West Mountain Radio RIGblaster DXpro User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2020 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
RIGblaster
DXpro

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Introduction
We understand you have a choice when buying Amateur Radio products and
we would like to take a moment to thank you for choosing West Mountain
Radio. The RIGblaster DXpro is the culmination of decades of experience
designing Amateur Radio computer interfaces. Great e󰀨ort has gone into the
design to ensure you have the most up-to-date and capable interface you have
ever owned.
The DXpro’s advanced features give you the exibility to operate your ham
radio station in ways which were previously impossible with a traditional
interface. There are many aspects to conguring and operating the DXpro,
so please take time to read this manual which will help you understand the full
range of capabilities. Especially read section on installation before hooking up
your transceiver or computer.
Overview of DXpro Features
Audio
The DXpro has two internal sound cards named “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” and
“DXpro Mic/Sub”. These can be used in a number of ways depending on the
front panel switches.
Reception of dual channel audio from a transceiver with Main/Sub receivers
is possible: Main Receiver audio will be on the left stereo channel and Sub
Receiver audio will be on the right stereo channel. These signals will appear on
the “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” sound card recording channel.
Reception of dual channel audio on both sound cards: Main Receiver audio will
be on both channels of “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” and Sub Receiver audio will be
on “DXpro Mic/Sub”.
The transceiver’s microphone audio can be intercepted by “DXpro Mic/Sub” for
recording voice keying les.
The “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” sound card is also used for transmission (playback
channel). There is no playback channel associated with the “DXpro Mic/Sub”
sound card.
Virtual Serial Ports
The DXpro provides two virtual serial ports to the host computer.
DXpro CAT/CI-V is a dedicated serial port for rig control. All serial signals are
available for use and externalized on the CAT (RS232) DB9 connector and CAT
(TTL) connector. Optionally the TTL output can be inverted if necessary.
DXpro Control is used for PTT (RTS), CW/FSK keying (DTR), various input
signals, and for programming the DXpro.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
INTRODUCTION
Footswitch / Keypad Port
This RCA phono jack can be used for a conventional footswitch or analog
keypad. You can program this jack so that multiple taps on a footswitch (up to
three) will trigger serial input signals on the DXpro Control Port. These can be
monitored by suitable software and an action performed such as playing back a
voice keying wave le.
Optionally a four button analog keypad can be attached to trigger the serial
input signals. A readymade analog keypad product is available from West
Mountain Radio.
Sequencer Support
The DXpro has two ports for sequencer interfacing. The SEQ-TRIG port is an
output and can be used to start a sequencer’s timing loop.
The SEQ-END port is an input and would be connected to the output of a
sequencer to signal to the DXpro that transmit is now safe.
During this time PTT/CW/FSK is suppressed on the DXpro. Logic levels for the
sequencer ports can be programmed either active high or active low.
Squelch (COS) Support
There is a dedicated squelch input which can be used for advanced
applications such as EchoLink or for repeater announcements.
Optional ClearSpeech®Module
Internally, a header is provided to install a CLRmod DSP audio processor. This
can be used in a similar way to our CLRspkr and CLRdsp products. A good
use for this would be to reduce received HF noise when operating remotely
using the DXpro. The CLRmod DSP lter level, tone, & volume controls can be
changed via software
RTTY FSK & CW Keying
The DXpro has outputs for real CW keying and FSK RTTY. In addition there is
a “right-channel audio to FSK” circuit which allows some digital mode software
(such as FLdigi) to produce true FSK.
In a similar fashion, true keyed CW can be output from audio based Morse
Code software.
12v Output
A switchable +12v DC output is provided which can be used (remotely if
needed) to turn a small station accessory on or o󰀨.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
USB Pass-through Port
For your convenience we’ve added a USB type-A jack on the DXpro which can
be used just like a normal computer USB port.
