Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Don, I wonder if you can sketch out a circuit diagram on your website for newbies to follow. Ariel NY4G Sent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2013, at 8:32 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into Data A mode, not PSK-D I can interface the KX3 to the computer without the iMic or other external sound card (figure 7.5 of Fred's book)? (Should/how/why do I use the iMic?) I need to set the MIC BTN to OFF I would eventually like to end up with PSK31 working on my Mac (with Fldigi), but I'd like to get it working on the PC laptop first to help me understand all of its nuances. Arghhh … please help a newbie! 73, Dave, K6WDE dave.esq...@gmail.com __ 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 __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] ] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Based on Don's suggestion - it would be easy to make up a dongle that one can use when working with the KX3 in data or phone modes. Since the mic input has both audio (left-right channels) and PTT, one can put the resistors Don suggests in a small project box with the female ends (one for normal phone) and the other for digi modes. Ariel NY4G Sent from my iPad On Jul 17, 2013, at 9:08 PM, K7JLTextra k7jltex...@gmail.com wrote: When I first tried the digital modes with my KX3 I had mixed results. When the laptop was plugged in it would not work with any setting on the computer I KX3. Once I added isolation attenuation between it was a snap to adjust and get working. It is best to start with the receiving portion using something like multiPSK to decode multiple signals. After getting one direction going adjust the transmit per Elecraft's directions. John Hendricks K7JLT On Jul 17, 2013, at 17:32, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into Data A mode, not PSK-D I can interface the KX3 to the computer without the iMic or other external sound card (figure 7.5 of Fred's book)? (Should/how/why do I use the iMic?) I need to set the MIC BTN to OFF I would eventually like to end up with PSK31 working on my Mac (with Fldigi), but I'd like to get it working on the PC laptop first to help me understand all of its nuances. Arghhh … please help a newbie! 73, Dave, K6WDE dave.esq...@gmail.com __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Don/Dave, Let me start with I use a SignalLink USB and the cables supplied with my Windows7 PC. I find that it is not necessary to do anything to interface except just plugging in the cables. The SignaLink has its own sound card and front mounted pots for level adjustments. This arrangement works fine here. Now having said what I do, I'll relate some things that I have seen that have caused real problems. Probably, the largest number of failures that I have encountered is the failure of laptop computer sound cards of transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. I have not investigated as to why this happens, but it does. Some digital mode software allow you to calibrate this problem out; Apple and the SignaLink don't seem to have this problem. Some use VOX to key their transmitters, but don't set it correctly. The last major failure I have seen is over driving the radio so that the distortion is too high for the other guy to demod and decode; you really need to keep your transmit levels well within the linear region of your transmitter. That means don't allow the ALC to kick much and NO compression. 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/17/2013 8:32 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into Data A mode, not PSK-D I can interface the KX3 to the computer without the iMic or other external sound card (figure 7.5 of Fred's book)? (Should/how/why do I use the iMic?) I need to set the MIC BTN to OFF I would eventually like to end up with PSK31 working on my Mac (with Fldigi), but I'd like to get it working on the PC laptop first to help me understand all of its nuances. Arghhh … please help a newbie! 73, Dave, K6WDE dave.esq...@gmail.com __ 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Good points Barry, especially about ALC - in data mode, the KX3 will disable compression and equalization. Use DATA A Mode (or AFSK for RTTY) with soundcard data. Trying to use SSB mode on the KX3 requires more attention to compression and equalization. Note carefully -- for the KX3 (and K3) in data modes, the ALC meter is also used as a level indication. Adjust the mic gain to produce 4 bars on the meter with the 5th bar flickering - that is the NO ALC point. The 5th bar indicates the onset of ALC. Control the power with the power knob. If you attempt to control the power with the audio level, you will find that the KX3 (and the K2 and K3) will 'power hunt' and the output will not be stable. This is due to the way Elecraft rigs control power output, it is controlled in a closed control loop. Note that this is different from the advice generally given for data mode operation on the web. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/18/2013 10:20 AM, Barry LaZar wrote: Don/Dave, Let me start with I use a SignalLink USB and the cables supplied with my Windows7 PC. I find that it is not necessary to do anything to interface except just plugging in the cables. The SignaLink has its own sound card and front mounted pots for level adjustments. This arrangement works fine here. Now having said what I do, I'll relate some things that I have seen that have caused real problems. Probably, the largest number of failures that I have encountered is the failure of laptop computer sound cards of transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. I have not investigated as to why this happens, but it does. Some digital mode software allow you to calibrate this problem out; Apple and the SignaLink don't seem to have this problem. Some use VOX to key their transmitters, but don't set it correctly. The last major failure I have seen is over driving the radio so that the distortion is too high for the other guy to demod and decode; you really need to keep your transmit levels well within the linear region of your transmitter. That means don't allow the ALC to kick much and NO compression. 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/17/2013 8:32 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Barry and Don I have the Signalink USB. However I have it dedicated to the K2. For the KX3, I was thinking of creating a dongle with the attenuation resistors Don suggested instead of buying another Signalink. I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? Ariel Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:20:12 -0400 From: k3...