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| Reviews Summary for MixW Version 2.0 |
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Reviews: 46
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Average rating: 4.4/5
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MSRP: $50.00
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Description: Multi Mode Operating Software for Win PC with sound card.
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Suports TNCs, CATs and antenna rotors.
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Regular and contest logging formats.
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All of the popular modes (including phone) are suported.
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More info: http://www.nvbb.net/~jaffejim/mixwpage.htm
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AE6MI
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 16, 2009 22:55
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Very functional, solid software
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought MixW 2.18 with a RigExpert SD over a three years ago and have used it multiple times per week on MARS digital nets and others. I have found it to be excellent for what it is supposed to do. (Although for PSK31 use, I do prefer Digipan). I have also used it with the more exotic modes of OLIVIA, RTTYM etc.
However, it is restricted to PC usage and I do like to move from one platform to another. [Although, it will run very nicely in VMWare Fusion implementing Windows XP Professional running on a Mac OS X based machine.] The RigExpert SD is also limited in this regard.
So, for new users who need to be able to operate on any platform I now recommend Fldigi with a SignalLink interface as this can be used on Linux, PCs, Mac OS X with absolutely no effort at jumping from one platform to the other. This is great for emergency communication, although you do lose the ability to directly control the rig from such software.
Of course, one great advantage, if you use it, of the MixW software, IS the ability to control your rig directly from the interface. Having said that, if you use an amplifier connected to your rig, you will generally find it safer to disconnect the control cable from the back of your rig to avoid inadvertently switching frequency and forgetting to tne the antenna or amplifier to a different band.
Its TEOAN (The Eye Of A Needle) (their acronym, not mine) internet interface is also something that is rather nice to use on a good link — yes, very tricky to set up if your network is a cobbled together load of bits — but very nice once it's working. Although, to be honest I haven't used it for this feature much.
So, think of this review as a 5 for what it does well with an acknowledgement that, like my trusty old TS830S, it's still just as good at doing what it used to do, but it doesn't quite have the ease of use and features of my IC756PRO.
So, would I recommend it as a first choice for a new digital operator now? No.
Has it performed well over the last 3 years? Yes.
Will I continue to use it? While my RigExpert SD continues to work and the PC that I have it hooked up to continues, yes,but if either unit fails, then I'll switch to something different.
For ECOM preparations, the RigExpert SD is not part of my jump kit as it is too tricky to set up elsewhere. Having said that, I have successfully done ECOM work purely with audio from a computer speaker being picked up by a microphone and vice versa - but it's nice to have a kit that will easily work in multiple situations with different computers. For that purpose, MixW is no longer the right choice. For home use, it still works totally fine.
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N6CRR
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Rating: 1/5
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Aug 29, 2009 14:38
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Old and tired
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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As a previous reviewer said:
"Some years ago the MixW team was working on a new major release ...and it seems, well, just tired. Absolutely no regrets being a MixW user, but the software is past its prime."
I used MixW for 4 years or so as a registered user. Great program when it first came out, but so was DOS. Now it's very long in the tooth and hardly worth the money, scratch that, not worth the money to register it anymore.
If you want a better program that is free, and modern in design, try Ham Radio Deluxe. The author full time works on the code and does accept donations to fund his work so you get value for your donation in the form of the final product which is quite impressive, MixW, not so much anymore.
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WE1X
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Rating: 3/5
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May 27, 2009 04:00
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Past Its Prime
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had been a devoted registered MixW user for many years finding the software to be comprehensive, fairly intuitive and a joy to use. The support from Nick, Denis and the team was also outstanding. However, about 2 years ago out of curiosity I gave HRD/DM780 a try. Yes, the learning curve was steep, but well worth it. HRD/DM780 offers far more flexibility, a better logbook, extensive tools, etc. Updates from Simon together with support from the user community have been outstanding.
Some years ago the MixW team was working on a new major release (think it was to be v3.0) that never came about. Updates have been less frequent. Every once in a while I go back to MixW to give it a go and it seems, well, just tired. Absolutely no regrets being a MixW user, but the software is past its prime.
