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| Reviews Summary for Rascal GLX |
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Reviews: 56
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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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W1KLJ
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Rating: 4/5
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May 10, 2008 21:43
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Great for the price
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I purchased a microHam microKeyer about a year ago. After several days of attempting to get it to work, I finally emailed microHam's support. The answer to my problem was (basically) the USB software doesn't work with Windows Me installed on HP laptops (my configuration). The solution? 1) Keep fiddling with the settings till I find something that works or 2) buy a new computer. So the microKeyer has been gathering dust.
Then last week I came across a link to the Buxcomm Rascal. Buxcomm is having a "Dayton Special" so I ordered a serial only Rascal with an Icom 13 pin cable figuring if it doesn't work, I'm only out $40. I ordered it on Tuesday and it arrived on Friday. Friday evening, I tried to set it up and ran into problem #1 – the supplied cable assumes the line in and line out jacks are located together. Not so on my laptop, the input jack is on the rear panel, the output on the front. So Saturday morning it was off to Radio Shack for an extension cable. Finally got all the connections made and ran into problem #2 – just like W2ZEY, the transmitter was constantly keyed. I'm glad I followed the instructions and had the rig connected to the dummy load. I shut everything off and took a break for lunch. When I resumed, I found the problem. As soon as the computer is turned on, RTS goes high (or low, or whatever) and tells the Rascal to key the transmitter. But, if I start the computer, start the software, either WinPSK or MMTTY, then turn on the radio, everything works fine.
When I tuned into 14.070, up came problem #3 – WinPSK says "Reduce audio level" constantly. Now, the manual warned about this one. The problem is the output level from the accessory jack of the rig is too high for the "mic in" on the computer. The manual says "you may need to insert some attenuation". Not even setting the Mic In slider all the way to the bottom helped. The solution? Don't use the audio from the accessory jack. I connected a cable from the rig's headphone out to the mic in and used the volume control. Success (turns out I didn't need the extension cable after all!). So, none of the problems were really the Rascal's fault – they're all due to the way my 9 year old HP laptop is built.
Finally, everything was working. My first ever PSK contact was with FM5AA in Martinique. I went on to make several contacts in the US and with Germany, Belgium, Mexico, and Iceland.
My only complaint is that the manual is a bit on the thin side – the bare minimum necessary to get everything going if it all works the first time.
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VA7CPC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 29, 2008 21:11
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Works, and works, and works . . .
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My first few PSK31 contacts were in 2003, using an "air interface" -- microphones placed near loudspeakers.
I soon bought a Rascal GLX, with an IC-706 cable, and a Buxcomm USB->RS-232 converter. Much better than the "air interface"!
That Rascal was on my boat for three years down the Pacific Coast to Costa Rica. It has run the IC-706, a TS-570D, an FT-817, and an FT-450 (with appropriate cables). It has run PSK31, MFSK16, RTTY, MCW, and so on, with assorted digital-mode software.
I've never wished for anything 'better', and the Rascal has never failed me.
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W2ZEY
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Rating: 2/5
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Mar 29, 2008 10:25
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poor quality
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The Rascal GLX seemed to be a good buy at first glance. Unfortunately I found its quality to be marginal at best. An example: There was a problem with the cable that was recommended for the Icom IC-706. When connected to the radio it constantly keyed the transmit - had to be disconnected to stop transmission. However, an RCI6 cable worked OK on an RCI radio. I have since replaced the GLX with a Tigertronics Signalink USB which has very good quality & knowledgeable support.
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KB5DRJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 6, 2007 23:18
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Good gadget
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have found the Rascal GLX to be a good unit. It works the way it is supposed to. I have it connected between my Intel iMac 2.4 and my Yaesu FT-2800. Installation was straightforward and did not take much time. There are lots of good programs on the included DVD. I also have purchased the cable needed to connect my FT-817ND when it arrives. I also have a RIGblaster pro in my shack connected to my IC-718 HF rig. I'd say that the RIGblaster Pro is a better unit, but the Rascal GLX is a very good choice for the money. The quality of construction looks fine to me. There is a lot more plastic in the construction than the RIGblaster Pro - but the price is quite a bit lower. They ship the order really fast.
I have had no experience with their customer support since the unit works great right out of the box for me.
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N4US
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 20, 2007 08:09
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Good Unit
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Works great with a Kenwood TS-570. Only problem is the 13 pin din plug will connect to the Kenwood Up or Down (Not Keyway Sensitive). After connecting to the Kenwood (180 degree shift) Unit works great. No Problems. 106 countries worked on RTTY in 4 months. Works well on PSK & SSTV.
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LA9AKA
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 24, 2007 02:40
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O.K.
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Works ok, but not the best quality parts. Would rather spend a little bit more money and get better quality.
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W4HWB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 11, 2007 14:30
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Worked First Try
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Worked for me the first time. All the cables I needed were included, connected everything, loaded the PSK31 software that's in Ham Radio Deluxe and pretty much worked the first try. Did have to adjust my transmit level a little but other than that, works great. Good product for the money.
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N8NQP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 8, 2007 13:35
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If you are a mastercard Ham Pay more money for something else!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had one of the original Rascals and recently purchased 2 of the GLX's.
First off, it is NOT the fault of the interface if it KEYS as soon as you plug it in!! Most of the new USB serial ports cause the radio to key! As soon as you start Mixw or other software, it stops keying. This is NOT because the interface is defective, its because of the serial ports. I tried the interface on an older Toshiba laptop, and did not have any problem.
As to not being able to control the sound with Vista and others. Buck builds the interface, you are expected to understand the computer side. IF you don't, don't blame him! I have used ALL 3 interfaces with Vista Business with no problems!
Like I said in the title, if you want plug and play, and don't want to "mess with things" then go pay $200 for someone else's interface. If you want something inexpensive, buy this!
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WD5CCW
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 1, 2007 18:54
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Bargain Performer
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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After I made the order, it arrived within a few days, so I knew what my weekend activity was going to be like. I finally got around to setting up the Rascal GLX with my icom 751a. The instructions were straight-forward and easy to understand. I got it to receive no problem, but it took some tweaking on my part and the right combination of buttons on my rig to get it transmitting. Within a couple of hours, I had read the instructions; assembled the Rascal GLX product/cables correctly; adjusted the rig and made a few psk31 qso all without spending alot for a more expensive interface and getting the same results.
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K5GMT
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Rating: 2/5
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Jun 29, 2007 07:09
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Poor performer
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have tried to use this with several diferrent radios with poor results. I have to constantly adjust the audio level to the radio down to prevent splatter on PSK31. The control is so sensitive that either I am overdriving or have little or no output. I am going back to Rigblaster. They cost more but they work.
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