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Reviews For: XGGCOMMS Icom Digital Interface

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

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Review Summary For : XGGCOMMS Icom Digital Interface
Reviews: 18MSRP: 39.99 shipping included (at leas
Description:
This interface offers full CAT control of your Icom Transceiver via your PC's RS-232 port and the Radio's 3.5mm CAT (CI-V) Jack . Additionally, the interface connects your PC sound card line in/out jacks to the radio's 8 pin Din accessory socket for full transmit and receive audio interfacing allowing you to operate modes such as PSK-31, WEFAX, SSTV, PACTOR, Packet, AFSK CW and many more.

This interface is compatible with:
IC-275, IC-375, IC-575, IC-707, IC-725, IC-726, IC-728,
IC-729, IC-735, IC-736, IC-737, IC-738, IC-746,
IC-746Pro, IC-756, IC-756Pro2, IC-756Pro3, IC-761,
IC-765, IC-775, IC-775DSP, IC-7400, IC-7700, IC-7800,
IC-781, IC-820, IC-821, IC-910, IC-970.
Product is in production
More Info: http://xggcomms.com/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25184.2
G0EQF Rating: 2010-05-21
POOR Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got a ground loop at 50HZ (you will only see the groundloop trace if you configure the waterfall to display down to 50hz).
Was present and STRONG on RX which meant small signals where being affected. I had no idea it was there until I changed the waterfall display.
It was also present on TX when monitored locally.
Overall, dissapointing when one consdiers an isolated interface is safer for the radio and the PC. An isolated interface is around the same price or not much more, and one can pick up a searate cheap cat interface to go with it anywhere.
KB4MB Rating: 2010-01-20
Great Cable Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I tried making an interface cable, but I will tell you this - little wires and soldering for me don't go well. You can call me whatever you want, but trying to solder to an 8 pin mic connection never works for me - 1/8" jacks are fine, but anything smaller and I go crazy.

I wanted somthing simple to interface to my Icom 718, provide rig control and PTT capabilities so I can do digital modes as well as have the computer log the frequency when I am using my logging software (CQRLOG in Linux, FLDIGI in Linux). The main problem with other setups are the cables are too short - everyone assumes your computer is right next to the rig. My setup has the rig on one table in the corner, and the computer/workdesk on the other.

I took a shot at the 5m cables, and with the money back guarantee, I figured if it didn't work, I could send it back.

No external boxes, no fiddly knobs, everything was simple, and the PTT isolation and powering happens all in the DB9. Quality was excellent, the rig control worked flawlessly with hamlib (the backend in linux for rigs). Fldigi needed to use its' internal RIGCAT otherwise is would Segment Fault, but it worked great as well. Everything plugs into the ACC jack, and there are no ground loops or anything (worried since there are no isolation transformers). Within the hour I had a psk31 chat with Italy on 40m at night was 40 watts.

REMEMBER TO TURN THE MIC GAIN OFF ON THIS CABLE IF YOU HAVE THE IC-718. The mic is live when you use the ACC port!

Yeah, the cable is a little pricy for what it really is, but that includes overseas shipping, and turnaround was super fast, so I have no real complaints with that.

I am very happy and would recommend this product to anyone with an Icom!
AE5JU Rating: 2009-10-05
Works just fine. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I plugged it in and it worked. No ground loops, and that is with a laptop (HP DV6000) that is famous for ground loop problems. A very KISS product.
BERNIE Rating: 2009-03-29
NO ISOLATION Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well these are about as "naff" as you can get. No isolation whatsoever. Not cheap either when you consider that your getting a set of simple leads.
K2MIK Rating: 2009-02-24
Great all way around!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
XGGCOMMS interface works great, Really good build quality, great price.. You cant go wrong.
BUCKLAWRENCE Rating: 2009-01-30
great experiance!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Works great . Fast shipping !!! Great at communication also . I am pleased as punch.
KN4NN Rating: 2009-01-27
The cat's meow for PSK es other digi modes Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought this on suggestion of friend who uses one. wanting to get started with PSK and Hell, I did'nt want to spend alot. For $39.98, it was delivered to my door. Hook up and set up was simple. Used with Hamradio deluxe my IC-746 now is controlled by the PC and digi modes, logging etc are a breeze. Constuction is FB. tnx for building a "affordable" interface" that works.
BAD.W5UY Rating: 2008-11-07
Great interface for Icoms! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was heartbroken when my Rigblaster finally self-destructed. I found that Rigblaster would fix my unit for a nominal fee. But, while perusing the web, I found this interface exactly made for my Icom 746 and the cost shipped to my residence was LESS than the repair charges plus shipping from Rigblaster. After receiving the unit I found the installation so simple that even I could do it. The cables were top quality and the assembly was flawless. The enclosed instructions, along with the referenced website was very complete. Absolutely top drawer!! They also make interfaces for other rigs as well.