USB connector to your radio

[pkveazey]

I had a USB cable connected to my ICOM 718 so I could control the radio from my computer. The cable cost me $40 at the Richmond hamfest. Something spiked my line and took out the computer and the cable. I replaced the computer with an old spare and ran across an ad on Amazon where they were selling a USB cable that would work with any ICOM. They were asking $8.33 so I ordered 4. I just received them and hooked one up and ran the disk that came with it. It worked perfectly right away. I ordered the extras in anticipation of the next electricity spike. Anyway, if anybody wants to have rig control though their computer, you can do it for less than $10. Ham Radio Deluxe is the most common computer program for rig control. When I got it, it was a free download. They charge money for it now but I'm pretty sure you can still find a free copy. Digital Master 780 is a sister program that you can use to do digital modes like psk31, etc. Since I have a second IC718 in my communications go bag, I put one of the extra cables in with it. I keep a thumb drive in my pocket all the time that has all my Ham related programs and data on it. If I'm in a bugout situation where I have the radio and somebody else has a computer, I'll be able to do rig control. Now that I still have two more spares, you can bet there won't be any more spikes.

[JohnyMac]

Thx man. People have been pushing me to connect my HF to my computer. To be quite frank i do not know what I am doing.

Maybe at our unofficial ham link-up on 3.968 Mhz this coming Friday (12/16/2016) at 2000 hrs eastern (0100 hrs Zulu) we could talk about it more.

just so the forum folks know: There will be an unofficial net this coming Friday. No specific topic to be discussed so all are welcome.

 

[Jackalope]

I'll second Ham Radio Deluxe and DM780, I've been using them for at least 8-10 years.  They both work well, and they've been around for a long time.  Both HRD and DM780 are still available as freeware, though they're older versions, they still function great.  New versions of Ham Radio Deluxe are available for a fee, but they also offer customer support.  Personally, I don't see the need to spend money on the newer version.

[JohnyMac]

A friend twisted my arm to download Fldigi. Haven't the foggiest on how or why to use it.

[Kbop]

JM,
it is an interface between your computer and the radio.  you can use your laptop to type and read HF SSB signals.  It allows you to do PTT if you have the right connectors.  I think the main idea is to use the laptop to control your radio.  this looks like a third gen SDR controller interface.  It also looks like you can talk to a repeater via IP too.  (no radio needed - laptop reaches out to the repeater).
there are a few ARRL posts about it in NBEMS.  Some ARES people use it for their txt nets.
what ever happened to the 1800's straight key? 

[JohnyMac]

Thx Kbop.

Getting a CW key for Christmas.