Radio Interface Setup – For getting started with Ham Radio Sound Card digital modes

Configuration

Playback settings

This will adjust the audio path from the computer to the radio.

Begin by setting any external volume controls on the interface at half, if applicable.

Click the Start button.
Click Control Panel.
If Control Panel is in Category mode, first click Hardware and Sound.
Click Sound.

radio_interface_setup-01_configuration_playback-01_playback_devices_radio_interface_default

If the radio interface device (USB Audio CODEC for SignaLink) has a green check next to it, this indicates it is the default audio device. DO NOT use the radio interface as the default Windows audio device. Any sounds generated by the computer will be transmitted including system sounds, music, and screensaver noises. The radio interface will be selected in the settings of the digital application.

When traveling once, some station had the radio interface set as the default audio device. The aquarium screensaver was not only transmitting bubbles but tying up a local repeater. Don’t be that guy.

Set the sound card as the default audio device.

radio_interface_setup-01_configuration_playback-02_playback_devices_select_speakers

Click the main sound card device.
Click Set Default.

Notes:

  • Clicking Set Default will set the selected device as the Default (sound) Device and Default Communication Device. Clicking the down arrow will display the options set as default.

radio_interface_setup-01_configuration_playback-03_playback_devices_select_radio_interface

Click the radio interface device.
Click Properties.

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Click the Levels tab.
Set the Speakers level to 50.

Notes:

  • Setting the audio level half-way will prevent distortion and clipping of the audio signal. Further audio level adjustments should be made using the level controls on the interface device.
  • A range up to 75 appears to be acceptable in Windows, however change this setting last.

radio_interface_setup-01_configuration_playback-05_playback_devices_radio_interface_enhancements

Click the Enhancements tab.
Check Disable all enhancements.

Notes:

  • Disabling enhancements eliminates a possible source of distortion in the audio signal. Distortions will result in undesired or no decoding of the data.

radio_interface_setup-01_configuration_playback-06_playback_devices_radio_interface_advanced

Click the Advanced tab.
Under Default Format, select 16 bit, 48000 Hz.
Click OK.

Notes:

  • 41000 Hz is fine for many applications. Some digital modulation requires more bandwidth.