All the best features of a RIGblaster, for two radios, not just one.

Priced at only $

RIGblaster Duo, Gordon West, CQ review

Reprinted from November 2009 CQ, with permission of CQ Magazine

Features of the RIGblaster Duo

• The RIGblaster duo will make your station neater, better, and more efficient and easier to operate.
• Cleans up clutter and eliminates tangled mic. and headphone cords.
• A RIGblaster duo is a complete station integration console that allows you to conveniently monitor and control audio almost any way you wish and also select transmit so that you may use your best microphone on two different radios.
• All the best features of a RIGblaster for two radios, not just one
• As simple to setup and operate as possible yet allowing extreme versatility.
• Comes with a built-in dual USB to serial converter to use two amateur radio software applications at the same time.
• Can be used with almost any make or model microphone and most any two, make or model radios no matter what brand.
• Two built-in 3 watt per channel stereo amplifiers let you monitor everything; two radios and the computer, with a single pair of amplified or un-amplified stereo speakers and/or a pair of headphones.
• Versatile receive audio selection that is modeled after the function and ergonomics of an aircraft audio panel to monitor your choice of any combination of radio A, B, and computer on headphones and/or speakers. Each radio can be internally configured for your choice stereo dual receive, dual mono or left or right.
• Computer audio input can be internally configured to left and right for radio A and B or can, instead, track what is being monitored.
• Dual isolated CW keying and dual FSK (MMTTY EXTFSK) outputs key both radios via computer software that can operate with either virtual COM port.
• Dual CI-V or ttl level CAT control to control two different radios via either virtual COM port.
• External 12 volt trigger outputs for optional station on/off control.
• External trigger outputs for "radio ready to transmit" LED indicators or other control functions.

Look what a RIGblaster duo replaces for less than $350

(using a computer, and appropriate software)

• A station control center up: to $350
• Two CI-V/CAT ttl rig control interfaces: up to $250
• A dual multi mode TNC: up to $550
• A dual contest Digital Voice Keyer: up to $180
• PC based DSP receive audio enhancer: up to $400
• A DX beacon clock with receive: up to $100
• A sound card interface (of course) up to $250

Even though the RIGblaster duo is intended primarily as a station integration console it does have the capabilities of the other RIGblasters, but for two radios. A RIGblaster and a computer allows you to operate using over a 100 different sound card software programs written specifically for Amateur Radio. You can operate modes such as PSK31, RTTY, SSTV, CW, MFSK, MT63, Amtor, Digital Voice over SSB, Hellscriber, Contest Voice Keyer, Packet/APRS, WSJT EME/MS, and The Echolink System© along with computer rig control and CW and FSK keying.

The normal operation of your radios and computer remain and you can automatically switch to computer operation of your station. The switching back and forth between the computer and the microphone is completely automatic and the mic. always has priority.

Note: unlike interfaces with outboard sound cards, RIGblasters never disable the internal computer sound system in order to use most Amateur Radio programs.

Radio MIc Connector Compatibility

Any radio that has a 8 pin round screw on microphone connector.

Any radio that has an RJ45 modular telephone style connector.

Any radio with RJ25 6 wire microphone connector with the purchase of an optional FT100 style 6 wire modular mic. cable.

Any radio with 4 pin round microphone connector with the purchase of a optional 4 pin mic. cable.

Microphone Compatibility

Any microphone with an 8 pin round microphone connector.

NOTE: Only the PTT button function is passed through to the radio, other buttons on any microphone will not function, for example, up-down buttons.

NOTE: Microphones that are electret condenser type that require bias supplied on the mic. audio pin are supported. Microphones that require preamp power on a pin other than the mic audio pin are NOT supported.

Radio Receive Compatibility

Any radio with single or dual (stereo) variable (volume controlled) audio output (speaker or line level).

1/8" stereo mini plug cables supplied.

CI-V/CAT Rig Control Compatibility

Any radio that requires a special TTL level converter that does not hook directly to a RS232 port.

Speaker and Headphone Compatibility

Any pair of 4-16 ohm un amplified speakers or any pair of amplified computer speakers.

Any pair of stereo 4 - 2000 ohm headphones with a 1/8" (adaptor supplied) or 1/4" stereo phone plug.

Supplied Cables and Accessories

2 - 3 ft. 8 pin round microphone cables
1 - 3 ft. RJ45 square microphone cable
1 - 6 ft. DC cord with Powerpole supply connector
1 - Jumper pack for 2 radios and one microphone.
1 - 6 foot USB A to B cable
8 - 6 foot stereo mini plug cables (Audio, CW keying)
2 - 1/8" mini socket to 1/4" phone plug adaptors.

Optional Cables and Accessories

6 ft. Remote LED transmit select indicators.
6 ft. shielded microphone interface cables (8 pin round or RJ45; needed if you have your radio's farther than 3 feet from duo back panel)
FSK keying cable (various radios)
RIG control CAT or CI-V cable

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: (H x W x D, overall) 1.6" x 10.6" x 5.75"

Weight: 20 oz

Case construction: .063 aluminum with all stainless steel hardware

Paint finish; Powder coated

Electrical Specifications (typical)

Monitor Audio inputs: (computer and radios) 0.5 VRMS for full output

Speaker and headphone audio outputs: 3 watts per channel @ 4 ohms

Frequency response: Radio, (filtered for maximum voice intelligibility) 200 - 7000 kHz +- 3 dB

Frequency response, Computer: (HiFi for music) 20 - 20,000 kHz +- 3 dB

Operating voltage range 11.5 to 15 volts

Maximum current full output 1.8 amps

Computer System requirements

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