[WriteLog] Rig interface advice

[Irwin Darack]

Gary,

I am using a Rig Blaster Plug and Play with USB connections. I have a 
separate USB connection from my computer to my Icom 756Pro, although the 
Plug and Play has the capability to do Rig control too. Since many laptops 
have only two USB connections, and you may need one for a mouse, you can buy 
an adapter that plugs into one of the USB connections and give you multiple 
ports. If you do a search on Ebay for Icom CIV or CT-17 controls you will 
find many USB radio control plugs for Icom Radios.

FYI - my computers are a Dell Desktop and Compaq Laptop, both used for Ham 
Radio.

Regards, Irwin
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Senesac AL9A" <al9a at mtaonline.net>
To: "Writelog Reflector" <writelog at contesting.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 7:46 PM
Subject: [WriteLog] Rig interface advice


>
> I need some free advice from more experienced hands than me.  Rumor has it
> that Santa is going stuff a new laptop into my stocking soon.  Hey dude, 
> I'm
> getting a Dell!  That's great from a PC stand point (although I'm not
> looking forward to the Vista learning curve!), but now I need to address 
> rig
> interface issues.
>
> The laptop has no serial ports, nor a PCMCIA slot which I currently use 
> with
> a dual serial card, only USB ports.  Sooo, some new interfacing issues 
> need
> to be addressed.  I've been doing a little research on the internet and
> think I've boiled it down to two paths, but looking for advice on which 
> way
> might be better.
>
> 1.  Go the USB to serial adapter route.  This would let me continue using 
> my
> Rigblaster Plus interface, but I would need at least two adapters or a
> single two port adapter, for keying and rig control.  Byterunner has 
> several
> two port models, but I'm not sure if any of them would handle FSK.  I 
> can't
> find anything about serial adapters at the Belkin website, so maybe they
> have discontinued their line?  I have found several different brands of 
> PC
> docking devices on the internet, some with a single serial port of unknown
> ability.  Anybody have any experiences with either the Byterunner serial
> port adaptors or docking station serial ports?
>
> 2.  Dig a little deeper into the piggy bank and opt for something like a
> microKeyer II.  This would surplus the Rigblaster Plus and IC CT-17 level
> converter, but would make interfacing easier (I think!) by coming directly
> off a USB port.  The only concern I have here is the fine print a the end 
> of
> the microKeyer II features description that says:
>
> Due to differences in features and control protocols among transceivers, 
> the
> support software (microHAM USB Device Router) may not implement decoding 
> of
> operating mode and/or frequency, automatic selection of mode, 
> frequency/mode
> dependent configurations, and/or FSK for all supported radios.
>
> My radio is an IC-756PRO.  I think this would not be a problem, but not
> really sure.  Anyone out there with advice please let me know your 
> thoughts.
>
> Thanks,
> Gary AL9A
>
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