver Interface cables at DXEngineering.com.