Requirements
Although the DXpro appears to successfully work on Windows XP we would
recommend that for best results to use Windows 10 on a recent computer with
at least 4GB RAM. The DXpro also works on Linux and Mac-OS.
Contents
• RIGblaster DXpro
• Microphone Cable – works with any 8 pin microphone jack (Foster round-
metal or ‘RJ-45’). Radios with a 4 pin or 6 pin microphone jack will require
a di󰀨erent cable
• 12VDC Powerpole Cable
• Instant Setup Connectors (ISCs)
• 1/8” audio cable, 6 ft
• USB type A to type B Cable
• Wire jumpers and shunt jumpers
• DVD of RIGblaster Soundcard Collection
Installation
Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Before connecting your DXpro to the PC, download and run the latest driver
installation software and rmware updates from the website:
www.westmountainradio.com . In the gray menu bar, click Support>Downloads
Firmware Updating
From time to time there may be newer rmware for the DXpro. Current rmware
versions and instructions on performing the update can be found at the link
above.
Selecting the ISC
Before you can hook up your transceiver you will need to install jumpers or
one of the ready-made jumper blocks (ISCs) provided with the DXpro. This will
congure the DXpro to use the same microphone pinout as your transceiver
and microphone.
The ISCs supplied cover many types of transceivers but you may use the
discrete white wire and blue shunt jumpers if your transceiver does not fall in
this category. Refer to the chart below for some common transceivers and
appropriate ISC.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
For a more exhaustive list we have a web resource which can be accessed
here:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/isc-nder.php
Installing the ISC
The DXpro is shipped without the metal top cover screwed on to facilitate rst-
time installation of the ISC.
Locate the ISC header on the circuit board. It is 2 rows
of 14 pins designated P1. The orientation is pin 1 on
the left-hand side if the unit’s front panel controls are
facing you.
Place the correct ISC for your transceiver over the
pins and push rmly down. All pins should be covered
by the black plastic header block. Be careful not to
miss a row or column of pins.
Refer to the image if necessary.
Once the ISC has been installed you may carefully
attach the metal top cover and the sheet metal case screws can be inserted. As
these screws will cut the thread in the screw holes, a little force may be needed
the rst time you do this.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Cabling
Basic Hook-up Instructions
Transceivers with an 8 pin round metal mic jack:
1. Take the microphone cable supplied with the DXpro and screw it to the
microphone jack on your transceiver.
2. The other end of the microphone cable is an RJ-45 style modular connector.
This plugs into the rear microphone jack (MIC) on the DXpro.
3. Use the supplied stereo audio cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm) from the external
speaker jack on your transceiver to the LINE IN jack on the rear panel of the
DXpro.
4. Connect your transceiver’s microphone to the front panel microphone jack
on the DXpro.
Transceivers with an RJ-45 modular style mic jack:
1. Take the microphone cable supplied with the DXpro and screw it to the front
of the DXpro.
2. The other end of the microphone is an RJ-45 style modular connector. This
plugs into the microphone jack on your transceiver.
3. Use the supplied stereo audio cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm) from the external
speaker jack on your transceiver to the LINE IN jack on the rear panel of the
DXpro.
4. Connect your transceiver’s microphone to the rear panel microphone jack
(MIC) on the DXpro.
Powering the DXpro
The DXpro has two di󰀨erent methods for power. A USB connection to the
PC is recommended, but if you prefer you can also use the supplied 12VDC
Powerpole®cable. Powering the DXpro from 12VDC means you can operate
an attached microphone without the need for the computer to be turned on. If
planning to use the switched 12VDC output, then the 12VDC Powerpole®cable
must be plugged in and connected to a suitable DC power supply.
Optional Cables
If you purchased any optional cables with your DXpro these can now be
connected.
CAT cable: This will connect to either the CAT (RS232) or CAT (TTL) jacks on
the rear panel of the DXpro and the appropriate CAT jack on your transceiver.
Depending on your transceiver model this could be either an RS232, 3.5mm, or
DIN connector.

