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| Reviews Summary for Rascal GLX |
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Reviews: 58
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Average rating: 3.6/5
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MSRP: $39.95
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Description: Computer-to-rig interface for PSK31, SSTV, EchoLink, Packet, RTTY (FSK & AFSK), eQSO, WJST, APRS, CW, MT63, and more.
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More info: http://www.packetradio.com/rascalmkv.htm
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N9PSE
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 1, 2009 10:41
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Quick and easy
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Bought the kit version of this several years ago, finally got around to building it last month. Went together easily. Minor nit on the case not being able to "lock" closed -- ended up gluing the 2 halves together (after testing, of course).
With my Yaesu FT-890 and Dell Laptop, only minor tweaks to the audio settings and my receive and transmit was perfect -- had another ham help me "dial in" the best audio settings to avoid splatter. Worked Germany on 80 meters with 20 watts on PSK the first evening. Transmitter keying worked perfectly using the serial port (yes, I still have one of those).
I'm going to fabricate a cable to use this with my FT-817 next.
I'm a big fan of Ham Radio Deluxe and DM780 -- the GLX works FB with this setup. Close to 100 QSOs without any trouble.
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CURIOUSHAM
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Rating: 0/5
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Dec 1, 2009 09:33
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junk, plus no support
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is a piece of junk. Shoddy workmanship and non-existent customer service. I junked it an bought a Rigblaster and never looked back.
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N3YZ
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Rating: 5/5
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May 30, 2009 07:21
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No Problems
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own two of these Rascals. Both have worked very well over about four years and DXCC RTTY. No problms. No issues. Just solid connectivity. 73! John, Annapolis, MD.
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KI6QIK
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Rating: 0/5
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May 3, 2009 11:05
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Save Your Money
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I'm afraid I will need to echo what has been previously written.
I had a problem of no PTT signal. It turned out to be a bad cable.
The Customer "Dis-Service" was rude, crude and denied responsibility as stated previously. It did not help to solve the problem and soon became another problem.
The manual is a few pieces of paper stapled together and was next to useless.
The CD is copyrighted 1999-2005. The information I have found for free on the net.
Check the return policy for BUXCOMM.COM and BUCKSCOM.COM prior to purchase. It's full of weasel clauses.
I did not save any time or money by purchasing this cable. I ended up taking it apart and repairing it myself.
All I can say is BUYER BEWARE!
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WA1GZY
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Rating: 0/5
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Mar 23, 2009 18:19
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Don't Waste Your $$$$
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Rascal name is well-suited to this band of jackals. Rascal GLX product purchased was missiing the interface radio cable. Customer "Dis-Service" was rude, crude and denied responsibility... forcing me to re-purchase the missing cable.
Once paid for via credit card, they re-billed me with an invoice. Talk about incompetence.
In terms of performance I recommend you save your $$$ and purchase the West Mountain Radio RigExpert Standard with USB interface. It is a breeze to set up complete with a outstanding variety of multimode digital operating programs that are a true pleasure to explore. While not really needed I can also add that the West Mountain customer support is superb.
The Rascal folks could learn from these folks but I predict that they won't be in business very long.
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N0YK
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Rating: 2/5
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Mar 8, 2009 13:01
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Works ok, poor customer support though..
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used this interface on several applications with good success, echo link and 2 meter EME via WSJT software. Just recently ordered a cable for my ts-2000 to use with a computer also. I had troubles right away with the input not working and I had misplaced my manual for the GLX. So I called Bucks Comm support to gets some ideas as to what I was doing wrong. Buck was terrible to deal with, he had no time to help me figure out my problem and he let me know it. I asked for a manual and never received it through the email as he promised. Finally resorted to asking other hams on a forum what their ideas were and figured out the issue within a day. I would highly recommend someone looking at this product to look at the SignaLink USB interface. Doesn't cost that much more, in stock at DX Engineering and super customer support that is worth its cost alone. I called them about replacing the GLX with the SignaLink USB and they answered all my questions and said to call back with anymore!
The Rascal GLX will do the job, but if you have any issues as almost everyone does with this interface, beware of Buck and his precious time. Save the heartache and buy SignaLink USB.
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N5NXX
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Rating: 4/5
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Dec 6, 2008 07:11
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Not Bad
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Okay, I bought my Rascal from BuxComm (sp) about 2 years ago and once I got it fixed it works good.
I say I got it fixed because when I first got it it would not key my TS-2000. I tried everything. As a last resort I called BuxComm and they finally told me to send it back. I was going to try and key my radio from the ACC2 port direct to make sure the problem wasn't with my rig and I noticed something funny. The plug on the Rascal was UPSIDE DOWN! The molded plastic "UP" around the plug was installed 180 degrees out. After a week of pulling my hair out wondering why my Rascal wouldn't work, I unplugged the Rascal turned the plug upside down, plugged it into my radio, and it worked flawlessly.
I'm sure this was probably just a small oversight by someone building Rascals but, man, it like to drove me NUTS!
I got it up and running and use it frequently with my PSK31 program and it seems to work just like it ought to.
I'd say The Rascal is a great bargain and a good product.
Dub
N5NXX
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N4MJG
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 23, 2008 04:00
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No Problem !
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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i got mine working good no problem here and it fits fine and was able to make it work,i'm using on my laptop win 2000 without any problem what so ever !
73
Jackie
KG4ORX
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NK7F
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Rating: 1/5
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Sep 22, 2008 22:40
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Watch Out
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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As others have noted, I am having difficulty with the usb to serial adapter. My unit was also shipped with cables that did not connect with the device. When I contacted support the replies were several variations of check the manual... the manual was pretty worthless anyway, the cable still didn't fit!
If it works your in good shape, if not you are on your own.
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K5DBX
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 23, 2008 06:20
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Works fine
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After purchasing a new FT-450, I chose the Rascal GLK (kit version of GLX) and assembled it myself. Good price compared to other products. This is a very strait-forward design and does work as advertised.
I only have two issues. One, the instructions could be misleading if you do not pay close attention (poor proofing of the assembly instructions), and two, the supplied parts. The capacitors were identical, and of the wrong values, and had to be replaced. While they should have supplied a .01uF (decoupler) and a .1uF or .47uF, (DC isolation) they supplied two .0068uF. The transformers were of marginal quality.
If a person pays close attention to how their rig is designed to work, and understand that line level is not mic level to their PC (mV vs. uV), then you should have no issues with this simple device.
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