Custom Products for the Digital Radio Amateur Enthusiast

If your radio isn't listed in this article, a good choice is one of the following:

DRA-39 or DRA-39M
DRA-100-RJ45
DRA-SR-RJ45

The DRA-39 is the cheapest - and is fine for VARA, SoundModem and other applications that don't require VOX. If you looking for a sound card that fits nicely into a station environment, consider our DRA-100-RJ45 or DRA-SR-RJ45. They have front panel mounted audio level controls and LED's and are better looking as compared to our Standard DRA's with 3D plastic cases which are engineered to be very economical. The DRA-39M has internal audio level controls, a metal case, and like the '100 & 'SR and is compatible with all ICOM radios, and is a great intermediate choice.

What else do I need?
I don't make or sell radio cables or pre-configured jumper modules that fit these DRA's, but, Tigertronics does - and you'll need one to match your radio. The sound cards mentioned above all have the ability to connect to virtually any radio using Tigertronics Radio Cables and Plug & Play Jumper Modules that are made for their SignaLink USB™. Their radio connection and pin steering methodology is very popular and most versitile, and there is no need to duplicate making cables and jumper modules. All DRA's come with a USB cable to connect the unit to your computer or host.

All of the DRA's above have a RJ45 female radio connector - a 1/8" speaker jack, and use SignaLink™ radio cables and Plug & Play jumper modules. These DRAs are the easiest to connect to non-data port equipped radios because of the vast number of pre-made cables that are available from Tigertronics.

Regardless of cost, ALL DRA models are capable of the fastest throughputs using programs like VARA FM Wide. Of course - they all work at slower speeds too. However - realize that if you are connecting a sound card to the MIC and SPKR jacks of a radio, throughput will be limited. Go here to understand why.

How do I tell what radio cable and jumper module to buy from Tigertronics?
You may be wondering how you can determine what cable and jumper module you need. The steps below explain how I do this so you don't need to wait for me to reply when you have a new radio compatibility question. To know which radio cable and jumper module to use - Download the SignaLink USB Product Guide and look up your radio. The spare radio cable and jumper module listed for use with their SignaLink USB™ is the same ones you'll need for any of the DRA's listed on this page.

Some radios don't have receive audio available at the MIC jack. When that's the case - receive audio is usually taken from the radios external speaker jack and routed to the SPKR input jack on the back of these DRA's. Our SPKR-4 Cable works with most radios.

Still not sure? Email or Call Kevin for additional help (link below.)

For other helpful information on our DRA radio interfaces, please see our FAQ Page.

DRA Product Menu
Go here to order DRA products.

Email Kevin for additional support or a possible product recommendation.
(814) 313-4036 reasonable hours Eastern time zone.