Bob,
You are absolutely correct. There is nothing easier than the cabling method
you suggest and apparently use. For you, not everyone is as fortunate.
There have been many who have had trouble with this method. I for one just
like to avoid those problems if possible. So, I choose to use the interface
method and do not use VOX.
The concerns with VOX have nothing to do with the TenTec vox itself. It is
with the Windows operating system. Windows does in some cases create sounds
that WILL key the transmitter when VOX is used. This is a problem that I
experienced when I first tried PSK31 and VOX, on SSTV it is a definite NO NO
at my station.
That is why I say it is my opinion. I have used VOX and it doesn't work
here, it may very well work at your station or another, but it just hasn't
worked here at my station. That is why I suggest NOT using VOX. And prefer
an interface.
Of course, a cable and a few parts can be assembled to allow the computer to
use the RTS signal to key the transmitter without using a kit or commercial
interface or VOX. But then a lot of hams are not interested in building
these days. So, an interface that allows the choice of VOX, if that will
work in that particular installation, for PTT or the use of the serial port
keying the transmitter via the RTS signal is sometimes the most "painless"
way to go.
Once again, just my opinion based on my experiences. I would honestly
prefer using just the cables attached to the back of my Omni VI....but
Windows has not allowed the simple solution. And no, it hasn't made any
difference...Windows version, desktop computer or my laptop.....VOX and
Windows at my station just has not worked.
73
Mike - KC8WR
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX <RMcGraw@Blomand.Net>
To: Mike <kc8wr@bright.net>; <wo8l@att.net>; <tentec@contesting.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2001 9:52 AM
Subject: Re: [TenTec] PSK Interface
> I can't imagine anything easier than using a pair of cables with the
correct
> connectors available from Radio Shack to go between the computer sound
card
> IN and OUT and the back panel of the Omni IN and OUT. And using the OMNI
> VOX seems to work just fine for digital modes at my station. No ground
> loops, no buzz, no RFI.
>
> I'd be interested in know the concerns of VOX operation for digital modes.
>
> 73
> Bob K4TAX
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike" <kc8wr@bright.net>
> To: <wo8l@att.net>; <tentec@contesting.com>
> Sent: Monday, December 31, 2001 8:36 AM
> Subject: Re: [TenTec] PSK Interface
>
>
> > Rick,
> >
> > I would suggest using an interface. Makes life a whole lot easier and
VOX
> > is not the best way to key your Omni V for the digital modes. Recently
I
> > have built 4 different interfaces, one from the internet, one from a QST
> > article, one a homebrew and one a kit I bought on the internet.
> >
> > In my opinion, the kit I bought on the internet is the best one I have
> > found. It is called a RASCAL interface. For those not interested in
> > building kits or melting solder and burning flesh, the RASCAL is
available
> > assembled.
> >
> > The reason I like it so well, ALL the cables come ASSEMBLED, you don't
> have
> > to spend an afternoon building cables. They are RIG SPECIFIC! Their
> model
> > R-TTOMNI is for the Omni V and Omni VI and late model Paragon. It is a
> PLUG
> > and PLAY interface! All the connections to the Omni(s) mentioned is
> > through the connections on the back of the rig. You do not have to
> un-plug
> > the mic, plug in the cables....then remove everything later to unclutter
> the
> > operating position. Plug in the interface, the only thing you might
plug
> in
> > and then unplug is the serial cable to the computer.
> >
> > Either buy the kit or buy the assembled interface. Gives you the choice
> and
> > assembled they are HALF the price of the others available and you get
all
> > the cables pre-assembled no matter if you buy the kit or the assembled
> > version. The kits are about HALF the price of their assembled
interfaces.
> >
> > Of course all of this is just my opinion. And the standard disclaimer
> > applies here I do not have any financial interest in ANY amateur
business.
> > Although as many $$ as I have spent on equipment my wife believes I do!
> >
> > Check out the following web site www.BUXcomm.com or for the SPECIFIC
> > interface OMNI V http://www.packetradio.com/psk.htm#Ten Tec
> > look at the R-TTOMNI. You can also read the reviews at eham.net on the
> > BUXcom interfaces.
> >
> > Hope this is of some help.
> >
> > Mike - KC8WR
> >
> > PS Happy New Year to ALL!
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: <wo8l@att.net>
> > To: <tentec@contesting.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2001 3:56 PM
> > Subject: [TenTec] PSK Interface
> >
> >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > How do I interface an OMNI V to my computer for PSK.
> > > Receive is easy.
> > >
> > > However, I cannot transmit by connecting to the "audio
> > > in" plug on the back of the rig.
> > >
> > > Do I need to go directly through the microphone plug on
> > > the front of the rig? Do I need an external interface?
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance,
> > >
> > > Rick
> > > WO8L
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > TenTec mailing list
> > > TenTec@contesting.com
> > > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > TenTec mailing list
> > TenTec@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/tentec
> >
>
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