[Ham-Mac] Rig Interfacing

Wed, 27 Mar 2002 06:58:14 -0500

Greg Taylor wrote:
> 
> Hi all
> 
>     I have a friend I am Elmering in the new digital modes on the Ham bands.
> The problem is he is using a Mac and I am a PC person and I have no idea of how to interface his Mac to a Kenwood TS-50 so he can use the program Multimode for the Mac. Any help we can get on this will be most helpful. He just wants to get up and running.
> If you want to send him any info on building interfaces or buy one send it to:
> Rusty WB9FIU   [email protected]

The Rigblaster should work fine. Interfacing a radio to a Mac is no
different than interfacing to a PC, you connect the audio input and
output as appropriate, and can use a handshake line from the serial port
to control PTT. If the Mac doesn't have a serial port, a USB to serial
adapter (like the Keyspan unit) can be used. The MultiMode website does
have information on connecting your Mac,
http://www.blackcatsystems.com/software/soundinput.html for example. 

The best bet is to first set up for *receiving only*, don't try to
transmit right away. Start by learning how to tune in the various modes
(CW, RTTY, FAX, SSTV, PSK31, etc). Even if you have *zero interest* in
weather fax, start by tuning  it in *first*. It's a purely analog mode,
and the easiest mode to tune in. PSK31 is probably the most difficult.
Then get a RigBlaster, or build your own interface, and try
transmitting. 

[email protected] wrote:
> 
> Virtual PC
> Not an endorsement, but about the only solution there is.

I'm not quite sure how Virtual PC fits into the equation, that would be
used to run windows software on a Mac, he wants to run Mac software on a
Mac ;-)

73
Chris
N3JLY