This FAQ contains the most commonly asked non-technical questions about our SignaLink™ USB interface. For technical or troubleshooting questions, please see our SignaLink™ USB Troubleshooting FAQ.
The signalink USB is a usb soundcard and will add an additional soundcard to your system. Using the monitor port mentioned above will prove if you are getting sound out of your signalink which should then go out down the radio cable. Check you have the correct sound card selected in the digital app. Monitor sound at the signalink from the.
ATTENTION WINDOWS 10 USERS - Yes! The SignaLink USB works just fine with Windows 10. Please see the latest release of the SignaLink USB manual for instructions.
Do I need to disable my computer's sound card to use the SignaLink USB?
NO - Absolutely not! One of the greatest benefits of using the SignaLink USB, is that it completely frees up your computer's sound card so that it can be used as it was intended. With the SignaLink USB properly installed, your computer will play it's music, beeps and other sounds through your existing sound card and speakers, and only your communications program (Digipan, Mix-W, etc.) will 'talk' to the SignaLink. This is simply not possible with other interfaces that require a connection to your existing sound card.
NOTE: One of our competitors is claiming that the great majority of Windows sound card programs do not let you directly select the sound card within the program, and this is simply NOT TRUE. A quick check of virtually any modern Windows, MAC or Linux sound card program will clearly show that you can select which sound card you want to use within the program itself. Some examples of this are Digipan, Hamscope, Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD), Mix-W, MMSSTV, MMTTY, MT63, EchoLink, AGW Packet Engine, Multimode, Cocoamodem, and WSJT. The ability to select the sound card that you want to use is built into the Windows, MAC and Linux operating system's programming interface, and is available to all standard sound card programs that run in those environments. Only older DOS type programs (which won't work with the SignaLink USB anyway), and outdated/unsupported Windows programs (usually pre-Windows 98 era) might require you to select the sound card in Windows rather than the program.
Can I use the SignaLink USB to control my radio, or will I need a separate CAT interface?
Signalink Drivers Usb
Summary of Contents for Tigertronics SignaLink USB Page 1 The SignaLink USB will be installed in two steps. First you will install the jumper wires, and then you will connect the unit to your computer s USB jack. If after completing the installation you have any difficulty, please refer to the Troubleshooting section at the end of this manual. Simplify your SignaLink installation with a Plug & Play Jumper Module! Digital Communication the Fun & Easy way! 'Easy, great instructions, and works fantastic. Tried it on all modes and wonderful!' - John, Washington. Click hereto join our mailing list!
The SignaLink USB is a sound card interface that provides the necessary hardware to operate virtually all sound card digital and voice modes, but it does NOT provide the 'CAT' (Computer Assisted Tuning) hardware needed to control the radio. If you want to control your radio (tuning, band/mode selection, etc.), then you will need a separate CAT interface. We suggest checking your radio manual for the radio manufacturer's CAT interface part number (CI-V, CT-x, etc.). If you do not want to purchase a CAT interface from the radio manufacturer (these are usually more expensive), then we suggest searching the internet for a compatible unit. NOTE: Please see the question below about using the SignaLink USB with programs that offer CAT control.
Can I use the SignaLink USB with Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD/DM-780) and similar programs that offer radio control?
Yes, but only for digital operation (PSK31, SSTV, etc.). If you want to use the program's radio control features, then (as noted above) you will need a separate CAT/CIV interface.
Will the SignaLink USB work with the WinLink 2000 / Airmail system?
Yes, the SignaLink USB can be used with the RMS Express program to directly access the WinLink 2000 system on HF. This uses the program's built-in WINMOR mode. For VHF/UHF operation, 1200 baud Packet is used with one of the following methods:
- AGWPE (AGW Packet Engine) and Paclink.
- AGWPE and AirMail through the BPQ32 interface that AirMail supports. See http://home.earthlink.net/~k7bfl/AirmailWINMOR.pdf or http://www.cantab.net/users/john.wiseman/Documents/AirmailtoWINMOR.htm
if the first link doesn't work. - Download and set up the free 'UZ7HO' software and follow instructions provided by W6CCD. See the note below on download/setup information.
- The new 'AGW Express Interface' made especially for using RMS Express with the SignaLink USB can be used. See the note below on download/setup information.
Please note that the last two options are relatively new. We have not had a chance to try them but they are supposed to be easier to configure and use. The following link was provided by a customer and should point you in the right direction if you'd like to give either method a try:
http://hlarc.org/modes/digital-modes/digital-mode-setup/digital-mode-software/rms-express-via-soundcard/
Please note that we welcome any feedback that you may have on any of the above options, and we are especially interested in hearing about the last two. Thank you!
What advantages does the SignaLink USB have over other interfaces?
The state-of-the-art design of the SignaLink USB offers many advantages over other interfaces. Some of these advantages include:
- Very Simply Installation - The SignaLink USB has only one USB connection to the computer, and in most cases, only one connection to the radio (see note below). All other interfaces that use the computer's sound card always require more cable connections, which increase installation difficulty and station clutter.
