Description 4
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. 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.
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