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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
K9MHZ Rating: 2012-11-09
Outstanding! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Oh man, do I love this little piece of gear. I went through all of the growing pains when packet was all the rage in the 80s, and we all thought we on the leading edge of something really big with our basic modems and PC/XT computers. From then, one could watch over time how much had advanced and improved. They really, really got it right with the SignaLink USB. The ONLY slightly funky thing are the tedious jumpers to install inside, the pattern depends on the rig that it's intended to be used with. They have an option of some pre-made push-in jumper assemblies for additional cost, which made the whole process MUCH easier. I highly recommend getting the pre-made jumpers for your radio.

The unit runs right off of USB power, so no wall wart. The TX, RX, and Delay level and adjustments are very convenient and work very well. It will work with just about any software like HRD or FLDIGI, so long as the software can "see" the USB port it's plugged into, you're in business. All digital modes that I've used with the SignaLink work very well.

Couldn't be happier with this neat little item.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by K9MHZ on 2010-08-19

I interfaced my SignaLink USB between my Linux based computer and my IC-7700, brought up fldigi for the software, clicked on the USB input and output options, and the SignaLink took over right away. This unit is a breeze to set up and to operate. It's very well constructed, and looks great next to the other gear in my shack. It does a much better job of sensing data in the receiver audio, than does the decoder in the firmware of the IC-7700 itself. I'm totally and completely pleased with this product and recommend it without hesitation.
KE5AKG Rating: 2012-10-25
best interface, period Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I use this interface with fldigi, mmstv, jt-65
and mmtty under Linux. Setup takes seconds, and most importantly no drivers to install. I used the Rigblaster PP before, and setup here can be a challenge under Linux; the proprietary
Rigblaster drivers would not compile at all under
openSUSE 12.2. The interface is quieter than the Rigblaster in my experience, and the easy soundcard adjustment on the front of the interface makes it a snap to get a clean psk signal. It just does not get any better.
I tried several other setups before, they all went to ebay, and now I use only the Signalink USB both mobile and at home. In fact, I bought two of them, one for the shack and one for the car.
VK4JAZ Rating: 2012-09-12
It just works, and looks good too! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am very happy with this great piece of gear. If you are into the digital modes, this is the interface for you. Once the jumpers have been installed according to the radio you use (supplied and easy to install), the sound card software loads automatically and away you go. I use mine with my iMac and it works flawlessly. Much better than the interface I previously used.
M1VPN Rating: 2012-06-28
Easy to set-up, Easy to use, On air in 10 mins. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It arrived yesterday, I picked up the capacitor and resistor for connection to my Yaesu FT-847 today and made up the cable this afternoon and have been on digimodes ever since.

Instructions are better on the website than come in the box, however the jumpers were in place within minutes and now on-air. Everything you need in the box including an allen key to open the unit which is a nice touch.

I needed to make up a special cable for the FT-847 but this enables me to keep the mic plugged and use the Data port on the back of the radio which is all explained on the support site.

Damian - M1VPN
K5NAA Rating: 2012-06-24
Great Interface Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had the pleasure of owning the SignaLink edition before the USB. I have been wonderfully rewarded with whatever computer or rig I attach this to there is no issues. I ordered the jumper card for my rig and haven't looked back (except at my digital contacts).
W6DPS Rating: 2012-04-10
Very solid performance Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This worked well out of the box. A quick job to configure the internal jumpers and I had it on the air.

The USB sound card booted with no problem, and XP had drivers installed already.

The only issue was the receive audio. I am using the SL with an IC-718 throught he 13 pin din. At first, it was barely receiving and to get good performance I had to install jumper JP2 to increase audio and turn the RX knob essentially all the way up.

No problem on TX audio, in fact it is easy to overdrive.

Once the audio was jumpered and turned up it worked fine, and I made contacts across the state on the first evening I had it on 40 meters.
WA3ERQ Rating: 2012-02-06
Very easy setup Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is about as close to "Plug and Play" that you can get. Except for the jumpers which are very easy via the web page, Windows 7 installed the drivers within a minute and I was on the air in less than 5 minutes total from plugging in the USB. You do need to read the instructions BEFORE setup but that's not bad at all. I've tried everything from PSK to SSTV with no problems. Just remember that this is a seperate sound card so you have to tell Windows to use your computer sound card for everything else.
WA9SDJ Rating: 2012-01-14
Works Great Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought it with the 6-Pin Mini DIN cable to connect direct to a FT-950. I am using Fedora 16 Linux without issue. Very easy to setup and get working.
VE7BGP Rating: 2011-11-21
Also Great Voice Keyer Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have waited quite a while to Review the Great SignaLink USB Interface. I have used mine on several Radios I own for Digital Modes and APRS since I bought it. I do not need to change Jumpers to operate different Rigs. I use the 6 Pin Mini Din jumpering and the unterminated radio cable is just standard CAT 5 Cable with standard CAT 5 Colour Coding. I have homebrewed several radio Cables so I can Plug & Play. I have used the SignaLink USB for the Sweepstakes Contest last weekend for a Voice Keyer. It has saved my voice in this contest with it's long exchange. This is the second Sweeps I used the SignaLink for Voice Keyer. How you do it IF your radio had a Monitor Function and you can lock out the Transmitter but still monitor your voice, it's easy. You plug a patch cord from your Headphone Jack of your Radio to the Front Mike jack of your computer. Shut off the 20db Boost and Compressor or Speech Processing on the radio. Set Mike Gain on radio for normal ALC Turn down drive. You next open Windows Recorder adjust your sound card gain for a good indication on the recorder program Set the Quality to voice settings and record your voice on .wav files. When they sound good & clean save them as CQ, Exch. and QRZ titles for your .wav Macros and save them in your Loggers Folder for Wave files. If you have a back audio input to your rig that you use for digital you are set to go Patch in RCA on older Yaesu Rigs and RCA PTT work fine. Adjust the TX Pot for normal ALC or Compression from your Macros and set delay around 11 O'clock setting and all should work well for you. It worked great on my FT-767GX last year and my venerable old IC-751A this year. I hope that helps.
73
Gerry VE7BGP
VE6AGE Rating: 2011-11-20
Superb Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used mine for HF PSK-31 for a year and was doing a great job for me and now I'm planning on using it on EchoLink and I will become a "SYSOP". My link will be VE6AGE-L Node #492973. My local Medicine Hat, Alberta VHF frequency will be 146.580(S. You'll have to try my node sometimes. Looking forward to it.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE6AGE on 2011-03-08

Bought one of these little gizmos just a tad before Christmas and I just love it. It really does the job with my Icom IC-718 and my Acer Laptop. I highly recommend that model to anyone that would be thinking of getting into digital mode. Very happy with my purchase.