[CTSARA] SARA Digital Bootcamp - Digital Interfaces

Sun Sep 5 19:32:34 EDT 2010

Well, Jon Solomon's timing couldn't have been better because I just finished 
writing up some material on the differences between the different types of 
interfaces (inboard or outboard) and on the differences between the different 
vendors.

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One of the first questions that people about soundcard interfaces is:

     "What type of interface is best -- an inboard interface like the 
RIGblasters, or an outboard interface like the SignaLink?"

Are apples better than oranges?

Is Ben & Jerry's better than Hagen-Dazs?

Of all of Fred's puns, which one is the most painful?

Each one has its advantages -- and neither has any real disadvantages, so let's 
discuss them.

- Inboard:

An inboard interface means that it uses the computer's actual soundcard.  The 
interface simply provides an isolated interface between the rig and computer so 
that RF does not go down the line and mess up the computer.  Lower end inboard 
interfaces like the Donner Digital Interface or RIGblaster NOMIC, or higher end 
like the RIGblaster Pro or Duo all do the same thing -- they provide isolated 
interfaces between the rig and computer.  The price differences come about from 
features such as how many different rigs and computers can one device control, 
external volume controls, automatic switching between microphone or interface, 
etc.

When you go inboard, you're depending on the soundcard that comes with the 
computer.  Most any computer that's been purchased in the last 5-8 years is 
going to have a decent-enough soundcard to work the digital interface.  However, 
if you have an older computer or a real cheap computer ...

I have found that the inboard units have problems with some of the newer 
"netbook" class computers -- those small, ligtweight computers with 10 inch 
screens that are so popular at the moment.  Those computers usually come with 
only 1 gig of memory, relatively slow single processors (1.4gHz) and really 
cheap soundcards.  I had trouble using various RIGblaster models with my Acer 
Aspire One, and testing revealed similar problems with similar computers from HP 
and Dell.  I wound up having to upgrade the computers to 2 gig of memory.  Other 
than that, there's not much to say.  The Donner Digital Interface sells for 
about $40 and has a great reputation.  That RIGblaster NOMIC sells for about $80 
and has an equally great reputation.  The RIGblaster PlugNPlay (sometimes called 
the RIGblaster Data Jack) costs about $110 and is also a great unit.  Higher end 
RIGblasters can cost $160-$350.
Pretty much any inboard interface works off the computer's USB port these days 
and comes with any necessary drivers.

- Outboard 

An outboard interface means that the device has its own soundcard built in and 
doesn't make use of the computer's soundcard.  In addition, it provides the same 
RF isolation as do the inboard interfaces.

When you go outboard, you're getting a separate unit that plugs into the 
computer's USB port.  The unit includes the soundcard. It looks to the computer 
like any other USB device and usually does not require separate drivers.  You 
don't have to worry about whether or not the computer has enough horsepower and 
memory to run the soundcard.
Some of the older software out there is expecting to find a true serial port 
(which the inboard units emulate, but which the outboard units do not emulate). 
 That software, mostly older stuff, may not always do well with the outboard 
units.  However, FLDIGI and the more modern software such as MultiPSK, MixW, and 
HRD/DM-780 do just fine.

*****

I prefer the outboard, in the form of the SignaLink USB. I can switch it from 
computer-to-computer without having to worry about whether or not
the computer's soundcard is adequate.  However, it's a purely personal 
preference.  As Tony can attest, the Donner Digital does a great job.  I have 
both a RIGblaster NOMIC and a RIGblaster Data Jack, and they both do great jobs 
also.  As long as your computer can handle the device, either inboard or 
outboard is a good answer.

*****

Perhaps the single biggest difference between the various interfaces is the 
number of rigs supported.  The interface must hook into the rig's data jack 
(sometimes called accessory jack) or, if the rig doesn't have a data jack, the 
interface must hook into the rig's microphone jack.  

If you're going to use a data jack, --  surprise, surprise.  Different vendors 
use physically different jacks (different shapes, different sizes, different 
number of pins) for the data jack.  Most vendors, like Icom, are not even 
consistent between models.  So if you're going to use the data jack, you need to 
know what type of data jack it is and whether or not the interface you're 
thinking of supports that data jack.  The rig vendors provide that information 
in the rig's user guide, and the interface vendors generally list the specific 
rigs supported on their web pages (web pages at the end of this document).

If you don't have a data jack, and have to use the microphone jack -- surprise, 
surprise.  Different vendors use physically different jacks (different shapes, 
different sizes, different number of pins).  Most vendors are not even 
consistent between models.  Probably the most popular jacks are the 8 pin DIN 
and the RJ-45, but that's by no means a majority of the vendors.  So, just as 
with the data jack, you have to consult your rig's user guide and find out what 
jack the rig uses.

*****

When you order a SignaLink, you order it with the cable that fits your rig (data 
jack or mic).  They claim that they fit every rig made, and that's probably 
close to the truth.  Their web site is 

http://www.tigertronics.com/

Click on SignaLink under products (on the left) and then click on the SignaLink 
USB.

The RIGblaster NOMIC provides interfaces for 8 pin and the RJ-45 mic jacks 
(NOMIC means that your mic is disconnected when you run the NOMIC).  

The RIGblaster PlugNPlay (a/k/a Data Jack) provides interfaces to a number of 
data jacks.

The higher end RIGblasters claim that they support pretty much any rig and like 
the SignaLink, that's probably close to the truth.

The RIGblasters are on the West Mountain Radio web site

http://www.westmountainradio.com/index.html

and they have a good product comparison at 

http://www.westmountainradio.com/products.htm

Donner also seems to support most rigs.  Their web site is 

http://donnerstorenet.ipage.com/DCC

Just click on "Digital Interfaces" to go to the page with the information about 
their interface and rigs supported.

________________________________
From: Jonathan Solomon <jonsolomon at techie.com>
To: ctsara at mailman.qth.net
Sent: Sun, September 5, 2010 12:23:42 PM
Subject: [CTSARA] Digital Rig Interface Group Purchase

Good Day everyone-

With Jon P's bootcamp moving forward (great job Jon!) I'd like to talk to 
vendors about a group order of rig interfaces.  If you are interested in being a 
part of the order, please let me know of your interest by SATURDAY.  I will do 
some research and find out exactly what other information I would need to place 
the order.

If you have a vendor preference (Signal Link, Rig Blaster, etc) you can let me 
know in the email.

Please respond directly to me at jonsolomon at techie.com, not to the list.

Jonathan

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