Micky:
I played around a little with my alternate data cable today, and I was able to get both VaraChat (part of VARA FM) and FlDigi to key the rig using a DB-9 serial, camera- shutter adapter that I had on hand.? Using serial RTS keying on the com port worked reliably when connected to the correct pins on the data jack, and both VARA and FLDigi support this, and both worked well for me today with this method.
I plan to buy another of those shutter controllers for my second rig.? They are marketed as shutter controllers but little does the seller know they make bang-up PTT controllers, too.
If you check Ebay for:? "Opto-Isolated Camera Shutter Controller 2.5mm to DB9/ USB Adapter for Canon DSLR"?you should find it easy enough.? Its marketed by Cables Online.? I think the only caveat I could give on this item, though, is that the USB DB-9 interface they provide is reported to have a Prolific chip, and I had long ago changed mine out for an FTDI based interface, instead.??
Having a separate but reliable PTT interface then gives me the chance to go ahead and experiment with different sound cards, independent of the PTT path.? Only downside is you will wind up using two USB ports this way, to interface with your computer.? ?I expect that after my experimenting is over that I will probably wind up with a MastersCommunications DRA-50, which I have my eye on.? People who use this particular sound card interface are reporting some pretty impressive data speeds with VARA FM Wide/9600.
Doug
NS4ZM