EXT USB - type A as a pass-through
CAT (RS232) - CAT control with RS-232
PC USB - type B DXpro to PC
12VDC IN
PTT LED - Illuminate in transmit mode
USB LED -  ash when DXpro Main/ Sub/TX soundcard in use
TX Level
Microphone input for 8 pin round mic (Mic output with RJ45 connector radio)
Footswitch LED (V-STA) SW1 AUD
SEQ-S LED
SEQ-E LED
SQ LED
RX Level VOX Delay
SW2 AUD
TX 3-position switch
KEY LED - blinks while keyed transmit mode
12VDC OUT
CAT (TTL) - TTL Level CAT control FSK OUT - provides FSK RTTY signal
CW Out
Audio OUT
SPKR OUT
LINE IN
SQ - optional to connect rig SQUELCH outptut
FOOT SW - optional for foot switch or 4 key keypad
SEQ TRIG - provides trigger signal to sequencer
SEQ END - expects time-completed signal from sequencer
MIC - for RJ-45 type microphone

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Fixed-level RX audio cable: This will take the place of the supplied stereo audio
cable (steps 3 above) and will usually connect from a transceiver’s accessory
jack to LINE IN on the rear panel of the DXpro.
Fixed-level RX audio & RTTY FSK: This will take the place of the supplied
stereo audio cable (steps 3 above) and will connect from a transceiver’s
accessory jack to LINE IN and FSK OUT on the rear panel of the DXpro. N.B.
The FSK part of the cable will be labeled ‘FSK’ or have a yellow band.
CW cable: Connect the 3.5mm plug to the CW OUT jack on the rear panel of the
DXpro and use the 6.35mm (1/4”) adapter if necessary to connect to the straight-
key jack of your transceiver.
A complete list of optional cables available for your transceiver can be found on
our web site at: http://www.westmountainradio.com/cableFinder.php
Operation
Controls & Indicators
Refer to the DXpro diagram on the previous page.
Front Panel (from left to right)
Microphone jack: Used for your transceiver’s microphone, or to connect the
microphone cable to if using an RJ-45 style transceiver.
Footswitch LED (V-STA): This multi-color LED will illuminate when a footswitch
is used with the DXpro. If using multiple footswitch taps, or a keypad style
footswitch the LED will change color depending on the number of taps or button
pressed. By default the DXpro is congured for press and hold only.
SEQ-S LED: This LED will illuminate if the DXpro is congured to use a
sequencer. It indicates that the SEQ-START signal is present on the rear panel
SEQ-START jack.
SEQ-E LED: This LED will illuminate when a returning signal from the sequencer
is detected. Until this occurs transmit outputs are inhibited.
SQ LED: This LED will illuminate when a squelch signal (COS) from the
transceiver is present at the SQ jack on the rear panel. This signal is tied to serial
DSR on the Control COM port and can be used with EchoLink in Sysop mode.
TX LEVEL: This control attenuates the output transmit signal. It will not attenuate
microphone audio when using an attached microphone. Use this control to
regulate your transceiver’s output power when transmitting digital audio
RX LEVEL: This control attenuates the input receive signal. Use this control to
“lighten” or “darken” your software’s waterfall.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
VOX Delay: When the DXpro is congured for “VOX” operation it controls the
amount of time before the transceiver switches back to receive.
For many digital signals the control can be fully counter-clockwise (shortest
delay time) but should relay chatter be heard, e.g. on Hellschreiber, increasing
the control clockwise will prevent this.
The rule is to use as little VOX delay as possible to ensure you have a good
TX/RX turn-around time. This is important for ARQ modes such as ARDOP,
VARA, WinMOR, & Packet Radio.
SW1 AUD (mic/sub) two position switch. When the switch is in the mic (up)
position then audio from an attached microphone is diverted to the “DXpro Mic/
Sub” sound card recording channel (mono).
