I’m trying to set up my computer to run RTTY on two rigs using two sound cards. I got a hold of two cheap identical SB0401 Soundblaster 24-bit (PCI) cards but discovered after trying to install them that I can’t have two of the same cards in the computer.
Is there anyone who has a cheap PCI sound card (a non-Soundblaster type) who’d be willing to swap theirs for my extra one? I tested it in my computer by itself and it worked fine, I just can’t get both cards to work together.
Also, does anyone have a USB to serial adapter they don’t want and are willing to sell cheap?
73,
Pat, NG1G
Hi Pat:
I think the answer to both is ‘Yes.” But I won’t be able to check on the sound card until tomorrow. I definitely have a couple of USB-to-serial(DB9) adapters.
Ken
Pat I have half a dozen old, unplugged, computers with sound cards in them. You are welcome to any or all of them.
Ed
Sorry… I guess I don’t have any old sound cards. I do have a USB -> DB9 converter with a Prolific chip, if that means anything to you 🙂
Ken
I also have a USB->DB9 adapter with a FTDI chip if you would prefer that. Just let me know. The price is right.
Ken K3IU
Thank you both!
Ken, I have a question – I’ve read reviews from some folks who claimed to have issues with the FTDI Chip adapters – I plan on using the adapter for rig control rather than RTTY, but what was your experience with it?
Ed – I guess you wouldn’t have any use for yet *another* sound card then, would you? Do you know if any of the cards are PCI? If not, I’d be happy (ecstatic, actually) to check them out. I only need one.
73,
Pat, NG1G
Hi Pat:
I just connected the K3 to the ‘puter via the FTDI adapter and running N1MM it seems to have complete CAT control. I have not tried it in a high RF environment. I would NOT recommend using any USB adapter for RTTY FSK unless it is one of the Edgeport boxes, which I have tried using my laptop using 1 USB port with the Edgeport connected and both CAT and FSK plugged into the Edgeport and it worked perfectly.
Either way, you can take both the adapters (Prolific and FTDI) and check them out with your installation.
Ken
That sounds great, Ken! If you don’t mind I’ll get them from you at the next meeting perhaps. I’m sure they’ll both work fine but it would be good to do a full test. Yes, RTTY with an adapter can be a nightmare. I have a Keyspan adapter that does RTTY well but I use it for rig control instead to prevent issues.
Thanks and 73,
Pat, NG1G
uhhhhh… Pat, do you mean me? My middle name is “Ed”ward. 🙂
Ken K3IU
Uhh, crap. I was doing 3 things at once, looking at another post and email, just not paying attention. Sorry about that, Ken!!
Pat