- Very Easy Setup - The SignaLink USB has only two software-based volume controls to set for Transmit and one for Receive, and the settings for Transmit are the same on all PCs! Interfaces that use the computer's sound card often require you to set multiple software controls (sometimes 4-6 controls) and the settings vary widely from computer to computer.
- Very Easy Operation - The SignaLink USB has convenient front-panel controls that let you easily adjust your Transmit power, Receive level, and Transmit Delay 'on the fly'. Other less advanced interfaces do not have front panel controls and require you to open the unit to make adjustments.
- Frees your Computer's Sound Card and Speakers - The SignaLink USB has its own built-in sound card, so it will not tie-up your computer's existing sound card and speakers. With the SignaLink USB installed, you will still be able to hear your computer's 'systems sounds' and play music through your speakers without having to unplug and re-plug anything. Other interfaces that use the computer's sound card may 'load' the speaker circuit and require you to disconnect the speakers, and/or re-adjust the volume controls every time you switch from 'Ham' operations to other things (playing music, videos, games, etc.).
- Full Computer / Radio Isolation - The SignaLink USB provide complete isolation between the computer and the radio. Both Transmit and Receive Audio are transformer isolated. Push-To-Talk and Ground are isolated by a sealed relay. Other less advanced interfaces only isolate Transmit audio, which can let noise and hum get into your system.
- Designed For Radio-based Communications - The SignaLink USB was designed specifically for radio-based Digital and Voice communications. Its Transmit output and Receive input levels are fully compatible with virtually ALL radios. To insure optimum performance, all parts used in the SignaLink USB are of the highest quality, and all active components are high-tolerance, low-noise with a wide dynamic range.
NOTE: If you are connecting the SignaLink USB to your radio's Data, Accessory or Packet jack, then you will only have one connection to the radio. If you are connecting the SignaLink USB to the Mic jack and your radio does not have Receive Audio available on the Mic connector (some radio's don't), then you will also need to connect the included audio cable to the radio.
Will the SignaLink USB work with my computer?
The SignaLink USB will work with virtually any computer that has an available USB 1.1, USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port and is running one of the following supported Operating Systems:
Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.x, Windows 10
MAC OS 9.1 or later
MAC OS X 10.00 or later
Linux
Does the SignaLink USB work with Windows 7, 8.x and Windows 10?
Yes, the SignaLink USB works with all versions of Windows from Windows 98SE through Windows 10. As with all other supported Operating Systems, the drivers for the SignaLink USB are always provided directly by the operating system itself.
Our setup instructions for Windows 7, 8.x and 10 can be found in the latest release of the SignaLink USB Manual. Thank you!
Does the SignaLink USB require special drivers?
No. All required drivers are provided by the supported operating system (Windows, MAC and Linux). Windows 98SE users will need their Windows Installation CD. All newer versions of Windows provide the driver directly from the OS (No CD required).
TOP
Does the SignaLink USB require special communications software?
No. The SignaLink USB works with virtually ALL sound card digital and voice communications programs. The same programs that work with our older SL-1 and SL-1+, or any other sound card interface will work just fine with the SignaLink USB.
Tigertronics Signalink Usb Drivers Win 7
TOP
Does the SignaLink USB support FSK?
None of our SignaLink products support FSK operation. However, except among a small group of 'FSK purists', this is not an issue because FSK is no longer the preferred method of operating RTTY. FSK used to be preferred because radios we're not very linear in operation on Transmit, and the only way to access your 'good' RTTY filter was with the radio set to the RTTY mode. Today's modern radios provide excellent AFSK performance in both Transmit and Receive, and most provide complete control over all filtering, so you can still select the 'good' RTTY filter while in a digital AFSK mode. AFSK is also preferred over FSK because every other modern digital mode (PSK31, MT63, SSTV, JT65, etc.) uses AFSK, and on most radios, switching to FSK would require a completely different cable connection.
Can I use more than one SignaLink USB on my computer at the same time?
Yes. If your computer is fast enough, you can have one SignaLink USB attached to each USB port, and be running all of them at the same time using different communications programs (or multiply instances of the same program). We have successfully tested three SignaLink USB units running PSK31 at the same time on a 1.6Ghz PC. A slower computer might also work fine, but a faster one might be required depending on the demands of your communication program(s).
When using multiple SignaLink USBs on one computer, each SignaLink will be given a sequential number in addition to the normal 'USB Audio Codec', or 'Microphone - USB Audio Codec' description. To avoid complicating things any more than necessary, we suggest that you install and configure each SignaLink USB one at a time, and then confirm that each unit is working before plugging in additional units. Note that the sound card numbering assignments, sound card selection in both Windows and the communication program(s), and the sound card volume levels may change if you unplug any of the USB cables.
Will the SignaLink USB work with my radio?
The SignaLink USB will work with virtually any Ham or commercial transceiver that has a Data Port, Accessory Port, or Mic jack. It will also work with virtually any Receiver or Scanner that has an External Speaker, Headphone or fixed level output jack. Specific radio requirements are dependent on the modes that you wish to operate. Carefully review your software documentation to determine the suitability of your radio for a particular mode.
