Description

RigExpert Standard is a device for operating phone, CW and digital modes using personal computer with USB port. It provides:

Transceiver audio interface

Analog audio interface is a connection to transceiver audio output (external speaker connector or line output) and transceiver audio input (microphone connector or line input). Audio interface enables operating digital modes, recording and playing voice, as well as other useful functions (such as measuring levels of a signal from the air) by using a computer. Input (two channels) and output volume levels are adjusted by potentiometers on the front panel of the device.

CAT interface for various transceiver models

CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) system provides control of transceiver frequency, operating mode and other functions by computer software. Normally, modern transceivers have serial (with various signal levels) link providing CAT interface.

In RigExpert Standard, CAT interface port is seen as a COM port by computer software.

FSK output

FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a popular method of transmitting digital messages over radio primarily used in radioteletype (RTTY) mode. Most transceivers provide FSK modulator feature to make the RTTY signal stable and clear.

A separate COM port is assigned for the FSK output when using RigExpert Standard. The FSK baudrate and polarity are fixed and may be reconfigured by jumpers (see the Appendix A).

PTT and CW output functions

Transceivers provide PTT (Push To Talk) and CW (Continuous Wave) keyer inputs to allow setting the transmitter on or off and operating CW using external device (PTT pedal, CW bug or paddle, terminal node controller, or personal computer).

In RigExpert Standard, PTT and CW outputs are assigned to the RTS and DTR lines of a separate COM port.

Squelch input

Some software, such as EchoLink, requires the interface to provide a squelch input to detect if the radio channel is busy.

In RigExpert Standard, the squelch input is assigned to the DCD line of the COM port used for PTT and CW outputs.

Additional serial port

Connecting TNCs or antenna rotors still require legacy COM ports which are unavailable on modern PCs. Having a 9-pin SERIAL connector (TXD/RXD/RTS/CTS lines) will resolve this problem.

In RigExpert Standard, a separate COM port is assigned to the SERIAL input/output.