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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
N4ZW Rating: 2004-10-26
Not For 1000D Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This review is qualified in that the interface will not work with some serial number runs of the Yaesu 1000D. Apparently, the 1000D needs more voltage than the USB can provide and must use the traditional RS-232 serial port. I'm sure there are those that understand this better than I!! However, Yuri was a stand-up guy and said, "Hey, no problem, just send it back for a complete refund." Haven't gotten the refund yet, but he probably just got the interface. Great product idea, maybe just not for the older Yaesu rigs. Thanks, Yuri and Nick!!
AD9P Rating: 2004-10-26
Correction Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well have to change my opinion. After Nick gave me a couple of things to check I found that I had not soldered a wire. The problem was mine not The Rig-Expert. I still have not been able to get my Mark V Field to work with Ham Radio Delux. But all in all the system works ok. Once again I have to tell you that MixW is a great program....
Al
AD9P
M0NBY Rating: 2004-10-26
Nice Bit of Kit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had a RigExpert for a while now and have used it in anger in several data contests. I do have a few issues with the way it work especially with my TS2000 when it comes to FSK keying. however I managed to over come that - I now use it with my FT100 and have had not problems.

G0SCX Rating: 2004-10-07
SUPERB Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Unprecedented help from Konstantine in the UK here - it is a long time since I have had such good service and help. The equipment is well made a does exactly what is advertised. Like others, I had a bit of a brain fart setting up the USB and Konstantine virtually did it for me over the net! I had been using the Rigblaster Pro and had cables everywhere!! They are all gone and the shack is much tidier and of course the mike connecter is not tied up. It is not cheap but then again neither is a Rolls Royce! Get one - and get the pre-wired cable for your rig - you will not regret it.
W3GWW Rating: 2004-10-05
Great Unit Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First, the picture of the RigExpert (above) is not correct. The USB port is now located on the rear of the unit along with the DB25 connector. The CW paddle input is on the front of the unit. Both changes are excellent. After pulling my hair out for and hour (because of my own stupidity) I finally got the the RigExpert up and running and..what a dream! I use several programs like MMSSTV and DigiPan 1.8 and they work perfectly. By far the most expensive but also by far the best. Tip... Order the pre-made cable assembly for your rig. Yeah, 45 Bucks or so but it's worth it.
G0FFL Rating: 2004-09-19
Good service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered my rig expert from KMK in the UK, when it arrived I had a problem getting the USB part to work. I emailed KMK and Konstantine (M0BDQ)
was must helpful with suggestions however in the end it was decided that the unit was faulty, KMK sent a replacement out that day and the rigexpert is working fine ..... now all have to do is to learn how to use it :=)

A very good service from KMK thanks
M1MVX Rating: 2004-08-16
Excellent Interface Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just like to say a big thank you to the MixW RigExpert and MixW development teams.
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I've only had mine for a couple of days, but already I've seen a big improvement over my previous homebrew interface, AND it's cured a major RFI problem I had on 40 metres.
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I've been a regular user of MixW for some time now, having graduated from DigiPan, MixW RigExpert and MixW must be the best interface and multi-mode digital software available.
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My only 'wish' would be to add 1.5x to the waterfall zoom menu.
W9SN Rating: 2004-05-19
Fantastic! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have had mine for over 3 months and have used it on all the digital modes: CW, PSK, RTTY, ect. I just love it. I no longer have to adjust my audio levels. I got the cables already made and had no troubles at all. I use mine with my ProII and my 746 both. I have a 25 pin A/B switch and can switch between both rigs with ease. Somebody has truely been using their head when they came up with this idea. No more ugly cables behind my computer.
This unit is a little pricey, but so are the rigs I am hooking it up to. This will make a clean and neat installation without hassels. For years, I made my own cables and ran 2 computers so that I would not tie up my comp ports and sound cards. I run one computer and my sound card and com ports are in use for other things. MixW is great software and now has a great companion with this interface.
N7INK Rating: 2004-04-21
Great Concept Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
With many of the new computers, especially laptops, lacking a serial port, I decided to try one of these new interfaces. My problem was not the interface unit, not the IC-706 Cable, Not even MixW, it was Windows 98SE. The setup of the virtual serial port caused several emails back and forth to Yuri to resolve. I followed the instructions very carefully but could not get MIXW to recognize Com Port 13 as was configured. All the instructions and basic setup went as described until I got to that point. I give points to Yuri for his patience as we tried a number of possible remedies. After we added the appropriate entry in the REGEDIT file, Bingo, the Rig Expert came alive and performed as advertised. Three quick PSK31 contacts later, I switched to CW mode and monitored a few QSOs. It looks like a keeper. I hope the troubleshooting experience with W-98SE gets added to the documentation for others to save the initial frustration I felt. Users of W-XP should not be faced with the same problem. I look forward to using this interface for a long time and can recommend it. Perhaps I will add to the review after I have had the opportunity to thoroughly check out some of the other modes.
Bob, N7INK
KO6JF Rating: 2004-04-13
Takes computer interfaces to a higher level Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I now have two favorite interface devices, the Donner and the MixW RigExpert. The price may scare away a few buyers, but when you see what you get it is a bargin.

This one box:

Removes the need for a serial port.
Removes the need for connecting computer audio cables or the need for a sound card for that matter.
Works seamlessly with the best multi purpose software around, MixW and also works with Digipan.
Provides highly integrated CAT/CIV rig control.

I could go on but you get the idea. The best is that it is plug and play. Very good on-line documentation. Setting up Rig control (CAT/Civ) was a matter selecting values in a popup screen.

Only one caution: build your own cables. I have read of problems with factory built cables and the kits offered don't come with top notch components. The web site offers very good wiring diagrams and a pin-out list for the rs232 connector.

One last feature. The new version of MixW (2.12) has a program that allows you to access and control the RigExpert over a network. You can use a networked PC or laptop in another room to run PSK31 from your shack.