West Mountain Radio RIGblaster duo User manual

RIGblaster duo
One mic
One pair of speakers
One pair of headphones
One Computer
TWO radios!
OWNERS MANUAL
West Mountain Radio
www.westmountainradio.com
34 Smith Street, Norwalk, CT 06851 tel [phone] fax [phone]
Rev 1.1 – March 2009

2
PREFACE
Thank you for buying the RIGblaster duo . Whether you are upgrading from another RIGblaster ,
another sound card interface, or this is your first interface, we think you will be pleased with the
capabilities of the duo. After building over 25,000 RIGblaster sound card interfaces we are pleased to
introduce an interface designed especially for a station with two radios that makes a station neater,
simpler, more efficient and easier to operate. It features a receive monitor switching, mixing and
amplification system patterned after an aircraft audio panel. We hope that you find it makes your station
better in every way.
Integrating the audio and switching of a station with two radios is complex but we have made every
effort to make the RIGblaster duo as easy to operate and toinstall as possible. Front panel controls
are laid out to be intuitive and ergonomically correct. You should be able to understand the operation
simply by looking at the controls. You only need to become accustomed to having a single mic, a
single pair of headphones and using a master volume control.
Front panel status indicators show at a glance, signal routing, audio source and status of PTT, CW and
FSK control and keying. In addition to seeing the position of the transmit-select switch, optional
external LED indicators are available to be located at each radio to make it obvious which radio is ready
for transmit.
In many ways the installation is actually simpler than other model RIGblasters except that each radio
has its own connections. The installation will be well worth the effort as you will have your station
totally integrated.
This manual is written with a step-by-step approach explaining how to connect and use the primary
features first, and then later the advanced options. You may not want nor need some of the advanced
options so you may ignore them if you wish. Of course if you understand and know what you want to
do, feel free to continue into the manual as we explain how to add more and more functions and
features. It depends on your desire to experiment; in the spirit of Amateur Radio; that’s what it is all
about!
The RIGblaster duo was conceived as a platform to support all Amateur Radio sound card software,
keying and rig control software, even software that has not yet been written.

3
CONTENTS
PREFACE................................................................................................................................................... 2
CONTENTS................................................................................................................................................ 3
PLEASE NOTE: ......................................................................................................................................... 4
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT STATION GROUNDING:................................................................ 4
UNPACKING ............................................................................................................................................. 5
PANEL DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................................. 6
FRONT PANEL...................................................................................................................................... 6
PANEL DESCRIPTION continued............................................................................................................ 7
PANEL DESCRIPTION............................................................................................................................. 8
REAR PANEL ........................................................................................................................................ 8
PANEL DESCRIPTION continued............................................................................................................ 9
CHOOSE A MOUNTING LOCATION .................................................................................................. 10
INSTALLATION PLANNING ................................................................................................................ 10
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS: BASIC FEATURES ........................................................... 11
STEP 1: INSTALL MICROPHONE WIRING JUMPERS.................................................................. 11
STEP 2: CONNECT AUDIO CABLES ............................................................................................... 12
OPERATING BASICS............................................................................................................................. 12
SOUND CARD SOFTWARE OPERATION .......................................................................................... 14
STEP 1: INSTALL SOFTWARE......................................................................................................... 14
STEP 2: SETUP TO RECEIVE SIGNALS USING SOFTWARE...................................................... 14
STEP 3: SET UP TO TRANSMIT USING SOUND CARD SOFTWARE ........................................ 15
STEP 4 -TEST THE USB VIRTUAL COM PORTS........................................................................... 15
TRANSMIT WITH SOUND CARD SOFTWARE: ................................................................................ 16
CW CABLING AND SETUP .................................................................................................................. 17
RTTY FSK CABLING AND SETUP ...................................................................................................... 17
RIG CONTROL CABLING AND SETUP .............................................................................................. 18
STATION HOOKUP DIAGRAM............................................................................................................ 20
STATION HOOKUP DIAGRAM (optional features & functions, in red).............................................. 21
JUMPER DIAGRAMS: MICROPHONE AND RADIOS....................................................................... 23
FOR 8 PIN ROUND SCREW ON MICROPHONES AND RADIOS ONLY .................................... 23
JUMPER DIAGRAMS: RADIOS ONLY................................................................................................ 24
FOR RJ45 MODULAR SQUARE CONNECTOR RADIOS ONLY.................................................. 24
FEATURE SELECTION JUMPER BLOCK OVERVIEW..................................................................... 25
DEFAULT SETTINGS: FEATURE SELECTION JUMPERS, DIAGRAM...................................... 25
MIC ELECTRET BIAS JUMPER – P8 ................................................................................................... 25
RX MUTE JUMPER – P9 ........................................................................................................................ 26
PC RX FUNCTION ASSIGN – P5 .......................................................................................................... 26
RADIO A RX CHANNEL ASSIGN – P6................................................................................................ 26
RADIO B RX CHANNEL ASSIGN – P7................................................................................................ 27
VIRTUAL COM PORT SERIAL SELECT – P4..................................................................................... 27
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS .................................................................................................................. 28
INDEX ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................................... 30

