Presents

The The

Wonderful World Wonderful World

of of

SoundcardSoundcard

SoftwareSoftware

Copyright West Mountain Radio 2001

Why Soundcard Modes?

• An alternative to CW• Ability to get through QRM

– Many modes use forward error correction– Code Design– Better signal strength at receive end

• Ability to transmit large volumes of data accurately, consistently– This varies by mode

Why Use the Soundcard?

• A common component to most computers• No need for an expensive TNC or SSTV

controller• Interface between computer and radio is

simple• The computer is much more powerful than

any stand alone TNC

Soundcard ModesKeyboard to Keyboard

– RTTY– Stream– MT63– Hellschrieber

– PSK31– Packet– Amtor– APRS

High-speed FSKHot New ModeModest Station RequirementsCheck our web site for the Link

Soundcard ModesVisual

– SSTV• Color• B & W

– Fax– WX Fax

• receive only

– Hellschrieber

And this is just the beginning!

New modes are developed regularly.

But its Not Just for Data!

• Voice Keying• Announcements• Repeater

Control– Simplex – Duplex– Autopatch

What do I Need??Transceiver

Computer and Software

Interface

What Rig?

• Must have these qualities– capable of SSB and/or FM– stable oscillator

• Most modern rigs will work

• Some specifically designed for digital– Warbler from NJ-QRP– PSK20 from Small Wonder Labs

PSK-80 “Warbler” from NJ-QRP

Design by NN1G

PSK-20 from Small Wonder Labs

Design by NN1G

What Computer/OS?

• Software Dependent– Most programs need a 100-133mhz Pentium or

better– Some will run on a FAST (66mhz+) 486DX

– Most require a 16bit soundcard • Standard for Pentium

– Most require Windows 95 minimum• A few will run on Windows 3.1• Fewer still are DOS programs

What Software?• Single Mode

– winPSKse– DigiPan– W1QSL PSK– MMTTY– Chromapics

• Mutlimode– HamScope– RadioCom– JVcomm32– TrueTTY

Too many to mention here.

Check out all the software listed on the

West Mountain Radio Links page

What makes an good Interface?

• Isolation of computer audio from transceiver

• Attenuation of speaker/line level output

• Matching audio to mic level

• Push to talk keying via COM port

• Isolation of all grounds

• Easy to hook up

Who Makes a Great Interface?

Tips for Good Output

• Learn your Windows Audio Control– Separate Play and Record Settings– Some programs will change the settings

• Let ALC be your guide– Adjust output so that audio is just

below the ALC trigger level– Drive too hard and folks will complain

This Your Output

This Your Input

Access this screen by clicking on OPTIONS

Know Your Controls

The Elegant Solution for Your Interfacing Needs

RIGblaster

General Features

• PTT control via a serial line• Prevents ground loops• Matching of computer speaker/line level output to

mic level input• Plug and Play installation

– plugs directly into the mic jack on your transceiver– uses existing jacks on computer and rig

• Can be used with almost any brand and model of radio.

General Features

• PTT override of digital transmission– (RIGblaster and Plus only)

• RF bypassing through out the audio circuit• Solid heavy gauge precision punched metal case• PC board made to ASTM 610 standard

NOMIC

• Replaces your microphone

• Requires no external power

• Ideal for portable operations

• Not suited for

• SSTV Legal issue

• Voice Keying

RIGblaster

• Goes in-line with your mic

• Allows seamless changes from voice to data– ideal for voice keying and SSTV

• Proven design with over 10,000 units sold and in use

RIGblaster Plus

• All the same features of our other products PLUS– direct CW keying via serial line– direct FSK keying via serial line– PTT foot switch jack – 1/4” headphone jack on front panel– directed RTS, DTR, TXD serial control– helper LEDs to confirm serial performance

This presentation was brought to you by:

Dan N1ZZ

Del K1UHF

Ned KA1CVV

Ed K3EIN

John N1OLO

For Ordering Information

Please Contact Us

www.westmountainradio.com

or call

(203) 853-8080

Home of the RIGblaster