I purchased this device to use with a Raspberry Pi2 (900 MHz, Quad Core, Latest Release) and the Ham Radio APRS software Direwolf V 1.2.
I had been using a SignaLink USB which worked exquisitely, but is pricey at over $120. This thing cost less than $10, but of course, does not contain anything to assert PTT (cause the radio to go in and out of transmit), The SignaLink did not have to worry about additional PTT because it is included inside the SignaLink box (it actually uses a high quality fast acting VOX....but you pay for the privilege and quality of the sound card)
Suffice it to say the SignaLink is an EXCELLENT product and I'm still using it on another computer and radio with Ubuntu distro.
The amazing thing about this Syba USB USB Audio Adapter is that it works with a high demand program like Direwolf (which is doing some incredibly complicated things to decode and encode data, not something simple like playing music). Inherent distortion in the sound card or a poor noise floor would cause this unit to be useless for Direwolf. The software actually measures how well the sound card is performing and the Syba is working every bit as well as the very expensive SignaLink. What is most impressive is that it is doing this at a cost of $8.50 or so!
Pros:
1. Raspbian (Wheezy) on the Pi2 recognizes it upon install. Simply power down the RPi2 , insert into an open USB port and start it up.
2. It even works on a USB hub (which is not recommended by the Direwolf author, but it works with the Plugable 4 Port Powered USB Hub)
3. Performs every bit as well as the high-end SignaLink external USB sound card.
4. Works with either stereo or mono 3.5 mm input and output plugs.
5. Extremely small footprint.
Cons:
1. You still have to wire up cable(s) to go to the radio for PTT and also get audio from and to the radio.
2. Not that something that is wrong with the Syba itself, but rather that it requires additional hardware of some sort to assert PTT in this application. The Syba is not supposed to do this, so it is not a "fault" or "deficiency", it does, however require one to look for one more thing to have a complete solution for using the Ham Radio program Direwolf to encode/decode data and send/receive said data to a radio for transmission and reception.
Solving the PTT Issue:
1. The cheapest: Use one of the many available GPIO pins on the RPi2. This works well, but should not be used directly, a buffer circuit should be used. This further complicates the project. It is not expensive to do this, but it is "another" step. Not using a buffer circuit exposes the RPi's output to be destroyed, which can kill the RPi altogether.
2. Build up your own VOX (voice operated transmission) unit. Very inexpensive,but it is not as "fast" in terms of turnaround between transmit and receive as hardwired PTT (push to talk).
3. Use a USB to RS232 Pre-Built Interface by Easy Digi. Google search for Easy Digi USB and you will find it on eBay for $42.00. Many radio amateurs have purchased these interfaces and they come highly recommended.
This is the solution I use, as the $42 bucks covers some very important issues
a. The interface box includes input and output jacks (standard 3.5 mm mono) for audio to and from the computer sound card (Syba)
b. The interface also includes either a mike or data cable to connect to the radio for PTT (mike) or both PTT and Audio To/From (data cable) radio.
The radio you use will dictate whether you need a mike and audio cable or just a data cable that has both (like the Kenwood G707 and D700)
c. Complete ISOLATION of the Computer Sound Card and PTT (DTR and RTS) from the Radio. This is done by using audio transformers on the audio output and input lines to/from the Sound card and using an Opto-Isolator between interface's DTR and RTS lines (used for PTT) and the Radio itself.
Special Considerations Required by the Operating System: (and the Direwolf program)
The Syba Sound Card being reviewed must be configured for Raspbian (RPi) or Ubuntu or whatever Operating System you elect to use.
This requires telling the O/s to use the Syba USB Sound Card as the audio device and not the one internal to the computer.
The Easy Digi USB interface also has to be "bound" to the O/S. It is recognized automatically, but must be "bound" to ttyUSB0
If you need help, join the Digiwolf user list on Yahoo, and certainly read the Direwolf 1.2 User Guide (*.pdf).
Summary;
This is a Superb solution for a sound card for Ham Radio software/projects either in Windows or Linux. The price is amazing and the quality is perfectly acceptable. It is supported without special drivers in Linux (and probably in Windows, but I haven't tested it yet). There is a support group on line that is familiar with the Syba and can help with your project.
73, N0AN
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Reviews with images
Well made, easy (very) to install, works well
I purchased this for the output jack after my laptop audio port got damaged. I could not bear the thought of opening the laptop and soldering a new audio jack so this was the next best option. With that said, I have not tested the mic jack.Background story: I had ordered another USB sound adapter from a different maker, and upon receiving it, it was junk. When I tried to return it I discovered that was a non-refundable item. However, when I contacted the vendor and explained that the product was defective and my money was refunded, and I was told I could do whatever I wanted to do with it so I tossed it in the trash. This product had Amazon's highest rating.Current product: Because of my earlier experience I was reluctant to thy another model (Which, by the way was from a different maker.). However, The SYBA USB sound adapter has exceeded my expectations.Construction and quality: The housing is plastic, however, it doesn't feel "cheap" like the other model I had received. The USB is a snug fit. I have used 3.5mm jacks from three different devices and they all fit well. It is snug, but not too tight.USE and function: I plugged it in to one of my hardly used USB ports and then inserted my ear buds. I then turned on my computer and it booted up with the recognized C-Media USB audio device. I believe it was about the easiest thing I ever plugged into my computer.I have tried the SYBA USB audio adapter with ear buds and a sound mixer. On the sound mixer, the volume rates were good, but the sound was a tad bit tingy. I will try to use the Windows equalizer to adjust sound quality. As well, when I get some more time on my hands I should be able to make adjustments on the mixer itself.Sound quality: The sound quality was good as well as the volume rates.
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