On 8/19/2012 7:54 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > Can someone explain why an external interface product, signalink, rig > blaster, etc is needed between a kx3 and a laptop?
It depends entirely on WHAT you want to accomplish with your laptop, and HOW GOOD you want it to be. Others have covered the spectrum display issues, so I won't repeat that. Another thing we do on a computer, laptop or otherwise, is generate and decode digital signals. In general, the generic sound cards built into computers aren't that wonderful, and a DECENT sound card will have much better A/D linearity at the lower end of its dynamic range, as well as less analog audio distortion. The result is usually greatly improve the decoding of digital signals. In careful testing, I found that, on average, even a carefully selected el-cheapo USB sound card DOUBLED the number of JT65A decodes that I got on each pass compared to the stock sound card, and let me copy signals much deeper into the noise. I also saw improved performance on RTTY. I recommend the low cost Numark and the low cost Tascam, about $30 and $70 respectively at B&H Photo. Both decode equally well, but the Tascam is more adjustable and flexible to accept a wider range of input and output levels. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
