--- In [email protected], "Vince Staffo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I am running Windows XP and I would like to add a second sound card in > addition to my on board sound card. This second sound card is a Audigy > 2ZS PCI card which I would use for SDR use only. I have never had 2 > sound cards in a system at the same time. Do you just install the second > card and then pick which one you want for which application? I would > appreciate any information as like I said I have never used a computer > with 2 different sound cards installed. > > Thank You, > > Vince WB2FYZ >
Vince: I have two laptops using Audigy 2 ZS PCMCIA cards as well as their internal sound card. One is an old Dell 1GHz, the other is a newer Toshiba. No problems at all. On both laptops, I had no problem just plugging in the Audigy cards. The only issue is to make sure you are using the latest drivers, go to the Creative web site. Also, check for the latest ASIO driver, if you are using that package. I regularly use both laptops in Windows and Linux. The Linux problem is not being able to use two different physical sound cards as simulataneous inputs to jack. It wasn't possible until recently, and I haven't tried the new version yet. This is only an issue if you plan to transmit under Linux - and I don't think there is any verified SDR transmit code for Softrocks in Linux yet. Rocky allows you to select which device to use for what. I use the AC897 mic input for modulation audio in (mic), and AC97 output to the speakers. I then use the Audigy line in for the SoftRock/Brainerd receive I/Q signals. The Audigy line out is used for IQ out to the SoftRock/Brainerd transmitter (QSE). Sometimes I also use the Audigy speaker outs to monitor my transmit signal. I make sure to use the Audigy out for the QSE drive, because that output is cleaner than the AC97. Remember, if the QSE signal is poor, your transmit signal will also be poor, so don't use the AC97 to drive the QSE. PowerSDR will also work the same way. Select the unsupported card option, then manually select each device in or out. I have not had to disable the onboard sound cards to install the Audigy cards. Just follow the directions - I think on the Audigy series you actually load the drvers onto the hard drive before plugging the card in. Under Rocky, the Audigy will go to 96k, but under PowerSDR, I cannot get better than 48k operation. For Windows (non-SDR) appliations, you can go to the start, control panel, sounds and audio devices, then audio tab, and select which device to use at the moment. Make sure to deselect the "Use only default device" checkbox at the bottom. Also, select the proper options under the voice tab, to be sure they are also right. Good luck. I like the convenience of the PCMCIA Audigy cards. Terry WB4JFI
