SignaLink™ Support

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General

 

 

Op Tips

Modifications

VARA WIDE Information

 

Update - August 22, 2022

Jumper module p/n SLMODVAR has been replaced with our updated SLMOD6PM jumper module.  The new SLMOD6PM module supports the selection of either 1200 or 9600 baud audio via a simple push-on jumper located on top of the module. If you want to run VARA Wide, you simply need to move the jumper to the 96 (9600 baud) position.  All other modes (FT8, PSk31, etc.) including VARA Narrow and VARA HF use the factory default 12 (1200 baud) jumper setting.  Click the SLMOD6PM link above to see pictures and details on this new module.

 

Update - December 17, 2021

VARA Wide has been used with the SignaLink USB for more than a year now and has been proven to work extremely well. Virtually all individuals and EMCOMM groups that we have heard from have moved past the testing stage and are now incorporating VARA Wide into their systems.  The information below will be updated and re-formatted soon to provide a more helpful basic setup guide. In the mean time, please seek help from your local EMCOMM group if assistance is needed.  Most groups have a resident expert that can provide you with basic setup information plus all of the details on your local system.

 

Update - August 29, 2020

We just completed some "real world" testing of VARA WIDE across our local valley (~10 mile path - QRM free) and are happy to report that it worked very well.  Our test setup consisted of two stock (unmodified) SignaLink USB units (both with the newer SMT transformers and JP3 enabled) connected to the Data Port of a Kenwood TM-V71A and a Yaesu FT-8900R.  Power was 10 watts (2m VHF) into a short mobile whip on one end, and a moderate gain vertical on the other.  With this configuration we were able to consistently achieve speeds between 22,000 bps to 25,000 bps with no issues.  Even while driving (safely of course!) we were consistently right at 20,000 bps.

We are also happy to report that we have received feedback from other users that have been able to achieve speeds of 19,000 to 20,000 bps in various urban environments using the stock SignaLink USB (newer SMT transformers) and other radios.  One user also reported speeds of up to 20,000 bps using the SignaLink USB with the older through-hole mounted transformers.  Prior to this, the max reported speed using the older transformers was ~15,000 bps.

It should be noted that our testing was done with both radios underdeviated.  We used the VARA program's Auto Tune feature to set the TX level both ways, but regardless of the adjustments we made (both TX and RX levels were experimented with) we always ended up with a deviation of approximately 1.5KHz.  Since the recommended deviation is 2.5KHz, we plan to do some additional testing to see what affect deviation has on throughput, and what might be done to get the Auto Tune mode to actually set it there.  We would also like to note, that as previously mentioned, some Kenwood radios appear to need more audio than the stock SignaLink USB can provide to reach the recommended 2.5KHz deviation.  This is the case with the TM-V71A that we are now testing with.  However, when we use a SignaLink USB that has been modified for more output and is capable of driving the radio to 2.5KHz deviation (TX modulation was verified to be clean and undistorted), the Auto Tune feature still lowers the level back down, and the resulting deviation is around 1.5KHz.  We will be looking into this too so that we better understand what is happening, but as noted from our testing, the lower deviation still works very well.

 

SignaLink USB Audio Transformers and Other Changes

 We have been shipping wider bandwidth surface mount (SMT) isolation transformers (click for a picture) in the SignaLink USB since ~June 2018. The .25db bandwidth of the transformers is 200Hz to 4000Hz.  The normally specified 3db bandwidth of these transformers and the SignaLink USB as a whole, actually extends out much further than 4Khz and will be updated shortly. If your SignaLink USB is an older model with the red colored "through hole" transformers (see above link to confirm), then please note that the 3db bandwidth is narrower (~300-3300Hz) and it may not support the fastest speeds that VARA WIDE offers (see testing notes above).

For those asking about the possibility of upgrading their current SignaLink USB, please note that the SignaLink USB circuit board was redesigned to fit the new surface mount transformer.  The new transformer will NOT fit the old circuit board.  It should also be noted that other improvements were made to the circuit design including better filtering of the USB power bus and internal bias voltages (this may lower the noise floor on some systems).  A change was also made to the more readily available PCM2906C sound card chip (same family as the previously used PCM2904) in early 2017.

 

SignaLink USB Setup

1.  The SignaLink USB must be the newer unit with the black colored surface mount (SMT) transformers in order to take advantage of the fastest speeds offered by the VARA WIDE mode.  If your SignaLink USB is an older unit with the red colored through-hole transformers, then your max speed will likely be limited to somewhere between 15,000-20,000 bps.  See the above link to confirm which transformers your SignaLink has.

