14
both RTS and DTR when set to transmit the CW LED (F12) may also come on. If these LEDs do not
come on, recheck the serial port software setting for PTT control. In the
RIGblaster pro
, PTT is always
controlled with the RTS. If the “c.s” and “ptt” LEDs are on, then the “level” LED (F6) should also be
ON indicating there is sufficient audio from the sound output of your computer being delivered to the
RIGblaster pro
to adequately modulate your radio. At this point, you can refine the wave output setting
on the Windows sound control panel to the point just past where the “level” LED has just come on. Set
the software back to Receive.
Turn ON your Radio for the remainder of this procedure.
For SSB Radios use your normal mic gain setting, turn your speech compressor off and set the
transmitter RF drive (power control) all the way up. You will want to use a dummy load for this
procedure. If you are using PSK software make sure that the transmit audio is between 500Hz and 2500
Hz, otherwise you may be outside the limits of the response of your radio and you may not be able to
transmit properly. Set your software to Transmit or Tune. Then slowly turn up the “level set” Knob
(F5) on the front of the
RIGblaster pro
to the point where your ALC just starts to move or you have
achieved your normal RF power output.
Your final setting must produce less than full RF power output from your radio.
Warning: you should not exceed the AM, FM or RTTY power rating of your radio. After this setting is
completed, check to make sure your ALC meter is below limiting. Even if your radio is rated at full
output and continuous duty, do not set the audio to full output!
Note that if you run your computer sound output at maximum or close to maximum, and the
RIGblaster
pro
“level set” turned way down, you may have distortion from your computer sound and a poor quality
signal. Generally the wav and volume sliders should be between 1/3 and 2/3 open and the
RIGblaster
pro
“level set” Knob should be between 1/8 and 7/8 open.
With an FM rig you must set the audio level with the “level set” Knob using a deviation meter or by
comparing the level of your transmit audio to other stations using another radio.
For a more information about Computer Sound Cards, see the article titled “The In’s and Out’s of a
Sound Card” in October 2003 QST. Also available in PDF format on our Web Site at:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/pdf/Ins&Outs.pdf.
STEP 6 - CW CABLING AND SETUP
Turn off both your radio and the
RIGblaster pro
before connecting cables to either unit.
Plug one end of a patch cord to the CW OUT (R5) jack on the rear panel of the
RIGblaster pro
. Plug the
other end into the CW Key jack on your radio. If the CW Key jack on your radio is a ¼” jack, it will be
necessary to use the supplied 1/8” to ¼” adapter.
For computer CW it is necessary to make sure your radio CW keying is set for “Straight Key” mode for
the jack you are using. The remaining setup for computer controlled CW will be done in the application
software you choose. Control of CW is not selectable and will always be done through Serial/Com
RS232 In/Out A, with the DTR line. Make sure when you configure your software that you observe this
convention.
