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| Reviews Summary for MixW RigExpert USB Transceiver Interface (Modem) |
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Reviews: 52
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Average rating: 4.4/5
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MSRP: $199
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Description: MixW RigExpert is a device for operating CW and digital modes using a personal computer with USB port. It provides transceiver audio interface, CAT interface for various transceiver models, FSK output, PTT and CW keyer functions, and built-in electronic CW keyer. By using a transceiver cable, MixW RigExpert is connected to the transceiver audio in/out, FSK, CW and CAT sockets. No additional interface boxes needed to connect the device to a transceiver. It frees up the computer sound card and COM port previously used to operate digital modes.
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More info: http://www.mixw.net/RigExpert/index.html
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write your own review of the MixW RigExpert USB Transceiver Interface (Modem).
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N1IG
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 29, 2009 05:45
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Still working well
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had the RE for about 4-5 years now, after buying it to replace the rigblaster-pro. it was pretty easy to set up and worked very well. i had an intermittent issue with the cable from the unit to the radio, but a touch of solder fixed that. I had a computer crash which required me to re-install everything onto a replacement computer, and after only a little head scratching, i was able to get the unit up and running quickly. i have also run into the issue with it not playing well with other software programs (like HRD), but since i like the look of MixW better anyway, it's really a non-issue. I do wish that echolink would interface better, but oh well...
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KG4RUL
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 26, 2008 18:19
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Re-Reiew
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I previously gave the device a 2/5. After a little tinkering and MUCH operator error, it is working perfectly! It now has no problems working through the ACC2 connector on my Kenwood TS2000(X). I have also built up a cable that works with my FT-100D mobile and the FT-857 at our County EOC.
I agree, as some have said, that it does not play well with programs other than MixW. However, I find that MixW does everything I need so I have no need to fiddle about with other programs. I even use MixW with a SignalLink USB at our County EOC!
As far as MAC support that others find lacking, remember that this is a first generation product and other developers have had the benefit of other's experience to build on. This also applies to the WIN hosted software.
To the person who rails at Nick for not supporting other interfaces, what do you expect??? The guy is not Microsoft (though their support is nothing to brag about).
The docs are lacking but with a little study are adequate.
All told I am happy with my RigExpert and MixW!
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VE3ZPD
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 31, 2007 16:47
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Still running great!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I got one of the first units, used (circa 2003 or 2004), with USB connector on front panel, and it still runs great with MixW and N1MM (using REAUDIO). The noise floor is significantly lower as compared to internal compter's soundcard. Never had any issue with it.
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KD2E
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Rating: 1/5
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Sep 1, 2007 06:39
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Pass on this trash!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Notice how many reviews say "Glenn was able to walk me through the setup"?? That is because the product is, to say the least...not the easiest to get going. I HAD mine working (after several phone calls with Glenn) and if I made no changes to the computer, it may still be working. If you change USB ports it will require reconfiguring. It will not reload the driver if you use hardware control to remove. I have to manualy choose it as the soundcard EVERY time I start the software I am using. Now the rig goes into transmit the minute the software loads. The list goes on and on. I purchased a Tigertronics USB interface. Easy and solid...I'll be getting another, and the RigExpert is getting tossed in the trash can.
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N4VOX
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Rating: 5/5
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May 12, 2007 09:35
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Great Product
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I use my RigExpert with a Ten Tec Pegasus and had trouble interfacing the two units. I found that in the software that operates the Pegasus you must change the transmitter set up to key from the accesory outlet not the microphone. Once I did this, it works without fail. I love the Pegasus, but it can test your patience trying to set up new devices. RigExpert is a breeze, no jumpers.
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G8WVW
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 13, 2006 07:27
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Very, very good but not perfect.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Been using MixW with homebrew interface for some time, so familiar with the software which is good but not perfect, and not part of this review.
Just a few very minor niggles with the RigExpert unit which I have already communicated to Constantine in the UK as follows:-
1) The set-up CD menu system buttons did not work on my PC and so I had to install the drivers manually. Not a problem for me but maybe for others.
2) The REaudio driver required if you are to use RigExpert with software other than MixW crashes (XP blue screen of death) immediately when I try to use Ham Radio Deluxe’s PSK software.
3) The connection cable was very well assembled with neat wiring and total lack of melted insulation. The DIN connectors where however of a lower qualify than I would have chosen myself. Good quality screened metal shelled plugs are not expensive these days.
I have an additional problem which is not a fault of RigExpert but could have been made a little clearer as I feel I bought the wrong connection cable. The connection cable for my IC-7400 (746PRO) uses both the accessory sockets. This has been necessary as Icom have not thought to include the VSEND line on the ACC1 socket. If you use an amplifier or tuner that requires the ‘band’ information from the ACC socket, then you need to make a compromise. Either manually switch the amplifier/tuner band or buy the IC-756 connection cable which only uses ACC1 and do without the digital modes on 2m. With a custom lead, modification to my amplifier lead and a couple of diodes, I can get it to work and really this is beyond the scope of what the Rig Expert cable supplier could be expected to do but any protective 7400/746 users please take note.
I repeat that these are very minor niggles and all-in-all, the RigExpert unit works very well.
Ian Coverdale
ZD8I, VP8DHW & G8WVW.
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KG4LCF
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 28, 2006 08:26
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Excellent Tech Support
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've had this interface just a week, but am very favorably impressed with it. Setup and configuration is complicated for interface devices. I used a serial port connected Rigblaster in the past. Setup and configuration were a nightmare. As my new laptop has no serial port, and I couldn't make the serial port to USB adapter cable sold by the Rigblaster people work for me, I knew I needed a USB interface. I hesitated because I dreaded another setup and configuration experience, but bought the RigExpert after reading other users' satisfaction with tech support from Glenn for this product.
I bought the RigExpert SD. Documentation on this product, though useful, has not kept up with the newest products. I read and followed the instructions in the user's manual and the online reference, but couldn't get CAT to work. I called Glenn and he talked me through the setup and configuration. My interface is working properly now. If you buy this unit, call Glenn and have him talk you through the setup.
In the past I had used Digipan. I am very impressed with the features of the MixW software. Glenn walked me through some of them.
I look forward to exploring some of the digital modes beyond PSK31 and SSTV. I look forward to enjoying the integration of MixW with other programs.
Larry
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KC0UXC
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 2, 2006 07:10
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Plug and Play!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have had this for about a month and it has worked flawlessly. Load the software, plug it in to the back of your rig, plug it into your USB computer, make a contact. It's that easy!! Nice LED lights tell you its working in XMIT. My Yaesu 897D has had no problems with the RigExpert USB. Great product! The best part is that its powered THROUGH the USB.. One less power converter to mess with. 73!
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W3JJH
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Rating: 0/5
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Aug 29, 2006 18:07
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False claims of Mac Support
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The advertizing and the manual claimed "MAC OS 9/9/X supported." That is not true. While a Mac will recognize the USB-to-serial interface, no drivers are provided for the audio interface which used non-standard sampling rates.
It can be used under Virtual PC, but if I wanted to run Windows, I'd wouldn't be using a Mac.
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4Z5PM
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 27, 2006 19:08
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MixW RigExpert perfect USB Transceiver Interface and CAT.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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MixW RigExpert2 S/D perfect USB Transceiver Interface and CAT controle in One Box.
P.P.S. The information and free-of-charge technical support on a site www.mixw.co.uk
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