NOTE: 'CB' radios typically require two 'PTT' type lines (one for TX and one for RX) and cannot be used with the SignaLink (or most other interfaces!) without modification.
Are the radio cables for the SignaLink SL-1 and SL-1+ compatible with the SignaLink USB?
Signalink Driver
Yes. The radio cables for the SL-1, SL-1+ and SignaLink USB are exactly the same. If you already have a cable for your SignaLink, then you can use that same cable with the SignaLink USB. NOTE: We do not sell the SignaLink USB without a radio cable. If you already have a cable from a previous model, then we suggest ordering a SignaLink USB with an un-terminated radio cable. This will let you build your own cable to suit any radio that you might own in the future.
Do I need the SLASSY Cable Kit with the SignaLink USB?
No. The SLASSY Cable Kit is used only with the SignaLink SL-1 and SL-1+.
TOP
What software comes with the SignaLink USB?
The CD that is supplied with the SignaLink contains some of the most popular FREEWARE and SHAREWARE programs for the most popular modes including FT8, PSK-31, SSTV, MT-63, CW, RTTY, AMTOR, & Packet. Software for other modes can be downloaded from our SignaLink Software Page. The complete Tigertronics web site, which includes extensive support information for the SignaLink, is also included on the CD.
It should be noted that the SignaLink software CD does NOT contain any drivers for the SignaLink, and it NOT required to install or operate the unit. As noted above, the drivers for the SignaLink USB are always provided by the supported Operating System.
TOP
Does the SignaLink USB require a power supply?
No. The SignaLink USB never requires external power. It is always powered by the computer's USB jack.
NOTE: If you are plugging the SignaLink USB into a USB hub, then the hub needs to be an externally powered hub that supports 'high-power' USB devices. See question 'Will the SignaLink USB work with my USB hub?' below for more details.
TOP
What modes can I operate with the SignaLink USB?
The SignaLink USB supports virtually ALL digital modes that are available for sound card interfaces including but not limited to, PSK31, MT-63, WSJT/WSJT-X modes (FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, WSPR, JTMS, FSK441, FSK315, ISCAT, and JT6M.), SSTV, APRS®, and Packet (300 and 1200 baud). The SignaLink USB also supports virtually ALL Voice modes (VOIP, RoIP, etc.), such as EchoLink®, and Zello. About the only modes that you can't operate with the SignaLink USB, or any other sound card interface, are Pactor, G-TOR and Clover. These modes are unavailable due to licensing or other issues**.
**NOTE: Pactor RECEIVE ONLY software is available for Windows-based computers, and Pactor 1 software (transmit and receive) is available for Linux.
TOP
Will the SignaLink USB work with my USB hub?
The SignaLink USB should work fine with any powered USB hub that is designed specifically for 'high power' USB devices (current draw of 100-500ma). Non-powered hubs, and those that are designed for 'low power' USB devices most likely will NOT work. To avoid any problems, we suggest that you plug the SignaLink into a powered, 'high power' USB hub, or (preferably) directly into the computer's rear panel USB jack.
NOTE: A few of our customers have found that some USB hubs that are advertised as being suitable for 'high power' USB devices simply are not. If you are using a USB hub and you cannot get the SignaLink to transmit properly, then you may need to plug the SignaLink USB directly into the computer.
TOP
Why do we use jumper wires and will I need to install them?
Tigertronics Signalink Usb Software
NOTE:Plug & Play Jumper Modules are available for most configurations so you usually do not have to use jumper wires. If you plan on switching radios frequently or if you just want to simply your installation, then be sure to check them out. We designed the SignaLink USB to work with all radios, regardless of the connector type or pin-out used by the radio manufacturer. In a perfect world, all manufacturers would standardize on a single connector type and pin-out, but in the not so perfect world that we live in, there are at least a dozen different connector types and many dozens of different pin-outs! To allow the SignaLink to work with all of these different configurations, we use detachable radio cables (available for all common connector types) and a reconfigurable jumper block that lets you easily route each of the required radio signals (PTT, Ground, etc.) to the correct place on the SignaLink. Each jumper wire simply presses into the socket on the SignaLink board (see picture left) and can easily be removed and reused if needed. Without these detachable cables and jumper wires, you would most likely be stuck using the SignaLink with only one radio, and you'd have to purchase an entirely new unit if you bought a new radio or simply wanted to use a different one. Unless you are planning on 'Receive Only' operation using External Speaker or Headphone audio, you will need to install the jumpers inside your SignaLink. Jumper settings for most radios are provided on our SignaLink Software CD and the SignaLink Support page of our web site. Jumper settings are also provided with some specific radio cables. For any 'unknown' radio, you can always follow the step by step jumper installation procedure or contact our Technical Support Staff and they'll tell you how to install them. |
TOP
Tigertronics Signalink Setup
APRS is a trademark of Bob Bruninga | EchoLink is a trademark of Synergenics, LLC
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners
Tigertronics Signalink Usb Schematic