On Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:46:54 -0400, Dino Papas wrote:

One thing to remember...if you connect your transmit audio directly to
your computer's sound card (either by direct connection or via one of
the commercial or homebrew interfaces) you will also transmit any sounds
that your computer is generating as well. The newer interfaces that
connect to your computer via USB have sound cards built into them and
thus don't send those errant sounds along as well to your transmitter.

Each one of the digital programs that you're likely to use, MixW,
Fldigi, etc. will have a little different audio level output to your rig
as well. If you don't want to have to readjust your drive levels each
time you change programs get ahold of the free PC utility "Quickmix"
(http://www.ptpart.co.uk/quickmix/) that allows you to set the drive
levels for each program and stores them in a file that you can load
easily before starting your digital program.

Good luck!

Dino KL0S

In article ,
Rob wrote:

Captain America wrote:
Is that about the size of it?

Yes that sounds correct.
Of course you could home-build the interface instead of buying a
commercial product. There are schematics available on the net.
It merely provides some isolation between the transceiver and computer
to avoid nasty groundloops and currents, usually implemented by a couple
of transformers and optocouplers.

Can I send and receive CW using the same process and equipment, with
the appropriate software?

Yes. You may want to check that your interface provides the CW KEY
signal in addition to PTT.


Thanks to all who responded for your tips.

I purchased -- and received today -- a SingaLink USB. Downloaded MixW
and was able to make several PSK31 contacts. I printed the entire 170
page MixW manual and plan to read it over the next few days to see
what I should be doing.

What I am REALLY trying to do is interface Win-Test with my rig so the
software will send CW during contests. I'm an old CT user but my
computer is brand new -- no COM or LPT ports and no PCMCIA card --
just USB ports. I really like the CT function that uses the Function
keys to send call, exchange, etc. SignaLink USB says I can use it to
key my rig via the key jack, so, we'll see. Win-Test uses an
interface similar to CT but is supposed to be able to key through the
USB port (well, actually, the USB bus, not port).

Meanwhile, I'll read the MixW manual and try all the modes -- this is
all new to me but looks exciting.

Thanks.