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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
W4DRH Rating: 2013-11-07
Great product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have 3. Very well made and well thought out.
WD0FIA Rating: 2013-08-29
Excellent unit! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
After looking at the 200+ reviews, there isn't much I can say that has not already been said!

I own 6 of the SignaLink USB units. At home I use them on my FT-450, TS-2000, and Icom 718. I have them on my mobiles in the Mustang, HHR, and Coachman. I have NO problem using them on PSK, Olivia or M110a. I love just listening to CW while using the SignaLink USB to improve my code!

I have the WB3REM ULI, BuxComm Rascal, MFJ-1278B/1270/1274/1275, and West Mountain Rigblaster(s), for comparison. The SignaLink USB stands out as easy to configure and adapt.
N8OX Rating: 2013-07-16
SignaLink USB Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I and a co-worker ordered the SignaLink USB for our respective rigs. He had the Icom IC-706MkIIG and I had the Kenwood TS-450SAT, TM-241A, TM-261A, TM-281, and an Alinco DX-70. My co-worker is new to Ham radio and actually has no digital experience at all. We also ordered the Plug-n-Play modules (for me only the TS-450SAT / TM-241A). I put the module in his interface and he took it home to play. He had no real issues and was on the air pretty quickly. I, on the other hand, had issues that, with the assistance of Tech Support, were able to work through. I chose the 8-pin round mic cable because it would work with my Kenwood TS-450S and Alinco DX-70. They both used the same Plug-n-Play module too. I followed all the provided instructions but found I was getting no receive signal on the waterfall using the Kenwood. I actually tried three different computers and four different Kenwood radios. I had also ordered the cable for the modular mic and used the internal jumpers for the TM-261A and TM-281A. Still no receive signal indication. I went through the computer, FLDIGI, and SignaLink setup several times to make sure I wasn't doing something wrong. I found I could transmit using the SignaLink but to receive I had to change the configuration to use the computer's mic and put it near the radio's speaker. I did get the device to work with the Alinco DX-70. This told me it had to be something with the Kenwood setup. I looked closer at the Plug-n-Play module and noticed the jumper for the speaker was not across the two pins. I put the jumper in the proper place thinking this should do it because I should now get audio supplied to the SignaLink but it did not. I finally ended up calling Tech Support (difficult to get in touch with; only three days a week and limited hours). I told the representative everything I had done. He asked if I had verified the mic pin-out in the owner's manual. I told him I had not but their site indicated the jumper setting for my radio was as I had described. I checked the owner's manual and found "NC" (no connection) on pin 6 (SPKR for the Plug-n-Play module) of the mic. Tech Support asked me to remove the jumper and connect my radio audio output to the speaker jack on the rear of the SignaLink. That took care of the issue. The device now works as it should. Going back and looking at the instructions, there was a note to verify you actually have a speaker connection on the mic pin indicated. I actually read this every time I was going through the instructions but assumed my rig had it because it was specifically listed. I am still giving this a 5 rating because had I done due diligence in checking the pin-out, I not have had to call Tech Support and would've been on the air three days earlier. Technically I was on the air but it was a "rigged" method of operation. With over 42 years of electronics experience... who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Bottom line is, no matter what the instructions may say, verify everything is what it says it should be and expect the unexpected. I learned quite a bit doing all of this and I consider that to be tools I can put in my “tool kit of experience.” Next is to try getting the device to work with my VHF radios. I like the idea of the versatility and I'm glad that the Alinco and Kenwood setup ended up being exactly the same. I would recommend the SignaLink USB to anyone wanting to get into digital operations. Just read the instructions… Maybe a checklist to mark off each item as it is done would help. Just a thought.
KB1UJS Rating: 2013-06-13
Should have bought it first Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have been working PSK 31 for the last two years using an external USB sound card and an unisolated interface cable. The combination worked fine, but I did have trouble with getting the audio level from the computer to the radio adjusted. I finally broke down and bought the Signalink USB with the 13 pin Icom interface cable for my IC-718. It took me longer to install the jumpers in the Signalink than to get it configured with my radio and computer. Windows 7 automatically installed the drivers and after adjusting the audio levels according to Tigertronics' instructions I was getting clean copy in fldigi. The RX and TX adjustment knobs on the front of the unit are SO much easier to use than software sliders on the computer. This unit was well worth the money.
VA7ACG Rating: 2013-05-31
Super product Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Took me a bit to set it up but it has been flawless ever since. Luv this device.
LICENSED1962 Rating: 2013-05-02
Others try to copy... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
...but I stuck with the original and am 100% satisfied with the isolation and the form/function of this reasonably priced outboard USB audio card/interface.

