VARA FM not recognizing audio input from Digirig, showing -97dB regardless of radio signal strength. PTT works but unreliably - radio either doesn't transmit or gets stuck. Using IC-7300 with Digirig Mobile on 2 meters. Windows sound shows Digirig device active, VU meter should read about 2 O'clock (-10 to -20 dB) with background noise. When using speaker jack output, must select 1200 baud mode, not 9600, and use VARA NARROW mode. Sound card levels set correctly in Windows. Any ideas on the audio path issue?

Check your Windows default audio devices first. Set internal soundcard as default for both device and communication, should show green checkmark. VARA needs clean separation between radio interface and system audio.

COM port PTT uses RTS pin voltage control, but USB cables can fail or RF gets back into Digirig causing port problems. Bad cables or incomplete connections common - often causes transmitter to lock on transmit. Try different USB cable first.

Had similar issues with Digirig setup. Set TX/RX dials to 9 o'clock position initially, open squelch and adjust RX so VU meter needle centers or slightly left of center. Also verify radio is in FM mode, not NFM.