4
PLEASE NOTE:
In this manual we will refer to the sound device on a computer as “Sound Card”. We understand many
computer sound devices are integrated onto the motherboard of the computer, or can be external. We
will stick to the more familiar wording “Sound Card”. Note that RIGblasters do not have built in
sound. If they did it would mean that you would have to disable the internal sound system in your
computer to use most Amateur Radio sound card software, because most programs cannot select the
computer audio device. All RIGblasters leave your computer sound fully functional just as it was
before, yet you have full capabilities will all Amateur Radio sound card programs and operating modes.
The words “Radio”, “Transceiver” and “Rig” as used within this document are synonymous.
Throughout this manual any reference to using a computer is worded for a Windows® computer. You
may have to interpret the wording to suit a Mac OS® or Linux® computer to fully understand references
to using a computer.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT STATION GROUNDING:
Interconnected electronic equipment, such as an Amateur Radio station, is a system. Interconnected signal
cables must only carry the signals (RF, audio, power or control) they are meant to. They should never be
allowed to be power ground interconnects!
Your station making up this system must be grounded properly at a single point! All desktop computers,
monitors and printers have AC power cord ground connections. The computer AC ground must be
connected to the station ground at a single point. If you radio grounds are not connected to the same physical
location, and AC ground potential; that ground current will be superimposed on the desired signal.
Simply connect the radio grounds, station grounds and AC grounds together at the same physical point. Do
not daisy chain the grounds from one unit to another! This will not only make all the equipment work
properly as a system but it will be much less likely to have damage from a nearby lightning strike.

5
UNPACKING
Items included with the RIGblaster duo
1 DC power cord with Powerpole battery connector
1 CD-ROM WMR Collection of Third Party Software
2 Microphone Cables (3 foot RJ45 to 8 pin screw on)
1 Microphone Cable (3 foot RJ45 to RJ45 Modular)
1 USB A to B Interface Cable
8 1/8 inch (3.5mm) Stereo Mini Plug 6’ Patch Cords
1 Owners Manual (not pictured)
1 Patch Cord Label Set
1 Accessories Kit (that contains)
11 White Wire Jumpers
2 Adapters – 1/8 inch (3.5mm) Mini (female) to ¼ inch Plug
4 3M Adhesive Pads (not pictured)
Optional accessories
6 foot microphone cables
External LED indicators (show radio ready to transmit).
FSK keying cables (radio specific)

6
PANEL DESCRIPTION
FRONT PANEL
- MICROPHONE CONNECTOR, 8-Pin Screw-on Microphone Connector – connects almost any make or
model radio microphone to the
RIGblaster duo for use with any other or the same make or model radio.
- “ph” HEADPHONE MONITOR JACK – Accepts stereo headphones with a 1/4 inch plug – may be used with
supplied adaptor for headphones with 1/8 inch plugs.
- “xmit select” TRANSMIT SELECTOR SWITCH – Selects either radio A or radio B to transmit with both a
microphone or computer audio.
- “xmit level” TRANSMIT LEVEL SET – For adjusting the audio transmit drive level coming from the
computer audio output into the Mic input of the radio selected for transmit.
- “rx level” MASTER MONITOR LEVEL SET” – For adjusting the master monitor audio level (volume) for the
entire station - monitored on headphones and/or speakers.
- “radio A” AUDIO MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH – Selects the audio output of radio A, in three positions:
Off, headphones only, and speakers plus headphones. (also routes the receive audio to the computer for
software receive in either headphone or speaker on positions, but only with the default setting of the PC monitor
jumpers)
- “radio B” AUDIO MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH – Same as above but selects radio B.
- “PC” AUDIO MONITOR SELECTOR SWITCH – Same as both above but selects audio from the computer.
- “ph level” HEADPHONE LEVEL SET” – For adjusting the headphone monitor audio level (volume) in
relation to the master volume. It is a slave volume control below the master level that sets the headphone volume
in relation to station master volume.
- “c. s.” LED – A yellow LED indicating that the RIGblaster duo is feeding computer audio (CS:
Computer Sound) to the radio selected for transmit, not microphone audio. It will come on only if activated by
sound card software, thus indicating that the
RIGblaster has automatically switched the audio to the
computer. Note that it will turn off, even while activated, if the PTT is overridden by the station microphone PTT
switch or rear panel connected foot switch.
- “ptt” LED – This red LED indicates when PTT is activated directly by your mic’s PTT button, by your foot
switch or indirectly via software through the USB virtual serial port interface.

