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Reviews For: SignaLink by Tigertronics

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

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Review Summary For : SignaLink by Tigertronics
Reviews: 112MSRP: 49.95
Description:
Tigertronics has developed the SignaLink™ Interface to help you take advantage of this cutting edge technology. SignaLink™ bridges the gap between your computer and your radio to provide the highest level of performance in all the new modes. In addition to delivering basic functions found in other units, the SignaLink™ provides advanced features and design innovations that set it apart from all the rest!
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.tigertronics.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001124.7
EI2GLB Rating: 2006-12-01
wish everything was as easy Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
bought my sl-1+ second hand on ebay came with two leads one that suited my ft920 and another.
also came with two ic socket holders that have the wire jumpers in them, this means that you can change them to suit different radios and not worrk about breaking the wires in the socket.

took all of 5 mins to set up once i got the proper cables

is a joy to use and would reccomend to anyone
WB8UHZ Rating: 2006-11-11
Pleased Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just got this unit yesterday, hooked it up today, took my time and it took about 2 hours. Not really that much to do but wanted to read the manual and look at the supplied information. Very well made. Got it going right away and have been having a lot of fun.
KG6R Rating: 2006-10-16
Better than the rest Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used the signalink model Sl-1+ for several months. It's main advantage for me is that it does not rely on a serial port cable for transmitting. This eliminates a situation that is potentially problematic. It was easy to set up and I was working rtty and psk31 within a few minutes.

I tried another well known interface and all it did was give me haeadaches. Simplicity is genius. Great job Tigertronics.

73,

Jim KG6R formerly KG6QHP


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Earlier 5-star review posted by KG6R on 2005-01-26

As a newbie to the digital modes and the owner of an older HF transceiver, a Yaesu Ft-101zd, I was skeptical that the SignaLink would work. I decided set up for rtty using Hamscope software. After reading the instructions for the SignaLink and Hamscope I was almost comatose from all of the verbiage. However, I called CQ on 20 meters and I had my first QSO. Amazing. This little box, my new laptop and old ft-101zd made beautiful music.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

73, KG6QHP
AI5RB Rating: 2006-09-30
Perfect! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I needed to interface my Dell laptop(no serial port) to my IC-706MK2G for PSK and could not get any serial-usb adapter to work with my RASCAL interface (that works great with my desktop). The SignaLink SL1+ was easy to set-up and adjust - it worked perfectly the moment it was powered on!
VE7EAR Rating: 2006-09-29
I bought s SL1 10 years ago, and it has performed flawlessly Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using a SignaLink SL-1 for about 10 years and it has peformed flawlessly.

I have other interfaces, but the SignaLink was the easiest to use, the most reliable and did what was promised.

I wanted to move my digital station from my old computer to my new computer, and have the flexibility of dual sound cards. I could not find help anywhere. Then I contacted SignaLink, and I found tremdous support--well beyond their usual policy. They gave me clear and concise instructions on how to set up dual sound cards.
And, in a matter of an evening, I solved weeks of fustration.

For me, service and after sale support are as important as the product itself.

Tigertronics and the SL-1 are winners in both categories.

I am setting up a second digital station at my cabin, and I will be using a SL-1+, for sure.



N5IKG Rating: 2006-08-05
Recommended for MAC Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was having a real problem getting this working right with Mac G5 until someone told me about CocoaModem, freeware, and since then works great. The girl who answered the phone at Tigertronics was helpful. The cables that came with it were all quality.
K7FD Rating: 2006-07-16
Can't be beat! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have used my SignaLink SL+1 w/ both IC-706MKIIG and now a Kenwood TS-480SAT. The interface works like a champ...look no further if you're in the market. Plus it's made in Oregon ;)

73 John K7FD
M0NKD Rating: 2006-06-30
Superb - but where's the power lead? Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Review of the SignaLink 1+

Whilst many of the data modes which use the soundcard in a PC as a digital signal processor do not actually need an 'interface', such interfaces do usually offer at least two advantages:-

1) A method of operating the transceiver's PTT.

2) Isolation between the radio and the computer.

The SignaLink 1+ solves both of the above and when used with the correct interface cable (additional cost) can be neatly connected to many radio's data sockets, thus leaving the microphone always installed.

The unit is beautifully manufactured and the supplied mini CD-ROM contains excellent installation instructions and a good assortment of data mode programs to choose from (Some freeware and some shareware requiring later registration).

I use the device with a Kenwood TS2000X and have purchased the special 13 pin interface cable which connects into the Port II socket on the back of the transceiver. The VOX-like PTT in the SignaLink-1+ works perfectly and means that I can still use the serial port on the Kenwood either for APRS use or rig control purposes - very nice!

I guess my only gripes are that the sound interface cables between the unit and the PC are an additional cost option and that as with many USA pieces of kit does not include a power cable, but only the plug! A barmy idea and I for one would prefer to pay a bit more to have such standard items in the box even if you didn't need them.

Overall, a well implemented and good device with which I am very pleased.
former_GM7USC Rating: 2006-05-17
Outstanding Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had my Signalink SL1+ for a while now.
It's very easy to set up, comes with a cable to connect with your radio (pre wired for that radio). Extra cables are available for almost any radio iirc.
The internal jumbers in the unit are fiddly but again very easy to set up.
I have soldered mine in to prevent them coming out accidently. As I don't intend to use it with any other radio.
As to breaking the internal socket IMV you would have to be very hamfisted with the wires indeed! I did use a pair of long nose pliars, but I did have a soldering iron in my other hand :-)
Since setting up the interface which only took a few minutes (5 - 10 mins max), I have been active on PSK31, RTTY, SSTV and listening on Packet.
IMV the build quality of the unit is very high.
The manual comes on CD with links to software webpages to get you going, rather than actual software IIRC. But all this information is also on tigertronics web site.
So if you want an easy to set up and change for a different radio that doesn't use up the mic socket or a com port on a computer at less than half the price of alternative interfaces, you now know which one to buy :-)

A very happy customer of tigertronics

Gary G(M)7USC
AF4KK Rating: 2006-04-12
Excellent product!! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Wow, this was almost TOO easy! Installation was a breeze, connections were easier and implimentation is the easiest! I've only done SSTV and PSK-31 using my SL1+ but so far, it works very, very well! Great job, Tigertronics!!!!!!