I have used homebrew in the past, but having the only controls I need right there on the tidy box (big enough knobs) is wonderful.

For almost two years I have been using it with the (supplied) cable into a TS480SAT, Dell laptop and Toshiba netbook, Win7. It was EASY to set up. PLUG (including jumpers) and PLAY!
K0NHV Rating: 2013-05-01
I dunno....(followup) Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The problem I was having was the "jittery" vox indicator in the EchoLink software. I had the settings maxxed out and the vox threshold "slider" at 50%. This was unacceptable because (1) there was a lot of false triggering going on and (2) unless the vox delay on the Signalink was all the way up, signals would drop out and get choppy because I couldn't get enough audio to stay above the threshold.

But, I didn't give up! I grounded the case of the Signalink to the case of the link radio and checked the box under Setup>Audio that says "300hz TX High-Pass Filter". The grounding made a big difference and the filter was the finishing touch!

Now the settings are more than acceptable and the vox threshold "slider" is at 15%!

The link works great!

Not sure why grounding the Signalink to the link radio made such a difference, but I'm not complaining. Can't believe I was smart enough to do that...

Since I'm the only EchoLink user with a review here, I hope this helps others with the same issue I was having. 73!

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Earlier 3-star review posted by K0NHV on 2013-01-24

Works great on PSK, but haven't been able to dial it in on my EchoLink node. Could be an isolated situation, but wish I woulda got a RigBlaster instead...
W2ECK Rating: 2013-02-03
Great Product- Even better customer service Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have two Signalinks, one for my K3 and one for my FT450. Each with the "module" for the radio installed-that is a slick feature. Easy install and hookup to radio, GREAT web page support and tutorials. Lastly- my customer service experience with them was by far a 5+++. I had a windows major problem on my PC that had screwed up everything to do with sound cards. Jason at Tigertronics spent 40 minutes on the phone with me getting it all sorted out and getting me back on the air. Great Product-- Great Company !!

Paul kc2nyu
KB3SLA Rating: 2013-01-23
Easy to use whether you're a beginner or an expert. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My philosophy is that if I can't build it, I don't need it. I had a home-brew setup for digital modes, but it was a mess of wires and required adjusting the radio each time I wanted to change modes. I wanted to de-clutter the desk so I made an exception for the Signalink USB. I am very glad that I did!

The construction of the interface is good. The case is made of metal and the front and back plates are made of plastic. The knobs have a little bit of a flimsy feel, but definitely not a deal breaker. As described in other posts, the whole unit is about the size of a pack of cigarettes so it doesn't take up much room at all.

Hooking up the Signalink USB is really easy. It only requires two cables to connect my IC-706mkiig and my computer together. Setting up the jumpers inside is not hard and the instructions provided with the cable are excellent. Once connected, the driver for the interface installs on the computer just like any other device (printers, cameras, etc.). Just plug the USB cable in, turn the power on, and the driver will install itself.


As for on air operation, the Signalink USB works exactly as described. It is easy to use and it works flawlessly with my computer and my radio. So far I have used it on JT-65, PSK31, and RTTY and it has met all my expectations. The knobs on the front for transmit, receive, and delay are nice. Sometimes those settings need to be tweaked slightly depending on the type operating you are doing, and having them right on the front make it a snap to ensure a clean signal out.

Overall I give this product 5 stars because it is easy to setup, easy to use, and no matter if you're new to digital or have spent a few years watching the waterfalls, you will definitely enjoy the Signalink USB.
W0NTS Rating: 2012-11-25
Well designed! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It's not much bigger than a pack of cigarettes but it does what it is designed to do extremely well. I have used mine on several low power radios for digital modes. Interfacing it to different radios is a cinch. either configure the wire jumpers or install the appropriate plug and play module applicable to your radio on the internal sound card, plug in the correct radio interface cable and computer USB cable and you are in business. The users installation information is well written and concise.