7
PANEL DESCRIPTION continued
FRONT PANEL
- “cw” LED – This red LED blinks indicating when CW keying is actively being sent by keyboard CW software.
This LED may be on, even with the
RIGblaster duo turned off, if the virtual USB serial port has the DTR line
raised high by computer software controlling the virtual serial port. It will also flash with FSK if you have the
incorrect serial COM number assigned in RTTY software.
- “fsk” LED – This red LED flickers when FSK keying is active with appropriate software for FSK keying.
Under certain conditions, this LED may be on without an active FSK program running in the computer if the USB
virtual serial port has the DTR line active. It will also flash on CW if you have the incorrect serial COM number
assigned in CW software.
- “usb” LED – a green LED indicating the RIGblaster duo is connected to a computer supplying USB power.
- “power” SWITCH – Turns power ON and OFF. Up is ON and down is OFF.
- “power” LED – a green LED indicating the RIGblaster duo is turned on.
NOTE: References used throughout this document, such as (R18) refer to the RIGblaster duo
Switch, Connector, Knob, Jack or LED as illustrated on these PANEL DESCRIPTION pages.
(Fxx) would refer to the above front panel diagram and (Rxx) would refer to the rear panel diagram that
follows.
Example; “This connection is made to the MIC OUT RADIO B (R18) on the RIGblaster duo ”.
(R18) refers to Rear Panel illustration number so you can quickly locate this particular Switch,
Connector, Knob, Jack or LED on the corresponding diagram.

8
PANEL DESCRIPTION
REAR PANEL
- “INPUT 12VDC” - 12 Volt DC INPUT - connects the Supplied DC Power cord to the RIGblaster duo .
- “OUTSW 12VDC” - 12 Volt DC TRIGGER OUTPUT - Provided for future use to control outboard
accessories. Note: if power is plugged in to this jack the power switch will not function and the unit will be always-
on.
- “USB” - USB CONNECTION - For connection to a computer’s USB Interface using the supplied USB cable.
“RIG CTL IN/OUT” TTL CAT/CI-V RIG CONTROL CONNECTIONS
- “RIG CTL B” - RADIO B RIG CONTROL - connects an Icom or TenTec CI-V controlled radio, or certain
model Yaesu TTL CAT and Kenwood TTL controlled radios. Note: Requires an optional control cable compatible
the radio. Not for use with DB9 RS232 level control radios. Always connected to virtual COM B.
- “RIG CTL A” - RADIO A RIG CONTROL - connects an Icom or TenTec CI-V controlled radio or certain
model Yaesu TTL CAT and Kenwood TTL controlled radios. Note: Requires an optional control cable compatible
with the radio. Not for use with DB9 RS232 level control radios. Always connected to virtual COM A.
“KEYING OUTPUTS” CW AND FSK KEYING CONNECTONS
- “CW B” - CW OUT RADIO B - 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the CW straight key jack on your radio for
computer CW keying with appropriate software. Compatible with most solid state radios that key with positive pull
down. Connected to virtual COM A but may be changed to B by changing the appropriate jumpers.
- “CW A” - CW OUT RADIO A - 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the CW straight key jack on your radio for
computer CW keying with appropriate software. Compatible with most solid state radios that key with positive pull
down. Connected to virtual COM A but may be changed to B by changing the appropriate jumpers.
- “FSK B” - FSK KEYING OUT RADIO B - 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the FSK input of your radio for
computer FSK keying with appropriate software. Compatible with most solid state radios that key with positive
pull down. Not needed for RTTY operation with AFSK. By default it is connected to virtual COM B but may be
changed to A by changing the appropriate jumpers.
- “FSK B” - FSK KEYING OUT RADIO B - 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the FSK input of your radio for
computer FSK keying with appropriate software. Compatible with most solid state radios that key with positive
pull down. Not needed for RTTY operation with AFSK. Bye default it is connected to virtual COM B but may be
changed to A by changing the appropriate jumpers.

9
PANEL DESCRIPTION continued
REAR PANEL
“RECEIVE AUDIO IN/OUT” RECEIVE AUDIO MONITORING CONNECTIONS
- “SPKR OUT” - SPEAKER OUTPUT - Stereo 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to either a pair of 4-16 ohm
speakers or to a pair of amplified speakers: any computer or communications speakers of your choice.
CAUTION: use only a stereo plug.
- “PC IN” - COMPUTER AUDIO INPUT - Stereo 1/8 MINI JACK - Plug the line output of your desktop
computer into this jack. Use headphone output on a laptop computer.
- “RADIO B IN” - RADIO B AUDIO INPUT - Stereo 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the radio’s speaker
output to monitor the radio. May be mono (tip, sleeve) or stereo (tip ring and sleeve). This is a stereo input that
with internal jumpers may be assigned to left, right, both (dual mono, default) or stereo (dual receive).
- “RADIO A IN” - RADIO A AUDIO INPUT - Stereo 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to the radio’s speaker
output to monitor the radio. May be mono (tip, sleeve) or stereo (tip ring and sleeve). This is a stereo input that
with internal jumpers may be assigned to left, right, both (dual mono, default) or stereo (dual receive).
- “RCV OUT” - RECEIVE MONITOR OUTPUT - Stereo 1/8 MINI JACK – for connection to the computer
sound Line Input (Mic input on a laptop). To monitor either or both radios using Amateur Radio sound card
software. The default configuration is to monitor whichever radio/radios are selected for headphone monitoring.
Using internal jumpers it may also be configured so one radio is fed to the left channel, and the other to the right
channel, in stereo, so that they may be selected by the sound card balance control.
“LEDS” READY TO TRANSMIT INDICATOR CONNECTIONS
- “XMIT LED B” RADIO B XMIT LED INDICATOR OUTPUT - 1/8 MINI JACK - for connection to an external
accessory LED indicator to be placed near the corresponding radio to make it obvious which radio is selected and
ready to transmit. (This must be used with the correct accessory LED indicators otherwise damage may occur!)
- “XMIT LED A” RADIO A XMIT LED INDICATOR OUTPUT – 1/8 MINI JACK – for connection to an external
accessory LED indicator to be placed near the corresponding radio to make it obvious which radio is selected and
ready to transmit. (This must be used with the correct accessory LED indicators otherwise damage may occur!)
“RIG: MIC/PTT” RADIO MIC OUTPUT AND PTT SWITCH INPUT CONNECTIONS
- “PTT IN” – PTT SWITCH INPUT JACK - RCA PHONO JACK - for connection to an auxiliary foot switch or
desk mounted switch that is not part of the main station microphone.
- “MIC OUT B” – RADIO B MICROPHONE OUTPUT - RJ45 MODULAR JACK – for connection to the
Microphone connector on radio B. This connection is made using one of the included Mic Cables or an optional 6
foot mic cable.
- “MIC OUT A” – RADIO A MICROPHONE OUTPUT - RJ45 MODULAR JACK – for connection to the
Microphone connector on radio B. This connection is made using one of the included Mic Cables or an optional 6
foot mic cable.

