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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
N1KSN Rating: 2002-10-02
Works for me Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought an assembled Rascal unit for my FT-817. (Yeah, should have done the kit, but I've been saving my kit building energies for larger stuff.) The unit uses the data port.

I installed WinPSK from the included disk on my second-hand Compac Armada laptop, plugged everything together, and presto, several PSK31 contacts on my first outing in digital.

I then installed a Feld Hell program and had my first Hell QSO with NB6Z, the guy whose website taught me about digital modes! Small world.

Since then I've also tried RTTY with some satisfaction, and the Buxcom interface has worked flawlessly. The construction could be more sturdy, but it seems adequate for my situation. To me, the convenience of a plug-and-play unit customized to my rig was well worth the price.

KA2UUP Rating: 2002-09-24
Works well! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I got the regular RASCAL and then ordered the FSK one. Both work very well and will use on my next radio purchase because I am using another brand now.

Only pet peeve is the plastic case. I bought a small metal case from Radio Shack for about 1.50 and may transplant the circuitry to that in the future.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KA2UUP on 2001-03-14

Just got a unit all built for the ICOM IC-746. Put it to work and does everything as advertised. I also appreciate the drawing that comes with the unit. The computer disk that comes has a good assortment of software. delivery took 10 days. I am impressed! I was able to eliminate the MIC/TNC switch and the MFJ-1214 Multimode Converter, so now the shack is less cluttered.
KD7KGX Rating: 2002-08-23
Kit ->good performance:price Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased the RASCAL kit for the Ten-Tec Omni VI to augment/replace a RigBlaster NOMIC that I was using for both of my rigs... the NOMIC is now assigned solely to my Elecraft K2.

Advantages over the NOMIC:

• isolates both rcv and xmit audio

I was getting some hum when using the NOMIC with the Omni... none with the RASCAL. The NOMIC works great with the K2.

Shortcomings over the NOMIC:

• cables permanently attached

Okay if you always leave it hooked up to one rig, a pain to change between rigs. If this were my only interface I'd build it differently (I'd buy the necessary jacks to support detachable cables, and a new enclosure).

• the case is pathetic

The plastic enclosure keeps the dust out... otherwise it's worthless. It's flimsiness makes it extremely hard to cut a decent-looking hole for the cables. I try not to look at mine, and have a couple of nicer enclosures waiting for a spare afternoon and some motivation.

Summary: it works, and works well. The kit is simple to build and takes less than an hour... so why not save some $$ and get into the ham spirit by building some gear? I have no problems recommending this unit to other hams... I just wish it looked nicer. Perhaps BuxComm will build a nicer interface with a metal enclosure and jacks for all of the cables... then they would have an interface that would crush the competition.
KB4UTV Rating: 2002-08-16
Great!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Originally purchased to use with my RS HTX 10 for PSK and SSTV. Re-wired for my TS520S and works super. RTTY, PSK, SSTV, Hell. Nice easy kit and I got prompt responses to my questions.
KA4KOE Rating: 2002-08-16
KISS (keep it simple stupid) Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Keep it simple studid. $54 and that ain't bad at all. No money wasted on fancy silk screening or all that. Just what you need and no more. Besides, the unit sits on the floor out of sight and does what its supposed to. Who cares what it looks like? The initial problems were my fault and due to just inexperience. The lil Rascal works fine. Doncha just love FSK?

Philip
N5ZC Rating: 2002-08-15
Nice Unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had a rigblaster M8 version. I really wanted to take advantage of the rear panel ACC-1 jack on my IC-756pro and get the cables and a box off of my desk. So I sold the Rigblaster and ordered the Bux Icom version with the FSK interface.

Worked out of the shipping box in about 5 minutes. I considered the Latest Rigblaster interface with the FSK option but its twice the price.

The Bux box is not nearly as professional looking as the Rigblaster box, but who cares, I saved some $$'s for antenna wire and I"m able to use the rear connetor on my rig. All the wires and box are on the back of my operating desk out of site and out of the way.

It shipped quickly too.
KI5II Rating: 2002-07-22
Great interface Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have had mine for over a year and no problems at all. For the money its a good buy. Plug and Play.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KI5II on 2002-01-11

I have been using the Bux Comm for 9 months with my Ten Tec Jupiter and have used RTTY, MFSK16, PSK31, CW, AND SSTV all flawlessly. Recieved the unit within a few days of the order and have been extremly happy with it's performance and value. Interface cable was included in price and it was just plug and play. I highly recommend it.

Jim
N0OR
W1EPM Rating: 2002-07-22
Works Great! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Built in less than three hours. Connected to an FT-847 by the i/o jack. Best part of the project was something assembled at home. Simple design, and priced right!
K6XR Rating: 2002-07-20
good product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I did not find the construction to be cheezy nor sub par but just find for the product being offered. It worked right out of the box, no problems what-so-ever. I use it daily and it performs the functions it was designed for without any problems. I have the utmost confidence in this produect. Additionally, my correspondence with the manufacturer was also exceptional and just what I would expect from a vendor.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by K6XR on 2002-02-15

No problems here with buxcom. I had great service, got a good product that works well. I had good correspondence with the owner. I would buy again in a heart beat

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Earlier 5-star review posted by K6XR on 2002-01-17

ordered mine for the ts-570dg. Installed per instructions and it works like it should. I have had no problems with it, the case, wires, or anything else. I have no complaints....yet....
AB0TA Rating: 2002-07-20
Works OK with a few added mods Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was disappointed with the cheap plastic case and the hot melt glue holding it all together. I had ordered a unit specifically for my Icom 751, but the microphone cable was wired completely wrong , AND it was the wrong connector. To top it off I had to add a few bypass capacitors and an additional transformer to keep all the RFI out. I don't understand . I have never had RFI problems with ANYTHING in my shack before. I went ahead and added a blue LED to the FSK line which I prefer on RTTY.
I think I'll just rebuild it in a metal box.