2.  The SignaLink USB must be connected to the radio's 6-pin mini-DIN Data Port so that it can use the wider bandwidth 9600 baud signal provided by the radio.  Mic connections will not work with the faster speeds that VARA WIDE offers (use VARA NARROW for mic connections).

3.  You MUST use jumper wires to configure the SignaLink USB for use with the radios 6-pin mini-DIN Data Port (see our Jumper Settings page for details), and you MUST connect the JP1 "SPK" jumper to JP1 pin #4 instead of pin #5.  This configuration uses the radio's 9600 baud output which has a flatter, wider bandwidth frequency response which is required.  Note that the SLMOD6PM jumper module cannot be used because it is wired for the 1200 baud output. If there is enough demand, we will offer a special jumper module preconfigured to use the 9600 baud output so that customers can use a jumper module to simplify installation.

4.  You MUST enable special jumper JP3 inside the SignaLink to increase the TX Audio level going to the radio.  This is a simple push-on shorting jumper located behind the SignaLink's TX potentiometer and marked "JP3" (see the above link or the SignaLink manual for a picture of the circuit board showing this jumper).  To enable JP3, simply pull the black shorting jumper straight up to remove it (don't twist it!) and then reinstall across the two pins marked "JP3".

5.  We set the SignaLink's DLY control fully counter-clockwise for minimum TX hang time delay.  This makes the switching time very fast and should maximize throughput.  While this can occasionally cause the PTT relay to chatter, this usually happens only at the beginning of an Auto Tune sequence.With that said, the DLY knob could be turned up just a little to minimize relay chatter and this will probably not have much impact on throughput.  Online VARA docs indicate that a setting of 7-8 o'clock is acceptable, but it should NOT be set any higher.  Note that if the DLY knob is set too high, then you'll be unable to communicate because your system will still be in transmit when the receiving stations sends its reply.

6.  See below for setup of the SignaLink's RX and TX controls.

 

Radio Setup

1.  The radio's "Packet Rate" or "On air baud rate" menu setting MUST be set to 9600 (NOT 1200 baud).  This is sometimes called "9600 baud mode" and in this case, it must be turned ON.  Note that if you see other baud rates besides 1200/9600 mentioned, then you're looking at the wrong menu item.

2.  The radio's Squelch should be OPEN so that noise / audio is always present. This will help reduce the switching time.  Note that this is sometimes controlled by a separate menu setting in the radio specifically for the Data Port.

 

VARA Program Setup

1. We adjusted the SignaLink's RX knob so that with no signal present, the VARA VU meter was at max green with no peaking into the red (~ -6db).

NOTE:  We were recently forwarded this advice by Martin, HB9AUR...  The RX gain should be adjusted with a modulated RX signal, e.g. when the partner is sending the VARA FM Tune signal, and not with the noise of a free channel. It appears that some radios have very high levels for the RX noise. When you reduce the RX gain until the noise level is in the green range of the VU meter, it is possible that the amplitude of the modulated signal will be too low - leading to bad S/N. I experienced this with a professional radio (Motorola), where I had to set the level such that the VU meter was in the red range when no signal was present. It is OK to initially set the RX level as described by Tigertronics, but then you must check with a received signal and correct the setting if necessary.

2. We set the SignaLink's TX knob to 100% (MAX) and then used the program's "Auto Tune" feature on both ends to set the TX Level.  Note that the auto adjusted transmit level that you end up with after using the Auto Tune feature is also dependent upon the receive volume level (VU meter) at the receiving station.  If it's too low, then Auto Tune may tell you to keep increasing the TX level when you really need more RX audio.

 

WinLink Express Test File Size

We have been told that the "real world" file size when sending traffic/messages is normally no more than 100KB.  Our testing is done with larger text files (~2-5MB) so that we have time to make adjustments during the transmission, and so that we can better see what the sustained transfer rate is.

 

Windows 11 Information

NOTE:  The information below may change as Windows 11 is updated with bug fixes and improvements.  We will provide complete step-by-step instructions for Windows 11 and incorporate it into the SignaLink manual at a later date.  

 

General Comments

In the limited testing that we have done so far, all tested sound card communication programs that work properly in Windows 7, 8.x and 10, also appear to work in Windows 11.   However, many of the Window's sound setting menus have changed significantly and some menu items do not behave as they did in previous versions of windows.  For example; selecting an output device in the volume mixer so that you can adjust it will automatically set that device as the default output device.  This also changes the sound card selection in the comms program, so transmit may stop working until things are reconfigured.  We're not sure if this is a bug or by design, but we have accounted for this issue in the steps below.