10
CHOOSE A MOUNTING LOCATION
The supplied microphone cables are 3 feet long and the computer cables are 6 feet long. Choose a
location that allows these cables to reach your radios and your computer. You may extend the computer
cables within reason or you may purchase optional 6 foot microphone cables. It makes sense to have
your computer at your operating position with the radios. Do not attempt to run the
RIGblaster duo
with a computer across the room, especially if it is on a different house wiring circuit than your ham
station. Put your radios and computer together so everything is at your fingertips for maximum
operating convenience. The
RIGblaster duo is intended to help make your station convenient to use.
If possible set up your station so you have access to the back panels of all the equipment.
Note: the top cover can be removed without disconnecting the cables, for easy access to the internal
jumpers. Therefore, if possible, mount the RIGblaster duo where you can remove the cover.
If you will be using a hand microphone with a coiled cord, consider the tug on the cord. The
RIGblaster duo is fairly heavy but could be pulled around by a coiled mic cord. Use the supplied
double sided foam stick-on pads as an easy way to secure it.
Locate the RIGblaster duo at least 18 inches from anything that has a strong magnetic field, such as
transformer type power supplies, amplifiers, CRT type monitors or rotor control boxes. Do not put the
RIGblaster duo in strong RF fields.
The RIGblaster duo requires little ventilation and can be put in any cool location that does not block
the ventilation for another piece of equipment that does require ventilation.
INSTALLATION PLANNING
This instruction manual is written, and the RIGblaster duo is designed, to accommodate any operator
no matter what equipment he or she may have, or what type of operating they would like to do. Beyond
the basic function of the RIGblaster duo as a station integration console there are many other options
from which to choose. This would depend on how you wish your station to work and what type of
operating you would like to do.
Advanced options are towards the back of this manual and the basic installation and operation is first.
Continue through this manual, in order, front to back to make setting up the RIGblaster duo an easy
step by step process. Start with the primary functions and later explore the advanced options.
We will proceed in order. After you have your station set up to operate more conveniently than ever
before we will discuss operation with Amateur Radio sound card software. Next we will cover
advanced options, including; CAT/CI-V rig control, CW, FSK keying and special audio routing.
Only attempt a full configuration of the RIGblaster duo from the start if you have a complete
understanding of exactly what you wish to do and how you would like your station to operate. You also
need an understanding of how these advanced options function, how they are used, their intended use
and why you would want them; before attempting to configure everything at once.

11
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS: BASIC FEATURES
STEP 1: INSTALL MICROPHONE WIRING JUMPERS
1) Every brand of radio and every brand of microphone has different wiring even though they use the
same connectors. The
RIGblaster duo uses a set of three jumper blocks to easily accommodate using
almost any brand or type of mic with almost any radio. The connectors only need to mate; the wiring
scheme is fully configurable.
2) Take off the cover by removing the four cover screws. Locate the three jumper blocks. You will see
jumper block P10 for the microphone, P2 for radio A and P3 for radio B. Decide which radio will be
radio A and which will be B. (Perhaps the top radio should be A, or if they are side by side your main
radio could be A, and the one you use less, B.)
3) You may use any brand of mic with any two different or same brand, of radios. For example: a
Kenwood mic will work with an Icom and a Yaesu radio. Any brand of dynamic or electret mic should
work as long as it connects with a screw-on 8 pin round metal connector. Note: mics that require a
separate power lead from the radio will not work with a
RIGblaster duo . Also be aware that only the
PTT button on the mic will function; other microphone buttons are not connected and will not work.
4) To install the microphone jumpers refer to the diagrams starting on page 23 of this manual. There are
separate diagrams for 8 pin round and RJ45 square connectors. Note: even for the same brand of radio
different connectors have different wiring! Make sure that you identify the correct diagram not only for
the brand of radio or mic but also what type of connector it uses.
Install the jumpers for your microphone and each one of your radios. If you have two different types of
radios make sure to keep track of which radio you designate as radio A and which you designate as radio
B.
5) Connect your microphone to (F1) the microphone connector on the front of the RIGblaster duo .
Two 8 pin round microphone cables and one RJ45 cable are supplied with your
RIGblaster duo .
Connect the appropriate cables between the RIGblaster’s (R19) A; and the (R18) B outputs to radios A
and B. If you need longer cables or different types of cables they are available as accessories.
6) Connect the
RIGblaster DC cord between (R1) and a regulated and filtered 12 volt (nominal 13.8
V) source capable of supplying at least 1 amp. Plug the Powerpole connector into a
RIGrunner power
panel or adapt it to whatever you have, being careful to observe correct polarity.
7) Turn the RIGblaster power switch (F15) on and check that the green power LED lights. Select
radio A with the transmit selector switch (F3). Confirm that your mic and your PTT switch work
correctly on radio A; then try radio B. Get on-the-air audio reports; do not rely on meter indications! If
your mic works perfectly on both radios, the jumpers are installed correctly.
At this point, if and only if your mic works perfectly with both radios, continue to the next step.

