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Reviews For: SignaLink USB Computer-Radio Interface

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

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Review Summary For : SignaLink USB Computer-Radio Interface
Reviews: 261MSRP: 89
Description:
The new SignaLinkTM USB combines the performance of our SL-1+ with a state of the art “built-in” low-noise USB Sound Card. This innovation delivers optimum performance while eliminating the need to attach to your computer's existing sound card. Convenient front panel controls and simplified installation make this one of the most user-friendly interfaces on the market.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.tigertronics.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
152614.7
AE6AC Rating: 2011-05-26
Nicely Executed Product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I really like this little product. I had originally built my own home brewed interface which worked well, however, after using the Signal Link USB there are a number of things I like better about it. I am using it with an ICOM ProII radio connected through the ACC-1 socket on the back of the radio and a Windows 7 laptop.

1) The Signal Link USB installs as a second sound card on your computer. This gives you the ability to separate out windows systems sounds from the communication audio. We have all heard the windows startup sound while working the digital bands. This keeps that from happening.

2) It has just two cables to the unit, a USB cable from the computer and a interface cable to the ACC socket.

3) The signal link has easy to get at control knobs for adjusting volume.

Installed and worked right out of the box and is a very nicely executed product.

Wish list:
It would be nice if a future version added a USB serial port internal to the unit as this could be used for PTT control, CW, RTTY and FSK keying.
WA4RVB Rating: 2011-05-17
GREAT LITTLE UNIT Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
THIS IS ONE EASY INTERFACE TO USE..YOU WILL LIKE IT..
N4KC Rating: 2011-05-15
OK, I'll pile on! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I'm on a computer keyboard 10 to 12 hours a day, so I have resisted PSK31 and RTTY for a while. I did RTTY back in the '70s when we used monstrous, clunky, oil-and-sprocket-slinging surplus machines and boxes of fan-fold paper. Well, times have changed.

I got the SignaLink USB from DX Engineering and, of course, ordered the wrong interface cable. DXE handled that fine so far, assuming they credit my card for the returned cable as promised. But when I got the correct cable, from first opening the SignaLink to install the jumpers to making the first contact took less than two hours. Most of that was downloading and setting up Digital Master, from Ham Radio Deluxe, my choice for software.

The device worked perfectly from the get-go, the manual and instructions--though you have to go to Tigertronics' web site for different instructions for Windows Vista or 7--were fine...including an extra sheet from DX Engineering and good tips on their web site, too. I have not touched the TX, RX or DLY knobs since setting them to begin with.

First contact: UA3BRD on PSK31 on 20M, solid copy both ways, and I was running 20 watts on a very crowded band. I still can't believe I can pull perfectly printing signals out of all that wailing and squalling! (I've also learned to turn down the AF gain...the SignaLink gets its audio out of the accessory port on my Kenwood TS-2000.) But I've already worked all over Europe in the first few days.

Fine product! Well supported by DXE. And very reasonably priced. Sure overcame my excuses for not getting on PSK and RTTY! And gave me just another way to enjoy the heck out of this great hobby.

Don N4KC
www.n4kc.com
www.donkeith.com
N6PAZ Rating: 2011-05-13
Simple, easy, excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.

Simple and easy to setup. I unboxed the unit read the instructions, configured the SignalLink, then Windows 7, connected it to the ICOM HF radio and within a few minutes using fldigi made a contact to Canada on 20m PSK31. It was that simple.
AE5J Rating: 2011-05-10
Quality Product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used Tigertronics' products since they first started up. The first SL-1's were clunky to set up, but performace was flawless.

The Signalink USB is incredible. Buy it with the plug in headers - makes wiring a thing of the past. Perfect performance. I had it on the air in less than 15 minutes. The integral sound card makes laptops sing! Highly recommended.
VK5SA Rating: 2011-05-09
Perfect! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I tried another interface, and spent a fruitless weekend tearing my hair out trying to get levels right.
I ordered a SignaLink USB interface, and was on air using PSK31 for the first time in around 20 minutes.
The instructions are excellent, and the Yahoo forum (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TigertronicsSignaLink/) has lots of help available.
The correct cable was included for my IC0706MkiiG.
A pleasure to install, configure and use.

WD8T Rating: 2011-05-04
Easy as it gets! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I can't say anything that hasn't been said already about this great interface. I've had some others that were more expensive but IMO this is the best and by FAR the easiest to set up. The unit went from in the box to a PSK31 QSO with my Yaesu FT-950 in about 10 minutes. It's amazing. Everything you need comes with it and construction is very high quality.
KI6JPE Rating: 2011-04-18
Compact, Easy setup, great! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've owned two other brands of devices, one MFJ and two of the WMR models. Only one of the previous 3 functioned as it was supposed to. I could never get the NoMIC to function properly, and returned the MFJ for a refund.

So it was with some trepidation I purchased this. I'd read the reviews and it seemed to get high marks but I'm the "I'll believe it when I see it" kinda guy.

I am impressed.

Very easy to set up and tune for a good signal. Within an hour I'd racked up several QSO's in AZ, one in MT, and one in Key West, FL.

Easiest set up yet - though Windows 7 throws it's own set of challenges, they were not insurmountable (such as tweaking all the volume controls just right). I'm a computer sw QA engineer by trade, so I know what I'm doing around hardware & software.

I'll never buy another brand again. If I need to get another, or a replacement for this one, I'm sticking with the Signalink USB interface, unless the folks at SignaLink come out with something even better... they've got their work cut out for them as this is going to be a tough mark to surpass.
James Schings Rating: 2011-04-17
Finest interface. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Plug and Play used on a FT-200D with Win7. Just works. Used on RTTY, PSK, JT65, and all the other digital modes. Uses it's own sound card so it doesn't interfere with any PC sound programs. I have used other interfaces this is my favorite by far. I never touch a knob and it works every time.
K2VJK Rating: 2011-04-11
Great!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The SignaLink USB makes digital modes a breeze. I have used it for Olivia, JT65, PSK31, MT63, packet (with AGW-PE), and SSTV. It just works. I would recommend it to everyone. Thanks TigerTronics for this fine tool.