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KQ4Y
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Rating: 4/5
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May 26, 2009 17:44
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May Switch to HRD/DM780
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used MixW for a long time but just took a good look at HRD and DM780. I have to say that I like the interface and the looks of DM780 much better than MixW. I also find the Macro's easier to set up and use. I haven't made the switch yet and, although MixW has done the job for me for a long time, I may do so soon. A new version (5.0) of HRD is due out soon and I'll have to see what is new.
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N1IG
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 6, 2009 10:15
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Best Software Available
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had MixW for about 4-6 years now. it is pretty easy to set up and has always worked very well. I had a computer crash which required me to re-install everything onto a replacement computer, and after only a little head scratching about eh settings for my interface (MixW RigExpert SD), i was able to get up and running pretty quickly. i have tried other software packages like HRD (too flashy and too complex for me), but i like the look of MixW better.
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KD4HSO
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Rating: 5/5
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May 26, 2008 16:31
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Works great on my Mac with VMWare Fusion
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought MixW 2.18 with a RigExpert SD over a year ago. The two work very well together. I'm using both on my Mac with VMWare Fusion. I tried Ham Radio Deluxe but it has too much fluff. MixW is straight forward without allot of eye candy. HRD revs the CPU fan on my Macbook but MixW is nice and quiet.
I'd give it a 4.5 since my only dislike is that the log window can't be re-sized, and the window re-positioning is a little quirky. However it seems to be bug-free and rock stable.
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W4UDX
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 27, 2008 19:19
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Should read MixW any version
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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MixW outdated? Are your boatanchors outdated if you can still get on the air with them? Maybe so, but it still does what it was designed to do. I still use my web browser but I would not think it as being outdated. MixW is one of the very few multi-mode/logging programs that can control my FT-980 (one of the first CAT radios... and no it's not outdated either). CW contesting is a breeze with MixW, it allows 15-20 WPM people like me to send and receive 35+ WPM!
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K4ELO
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 4, 2008 08:31
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Still Great
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have been using MixW for many months now after trying about 6 other digital mode programs, including HRD/DM780.
I certainly don't think the King is dead. As a software developer, I'm not exactly sure what 'dated' means, unless you are talking about a DOS program with a character based user interface.
There are some things I would change about MixW, but everyone's reaction to a particular program's user interface is a combination of practicality and subjectivity.
For comparison, I found HRD/DM780 had way too complex a user interface and the tcp/ip interface between HRD and DM780 - well let's just say that there is no reason that all the capabilities you need for rig control, logging, and digital modes can't be provided in one program. Most times, simpler is better. Which is one of the things I like about MixW. I would rather spend time operating than setting up the software.
My only major complaint about MixW is that there is no Mac version. To me, it is still the best overall digital mode program available.
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K9IUQ
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Rating: 2/5
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Feb 4, 2008 05:04
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Dated -The King is DEAD
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I wrote a review in 2002 about Mixw. At that time it WAS the best Digital Software. Alas time passes and things change. Mixw is getting and looking VERY dated. It doesnt get updated very often any more. The GUI reminds one of the Windows 98 days. HRD/DM780 is the NEW digital software king, and DM780 is free. Stay away from Mixw unless you just want to re-live the "old days"
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K4TB
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 14, 2007 17:51
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A Powerful Tool
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've been using MixW for about a month and it has been fun discovering new modes and mastering ones I've done before. What really sold me was the way it can be easily set up to operate my MFJ-1278 multimode modem. It may be silly to keep the old MFJ since MixW by itself can do most everything the MFJ does, but I guess I'm a bit nostalgic for the old MFJ. Besides I already have the MFJ hooked up with an FSK circuit. There really isn't any other decent software to run the MFJ anymore (other than MFJ's own software on a copy-protected 3-1/2 disk, but my new computer has no floppy drive).
Anyway MixW's graphical tuning aides like the waterfall and spectrum displays make things really easy, and the "smart" tuning it does is marvelous. For instance, I'd never tried SSTV before but I tuned in a good picture in just seconds without even knowing for sure what I was doing!
I'm using it with Cat control with my Icom 756 pro 3 and that works well. It's fun watching the Icom, the MFJ and the MixW all copying RTTY from the same signal when there is QRN or QRM. Each makes some errors but not all at the same time, and the MixW seems to make the fewest errors.
So far as I can tell it works well with PSK31 and the other modes, but I will have fun trying them all and learning from this software for some time to come. The authors did a great job on this product.
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