KMK UK Limited
CW speed knob
Adjustable two channels audio input Adjustable audio output
Microphone input volume
USB input
CW paddle 3.5mm input
PTT output for liniar amplifaer RCA socket
D25 input for transceiver cable
PTT switch input RCA socket
microphone input
3.5 mm socket
RigExpert TI-5
Description
RigExpert TI-5 is a device for operating phone, CW and digital modes using personal computer with USB port. It
provides:
Transceiver audio interface
Analog audio interface is a connection to transceiver audio output (external speaker connector or line
output) and transceiver audio input (microphone connector or line input). Audio interface enables
operating digital modes, recording and playing voice, as well as other useful functions (such as measuring
levels of a signal from the air) by using a computer. Input (two channels) and output volume levels are
adjusted by potentiometers on the front panel of the device.
Microphone and foot switch inputs
This function enables using the TI-5 in voice modes. When the foot switch is pressed, audio from
microphone is immediately transmitted by the rig. In addition, audio stream is fed into the computer (via
left audio channel) to be recorded by voice keyer software. Right audio channel may also be used for
microphone input (see Appendix A). Microphone level is adjustable.
CAT interface for various transceiver models
CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) system provides control of transceiver frequency, operating mode and
other functions by computer software. Normally, modern transceivers have serial (with various signal
levels) link providing CAT interface. In RigExpert TI-5, CAT interface port is seen as a COM port by
computer software. CAT data from the rig is converted into RS-232 levels and routed to the separate
connector so external devices which accept CAT data (such as SteppIR controller) can be connected
directly to RigExpert TI-5 (see Appendix A).
FSK output
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a popular method of transmitting digital messages over radio primarily
used in radioteletype (RTTY) mode. Most transceivers provide FSK modulator feature to make the RTTY
signal stable and clear. A separate COM port is assigned for the FSK output when using RigExpert TI-5.
FSK baudrate and polarity may be configured by jumpers (see Appendix A). Alternatively, software
FSK option is also available at the PTT/CW/SOFTFSK port (see Appendix A).
PTT and CW output functions
Transceivers provide PTT (Push To Talk) and CW (Continuous Wave) keyer inputs to allow setting the
transmitter on or off and operating CW using external device (PTT pedal, CW bug or paddle, terminal
node controller, or personal computer). In RigExpert TI-5, PTT and CW outputs are assigned to the RTS
and DTR lines of a separate COM port. An additional high-current PTT output is provided to key external
devices, such as power amplifiers (see Appendix A).
Squelch input
Some software, such as EchoLink, requires the interface to provide a squelch input to detect if the radio
channel is busy. In RigExpert TI-5, the squelch input is assigned to the DCD line of the COM port used for
PTT and CW outputs.
Built-in electronic CW keyer for single or double paddle
The keyer produces dots or dashes depending on the direction a paddle is pushed to. With double paddle,
squeezing both paddles gives alternating dots and dashes. The speed a CW message comes out with is set
by computer software or a built-in potentiometer. A famous WINKEY micro controller was chosen as a
CW keyer in RigExpert TI-5. A separate COM port is assigned to the WINKEY controller.