12
STEP 2: CONNECT AUDIO CABLES
Turn off your radio, your computer and
RIGblaster before connecting cables.
1) Disconnect your computer speakers and any external radio speakers. Choose the best pair of
amplified or unamplified speakers. They do not have to be a matched pair but that is preferred for
playing music. You may use any pair of 4-16 ohm speakers or any amplified computer speakers. Some
amplified computer speakers are may be susceptible to picking up RF interference. Our RF resistant
COMspkrs are designed to solve that problem. Connect the speakers to the (R10) speaker out jack.
This jack is a stereo jack with the tip left, ring right and sleeve common. A cable is not supplied because
most computer speakers have a matching stereo connector, or you may have to fabricate a speaker cable
to connect a pair of unamplified speakers.
2) Use the supplied 1/8” stereo mini phone plug cables and connect the speaker output of radio A to
“RADIO A IN” (R13). Likewise, connect radio Bto (R12).
3) Connect your computer’s line output, usually a green socket on the back of a computer, (laptops
use the headphone jack ) to the to the PC IN (R11) jack on the RIGblaster duo .
3) Turn on the RIGblaster , your radios and computer. Turn radio A’s volume control (AF gain) about
half way up (12 o’clock). Select radio A on the RIGblaster by flipping the “radio A” switch (F6) to the
up/top position. Turn up the “rx level” (master volume) knob (F5) on the RIGblaster and you should
hear radio A coming from your speakers. Try the Same thing with radio B using the “radio B” (F7)
switch. Play music or cause your computer to generate audio and select “PC” (F8) and you should hear
you computer.
4)Plug headphones into the RIGblaster (F2) and turn up the RIGblaster’s “ph level” (headphone sub
volume) knob (F9) and you should hear the same thing coming out of your headphones that is coming
out of your speakers.
Experiment with all the controls!
Congratulations! This completes the basic installation of the
RIGblaster duo . Your station will be
much neater and more convenient to use, while doing everything it did before.
OPERATING BASICS
You must have the
RIGblaster turned on in order to operate your station. Note that there is a 12 volt
remote trigger output on the back (R2) provided to turn your entire station on or off. Look for future
accessories from West Mountain Radio to do this or home brew a box with 12 volt relays to control your
station’s DC, AC or both.
BASIC FUNCTIONS:
TRANSMIT SELECT is done by using the “xmit select” (F3) to select which radio will be used for
transmitting. Either your PTT switch or computer will activate transmit and the audio will be

13
automatically selected between the mic and computer. The position of the switch indicates which is
selected, A or B. Remember which radio is which and that A is up and B is down. In the heat of a
contest you will hardly have to look at the switch as you will become used to selecting you’re radio by
“feel”. You may also connect transmit ready LED indicators to be located remotely on each radio to
make it more obvious which radio is ready to transmit.
RECEIVE MONITORING allows selection of any combination of radio A, B and/or the computer to
hear on speakers and/or headphones. Each input (audio source) has a switch with three positions, “off”
(down), “hp” (headphones only, center) and “both” (headphones and speakers, up). The three inputs are
mixed together and capable of stereo operation. The default configuration, set by internal jumpers (see
advanced options), is so radio A and B are played through both channels in dual-mono.
VOLUME ADJUSTMENT is quite flexible but you will have to experiment with it and get used to it.
Each radio has a volume adjustment as does your computer, and you should already be familiar with
these controls. You may also be using amplified speakers with their own volume knob.
The RIGblaster duo has two volume knobs. The “rx level” (F4) is the master volume for the entire
station! You will have to get used to using it as the main volume for the station. For example, if the
phone rings or the family calls it can be used to turn down the entire station.
There is also a separate “ph level” (F9) headphone volume control. The headphone volume is
controlled by this knob in relation to how loud the master volume is set. This allows you to set the
headphones louder or softer than the speakers. Note: now you can work that weak station you can
barely hear on your speakers simply by putting your headphones on. Your headphones will be playing
the same thing, they are already plugged in and they can be set louder than your speakers.
To setup the volume for the entire station, set each radio’s AF level (volume control) about half way up.
Set your computer’s virtual sound card level control about 2/3 of the way up. If you have amplified
speakers with a volume knob set that about 2/3 of the way up. Start by selecting radio A to play on
speakers and headphones, “radio A” (F6) in the up position. Turn up the “rx level” for a comfortable
volume. Turn off A and turn on B, set that radio’s AF level to match your other radio. Next do the same
thing with the computer, using the virtual master volume slider. Now experiment with switching
between the sources and listening to more than one source at a time. You will find you can balance
everything the way you wish and to use the master “rx level” as the main volume. It will take you
awhile to get out of the habit of using the knobs on the radios or computer slider, leave them alone. Plug
in headphones and experiment with the “ph level” and selectors. You will quickly get used to
controlling everything from the
RIGblaster duo central location.
We hope that you find the basic operation completely intuitive and obvious, simply by looking at the
front panel of
RIGblaster duo and experimenting with the controls.

