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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
W4KPA Rating: 2011-02-16
Great Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I won't repeat what's already been said. It performs very well and it adds a level of convenience that other interfaces don't have. This is my third commercially-built interface, and it's the best.
KJ4FGI Rating: 2011-01-20
Great unit Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Had it since 2007 and love it, no issues and software handshakes with no problem.
WB0FDJ Rating: 2011-01-20
Outstanding Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I've tried several different interfaces and this one "just works" and very well. My shack computer runs Ubuntu Linux and when I plug this in it offers a bunch of different interface options (which can become important if you use a variety of software app's). I now have rig cables for my FT817, IC703+, TT Jupiter but really use it 99% of the time on the old TT Omni V. Yeah, really. Many of the other interfaces required software adjustment of volume, making them a pain in the butt. Having outboard audio adjustment is a must. I use this for PSK and WSJT JT65a.

If all you are ever going to do is PSK there are a lot of options out there, no question. But for me, a QRP op (adjusting output frequently), running linux, going in and out of different software apps this is as slick as it gets.
KY6R Rating: 2011-01-13
Perfect for my needs Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have the Keyspan USB interface between the K3 and the Mac, MacLoggerDX working with that, and the Signalink connected via USB to the Mac for running with CocoaModem.
A couple of simple cables, and it all works.

All interfaces are the cats meow - they do just what I want - and think the way I do.

73,

Rich
WB3IGR Rating: 2011-01-13
5 STARS! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've had this unit only 2 days and I can tell right off that it is a WINNER. Extreamly easy to set up. Operation is a snap! I was on the air in less then an hour from the time I opened the box!
AJ4RW Rating: 2010-12-16
SIMPLE TO SET UP, BEST MONEY SPENT FOR DIGITAL OPERATING Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
For digital operating, this is the way it's suppose to be. Easy to set up and start QSOing. Spent about 1 hour from start to finish and was able to have a QSO on BPSK-31. The SignaLink USB has 2 wires coming out of it which makes for a less cluttered desktop. Thanks Tigertronics for making a dummy-proof digital interface.
Randy AJ4RW
NF7T Rating: 2010-11-29
Easiest Interface to setup ever! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is by far the easiest and best performing interface available. I have used home brew interfaces, Kam All Modes, MFJ 1241B, Little Rascals, RigBlaster Pros, and they all have one thing in common. They require the use of your sound card and a lot of cables, plus constant adjustment of your sound card settings. All in all these are a pain in the neck.

The Signal Link USB solves all of the problems mentioned above and gives you a "PERFECT" signal everytime you TX. You will get many compliments on how clean your signal is.

This is the ultimate plug and play interface. It only takes 15-30 minutes for the initial setup. When you open the box the instructions show you how to setup the jumpers for your radio. After that you have to plug in two cables. My computer recognized it immediately and installed the drivers. The three knobs on the front do all of the adjustments. Once you are up and running you very seldom ever have to adjust anything. I leave my ALC meter on full time. As I roam up and down the band, occasionally I see the ALC rise a little. I merely turn the TX knob very slightly while in TX, to drop the ALC to zero.

This interface puts the fun in digital operations. No more having to play with audio output levels of the radio. Turn your audio completely off and kick back and enjoy digital communications in silence. This is something you can not do with a RigBlaster or Little Rascal.

I'm going to buy a second one soon for my other station.
N3WJ Rating: 2010-11-27
So Far, I'm Impressed Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My old dedicated radio PC died so I was forced to have to switch everything over to my newer all purpose PC running Windows 7. Since it did not have a serial port, and I didn't want to interfere with my good speakers I use for streaming music, I did not, could not, use my old interface with it's spiderweb of connections. I ordered a SignaLink USB with the ICOM cable from DX Engineering the Weds afternoon before Thanksgiving and had it in my mailbox by early Friday afternoon (nice job DX Engineering!) I was concerned about having to install the jumpers but that was a non issue. It only takes two cables, one to the radio and one to a USB port on the computer, which the computer recognized and installed the drivers instantly. Set up was very straightforward. From opening the box, I was back on the air in about 30 minutes. The SL USB looks good on the desk, works great, and removes lots of wire clutter while freeing up my computer's soundcard and speakers. It's also a bargain. The only recommendation would be that Tigertronics should included printed instructions for Windows 7 in the instruction manual. Yes, it is easy enough to find on their website but be aware the setup is quite different from the generic "Windows" instructions to those needed for 7.
NV2A Rating: 2010-09-29
Slick little device Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I think it's one of the few things in my shack that does exactly what it is supposed to do. I'd like to see Signal Link comeout with a convienant way to do FSK on todays digital rigs.

Here's a mounting tip. I taped a piece of steel sheet metal to the bottom of mine. I now use magnets to hold it in place on the side of my radio. I have 3 round neodymium magnets 1/2"long by 3/8"s wide and they really hold it solid. Would be a nice option for Signalink...thin steel plate that screws onto to bottom with small screws and three magnets.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by NV2A on 2010-01-29

Only big thing I didn't like about mine was dealing with it physically on the operating desk. I used some nylon filament tape to tape a 2" x 2" chunk of sheetmetal to the bottom of the aluminum case. I then took 3 neodidium magnets 1/2" in diameter and about 3/8" long and stuck it to the top of my 756 Pro III and it works perfect and stays put when I fiddle with the adjust ments.

My only dissappointment is that I sure wish I could do FSK with it but haven't figured that out. All those great RTTY filters in the 756 Pro III going to waste :(
K8OCN Rating: 2010-09-28
I own 2 of these Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I purchased these to replace my RIGblaster Pro's. I wanted something that would work on USB, and these are simple to connect to the rig.

My only problem is I almost always have to screw around with the sound card settings whenever I plug it in. A little fiddling and it works great.

I can not complain about the price, I love the level controls being on the front.

I have only used on PSK31 and RTTY, I still use my older RigBlasters on Echolink.

I gave it a 4 because I really don't like the fact that its a pain to have to mess with the sound card settings when I want to use the interface. They have a small program available on the website and that program fixes the problem most of the time. It would be great if it just worked the same every time I want to use it and plug it in.

I would without question buy another.