When the switch is in the sub position (down) then audio from a sub receiver
output (if connected) will be present on the “DXpro Mic/Sub” sound card
recording channel.
SW2 AUD (sub/main / main) two position switch. When the switch is in the sub/
main (up) position and a transceiver with Main/Sub Receive audio is connected,
Main Receive audio will be present on the left recording channel, and Sub
Receiver audio present on the right recording channel on the “DXpro Main/Sub/
TX” sound card.
When the switch is in the main (down) position then Main Receiver audio will be
present on both the left and right recording channels. This is the position to use
when connected to a transceiver which only has a single receiver.
TX three position switch: This switch decides which method of PTT (transmit)
to use; RTS, OFF, or VOX.
When the switch is in the com (up) position then the DXpro will trigger the
transceiver when the RTS serial signal is activated by your digital mode, or
voice keying software.
When the switch is in the o󰀨 (middle) position then the DXpro will not permit
transmission (TX inhibit).
When the switch is in the down (vox) position then the DXpro will put the
transceiver into transmit when it detects audio of a su󰀩cient volume to trigger
its internal VOX detector.
PTT LED: This LED will illuminate when the DXpro is in transmit mode.
KEY LED: This LED will blink when the DXpro is doing a keyed transmit mode
such as CW or FSK RTTY. It will illuminate when the TX switch is in the VOX
position and audio is detected.
INSTALLATION & SET-UP

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
USB LED: This LED will ash when the “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” sound card is
in use by a program. If this sound card has been selected in Windows as the
default sound card it will constantly ash. It does not indicate an error condition.
Recommend not setting the “DXpro Main/Sub/TX” sound card the default sound
card in Windows.
Rear Panel (viewed from left to right)
12VDC IN: Use this jack to optionally power the DXpro. If not used, then the
DXpro will be powered from the PC via the USB connection.
12VDC OUT: This jack is a software switchable 12VDC output (up to 250mA).
If you plan to use this output then the 12VDC PowerPole® cable must be
plugged in and connected to a suitable DC power supply.
EXT USB: A convenient pass-through USB type A port. You may use this USB
port in the same way as a PC USB port.
PC USB: A type B USB port which must be connected to your computer for the
DXpro to function.
CAT (RS232): Use this port for transceivers with RS232 level CAT. A regular
straight-through 9pin serial cable is used for most transceivers except some
older models such as the Yaesu FT-847 which requires null-modem wiring.
CAT (TTL): Use this port for transceivers with TTL level CAT such as Icom CI-
V, Yaesu TTL (e.g. FT-817/857/897), and various older Kenwood transceivers.
The polarity of the TTL signal may be inverted by the DXpro conguration
software to suit these older Kenwood models.
FSK OUT: Use this jack to provide an FSK RTTY signal to your transceiver’s
FSK SHIFT input. Wired Tip=FSK, Sleeve=GND. Operating FSK RTTY also
requires a PTT signal and this will normally be supplied via the microphone
cable. Congure RTTY software to use serial DTR for FSK keying and serial
RTS for PTT.
CW OUT: Connect this jack to your transceiver’s straight-key CW input
jack using our optional CW cable kit or your own cable. Wired Tip=CW,
Sleeve=GND. Operating keyed Morse Code does not normally require a PTT
signal so congure Morse Code software to use serial DTR for keying and
suppress the RTS signal (or temporarily disconnect the microphone cable).
Ensure your transceiver’s ‘break-in’ is turned on.
AUDIO OUT: Direct connection to the playback channel of “DXpro Main/Sub/
TX”. Use this jack with mini-headphones or a powered computer speaker for
monitoring transmitted signals (if required).
SPKR OUT: This jack is in parallel with LINE IN. It can be used for an external
speaker if driving LINE IN from the transceiver’s speaker jack. If you are using

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
a xed-level audio cable to drive LINE IN leave it disconnected.
