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Reviews For: MixW RigExpert USB Transceiver Interface (Modem)

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

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Review Summary For : MixW RigExpert USB Transceiver Interface (Modem)
Reviews: 45MSRP: 199
Description:
MixW RigExpert is a device for operating CW and digital modes using a personal computer with USB port. It provides transceiver audio interface, CAT interface for various transceiver models, FSK output, PTT and CW keyer functions, and built-in electronic CW keyer. By using a transceiver cable, MixW RigExpert is connected to the transceiver audio in/out, FSK, CW and CAT sockets. No additional interface boxes needed to connect the device to a transceiver. It frees up the computer sound card and COM port previously used to operate digital modes.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.rigexpert.net
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00454.5
DL4EAX Rating: 2005-11-11
Impressive easy Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered the RigExpert with cables for the FT-847 (HF-VHF) a few days ago.
I had some issues with PTT switching because of an older version of the Serial <--> USB Driver that I have been using for another (already installed) Serial <--> USB Converter.
After uninstalling the older version and installing the version from the CDROM, the issue has gone.
So I am happy with this "plug and play" setup and have been on the air in a jiffy.
For the high price I would expect to get a neater enclosure, this is the only drawback I found.
For this reason I rate it a 4 instead of 5.
See you on the air, Michael.
WB8QEP Rating: 2005-07-29
An unbelieveable Unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered a Rigexpert solely based on the reviews on this webpage and yet was somewhat reluctant because it is not a well known product like some CAT hardware on the market. Well let me tell you this is a wonderful interface and with the great help of Glenn (W3GWW), a true professional and skilled technical advisor I was up and running in no time using a program called Mixw, a tremendous CAT program. I would advise Rigexpert to any ham who wants an easy to set up interface that takes full advantage of USB and really works. I would advise all hams who want to explore the full experience of digital interfacing to purchase this unit.............WB8QEP
W0MT Rating: 2005-06-13
HW is 5--SW is 2 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got the RigExpert up and running with my 756Pro2 is short order. Simply followed the instructions and had no problems. Got MixW up and running with no problems. I have 2 serious complaints about the SW. First, what documentation? There is none and learning how to use MixW is by trial-and-error and word of mouth. Second, supplied with the system is software (REaudio) that allows the use of third-party software such as Ham Radio Deluxe. Unfortunately, with REaudio loaded on my system, it causes the system to hard crash when trying to use Gamin's Map Source program. Others have reported the same problem. It is necessary to disable REaudio in order to run Map Source. I just hope that at some point someone documents MixW and this serious SW bug is fixed.
WX4O Rating: 2005-06-07
Tricky to set up, but OK Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I had an 'operator malfunction' when I plugged the interface cable into my IC-718. Upside down.
They warned me about that, but it fit nicely the wrong way. Waterfall display was 'gapped' and the rig wouldn't transmit. Finally I took a look at the plug and dope-slapped myself. Setting up the ports is easy enough if you read the directions. Works fine now. MixW works too, as does Ham Radio Deluxe.
W0QU Rating: 2005-06-07
Can't get it to work with my ProII Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I used a Donner's Digital interface for PSK31 for a short time with my TS-450 and a Dell Pentium III computer with great results. I sold the TS-450 with the interface and bought a used ProII and a new RigExpert. I've had it for probably 4 months and it still isn't working after spending a lot of time on the phone with technical support. The U.S. Distributor sent me a new one with a new set of cables but that one didn't work. Well, we got it working for 2 days until my computer rebooted and then nothing since. Tech Support said my Dell (with 512Mb of memory) didn't have enough memory to work with MixW. So I bought a new HP Pentium 4 with 1 gig of memory and guess what ... RigExpert doesn't work with that either. There's no waterfall display so the cable is suspect. A new one was supposed to arrive a week ago but hasn't yet. CAT control has worked but mostly doesn't. It's a lot of money to spend when it can't be used. If anyone is successfully using the RigExpert with an Icom IC-756ProII I'd really appreciate learning what you did to make RigExpert work! If I can get it working I'll certainly give it a higher grade.
W1ALK Rating: 2005-05-12
The Best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The RigExpert is without a doubt one of the best investments I've made for my station. Simple to set up, works like a charm. Outstanding support, best I've seen. Got my unit in two days and had it set up and ready to go in 15 minutes or less. Had a RigBlaster Plus before this, and as far as I'm concerned this unit has the RigBlaster beat by a mile. Don't get me wrong the RigBlaster does the job, but fooling around with all the cables, jumpers and sound card settings takes the fun out of digital modes. Swapping the RigExpert between computers is a snap. Great product.
KO6XL Rating: 2005-03-02
excellent interface and software Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Works well with my Kenwood ts-850 and MixW2.14. Has a learning curve, but once you figure it out you start racking in those QSO's. Works well on rtty, once you figure out how to tune and transmit properly. The cw interface works well too. Gone are the wires hanging all over the computers and the constant unplugging of the wires from the ts-850 to use it in sideband.
WB5AGX Rating: 2004-12-16
No Problems Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It is being used with a Kenwood 450SAT in the W5UNT club station in order to eliminate the usual nest of wires. There were no problems at all with setup, and it worked perfectly the first time. The club computer is upgraded often, and it was an issue to reconfigure new sound cards, wrestle with com ports, etc. I did read all the posts on the Yahoo Group to see if it had worked with this particular rig before, and it had. Now, it has worked with at least two '450SATs! Also, I did get the prepared cable for this rig. The construction is fine.
KU4MO Rating: 2004-11-20
Got a second one as good as the first Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got a second rigexpert interface for my old 2 meter allmode. It works as good as the first and this one has the usb connector on the back which makes it even better. I had to first get a circuit board to install for data transfer and level conversion which I got from "hosenose.com" and then I easily connected the rigexpert, so now I can get 2 meter packet on my laptop along with hf digi on my desktop. A great product and no sound card worries.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by KU4MO on 2004-05-21

I've been using the Mixw Rigexpert interface about a month now and I am very satisfied. Initially I had a driver issue but Yuri who does the USA ditribution for the product helped me through e-mail to resolve the issue and I have not had a problem since.Yuri provides very good tech support if you need it. I was very satisfied with his assistance.
G4SJP Rating: 2004-11-02
Brilliant! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I spent a long time trying to justify to myself that I could do better with the RigExpert than with my existing set-up. In the end I went for it, and do not regret the decision at all. It works extremely well, and was a very easy job to set up for operation with MixW. With the latest REAUDIO driver, it will work with plenty of other software too.
Differences I have noticed compared with standard soundcard solutions....
1. Better TX IMD (so long as you set it right first).
2. Much improved copy of weak signals, even compared with the Audigy 2NX soundcard! The waterfall just looks so clean.
3. Far fewer leads, as the RigExpert has not only replaced my audio isolation interface, but has allowed me to dispense with my CAT interface too.
4. Other family members playing games, music etc on the PC don't affect my sound settings.

I 'm very happy. Konstantine's support is fast.