[RTTY] RIGblaster Pro FSK interface - PTT not working

[Jim McDonald]

Though I have been using the HB FSK/PTT circuit on AA5AU's web page without
any problems, I just had to try to use my underutilized RIGblaster PRO so I
could sleep at night knowing I was using optocouplers.  (OK, I must have had
too much time today.)

I used to use the RB Pro with the FT-1000MP I used to have and also used it
with my PROII, but I just can't get PTT to work with my PROIII now.  When I
set the RS232 port jumpers per configuration #2, I get no PTT and no PTT
LED.   When I use #4, I still get no PTT but the CW LED is lit instead of
the PTT LED, implying, I'd think, that DTR is being closed rather than RTS.

I don't know whether the RIGblaster is supposed to key the PTT line going to
the accessory jack on the PROIII (which works fine with the HB interface),
the rig control RS232 line, or the PTT line in the microphone.  Connecting
the PTT line going to accessory jack on the PROIII to either PTT phone jack
on the RB Pro doesn't work, regardless of the position of P5 on the
RIGblaster board.

I'm not using the Pro for CW, as I have a WinKey, in case that's helpful.  I
do transmit FSK if I use the TRANSMIT (aka MOX) button on the front panel of
the radio.  The FSK LED is flickering as it should.

Any suggestions on getting the PTT to work would be appreciated.

Jim N7US
 
 


-----Original Message-----

>On Wed, 5 Sep 2007 16:14:34 +0000, "A.Oskarsson" <tf3ao at simnet.is>
>wrote:
>
>>I was wondering what kind of FSK interface would be best for my ICOM
756PROII. I have seen the one that Don AA5AU describes on his page, or would
it be better to use an optocoupler for this (like the one described by
IK3QAR)?

Yes an optocoupler would be much better than the one that Don described and
uses.  I also use one of those, however, I have a $29 serial card in my
computer. The opto's primary use is to protect your serial card and has
nothing much to do with hum.

If the transistor fails it will blow the serial driver and if that is on
your motherboard/laptop/etc you could be in for an expensive repair.

If you have cheap serial cards then why bother.  I changed out to opto's
back a couple of years ago when I bought a motherboard which had several
serial ports on it.