LINE IN: Receive audio from your transceiver should be connected here. You
can use the supplied stereo audio cable to hook up from the transceiver’s
external speaker connection or an optional xed-level audio cable from an
accessory jack. The jack is 3 pole so use of a stereo cable is recommended
even with a transceiver with a mono output jack. This prevents the ring being
grounded.
SQ: Optionally connect your transceiver’s SQUELCH output here.
FOOT SW: This port may be used for a traditional foot switch or a 4 key keypad.
SEQ TRIG: This port provides a trigger signal to an attached sequencer.
Transmit is inhibited on the DXpro until a signal is detected on the SEQ END
port.
SEQ END: This port expects the time-completed signal from the sequencer.
MIC: This jack will be used either for an RJ-45 type microphone or connection to
your transceiver’s 8-pin metal round microphone jack depending on which type
of transceiver is being used.
Verifying The DXpro Installation
The DXpro, when connected to the computer, will provide two virtual COM ports
and two sound cards. Open up Windows Device Manager to verify you can see
the COM ports and the audio devices.
If you followed the earlier instruction to install the West Mountain Radio Device
Diagnostic software you will have a notication area icon (red antenna) like this:

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Click the left mouse button on the icon and the WMR Device Diagnostic window
will appear:
In the example above, the DXpro CAT/CI-V port has been assigned COM4, and
the DXpro Control port COM5.
Your particular COM port numbers may be di󰀨erent and this does not indicate
error.
The COM port number associated with the CAT/CI-V port will be used in your
software for CAT control. The COM port number associated with the Control port
will be used in your software for PTT and optionally CW/FSK control.
Conguring the DXpro
Setting the Windows Volume Levels
Before using the DXpro, Windows volume settings should be checked and
adjusted if necessary.
Remember there are two sound cards in the DXpro and each should be
adjusted.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
A simple way to do this is to use Windows Sound Control Panel. To quickly
navigate there hold down the Windows key on your keyboard and tap the letter
R. This will bring up a Run box.
Type in mmsys.cpl and press the enter key.
Notice the tabs at the top of the window.
Select Playback (if not already selected)
and double click on the Speakers DXpro
Main/Sub/TX entry.
Select the Levels tab and adjust the
Speaker level to approximately 75%. If
you nd this provides too strong a signal
to your transceiver you may lower it to
any value. Note the Microphone volume
shown here is not the recording level. It
should be set to 0 and muted to prevent
audio feedback. Click on OK.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Select the Recording tab in the Sound
Control Panel (see to the right).
Double click on the Microphone DXpro
Main/Sub/TX entry (see below).
Select the Levels tab and adjust the
Microphone level to 100% and click on
OK.
Do the same for the Microphone DXpro
Mic/Sub entry. Keep in mind that after a Windows update from Microsoft these
values may get reset to defaults. If experiencing audio issues, the Sound
Control Panel is the rst place to check.
Using the DXpro Settings Program
Many of the DXpro functions can be congured via software. The software
program to do this is installed when you install the WMR Diagnostic program.
DXpro Settings can be launched by double-clicking (left mouse button) on the
DXpro Control Port shown in the WMR Diagnostic program.

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The DXpro Settings program requires exclusive use of the DXpro Control Port.
If this is currently in use by your digital mode software you will need to exit your
software before double clicking on the DXpro Control Port.
Description of Settings
Push To Talk Logic:
VOX/RTS: This setting has four options: Per Switch, Force O󰀨, Force VOX, and
Force RTS. It will override the front panel PTT switch even when set to the TX
inhibit position, and would normally only be used when operating remotely. Per
Switch is the default.
Sequencer: This setting enables the sequencer ports. The logic may be
changed to high or low depending on the requirements of your sequencer. If
needed you may test this function without a sequencer by using a loopback
cable between the SEQ TRIG and SEQ END ports on the rear panel.
Right Channel Tone:
This option is for programs such as FLdigi (which can output a pseudo-FSK
signal on the sound card right channel) and for CW software which does not
have a serial keyed output.
