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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
KC2IYK Rating: 2006-04-09
Quality, Start to Finish Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Impressed with the packaging, manual, construction, and performance. A wonderful purchase for the money. I contrast this to the Emtech ZM-2 ATU kit that I recently bought for the same money- the SignaLink is just quality through and through. The aluminum case, the indicators- just everything about the SignaLink is the quality standard that all of these peripheral components should have.
K1AHL Rating: 2006-04-09
Works Great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a delightful compact unit that works perfectly at K1AHL interfacing a Jupiter with an HP running N4PY Control software and Logic 7 logging software. Easy to set up, the instructions are complete and thorough, included is a small software and utilities disc that has PSK-31, MT-63,SSTV, APRS Packet,RTTY, etc. The jumpers that allow the user to select cable-outs are easy to work with and clearly marked. This unit was ordered with the very reasonably priced SLASSY cable kit; it plugged right into the Data port of the Jupiter and worked right on the first try! The auto-PTT circuit means that no USB or Serial port is needed, and works flawlessly. Tigertronics included a power cable for easy installation as well. The circuit board is neatly laid out, parts are labeled, and the two isolation transformers eliminate any possibility of audio-ground-loop hum. It would be hard to imagine a more efficient and neatly configured interface than the Tigertronics SignaLink SL-1+; it is inexpensive and works excellently at K1AHL!
KC0KP Rating: 2006-02-12
Very good device Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have been running the interface for about three months. I ordered cables for both my IC736 and my FT857D. I use a newer laptop without a serial port so I needed the VOX capability. I am also running a USB port to RS232 convertor cable to run Ham Radio Deluxe for rig control. For the IC736, I am running a Yaesu level convertor designed for the VX5/VX7 into the C-IV port. For the FT857D, I am usting the Yaesu CAT control cable. So far, everything is working great. I love the box. Only have to run external power with the FT857 as the Icom supplies power through the cable. I got two Dip Headers and hard wired the jumpers so I can just swap plugs to change radios. I set both up using an old Yaesu Y101 scope. So far, everything is working beautifully. I would recommend the SL1+ to anyone.
73s
KC0KP
W4KPA Rating: 2006-02-12
Just what I needed Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use this as part of a very small portable station that goes in the side pocket of my computer case when I travel -- the sl-1+, a Yaesu FT-817, a Samlex 3 A power supply, and an MFJ Tiny Travel Tuner. The notebook computer is the biggest part of the set up.

The Tigertronics unit is simple, small, and reliable. What else is there to say?
KO7SS Rating: 2006-02-12
So easy to use Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I wanted to use my laptop in the RTTY WPX running MMTTY. With the radio specific premade cables and connectors I was on RTTY in an hour - amazing!
VK7NRS Rating: 2006-01-24
Gives New Life to Old Rig Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I purchased the SignaLink here in Australia mainly for use on 2 metres with Hampal. My rig is an ancient FT-221 that must have been shocked into the 21st century when I first fired it up on digital, but it worked first time. Since that time I have the Signalink on Olivia through an old TS520S with fantastic results. This is a nice addition to any shack and using readily available network cables, really easy to wire up to work on any rig. Well Done! Ray VK7VKV
WD7H Rating: 2006-01-17
Outstanding Product Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was new to the digital modes and somewhat concerned with the jumpering and set-up that would be needed before getting on the air. That concern was unnecesary! The jumpers went in quickly, easily, and without problems. The set-up was also a snap with the excellent documentation that came with the SignaLink SL-1 +. My TS-870's accessory port is not powered so I decided to try a 5 volt wall transformer. It provided a measured 7 1/4 volts which should have been enough to power the unit properly according to the documentation. It wasn't, so I boosted the power to 9 volts and that solved the problem. I was on the air quickly and am enjoying PSK31 very much. What a mode and what a product Tigertronics delivered. I couldn't be happier with the experience or interface.
WB8ISG Rating: 2005-12-22
great product/fantantastic service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Having bought a new Yaesu FT897 for portable work, I wanted a small digital interface (SignaLink SL-1+)--have a Rigblaster Plus and love it--but wanted small. The unit is really tiny and is easy to set up--I had no trouble with the jumper wires breaking! After a few weeks, my wall wart surged (wrong one anyhow--I am truly an idiot!) and I smoked the board. A quick phone call and email--new board(and the new recc. power supply) in just a few days. I told Jason there that I had surgery planned (neck surgery, just done today) and wanted the unit to play with while I convalesce. Bingo! It will cost me some (shipping, etc.), but considering the fault is 100% mine, the truly personal service is remarkable, and I am grateful for a super interface and incredible serrvice. Way to go SigTronics!
KA4AXS Rating: 2005-12-04
Good for receiving on any radio but not Xmit Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought my SignaLink for high speed CW. I've been using my Signal Link for 9 months. I works on all my radios for receiving and plugging it into my laptop. The software that comes with it requires a lot of attention to properly adjust to receive CW. But, I can't transmit with my SignaLink because you have to take the device apart (not too difficult) and connect several jumper cables. Well, the jumper cables are easy to breakoff in the sockets which makes the device unusable if you break one in the socket. The instruction book even tells you to be very careful when inserting the jumpers. I was very careful but I broke two jumper cables. I inserted them and it was like inserting them into a boiling hot pot of butter. They just broke off instantly. So, now I've got to send it back for a new socket. The price is not bad but you're beating on winning the lottery if you get one because the chances of you screwing up the jumper socket by installing them is not worth the cost savings. Again, you get what you pay for in most things in ham radio and life in general. I'd pay an extra $50 for my SignaLink to come "out of the box ready" for my specific radio. But, it doesn't. I'd wait until the company starts making a product you don't have to take a part on the day you receive it. They are beating that you're really good and qualified to insert their fragile jumpers to make it work.
Ned-KA4AXS
G7SYW Rating: 2005-11-02
Does as it says on the tin! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
After playing around on PSK using a homebrew interface with an older Kenwood radio, when I bought my ft-847 I needed something better as the data port requires a ptt signal on the audio in line and after asking at my local radio store I purchased the Signalink sl-1+

It was a breeze to setup, just installed the jumpers and a small capacitor, made up my own connecting cable by cutting an RJ45 patch lead in two and soldering on the correct plug to one half. Job done in less than 30 mins.

I had to adjust the TX/RX gain presets inside the unit to give the correct levels for my PC but once this was done the unit worked perfectly. I've since had over 300 QSO's on PSK using the interface.

It's small size make it ideal for putting it almost anywhere - you can leave it turned on and put it behind the radio if need...