 

Windows 11 Configuration Steps

IMPORTANT:  This interim setup information is a supplement to the current SignaLink USB manual.  It does not replace it.  The setup information below does NOT cover all of the important details, tips and warnings that are provided in the manual.  To protect your equipment from damage and make installation and operation as easy as possible, we strongly suggest that you refer to the latest SignaLink USB manual as you complete the steps below.

 

Set the Windows default Output device to your computer's sound card

NOTE:  Changing the default output device in Windows will affect the comms program so it should be closed for now.


1 - Right-click the Speaker icon on the Window's task bar (lower-right corner of screen) and then click Sound Settings in the pop-up menu that appears. This will open the Settings window and display the Sound options.

2 - Under the Output section (top right-hand side of the Settings window), click the circle check box next to your computer's sound card (NOT USB Audio Codec!).  This will set it as the default output device.  Be sure to click the circle next to the device name. Do not click the arrow on the right-hand side of the window!

3 - You can set the default Input device to your computer's sound card if you'd like.  This is not critical and will have no affect on operation of the SignaLink.

4 - Close the Sound window by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner.

 

Comms Program Setup

1 - Confirm that your communication program is configured so that the SignaLink's sound card is selected for both Input (Receive) and Output (Transmit).

2 - Before proceeding, be sure that your antenna's SWR is acceptable or that you have a dummy load connected to the radio.  A high SWR can damage your radio!

3 - Set the SignaLink's TX knob fully counter-clockwise to insure that there will be no RF power output (don't forget to readjust this later for the desired output power!).  Transmitting digital modes with too much power for an extended period of time can damage your radio.  Refer to the SignaLink USB manual and your radio manual for details.

4 - Put your comms program in Transmit.  A "Tune" or "Test tone" type transmit function is best for this step.  Note that if your program is not in transmit, then you will not be able to adjust the App slider below!

TIP:  If the comms program is properly configured to use the SignaLink's USB Audio Codec sound card for both transmit and receive, but the transmit audio is heard in your computer speakers, then you can usually fix this by restarting the comms program.  If this doesn't work, then open the comms program's sound card setup and select a different sound card for output.  Click OK or Save (as applicable) to save the settings, then re-open the program's sound card setup again and set it back to USB Audio Codec.  This should resolve the issue.  



Adjusting the Windows Playback level sliders

NOTE:  Your comms program must be properly configured and in transmit at this point.  If it is not, then you will not be able to adjust the App slider below!


1 - Right-click the Speaker icon on the Window's task bar (lower-right corner of screen) and then click Sound Settings. This will open the Sound Settings window.

IMPORTANT:  Do not proceed with the next step until you are certain that you understand where to click. Clicking in the wrong spot will change the default playback/output device and transmit will stop working.  If this happens then you'll need to start over by setting the default playback/output device back to your computer's sound card, and then reconfiguring the output/transmit device in your comm program back to USB Audio Codec.

 2 - Under the Output section (top of the window), look carefully and locate the "Speakers - USB Audio Codec" device.  This is the SignaLink's sound card.

3 - Carefully click the ARROW that is shown to the right of "Speakers - USB Audio Codec".  DO NOT CLICK THE CIRCLE CHECK BOX!

4 - You will now see the properties for the SignaLink's sound card. Adjust the Volume slider to 100%.  Do NOT adjust any other controls or make any other changes.

5 - In the upper left corner of the Sound Properties window, click the back arrow.  This is the left pointing arrow next to the word "Settings".  This will take you back to the main Sound window.

6 - Scroll down to the Advanced section and click Volume Mixer.  This will display the Volume mixer window.

7 - Under the Apps section, you will see a level slider that matches the comms program that you are using.  Adjust this slider to 50%.  If you don't see the slider, or the slider is grayed out, then your comms program is either not configured for the SignaLink's sound card, or it is not in transmit.

8 - If your SignaLink is powered ON, then the SignaLink's PTT indicator should now be ON.

9 - Click the X in the upper right-hand corner of the Volume Mixer window to close it.

10 - Put your comms program back in the receive mode.  Don't forget to readjust the SignaLink's TX knob later for the desired RF output level.  If you leave the TX knob turned OFF then you'll have no output power!


Adjusting the Recording Level Slider

1 - Right-click the Speaker icon on the Window's task bar (lower-right corner of screen) and then click Sound Settings in the pop-up menu that appears. This will open the Settings window.

2 - On the right-hand side of the Settings window, scroll down to the bottom and click "More Sound Settings". This will open the traditional looking Sound window.

3 - In the Sound window that opens, click the Recording tab.

4 - Click one time on the SignaLink's "Line - USB Audio Codec" sound card so that it is selected/highlighted.

5 - Click the Properties button at the bottom of the window.  This will open a new Properties window.