There are three options: O󰀨, CW, and RTTY. For normal digital mode operation
(e.g. FT-8, PSK31, etc) this must be set to O󰀨. When set to RTTY ensure the
DXpro Main/Sub/TX sound card playback volume level is at least 75% or the
unit may fail to produce FSK.
Time
If required, you can add a delay in mS before the DXpro will transmit. Default
value is 0mS.
VOX
This control when enabled will override the VOX Delay control knob on the front
panel of the DXpro. This option would normally only be used remotely if needed.
Voice Keying
Mode: There are three options O󰀨, Foot tap, and Analog Keypad.
When set to O󰀨, the footswitch jack behaves like a normal footswitch
input i.e. hold down to transmit.
When set to Foot tap, in addition to hold/transmit; single, double,
and triple taps will toggle serial input signals. This is used for
voice keying software to select which message to play.

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Max down time & Max gap between taps
When set to Analog Keypad, a four button keypad can be used instead. Allows
ne tuning of the footswitch timing. Clicking on Start Utility will bring up the
West Mountain Radio Voice Keyer software.
Features
Invert radio RX/TX allows you to change the polarity of the CAT (TTL) port to
suit older Kenwood CAT radios.
ClearSpeech DSP will turn on the CLRmod processor (if tted) and provide
access to the ClearSpeech Control program.
AC Control
This option will enable or disable the 12VDC accessory output. If planning to
use the switched 12VDC output then the 12VDC Powerpole®cable must be
plugged in and connected to a suitable DC power supply. A 12VDC to 110VAC
relay product is available from West Mountain Radio.
Buttons
• Start Utility will launch the DXpro Voice Keying program.
• Reset to Default will restore factory default values.
• I/O Diagnostics will launch the I/O Diagnostic program.
• Audio Diagnostics will launch the Audio Diagnostic program.
• ClearSpeech will launch the CLRmod Control program (if tted).
• A Save button will appear if you make any changes.
I/O Diagnostics Program
This window displays all the control signals used in the DXpro. This can be
used for advanced troubleshooting.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Audio Diagnostics Program
Use this tool when diagnosing audio issues. There are displays for waterfall,
scope, and a recording feature.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Also included is a tone generator.
DXpro Voice Keying Program
The voice keying program is used for simple voice recording and keying.
There are options to assign recorded wave les and names to the function keys
F1, F2, and F3. In addition these also correspond with footswitch taps and will
play back the associated wave le depending on the number of taps detected
(or analog keypad button presses).
Before recording ensure SW1 is in the mic position. Controls for recording and
playback are provided.
Software Conguration
The DXPro can be used with any modern digital mode program or logger. There
are usually three things which need to be congured with any program for it to
work successfully.
• CAT Control
• PTT Method
• Selection of Sound Card
The following example is based on the WSJT-X program but applies equally to
many other digital program. Refer to the images on the following page:

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
WSJT-X Example
1. Select your transceiver make & model. If you do not have a CAT connection
then select none.
2. Select the DXPro CAT COM port number.
3. Ensure this value matches the CAT or CI-V rate of your radio. Check your
radio’s menu settings to be sure!
4. Does your radio require ow control?
Hint: Most Icom transceivers DO NOT, modern Kenwood transceivers DO,
and most Yaesu transceivers can be congured EITHER way.
5. PTT Method. Because we must use the DXPro to control the transmit
function this must be set to RTS.
6. Select the DXPro Control COM port number.
7. Ensure you have USB selected here because we are using the
transceiver’s microphone jack for TX modulation.
8. This is your receive audio device and usually you’d choose the DXPro
Main/Sub/TX sound card.
9. This is your transmit audio device. This should always be set to DXPro
Main/Sub/TX.
10. You can select either the left or right audio channel, or mono if both
channels have the same audio presented to them.
11. Choose Both Left.