Finally getting started in HF

[Grogan]

Bought a new radio, Kenwood TS-480SAT and ordered the DB9 F to F straight through cable for computer control. I have to upgrade to general and I am in the process !!! Was wondering about getting into the digital modes buying cables, installing software etc. what is available on a budget. for both receive olny and also a receive and transmit set-up. I Think I can install software and connect to my computer from the headphone jack on the radio to receive some modes, wefax etc. Any info would be great.

 

[W5LZ]

Most 'digital' modes can be done with a computer with a radio's audio input to the sound card. Or, in the case of the '480, through the data cable. Most software is free (not all) and that's really about all it takes to just listen. Transmitting those modes requires an input to the radio from the sound card. It isn't exactly that simple, but it isn't a biggy.
- 'Doc

 

[doctor]

digital

Buy a signal link, plug and play, no problems. DX engineering has a sale on them now and a sale on the cables..
I have one did as I say and not a failure yet..
DOCTOR

 

[Yankee]

I have a 10' male stereo 1/8" to male stereo 1/8" patch cord. Goes from a 1/4" to 1/8" reducer plug from RS, stuck in the Headphones hole in the front of the RCI Base station to get the audio to my computers sound card. Stick the adapter into the plug, then pull it out a quarter inch and you get Mono to the PC and you can still hear the radio speaker. Works VERY well.

There is no Signalink for RCI or any other "common" radio, so forget the cord back to the radio. Just drag one of your speakers up front and when you TX, hold the Mic in front of the speaker and key up. Adjust the power out of course, but there it is....

Yankee inginuity.

 

[Moleculo]

There is no Signalink for RCI or any other "common" radio

RCI radios aren't exactly "common" on the HF bands in the Amateur Radio service. They are "common" on 10 meters, but that isn't the most popular band for digital modes.