14
SOUND CARD SOFTWARE OPERATION
STEP 1: INSTALL SOFTWARE
Insert our CD in your CD ROM drive. The West Mountain Radio screen will pop up in a few seconds.
From our screen click the “XMIT” button for “West Mountain Radio RIGblaster Software Collection”.
Then click the “XMIT” button for whatever mode you would like to try. We highly suggest starting
with PSK31 on 20 meters, 14.07015 using the WinPSK program. Select you program choice and follow
the installation prompts that will appear on the screen to install that software. Close the West Mountain
Radio Window and put the West Mountain Radio CD in a safe place. Your program is now installed.
From Windows®, click, “Start”, “Programs”, find your program icon and click to start that program.
STEP 2: SETUP TO RECEIVE SIGNALS USING SOFTWARE
Turn off your radios and the RIGblaster duo before connecting cables to either unit.
Connect a supplied patch cord between the RIGblaster duo’s “RCV OUT” (R14) and your computer’s
line input, usually a blue socket (mic on a laptop).
Select one radio or the other to be monitored on headphones, or speakers and headphones. Tune in an
appropriate signal for the mode you have selected. On our CD you will find a chart of standard
operating frequencies for the various modes. To get a better understanding of what to listen for when
tuning, our CD also contains recordings of many of these exciting new modes.
Every sound card has several virtual control panels with many things to click on. There are virtual
controls that either set what is being fed into the computer from the outside world or they control what
comes out of the computer. Think of the input as receive controls and the output as transmit controls.
Generally they are completely independent, and one has nothing to do with the other. You must
understand which is which! Be aware that things vary from computer to computer with different
operating systems, user interfaces and sound card control panel software.
On most Windows® computers the input control panel is labeled “Recording” and the output is labeled
“Volume”. Make sure you are using the input control panel to set your receive input! You have already
turned your radio’s volume control (AF Gain) about half way up. Be sure you tune in and hear
appropriate signals, for the software you are using on your speakers and/or headphones. Turn up and on
(select or un-mute) the sound card input that corresponds to the input you are using, mic or line, on your
“Recording Control” panel until you see a signal properly displayed on the ham radio sound card
software waterfall or similar screen.
Follow the instructions or help files that came with the software you are using to confirm that the signals
from your radio are displayed correctly and that you have tune in the station using your radio and/or the
software tuning controls.
You should now be receiving and copying station with the software you have chosen, , SSTV or
whatever. Try tuning in several other stations or even try another program or mode.

15
STEP 3: SET UP TO TRANSMIT USING SOUND CARD SOFTWARE
USB DRIVER INSTALLATION: (For Windows®only! Mac®or Linux®may be similar)
Whenever you connect any new USB device to a computer you must install driver software. The
CDROM supplied with your RIGblaster duo has the driver files you need.
Plug the supplied USB cable between (R3) on the RIGblaster and the USB socket on your computer
that you plan to use permanently. The Windows®plug & play wizard should pop up in a few seconds.
Note: there are actually four driver installations; two USB and two virtual serial COM devices. To
successfully complete these driver installations you MUST direct Windows® to our CD. Our CD is the
only place to get them from, DO NOT ALLOW Windows®to search for them or to manually select the
driver files. You must tell Windows®you have the CD and you must only let Windows®get the drivers
from the CD. Complete the four driver installations; two USB and two virtual COM ports.
NOTE: ignore any warnings about the drivers not being logo certified by Microsoft® and complete four
installations to the end (two for USB and one for each virtual com port). WARNING: if you stop, or
cancel at any point it will be a difficult to correct your mistake!
Once you have completed the driver installation you must check to verify the installation. Right click
“My Computer”, left click “Properties”, select the “Hardware” tab, and then click “Device Manager”.
The “Device Manager” will show you a list of all of the hardware currently operating with your
computer. Scroll down and click the plus sign next to “Ports (COM & LPT)” to expand that category
and show the installation details. You should see two entries for a WMR RIGblaster duo (COMxx). If
they are both there the installation was successful. At this time make a note of the COM port numbers
(xx) and record the upper one as the RIGblaster duo COM A port number and the lower one as COM
B. Note that these numbers are dynamically assigned by Windows® and can be changed to other port
numbers if that number is not actually in use.
STEP 4 -TEST THE USB VIRTUAL COM PORTS
Turn on the
RIGblaster duo Power Switch. The Green “Power” LED (F16) and the Green “usb”
LED (F14) should come on. At this time no other LED should light. Unplug the USB cable and then
plug it back in. You should see the “c.s.”, “ptt”, and “cw” LEDs flash several times as the USB port
initializes. You should also see whichever radio is selected to transmit and turned on have its PTT
activated momentarily.

