[RTTY] RTTY Interface Replacement

[Gary AL9A]

Hi Steve,

I have no experience with the RigExpert Plus, but I too used a Rigblaster 
Plus for interfacing my PC and IC-756PRO before acquiring the microKEYER II. 
Without hesitation I would heartily recommend the MK II - I absolutely love 
it!

As Chen noted in his reply there is now a new Digi keyer II on the market to 
be factored into the decision.  If you also do SSB contesting or just casual 
SSB operating the DVK in the MK II is great.  The audio messages created are 
clear and crisp and sound very natural over the air.  All the various modes, 
CW, SSB and FSK give you up to 9 message memories for each mode.  However, 
it is very easy to create multiple message sets for each mode for different 
situations and/or contests and save them on your computer.  When needed you 
can quickly load in a new set of messages from a saved file and be running 
in a few seconds.  If you go with the MK II I would also recommend getting 
either the PS2 number pad or a PS2 keyboard for even more flexibility in 
using the MK II.

The hookup from the PC to the MK II is a single USB cable.  The microHAM 
provided cable connections will vary depending upon your radio.  My 
DB37-IC-8 cable is a bit bulky to handle, but once routed to the radio and 
connected is a much cleaner installation than all the cables I needed with 
the Rigblaster Plus.  My cable, used first for my IC-756PRO and now my 
IC-7600, has two main cables from the DB37F connector on the back of the MK 
II.  One goes directly to the mic connector on the radio front panel.  The 
second one has multiple leads that go to rear panel connections on the 
radio - ACC1, key, CI-V.  The setup and configuration of the router software 
can take some time initially, but the instructions provided by microHAM are 
very descriptive and easy to follow.  The support from Joe W4TV and the 
microHAM folks is outstanding.

Good luck.

73,
Gary AL9A


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steve **KT0DX**" <kt0dx at comcast.net>
To: "Rtty Contesting Reflector" <rtty at contesting.com>
Sent: July 04, 2010 2:15 PM
Subject: [RTTY] RTTY Interface Replacement


>I am undergoing a station upgrade and at this time I am using a
> RIGblaster Plus to interface the computer and radio for RTTY operation.
> I usually use MMTTY and N1MM for contesting.  At this time I am
> considering a Micro Keyer II or the RigExpert plus.  One of the things I
> would like to cut down on is the amount of cables between the interface
> and radio/computer.
>
> Would anyone care to share their likes or dislikes for the 2 units under
> consideration or maybe you have another suggestion I could look at.
>
> The present radio that the RIGblaster Plus is connected to is a FT
> 1000MP but I have a FT 5000 due to arrive on the 7th of July.
>
> You can answer direct to me if you like at   kt0dx at comcast.net or you
> can post it here if you think others might be interested in the subject.
>
> Steve
> KT0DX
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