6 - Click the Levels tab.

7 - Adjust the Level slider to 0db or 100% (the slider should be set to the far right).

8 - Click OK to close the Properties Window.

9 - Click OK to close the Sound window.

10 - Close the main Sound settings window by clicking the X in the upper right-hand corner.

 

This completes the setup of Windows 11.

 

Windows 10 Information

 

Click here if you are experiencing a "Sound Card Error" when you open your communication program (generally after a Windows 10 update)

 

General Windows 10 Issues, Tips and Information

**NOTE:  If you need to use a USB hub, then the hub MUST be designed for "high power" USB devices and externally powered.  A port-powered USB hub will NOT work properly (operation will be intermittent at best).  Note that not all externally powered USB hubs are designed for high power USB devices.  If your hub doesn't specifically say that it is, then check the specifications for a "total available port current" of at least 2-3 amps.  If your hub can provide that much total current then it is likely designed for high power USB devices and should work fine with the SignaLink USB.

Windows Vista - Audio Level Setting Procedures

NOTE:  Windows Vista is no longer supported by Microsoft as of April 11, 2017.  

Setting the Default Sound Card

  1. Right-click the speaker icon located on the Windows Task Bar near the system clock (lower right hand corner of your screen).
  2. Select "Sounds"
  3. In the "Sounds" window that opens, select the "Playback" tab.
  4. Select your computer's sound card in the list of sound cards shown (single left-click).
  5. Click the "Set Default" button to set your computer's sound card as the default card for playback.
  6. Select the "Recording" tab.
  7. Select your computer's microphone in the list of sound cards shown (single left-click).
  8. Click the "Set Default" button to set your computer's microphone as the default card for recording.  Note that you must have a microphone plugged in if you are going to select it as the default.  If you are using the SignaLink USB, then you can simply leave its "Microphone - USB Audio Codec" sound card set as the default if you'd like.  It will not have any negative impact on performance or operation of the unit.
  9. Click OK to save your settings and close the Sounds window.

 

Setting the Transmit Audio Levels ("Playback" controls)

NOTE:  Do NOT use your communications program's "Set Transmit Levels" ("Transmitter Drive", etc.), or "Set Receive Levels" ("Waterfall Drive", etc.) menus, as these do not seem to work properly for Windows Vista.

Your communication program MUST be properly configured and in Transmit before proceeding.  If you're not sure how to configure your program then please click here.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon located on the Windows Task Bar near the system clock (lower right hand corner of your screen).
  2. Select "Open Volume Mixer" and a new window will open.
  3. If using the SignaLink USB, click "Device" in the upper left hand corner and select "Speakers (USB Audio Codec)".  If you are using our SignaLink SL-1+, then you'll want to select your computer's sound card.
  4. The far left volume control is the equivalent of the "Master Volume" control referred to in our documentation, and earlier versions of Windows. Set this control as suggested in our level setting procedure (100% for the SignaLink USB).
  5. When transmitting (your communication program MUST be in Transmit), you will see another volume control to the right labeled with the same (or similar) name of the communications program that you are using.  This control is the equivalent of the "Wave" volume control referred to in our documentation and earlier versions of Windows. Set this control as suggested in our level setting procedure (50% for the SignaLink USB).  Note that this control is only visible when your program is transmitting and the exact name depends on the software you are using.  With the DigiPan program for example, this control appears as "Tune TX" in the "Tune" mode, and as "Callsign - DigiPan" in the normal Transmit mode.
  6. Close the Volume Mixer window and switch your communication program back to Receive.

 

Setting the Receive Audio Levels ("Recording" controls)

NOTE:  Do NOT use your communications program's "Set Transmit Levels" ("Transmitter Drive", etc.), or "Set Receive Levels" ("Waterfall Drive", etc.) menus, as these do not seem to work properly for Windows Vista.

  1. Right-click the speaker icon located on the Windows Task Bar near the system clock (lower right hand corner of your screen).
  2. Select "Recording Devices"
  3. If using the SignaLink USB, click the "Microphone (USB Audio Codec)" sound device one time to select it.  If you are using the SignaLink SL-1+, then you'll need to click one time on your computer's microphone to select it.
  4. Click the "Properties" button.
  5. In the Microphone properties window, select the "Levels Tab"
  6. If using the SignaLink USB, adjust the Level slider to "0.0db" or as close as Windows permits**.  If using the SL-1+, then you'll need to adjust the "Mic" slider control to set your Receive Audio level to a good level.

**NOTE:  If you are using the SignaLink USB, please see latest version of the SignaLink USB manual for detailed information on setting the Recording Level slider.

