Sound Card Packet

Introduction
    AGWPE Overview
    More about AGWPE
1. Interface
    Getting Started
    Kits and Pre-assembled
    Receive Audio Cable
    Transmit Audio Cable
    PTT (TX Control) Cable
    2 Radio Modification
2. AGWPE Set Up
    Download and Install
    Basic AGWPE Setup
    2 Radio Setup
    2 Card Setup
3. Sound Card Setup
    Basic Settings
    Additional Settings
    Tuning Aid
4. Windows™ Setup
    TCP/IP Settings
    Update Windows
5. Problems?
    Program Behavior
    Receiving
    Transmitting
    Connections
    USB SignaLink
6. Using AGWPE
    AGWPE on a Network
    Baud Rates & Modes
    Remote Control
    TCP/IP Over Radio
    Tips and Tricks
    Traffic Parameters
7. Compatible Programs:
    Setup Help
    UI-View
    WinAPRS
    Winpack
    Others
8. Packet Reference
    Overview
    Exchange Modes
    Frame Headers
    TNCs and AGWPE
    What to do with Packet
    Common Frequencies
    Sound Card Mechanics
    Further Reading     
  
   

 

  

Kits and Pre-assembled Interfaces       

If you don't want to build your own computer-to-radio interface, you can purchase a pre-assembled interface .. or buy a kit with all the necessary parts.

I haven't used interfaces from all the sources listed below, so I won't vouch for any of them. The list is merely a service for those who are shopping.

  • Bux CommCo™ sells the RASCALGLX kit which has all the parts and cables you'll need to make a well-designed interface.  The price was around US$30 for a kit the last time I checked and includes shipping to US addresses (extra for non-US). The kits use isolation components on each line...a very nifty extra. It would be difficult to purchase all the components on your own for such a price! One nice feature is the ability to quickly change the GLX-to-radio cable. One comes free (you pick your radio model) but you can order cables for additional radios for $15.  Buxcomm also sells completely assembled GLX RASCAL interfaces for about US$39.

    They are also now offering  the RASCAL-II+, which requires no USB or serial port connection, for $69. Just plug it into your sound card jacks and your radio.
     
  • Tigertronics sells the SignaLink and now the SignaLink USB. These pre-assembled interfaces feature an auto-PTT circuit, so you don't need to use a COM or LPT port for a PTT activation signal, a feature that might be of particular value to anyone who needs those ports for other devices or whose computer has only USB ports! The more expensive USB version of the SignaLink contains its own sound card, a feature that might be particularly useful if your computer's sound card doesn't work well with AGWPE. (View the special AGWPE-SignaLink USB page on this website.)

    Note: in Configuring SignaLink for AGWPE, use the basic setup procedures on this site, but for COM/LPT port selection in the properties configuration, select a non-existent LPT port, e.g. LPT3. There is no need to have AGWPE tie-up a RS232 port in Windows when AGWPE and SignaLink aren't using one. (AGWPE won't let you select a non-existent COM port, just a non-existent LPT port.)
     
  • West Mountain Radio has several models of pre-assembled interfaces. The RigBlaster (Std, Plus and Pro models ) let you keep both your microphone and sound card connections attached to the radio's microphone jack. The Nomic (No Mike) doesn't have that feature, but it is smaller in size, less expensive, and doesn't require a power connection.

    The new (2011) RIGBlaster Advantage has its own sound card and connects to your PC via USB cable -- no serial cable or sound card cables -- much like the Tigertronics SignaLink USB above, but it also have a serial port for rig control via the USB connection to the PC. See West Mountain Radio's web page for additional information and current pricing.
     
  • MixW RigExpert - (two versions) is a USB Soundcard Transceiver Interface http://www.mixw.net/
     
  • MFJ also sells a pre-assembled interface in two models: the 1275 (round connector) and 1275M (modular connector).

     
  • MicroKeyer - "a powerful All-In-One multi-mode USB interface for CW, SSB, AM, FM, and digital modes (RTTY, PSK31, SSTV, APRS, PACKET, EchoLink and many others)."  http://www.microham.com
     
  • Donner's - Interfaces for about $40 plus shipping http://www.donnerstore.com
     
  • VA3TO Echolink Interface - http://home.cogeco.ca/~hduff/Echo_Main.htm
    Sells both kits and assembled kits.
     
  • KH6TY's Audio-triggered PTT Interface - information about this home-brewed interface that does not need a serial, parallel or USB port for radio PTT is at http://home.comcast.net/~kh6ty/interface/  This interface was featured in QST in June 2009 (p. 30). A $5 circuit board is also available.
     
  • WB2REM-G4CDY All Mode Interfaces - http://www.wb2rem.com/
     
  •  KK7UQ's "Altoids" box interface kit: http://kk7uq.com/html/model_ii.htm. Includes a way to attenuate RX audio from the radio which might be helpful to users who are forced to use the MIC jack for input (MIC input is often to sensitive for full audio from the radio).
     
  •  Unified Microsystems SCI-6 - $30 kit with full isolation

Please contact me if you know of other sources for kits or pre-assembled interfaces.
 
  Last Updated: 11/01/2011   Return to top of page