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| Reviews Summary for Navigator by US Interface |
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Reviews: 39
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Average rating: 4.9/5
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MSRP: $369
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Description: The Navigator is a high quality interface between the rig and the computer, for use in running the digital modes such as PSK31, Olivia, MFSK, Hellschreiber, MT-63, etc. It also works fine for SSTV using many popular software programs such as MMSSTV.
The Navigator interfaces to the rig using a USB port, thus it does not require a serial port on the computer. It provides CAT control to the rig via a serial connection from the Navigator to the rig. The Navigator is completely configured and defined in software, and future updates are expected to be flash-ROM updates that can be installed by the user.
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More info: http://www.usinterface.com
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write your own review of the Navigator by US Interface.
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VE7TK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 1, 2009 16:20
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Great product & support
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Wow! This is a great interface. Very flexible and robust. I had some minor issues with the Com Port set-up but was quickly assisted by Clint, KK7UG, at US Interface.
Then it was on to testing the interface with my normal software. Again a couple of small glitches but quickly solved.
Finally I attempted to get Navigator and MMTTY working with my logging program, Logger32. At this point I was stymied. Once more Clint came to the rescue working with the Logger32 development team to resolve this problem! (See Logger32 version 3.19 and later.)
I am the 2nd owner of this interface yet the support provided by US Interface has been phenomenal! I would heartily recommend the Navigator Interface to anyone considering it!
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G0KAD
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Rating: 5/5
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May 25, 2009 01:07
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Brilliant
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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What a great bit of kit. Does everything that I can think of. Fantastic for everyform of PC to radio interface. WSJT to DM780, contest CW to full station remote control.
The unit is so flexible but easy to use. Hard to see how it could be bettered. Unit was faulty when it arrived but Dave at EZE(UK) posted another before I'd even returned the original. Follow up was excellent.
Expensive but worth every penny or cent!
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VE7AT
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 13, 2009 18:38
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WHY did I wait so long???
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Installation is a breeze if you follow the detailed instructions. The only challenge I had was Windows Vista and ghost devices, (comm ports Vista said were in use and were actually NOT being used because my laptop has no comm ports) once I had persueded device manager to give up the low numbered comm ports I wanted to use.. Bingo each function works as described. I have a usb and a vox interface for sale !!!
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N9XO
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 23, 2009 05:16
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Everything I expected
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My setup is Icom-706mkIIg, Ham Radio Deluxe with DM 780 software version 4.1, build 2055, Navigator software version 4.2.11
I am still learning the HRD and DM780 interface. But everything is working the way I expected. I previously had a RigBlaster Plus interface but was dissatisfied with it in several ways despite making a few contacts with it.
I am very happy with the Navigator interface. I have enjoyed several RTTY and PSK QSOs recently. I like the front panel controls particularly having a CW speed control without having to manipulate the IC-706 menus. A minimum of cables are required between PC, transceiver and interface. It is much neater than the RigBlaster.
I want to thank Clint Hurd, KK7UQ, for his guidance. We traded about a dozen emails while debugging some issues. I would have never gotten it running without his help.
Details of debugging:
The Navigator interface was not new. I purchased it used and later learned the cable was Feb, 2007 build and US Interface stopped doing business with the cable supplier shortly after that time. So, recent cables should not have my problem. The Navigator interface box was originally purchased in 2007 but US Interface exchanged it in 2008 as part of an upgrade to the hardware.
Summary of corrections:
1) IC-706 must be in straight key mode to allow the WinKeyer in the Navigator interface to control the keying. See Icom-706 manual for details.
2) COM ports numbers can be any number when using Ham Radio Deluxe with its DM780 software. I didn’t change the numbers from original driver setup. Other software, such as N1MM Logger, may require specific COM port assignments between 1 and 8.
3) In DM780, you must select “CW (WinKeyer)” mode, not “CW”, to send CW from either the paddle or keyboard
4) The Navigator-to-Icom cable had wiring errors. The digital and audio grounds needed to be separated and the TX and RX audio lines were reversed. Again, recently built cables should not have this problem.
5) The Icom-706 initial setup item # 29 had to change from 9600 to 1200 baud. This fixed the problem of no transmit in PSK or RTTY modes (while CW and SSB modes transmitted OK). See Icom-706 manual for details.
