VK Logger Ham Radio Forum Archive

Time for some really exciting television!
(not)

Here is the unboxing of a West Mountain Radio Rigblaster Advantage.
A really neat interface to run digital modes.

Never got around to finishing the homebrew interface so out came the VISA card.
Press the play button if you're bored.

Hi Adam, am I missing something here, but I do data modes on my IC7600 with nothing more than a single USB cable; PTT, audio, everything. What advantage does the external box give? I'm sure there is one, but I'm not sure what!

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH

VK2GOM wrote:What advantage does the external box give? I'm sure there is one, but I'm not sure what!

Rob, the RBA provides hard keying of both PTT and FSK.
Sounds like you are using a traditional AFSK arrangement, if you're not toggling the 7600's FSK port?

A USB lead direct into the transceiver will most likely not provide true isolation, if the USB ground is the same as the transceiver's audio ground.
(Which can still lead to earth loops and hum)
This box is essentially the isolator!
Single USB in, with isolated I/O to the rig.
That is the advantage, with convenient level controls (rather than fiddle with Windows mixer controls).

The IC-7600 probably wasn't the best example, as the RBA was purchased for the IC-910 mainly, (which does not have a USB interface), nor does the FT-817, which will also get a look in, with the transverters.

Anyone want to buy a 90% completed interface?

Hi Adam, thanks for the reply. The opening greeting of 'No Adam' was meant to be 'Hi Adam' - damn phone autocorrect!

Does the partially complete interface have on-board sound or is it just isolated audio ports?

73 - Rob VK2GOM / GW0MOH