[CTSARA] SARA Digital Bootcamp - Digital Interfaces

[John Sabini Jr.]

West Mountain Radio was sold. They cleaned out what was not sold last week! 

J/S WB1GRB



Join The CTSARA Mailing List
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ctsara
Stamford Amateur Radio Association

John Sabin Jr. WB1GRB
Join The CTSARA Mailing List
http://www.ctsara.org/subscribers.htm

John Sabini, WB1GRB: wb1grb at hotmail.com
SARA Web Address: http://www.ctsara.org/

List Member's Guide to Email List Guidelines and Behavior
http://mailman.qth.net/miniaup.html

Using Mailman Lists at Mailman.QTH.net
http://mailman.qth.net/mmmain.htm







----------------------------------------
> From: serothman at aol.com
> To: kb1qxr at arrl.net
> Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2010 12:14:47 -0400
> CC: ctsara at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [CTSARA] SARA Digital Bootcamp - Digital Interfaces
>
> Greetings,
> I believe we should support West Mountain Radio because they support our
> club. They speak at the metings when requested and help us out with
> equipment loans at times. It would be a shame to buy other equipment when
> there products are so good and they are local as well. Think like family.
> Stan WA2NRV
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Chris- KB1QXR" 
> To: 
> Sent: Monday, September 06, 2010 2:05 AM
> Subject: Re: [CTSARA] SARA Digital Bootcamp - Digital Interfaces
>
>
> > Few quick things to add here-
> >
> > A big difference between the SignaLink (specifically, not all outboard
> > interfaces) and the RigBlaster is PTT control.
> >
> > RigBlaster uses a serial port (or in the case of the Plug&Play, pretends
> > to
> > be a serial port) for PTT control. A serial port is used for PTT by using
> > the DTR or RTS line- the digital mode program (FLDigi etc) brings the DTR
> > or
> > RTS high when it wants to transmit and releases it to stop transmitting.
> > This allows your digital program to have positive control over the radio's
> > PTT, and it can decide exactly when to transmit and when not to.
> >
> > SignaLink on the other hand has no PTT control. The SignaLink has a VOX
> > circuit built-in that triggers PTT when audio is sent from the computer,
> > and
> > releases the PTT after the audio stops for a while (the delay is
> > adjustable). Other than sending or not sending audio, the computer has no
> > control over the radio's PTT or the radio itself. This means that the
> > transmission starts just after the digital mode starts sending, and the
> > transmission continues for a bit after it finishes.
> >
> >
> > Having a serial port, some RigBlasters can either provide a data interface
> > (CAT / CI-V) to the radio, allowing the computer to read the current
> > frequency and change the frequency and mode if desired. Some also have a
> > direct CW key output, which allows the computer to operate as a CW key.
> > This can be useful for doing 'keyboard CW' or to use the computer as an
> > autokeyer for contest operation. It's also important if you're interested
> > in remote operation- using a computer elsewhere to connect back to your
> > computer and radio at home and operating HF while on the go. Without a
> > way
> > of changing frequencies, remote HF operation is near-useless.
> >
> >
> > The SignaLink has its advantages too. As an outboard device, it creates a
> > second sound interface on your computer. If you know how to use the
> > Control
> > Panel, you can keep the computer's main sound card as default (so windows
> > noises, music, websites, etc play through it) and have the digital mode
> > program go straight (and only) to the SignaLink. Result is you can listen
> > to music and do digital at the same time- not possible with the RigBlaster
> > (the music and webpage sounds would get transmitted along with your data).
> > And while it's VOX-based PTT system reduces flexibility, it also makes
> > things REAL easy to set up- as long as the digital mode program picks the
> > right 'sound card' you're good to go.
> >
> >
> > Personally my ideal device would be a combination of the two- a RigBlaster
> > Plug&Play but as an outboard model with a built-in sound chip
> >
> >
> > Hope someone finds this useful.
> >
> > 73
> > Chris KB1QXR
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Jon Perelstein [mailto:jperelst at yahoo.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2010 8:05 PM
> > To: Jonathan Solomon; ctsara at mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [CTSARA] SARA Digital Bootcamp - Digital Interfaces
> >
> > 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.
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > --
> >
> > 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 
> > 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
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > CTSARA mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ctsara
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:CTSARA at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > CTSARA mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ctsara
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:CTSARA at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > CTSARA mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ctsara
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:CTSARA at mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> CTSARA mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/ctsara
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:CTSARA at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html