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VE3SYH
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 17, 2009 10:54
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Excellent interface
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is a well built and reliable device. No problems setting up. It cleaned up many cables and resolved some noise issues I had with another interface. One USB cable to the PC, that's it ! Well worth the money for such a well built device. Pat Douek VE3SYH
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WD0EDO
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 20, 2008 14:29
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Put a Smile on Your Face
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Having owned one of these do it all devices for almost a year and recently acquiring a second one, I feel I have earned the right to add my thoughts.
Based on my experience with the Navigator,their service and style is second to none.
It is with great thanks to the tech support that is offered from Glenn (W3GWW) and Clint (KK7UQ) when a problems arises. It is indeed service with a smile time after time. You come away feeling like you are the only customer.
This team is truly the "BEST of the BEST". If these guys are unable to make you happy than no one can.
Do yourself a favor and just buy one of these first. You will be ever so glad you did.
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W2SFD
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Rating: 3/5
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Oct 11, 2008 09:41
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Good Product
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I love the product, it does what it is suppose to. Don't let anyone kid you, but this is no easier to setup than other interfaces, just the nature of the beast. Unit shipped quickly, cables took 3 months to arrive in working order. First set of cables was not shipped for a month, upon arrival a pin was muted and needed to be returned. Also had to send the unit back for replacement not knowing at that time if it was the unit or cables.
Come to find out, it was not the unit, I rec'd Glenn's personal unit, a used one. It was replaced with a new one.
Cables arrived, now 2 months later in Mid July. Wrong cables, and they were melted over about 1-1.5" to the braid. Correct cables reordered, but were delayed until Aug. due to oversights on the cable sub.
In mid Aug. everything arrived in working order. Compensation offered, but never given. See my service review under Company reviews. I was disappointed at my experience given all the fine things hams have to say about Glenn and the Navigator. Guess I got the lemon. The unit does work nice, and I am happy with it for the most part.
George
W2SFD - can provide pics showing the quality of the cables upon request.
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KL7AC
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 10, 2008 17:03
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Wish I had purchased sooner
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This device has really cleaned up the shack.
Gone is the Rigblaster, the Icom serial interface, and the runs of cables and associated wall warts. Now just one USB cable does it all!
I have an IC-756Pro and purchased the accessory cable. Well worth it and works like a champ.
I am using Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit along with Logic8, MixW, N1MM logger, and Ham Radio Deluxe. No problems interfacing the rig and was a real treat to be able to use FSK during the CQWW a couple of weekends ago.
Sure it is pricey but I look forward to having this device in the shack for some time.
As for the support, I cannot comment as I have not needed any.
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LU5OM
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 19, 2008 14:56
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FINALLY...DIGITAL PEACE!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Life is never easy in the digital world (except if you do CW, of course! :-).
The Navigator is a very solid interface and, in my case, it only took a few emails and phone calls to have Glenn and Clint direct me towards digital success.
I checked into the forum and there was Clint ready to help....I had a problem with my cable and Clint was willing to accept my phone calls and help me repair it.
I am a happy fellow and perhaps now I can enjoy RTTY as much as I did, 35 years ago, with my modified TR4, Hal ST5 and the model 15 Teletype machine. Life was noisier in those days, of course, but it was certainly much simpler.
I do a lot of CW...the K1EL keyer inside the Navigator is also a pleasure to use.
My radio is a Yaesu FT857D (no FSK...you will have to do AFSK)
My (main) software is Logger32 + MMTTY + MMVARI;
Contest software, N1MM. But, the Navigator also works like a charm with Digipan and MixW and other programs.
Just one USB cable to the PC...what a relief! No more fiddling around with those dreadful Windows sound controls. The navigator has its own quality sound card inside.
Glenn and Clint are very knowledgeable fellows and will assist you, and stay with you, until your unit is properly set up.
The Navigator is an exciting piece of equipment, and I can only give it my highest recommendation.
73
Manuel
LU5OM & CT4IK
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K9IUQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 19, 2008 04:00
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Worth Every Penny
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I bought this at Dayton Hamfest 08 and met Glenn and inspected the Navigator before buying. Even though it was WAY more money than my XYL wanted me to spend I bought it.
Now I am an experienced digital op, been doing it forever. Have had many interfaces. Rigblasters, Signalink, Microham, PK232 (:>
I know what makes for a good interface. I bought Navigator for 3 primary reasons. Builtin soundcard, Winkey onboard AND the biggie - it does FSK. Cheeper interfaces dont do the above 3 reasons.
Navigator is the top of the line. Works perfect. There is a very good readson it has a perfect 5 here on eham. Dont let the price scare you, it is worth every penny. Cant say that about many things these days..
Stan K9IUQ
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