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Reviews For: Rascal GLX

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

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Review Summary For : Rascal GLX
Reviews: 55MSRP: 39.95
Description:
Computer-to-rig interface for PSK31, SSTV, EchoLink, Packet, RTTY (FSK & AFSK), eQSO, WJST, APRS, CW, MT63, and more.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.packetradio.com/rascalmkv.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00553.6
W4HWB Rating: 2007-07-11
Worked First Try Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Worked for me the first time. All the cables I needed were included, connected everything, loaded the PSK31 software that's in Ham Radio Deluxe and pretty much worked the first try. Did have to adjust my transmit level a little but other than that, works great. Good product for the money.
N8NQP Rating: 2007-07-08
If you are a mastercard Ham Pay more money for something else! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had one of the original Rascals and recently purchased 2 of the GLX's.

First off, it is NOT the fault of the interface if it KEYS as soon as you plug it in!! Most of the new USB serial ports cause the radio to key! As soon as you start Mixw or other software, it stops keying. This is NOT because the interface is defective, its because of the serial ports. I tried the interface on an older Toshiba laptop, and did not have any problem.

As to not being able to control the sound with Vista and others. Buck builds the interface, you are expected to understand the computer side. IF you don't, don't blame him! I have used ALL 3 interfaces with Vista Business with no problems!

Like I said in the title, if you want plug and play, and don't want to "mess with things" then go pay $200 for someone else's interface. If you want something inexpensive, buy this!
WD5CCW Rating: 2007-07-01
Bargain Performer Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After I made the order, it arrived within a few days, so I knew what my weekend activity was going to be like. I finally got around to setting up the Rascal GLX with my icom 751a. The instructions were straight-forward and easy to understand. I got it to receive no problem, but it took some tweaking on my part and the right combination of buttons on my rig to get it transmitting. Within a couple of hours, I had read the instructions; assembled the Rascal GLX product/cables correctly; adjusted the rig and made a few psk31 qso all without spending alot for a more expensive interface and getting the same results.
FORMER_K5GMT_CC Rating: 2007-06-29
Poor performer Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have tried to use this with several diferrent radios with poor results. I have to constantly adjust the audio level to the radio down to prevent splatter on PSK31. The control is so sensitive that either I am overdriving or have little or no output. I am going back to Rigblaster. They cost more but they work.
K3PRN Rating: 2007-04-06
Works Very Well- a real bargain Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The Rascal GLX works extremely well and there is no reason to spend $279 for a West Mountain Pro for using the digital modes. With the Rascal GLX you get all the necessary cables and free programs for $49.
I feel that most people having problems with the Rascal don't realize that it doesn't come with detailed instructions for using the device with your rig. You MUST read your tranceivers manual and set the rig for the digital modes settings with the correct menu selections. You must learn a little about computer soundcards and the digital modes through the internet. This can be very frustrating! Using it with the Kenwood TS-570Sg was very simple. Using the Rascal GLX with the Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark V Field and the rear packet din plug requires more effort. One must go to menu 8.6 and make the appropriate selections. If you have problems with the Mark V Field hookup go to the many reflectors for assistance. I currently use the Bux Rascal GLX for both the Kenwood TS-570Sg and Yaesu Mark V Field with excellent results. It is a very good product at a great price.
N3ATS Rating: 2007-02-25
FB with TS450S Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought the interface to connect my PC to my Kenwood TS450S via the 13 pin DIN "ACC2" connector on the rear of the radio.

I had no problems getting it to work, and no problems since I've been using it. I've used it on two different computers with no trouble.

Yes, you have to set some levels. But you should be up and running in 15 minutes.

Simple, and effective. I am going to order the adapter cable for my IC706MKIIG next.
KA4AIY Rating: 2007-02-09
GLX-RYGood idea , bad implementation Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After inquiries to Buxcom regarding how to operate PSK31 on my Icom 703, IE which product would interconnect PC with 703, I got a reply that said their GLX "RY" series was plug compatible and do the job. I forked out the price and promptly received the RY model whose package declared it worked on ICOM 703 and 706 via a 13 Pin cable to the ACC jack on the radios. Well... the unit would transmit in RTTY mode but not Icom's packet mode (SSB-D). After several inquires back to Buxcom tech support.. I got comments like it works for other 703's.. well... further more they said there was no difference between 703's and 706's.. maybe true but I doubt it. As the setup menu of the 706 is different to same degree and the tech at Buxcom did not seem to know that. The bottom line here is you are your own... fine. After careful review of pin outs of the ACC interface in the ICOM manual, it revealed that the ACC pin definitions for PSK31 in the 703 differs between "RTTY" mode and "SSB-D" (packet mode). So where as the input on pin 10 for RTTY, audio input from PC for PSK31 is input on pin 10. The result is while the PTT activates the transmitter, no out put is applied to the carrier. My opinion is that the manufacturer of the GLX only implemented logic in the interface unit to effect RTTY mode, not grasping that a different pin is used to input AF signal from software/PC sound card. of course, the tech at Buxcom asserts none such.. but he/she did send me a return authorization. Of course, they will assess me a re-stocking fee.. bummer since I purchased on their assertion that the RY version was plug compatible with the ICOM 703 which is only partially true. My assessment is this: PT Barnum was right... sucker born every minute.. and Will Rogers never met Buck Rogers... so his record is intact. And finally, Mr Rogers should take a refresher course in American Economics... and become acquainted the concept of consumer sovereignty instead of his apparent belief in "if we build it, they will come."
FORMER_W5TD_JOHN Rating: 2007-02-01
Had to return mine Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought a Rascal interface recently, and it didn't work right out of the box. Somehow RF was getting into the rig or something, since it would show full output when only the serial port jack was connected and nothing was hooked to the soundcard. I know what I am doing setting up an interface since I have used several before, include a Rascal. Buxcomm did answer the phone, and offered to repair it, but wanted me to pay return shipping for a product which they screwed up on. I just took a refund instead.
W8LSV Rating: 2007-01-30
Great interface easy to install Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Received my Rascal few days ago was up and running in 20 mins on all modes including CW everything was very well made would buy again great product you must read all instructions before you install if you want it to work correctly thanks for very good product they always answered the phone when I called.
tested on digipan, Multipsk, PK31 CWget Bud
KE4DYG Rating: 2007-01-27
works great Time Owned: N.A.
The rascal works great, i had the rascal hooked up on yaseau 840 but need to use the rascal on a 520 kenwood. I think i need to change the mic zand change the wiring i need help with this any ideas thanks Robert