GySgt D
06-12-2007, 12:17 AM
An important piece of equipment when working the digital communication modes is the "computer to radio interface device". Briefly stated, this device is for the purpose of allowing your radio to "talk" to your computer, and vice versa. In other words, it fulfills the same task that your modem cable does when you connect to the internet (the modem function being performed by your computer's sound card). Amongst other things, this will allow you to send and receive video and text data from your single sideband-capable radio.
These devices can be purchased ready-built from several internet dealers, but you will pay a premium for doing so. Assembling one yourself is quite easy, and all the parts necessary to do such can usually be found at your local Radio Shack (better yet, at an actual electronics supply retailer, such as Fry's Electronics).
Here is a pic of one that I put together, using nothing but parts supplied by a local Radio Shack. Yes, it could be a little bit purdier, but I oftentimes attempt projects like this while under the influence of alcohol. This project was no exception.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/100_3050.jpg
Here are the schematics:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/WINRTTY2.gif
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/WINRTTY1.gif
Try not to get confused with this one below. What I did was incorporate the resistor circuit from the schematic below into the soundcard "audio out" circuit.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/interface_simple.gif
You will require:
- a mono audio patch cable, which will be cut in half; one half for the transmit audio and one half for the receive audio.
- a project enclosure
- two audio isolation transformers (see Radio Shack part number in the schematics)
- the appropriate data cable for your radio (mine used the same connector as a common computer mouse; before they mainly went over to USB, that is)
- a soldering iron and typical soldering supplies
- something to cut wire/cable with
- a blank electronic project board (or whatever the proper name is for them) is useful for keeping everything orderly and somewhat tidy.
I do not intend to give step by step directions on how to put one of these together; the schematics should be enough.
To operate, simply plug the data connector into your rig, and plug the audio receive plug into your computer's "audio in" jack. The transmit audio plug will likewise plug into your computer's headphone jack.
The schematic above does not have a "key" circuit. It assumes either that you will rely on your rig's vox control to key the radio, or better still, that you are using the excellent (and completely free) Ham Radio Deluxe computer control software. The latter of which will automatically key your rig for you.
http://www.w5bbr.com/soundbd.html is the source for the above schematics.
These devices can be purchased ready-built from several internet dealers, but you will pay a premium for doing so. Assembling one yourself is quite easy, and all the parts necessary to do such can usually be found at your local Radio Shack (better yet, at an actual electronics supply retailer, such as Fry's Electronics).
Here is a pic of one that I put together, using nothing but parts supplied by a local Radio Shack. Yes, it could be a little bit purdier, but I oftentimes attempt projects like this while under the influence of alcohol. This project was no exception.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/100_3050.jpg
Here are the schematics:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/WINRTTY2.gif
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/WINRTTY1.gif
Try not to get confused with this one below. What I did was incorporate the resistor circuit from the schematic below into the soundcard "audio out" circuit.
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c256/arfcompics/interface_simple.gif
You will require:
- a mono audio patch cable, which will be cut in half; one half for the transmit audio and one half for the receive audio.
- a project enclosure
- two audio isolation transformers (see Radio Shack part number in the schematics)
- the appropriate data cable for your radio (mine used the same connector as a common computer mouse; before they mainly went over to USB, that is)
- a soldering iron and typical soldering supplies
- something to cut wire/cable with
- a blank electronic project board (or whatever the proper name is for them) is useful for keeping everything orderly and somewhat tidy.
I do not intend to give step by step directions on how to put one of these together; the schematics should be enough.
To operate, simply plug the data connector into your rig, and plug the audio receive plug into your computer's "audio in" jack. The transmit audio plug will likewise plug into your computer's headphone jack.
The schematic above does not have a "key" circuit. It assumes either that you will rely on your rig's vox control to key the radio, or better still, that you are using the excellent (and completely free) Ham Radio Deluxe computer control software. The latter of which will automatically key your rig for you.
http://www.w5bbr.com/soundbd.html is the source for the above schematics.