16
TRANSMIT WITH SOUND CARD SOFTWARE:
All Amateur Radio sound card software is meant to control PTT via a serial interface. In order for any
program to do this you must set it up to control PTT by “telling” the software what COM port number has
PTT control interface (
RIGblaster ) connected. Read the software help files to learn where and how to do
this. Generally you must find a setup or configuration menu item for PTT control. Once you find where to
configure PTT set it to the COM port number assigned to the RIGblaster COM A that you found in your
Windows® “Device Manager”. You should set it to control PTT on the RTS line, if you have a choice of
RTS or DTR. DTR should be off because it is usually used for CW keying by CW programs.
At this point you may test the software and RIGblaster for PTT control. Make sure the
RIGblaster duo is
turned ON and turn down the “xmit level” knob. Put your radio in the USB mode and click the virtual
transmit on button on your software. You should see the RIGblaster “c.s.” LED and “ptt” LEDs come on,
and the selected radio, A or B, indicate PTT activation. You should not be putting out a signal during this
test as the audio drive is turned down. If the
RIGblaster is set to monitor the computer you should hear the
tones that the software is generating.
If you have been following these instructions you have already set your sound card output “Volume Control
and Wave” sliders so leave them where they were. If you did not set the computer output or you have
changed it go back and do it again.
Open your Windows®sound “Volume” control panel (double click on the little speaker icon in the task bar)
and un-mute the “Wave” output and the left hand “Volume Control” output. The left “Volume Control” and
“Wave” virtual sliders should still be set to where you had previously set them to monitor computer audio.
Also, the virtual left/right balance sliders should already be in the center.
Set your radio to upper sideband (USB) and use your normal mic gain setting, turn your speech compressor
off and set the transmitter RF drive (power control) all the way up. You will want to use a dummy load for
this procedure. For most sound card software you should make sure that the transmit audio is between
500Hz and 2500 Hz, otherwise you may be outside the limits of the response of your transmitter and you
may not be able to transmit properly.
Set your software to transmit or tune, then slowly turn up the “xmit level” knob (F4) on the front of the
RIGblaster duo to the point where your power meter shows the power level you can safely run. Your final
setting MUST produce less than full RF power output from your radio. WARNING: you should not exceed
the continuous AM, FM or RTTY power rating of your radio.
After this setting is completed, check to make sure your RF drive (power control) is set to maximum and that
your RF power output shows less than maximum. Even if your radio is rated at full output and continuous
duty, do not set the audio to drive to full output! You would get a wide distorted signal!
With an FM rig you must set the audio level with the “level set” Knob using a deviation meter or by
comparing the level of your transmit audio to other stations using another receiver.
For a more information about Computer Sound Cards, see the article titled “The In’s and Out’s of a Sound
Card” in October 2003 QST. Also available in PDF format on our Web Site at:
http://www.westmountainradio.com/pdf/Ins&Outs.pdf.

17
CW CABLING AND SETUP
Turn off your radios and the RIGblaster duo before connecting cables to either unit.
There are two optically isolated CW keying outputs to be used with CW software. These outputs always
function and key together. You have three ways to determine which radio transmits. You can use two
different COM ports for PTT control, you can use semi-break in keying and only select one radio or you
can use a PTT switch selected by the RIGblaster “xmit select” switch.
Connect patch cords between the CW OUT (R6) and (R7) jacks on the rear panel of the RIGblaster
duo
and plug the other ends into the straight key CW jacks on your radios. If the CW Key jack on your
radio is a ¼” jack, use the supplied 1/8” to ¼” adapters. For computer CW make sure your radio CW
keying is set for “Straight Key” mode for the jack you are using. Many radios have a CW straight key
jack on the rear, or one of the two jacks may be set to straight key operation via a radio menu setting.
The remaining setup for computer controlled CW will be done in the application software you choose.
Control of CW is not selectable and will always be controlled by the DTR line of the Serial Port for CW.
Make sure when you configure your software that you observe this convention.
On the CW OUT jacks, the sleeve goes to common ground and the tip goes to the keying circuit, the ring
of this connector is not used.
RTTY FSK CABLING AND SETUP
Turn off both your radios and the RIGblaster duo before connecting cables to either unit.
There are two optically isolated FSK keying outputs to be used with RTTY FSK keying software. These
outputs always function and key together. You have two ways to determine which radio transmits. You
can use two different COM ports for PTT control or use a PTT switch selected by the RIGblaster “xmit
select” switch.
Your radio will have to be capable of RTTY/FSK to utilize this option. FSK wiring is unique to each
amateur radio transceiver manufacturer, therefore you will have to consult your specific radio owners
manual for information about how to connect to the FSK input of your radio.
For many radios, the FSK connection is via an accessory connection on the rear panel of the transceiver.
West Mountain Radio has ready-made cables for connection between a RIGblaster and the FSK input of
many Icom, Kenwood and Yaesu radios. They are available on our web site
http://www.westmountainradio.com under other RIGblaster Accessories.
After you have constructed or purchased the correct FSK cable, connect the mini plug end to FSK OUT,
either (R8) or (R9) on the rear panel of the RIGblaster duo . Connect the other end of this cable to
the appropriate FSK input keying connection on your transceiver. Always check the wiring prior to
connecting homemade cables to your equipment.
On the FSK OUT (R8) and (R9) jacks, the sleeve goes to common ground and the tip goes to the FSK
keying circuit, the ring of this connector is not used.