Installation Manuals

 

SignaLink USB Installation & Operation Manual - Windows 10
SignaLink USB Installation & Operation Manual - Windows 7 / 8.x
SignaLink USB Installation & Operation Manual - Windows ME / 2000 / XP

SignaLink SL-1+ Installation & Operation Manual - Windows ME / 2000 / XP
SignaLink SL-1 Installation & Operation Manual - Windows ME / 2000/ XP

 
  If you don't have Adobe's Acrobat Reader, click on the icon to get it.

 

Running Packet with the SignaLink

Ralph Milnes, NM5RM, has an excellent web site on running Sound Card Packet.  His site gives step-by-step instructions on how to configure and use the AGW Packet Engine, with various packet and APRS® programs, including WinAPRS, APRSplus, UI-View, WinPack, AGWTerm, AGWMonitor, and AGWCluster.  Links to other sound card Packet programs including the UZ7HO Soundmodem and DireWolf, are also included. If you would like to run packet with the SignaLink, Ralph's web site will show you how.  Thank you Ralph!


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Running SSTV with the SignaLink

SSTV is one of the few modes where you frequently switch between Digital operation (sending pictures) and Voice operation (talking about the cool picture that you just sent!).  Because of this, if you plan on operating SSTV, we suggest that you attach the SignaLink to your radio's Data or Accessory Port instead of the Mic connector.  This will allow you to keep your microphone plugged into the front of the radio, so that you can talk between pictures.  For detailed information on operating SSTV, check out this great SSTV Primer by Michael Tondee, W4HIJ.  A list of the main SSTV HF frequencies can be found below.

Main SSTV HF Frequencies

160 Meters  80 Meters  40 Meters  20 Meters  15 Meters  10 Meters 
1.916
 		3.845
3.857 		 7.170
7.172 		 14.230
14.233
14.236 		 21.340 28.680
28.690
28.700


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Weak signal communications with WSJT-X, WSJT, MAP65, and WSPR - By K1JT

Joe Taylor, K1JT, is the expert on weak signal modes.  He has written a number of very popular programs for weak signal work on the HF, VHF and UHF bands, and his original WSJT program from 2001 is still very popular today.

Joe continues to develop new modes that push the envelope for weak signal operation using EME ("moonbounce"), meteor scatter, and ionospheric scatter.  His latest program, WSJT-X, offers a number of new modes including FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR.

If you'd like to explore the world of weak signal communication, or if local antenna restrictions are limiting your Ham activity, then WSJT/WSJT-X is probably just what you're looking for.  Most WSJT programs are available for Windows, Linux and the Mac, and the User Guides and other WSJT support information is superb.  Visit Joe's web site for details and program downloads, and please be sure to thank him for all his hard work and for making the WSJT programs free!


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Linux information and software for the SignaLink™

 

NOTE:  The Linux operating system is not officially supported by our chipset manufacturer, or Tigertronics.  We will do our best to help you get your SignaLink working in Linux if you call for Tech Support, but please understand that we do not run this OS ourselves so support for it will be very limited.  If you are not familiar with installing and configuring software/hardware in Linux, then we strongly suggest that you use a different OS with your SignaLink.


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Increasing the PTT sensitivity of the SignaLink Model SL-1

NOTE:  This modification is for the original SignaLink Model SL-1 only.  It does not apply to the SignaLink SL-1+ or SignaLink USB.

While the SignaLink's Auto-PTT™ circuit works perfectly with nearly every sound card on the market, there are a few odd laptop computers that cannot activate the circuit without setting the volume controls to maximum, and distorting the transmit signal.  To address this issue, we have provided information on a simple modification that can be performed to increase the sensitivity of the SignaLink's PTT circuit nearly five times.  This increase in sensitivity will allow these "problem" laptops to activate the circuit at lower volume levels, which will provide a clean signal to the radio.  Instructions for this modification can be found here.

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Increasing the transmit & receive audio output of the SignaLink Model SL-1

NOTE:  This modification is for the original SignaLink Model SL-1 only.  It does not apply to the SignaLink SL-1+ or SignaLink USB.

When used in conjunction with your computer and radio volume controls, the SignaLink's transmit and receive attenuation circuits provide the correct amount of audio for most installations.  However, with some equipment combinations, you may find that you need more transmit or receive audio than the stock unit can provide.  For these situations, there are two special jumpers that you can install inside the SignaLink to increase the transmit and receive audio levels.  The location of these jumpers and instructions for installing them can be found here.

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Contacting Technical Support

 

Free telephone Technical Support is available for the SignaLink.  If you need technical assistance, please click here for instructions on contacting our Technical Support Staff.


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