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Reviews For: BuxCom Rascal

Category: Interfaces, Radio to computer, amp, rotor, coax switch, internet

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Review Summary For : BuxCom Rascal
Reviews: 121MSRP: 49.00
Description:
Computer-radio interface
Product is in production
More Info: http://buxcommco.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001214
WA8VBX Rating: 2001-05-14
Service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered a Rascal interface today and after I sent the order out I wasn't sure it was the right model. I emailed Buck and told him what I wanted and after about a half dozen emails back and forth I finally got what I needed. Buck took time out of his busy day to answer my questions, and if the Rascal performs like as good as the service I have received, I can't wait for it to arrive and get on the digital modes.
Kurt
NO9E Rating: 2001-05-14
Good advice, good product and good service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I asked the owner how to have the interface for both FT-100 and TS-850. He suggested getting BuxCom for FT-100, and an extra cable for TS-850. He charged only $10 for the extra cable and had everything shipped the following day. When I asked him for an extra optocoupler, he included it free. The hardware worked the first time I tried it. His software was very easy to learn and to use. In summary, one of my best purchases.
Ignacy, NO9E
no9e@arrl.net
RV3APM Rating: 2001-05-13
5 Time Owned: N.A.
I bought two BuxCom for my SG2020 and FT817 - nice small interface, no problem with STREAM,MiXW,Hamscope,MT63,JVCom32,Zakanaka and other programs.
N6MMM Rating: 2001-04-18
Really nice! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ordered the RASCAL 5 built version for my Icom 725 on a Friday night-going into-Saturday morning via fax and received the unit the following Monday afternoon! And I'm on the US *west* coast. I figured Buck would get my order out on Saturday but I didn't have the faith that USPS Priority would get it here the following business day-- across the dang country! I was expecting Wednesday for the delivery. What a surprise!

The unit works as advertised and other than operator error in connecting the cables to the sound card (I got the line-in cable plugged in correctly, but due to failing vision, plugged the line out cable into the sound card's mic jack-- I was wondering why I wasn't getting any audio out to the rig but was hearing it through my speakers...hmmmm...ding!), I was on the air in about 1/2 hour with Digipan 1.6

Very clean construction, smaller in size compared to other interface products and the price is reasonable. The instructions and diagrams supplied (and also shown on the web site) cannot be beat... very well detailed. Got the parts already? Then go the homebrew route-- Buck's not shy in describing what goes into the unit.

I'm even thinking of ordering a kit version for use with my laptop and portable rigs (I could have easily put together an adapter kit to use with the RASCAL 5 but I'll leave this one plugged into the home computer).
W9JCM Rating: 2001-04-17
Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought it built and tested best money i ever spent great levels on my soundcard.
EI7FFB Rating: 2001-04-04
All the bits Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Like the previous post, this kit really has all the bits. (Which is important when you live in a small rural town in Ireland,Ham population 1 !) got one for the ICOM 746 and had it going in a couple of hours, works great. Clear instuctions provided, nice and neat package when finished. Only took a week from VA to Ireland so efficient service.

73 de Noel
N3PJ Rating: 2001-03-14
Everything included!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It took me 2 hours to build this kit from opening package to finish. Easy to understand prints and layout,and the main factor,,not having to run out to rad.-shack and get that one item that you must always buy to get things running. Complete kit for any radio. I highly recommend BuxComm.
73,de N3PJ,,Paul
WA6RZW Rating: 2001-03-14
Good starting point Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I use my BuxCo on a Kenwood TS-570. The first thing I noticed was that when the PTT was triggered from the BuxCo, it didn't cut the regular microphone off. The fix required a wiring change on the multi-pin connector from the BuxCo to the rig. I don't really know if this was a wiring error or not, as there was a design change in the Kenwood rig at some point in the past. Additionally I also noticed the computer audio cable are much too short. After about a months use I decided modifications were required. I replaced the audio cables and added a miniture 3 position switch in the PTT lead, to prevent inadvertant keying from the computer. It also allows forcing the PTT active, thereby allowing audio input from other sources or programs, etc. All in all I am satisfied with the product and feel it was reasonably priced.

73 Ed - WA6RZW
N4UM Rating: 2001-03-14
Great litle box Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've bought three of the things for different radios and am very happy with their performance. I would suggest that the gain pot could be more accessible. The present design requires a screwdriver to adjust drive levels. The other suggestion would be for somewhat longer cables so that the computer need not be quite so close to the rig.
N3HKN Rating: 2001-03-05
It is $25 with solder Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Built one. $25 incl all parts + hookup wire+solder. Nice little box at the right price. Included the cable for the radio & PC as well!!

Eliminated my RF feedback problems.

Dick N3HKN