18
Make any necessary jumpering on the P4 jumper block as described later in this manual under
VIRTUAL COM PORT SERIAL SELECT – P4.
Unlike RTTY AFSK which is normally operated in LSB you will have to operate your radio in RTTY
mode to enable FSK keying input.
Amateur radio FSK keying is at 45 baud and modern USB to serial converters do not support this low
baud rate or 5 bit operation. Therefore the only program available for FSK via a USB interface is
MMTTY used with the EXTFSK extension. This program would normally be configured to use RTS
for PTT and DTR for FSK, like CW. Since the RIGblaster duo has two serial emulators you may
configure the serial jumper block so that one is for CW and the other for RTTY FSK.
RIG CONTROL CABLING AND SETUP
RIG Control cabling and jumpering differs depending on the radio manufacturer.
Most ICOM and TenTec (with CI-V) use a single bi-directional conductor and thus require a patch cord
that is stereo on one end and mono on the other (tip and ring on the RIGblaster duo end and both of
those wires connected together to tip on the radio end).
With a Yaesu it is a little more complicated. The Yaesu CAT system uses three wires and they have
different connectors and pin wiring arrangements for different models. Older Yaesu radios require the
rig control TTL (5 volt) level converter built into the RIGblaster duo . West Mountain Radio has
ready-made CI-V and CAT accessory cables available for various TTL level controlled radios.
There are two rig control outputs; “RIG CTL A” on the virtual COM port A and “RIG CTL B” on
virtual COM port B so that you may independently control two different radios.
To use rig control connect the proper cable between the corresponding rig control outputs and each
radio. You must then configure your rig control software, and possibly radio, for the correct COM port
number as noted in the Windows Device Manager. An exact match for radio make and model, baud
rate, parity, stop bits for proper communication is essential. NOTE: if any one item is incorrect you will
have absolutely no rig control function.

19

20
STATION HOOKUP DIAGRAM
.
The diagram on the preceding page shows a RIGblaster duo integrated into an Amateur Radio
Station consisting of two transceivers, a desktop computer with sound, two speakers, a foot switch and
LED transmit ready LED indicators. This is a diagram of the connections for a fully integrated station.
The only accessory that is not shown is a pair of stereo headphones which would be plugged into the
front of the RIGblaster duo .
The primary features are indicated with blue lines and are explained first. The optional advanced
features are indicated in red and will be explained later in this manual. For each numbered wire there is a
description of its function and the end points to which it connects.
- The station microphone with an 8 pin round metal connector is connected to the Microphone
Connector (F1) on the front of the RIGblaster duo . Note: in order for this cable to function
properly with a particular microphone, jumpers must be installed correctly inside the RIGblaster
on the “P10” jumper block, see page 24.
“RIG MIC/PTT’
- This is a supplied microphone cables connecting “MIC OUT A” (R19) to radio A’s front
panel microphone input. It is either a 8 pin round metal connector to a square RJ45 Modular
connector or an RJ45 to RJ45 Modular. Other cables for 4 pin round, RJ22 6 wire Modular or
special 6’ long cables are available. Note: in order for this cable to function properly with a
particular radio jumpers must be installed correctly inside the RIGblaster on the “P2” block. See
page 25.
- This is a supplied microphone cables connecting “MIC OUT B” (R19) to radio B’s front
panel microphone input. It is either a 8 pin round metal connector to a square RJ45 Modular
connector or an RJ45 to RJ45 Modular. Other cables for 4 pin round, RJ22 6 wire Modular or
special 6’ long cables are available. Note: in order for this cable to function properly with a
particular radio, jumpers must be installed correctly inside the RIGblaster on the “P3” block. See
page 25.
“RECEIVE AUDIO IN/OUT”
- This is a supplied stereo mini plug Patch Cord that connects the Computer Sound Card -
Line In (usually blue) to the RIGblaster duo “RCV OUT” (R14). This connection allows
Amateur Radio sound card software to monitor the signals from both radios. Note: For a laptop
computer you would use the microphone input .
- This is a supplied stereo mini plug Patch Cord that routes speaker level audio from Radio
A’s speaker output to the RIGblaster duo ’s “RADIO A IN” (R13). It provides a path for
audio from the radio to the
RIGblaster . This normally disables the built in speaker in the radio
allowing you to use the main station speakers and headphones driven by the RIGblaster . Note:
for radios with stereo (left and right) dual receive you must change the default setting of the P6
jumpers (see advanced options page 27).