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed! Don/Dave, Let me start with I use a SignalLink USB and the cables supplied with my Windows7 PC. I find that it is not necessary to do anything to interface except just plugging in the cables. The SignaLink has its own sound card and front mounted pots for level adjustments. This arrangement works fine here. Now having said what I do, I'll relate some things that I have seen that have caused real problems. Probably, the largest number of failures that I have encountered is the failure of laptop computer sound cards of transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. I have not investigated as to why this happens, but it does. Some digital mode software allow you to calibrate this problem out; Apple and the SignaLink don't seem to have this problem. Some use VOX to key their transmitters, but don't set it correctly. The last major failure I have seen is over driving the radio so that the distortion is too high for the other guy to demod and decode; you really need to keep your transmit levels well within the linear region of your transmitter. That means don't allow the ALC to kick much and NO compression. 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/17/2013 8:32 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into Data A mode, not PSK-D I can interface the KX3 to the computer without the iMic or other external sound card (figure 7.5 of Fred's book)? (Should/how/why do I use the iMic?) I need to set the MIC BTN to OFF I would eventually like to end up with PSK31 working on my Mac (with Fldigi), but I'd like to get it working on the PC laptop
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Ariel, Nothing wrong with that plan at all. Bond the computer and the KX3 together and power everything from the same AC outlet to minimize common mode noise problems. If that is not possible, you may have to add isolation transformers in the audio lines. See the information provided by Jim Brown K9YC on the bonding solution. He has posted it many times here on the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/18/2013 11:10 AM, Ariel Jacala wrote: Barry and Don I have the Signalink USB. However I have it dedicated to the K2. For the KX3, I was thinking of creating a dongle with the attenuation resistors Don suggested instead of buying another Signalink. I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? Ariel __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Please read the data operation section of the KX3 manual. You need to set the Tx audio level so you have 4 bars of ALC, and preferably flickering the 5th bar. This is not a misprint. 73, Lyle KK7P ... I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
you dont need a signal link with the kx3. the all you need is the cables from elecraft and the usb control cable. and a app like fldigi. the usb cable does all the ptt and freq control via hamlib. the signal like is just a middle man that is not needed. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
As Don has pointed out Note carefully -- for the KX3 (and K3) in data modes, the ALC meter is also used as a level indication. Adjust the mic gain to produce 4 bars on the meter with the 5th bar flickering - that is the NO ALC point.The 5th bar indicates the onset of ALC. From Fred Cady's book Page 101 Adjust KEYER/MIC to set the Mic gain for a peak ALC reading of about 4 bars. The ALC meter is actually acting like a VU (volume unit) meter. The onset of ALC is about the 5th bar so you should stay below that level. You may have to adjust the sound card’s Line Out or Headphones Out to achieve the peak ALC reading of about 4 bars. Avoid going higher than about 50% so that Line Out or Headphones Out do not clip. You would like to have the Mic Gain setting about the same as that used for SSB transmissions. I think this is where Don's suggestion helps is in adjusting the levels for increased sensitivity. Ariel NY4G Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 09:48:06 -0700 From: kk7p4...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed! Please read the data operation section of the KX3 manual. You need to set the Tx audio level so you have 4 bars of ALC, and preferably flickering the 5th bar. This is not a misprint. 73, Lyle KK7P ... I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Basically, there is nothing wrong with your plan. As long as get everything adjusted, it should all work like a champ. I realize that your approach is $100 cheaper, but if it doesn't work without you needing a drink during the process, reconsider and do another Signalink. I'm facing a similar issue with interfacing with my collection of stuff. I kinda feel I'll take the path of least grief even if it takes a few extra bucks. Best of luck. 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/18/2013 11:10 AM, Ariel Jacala wrote: Barry and Don I have the Signalink USB. However I have it dedicated to the K2. For the KX3, I was thinking of creating a dongle with the attenuation resistors Don suggested instead of buying another Signalink. I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? Ariel Date: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 10:20:12 -0400 From: k3...@comcast.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed! Don/Dave, Let me start with I use a SignalLink USB and the cables supplied with my Windows7 PC. I find that it is not necessary to do anything to interface except just plugging in the cables. The SignaLink has its own sound card and front mounted pots for level adjustments. This arrangement works fine here. Now having said what I do, I'll relate some things that I have seen that have caused real problems. Probably, the largest number of failures that I have encountered is the failure of laptop computer sound cards of transmitting and receiving on the same frequency. I have not investigated as to why this happens, but it does. Some digital mode software allow you to calibrate this problem out; Apple and the SignaLink don't seem to have this problem. Some use VOX to key their transmitters, but don't set it correctly. The last major failure I have seen is over driving the radio so that the distortion is too high for the other guy to demod and decode; you really need to keep your transmit levels well within the linear region of your transmitter. That means don't allow the ALC to kick much and NO compression. 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/17/2013 8:32 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Don, I've lucky so long that I've totally forgotten that point. It's really bad when you get old. :-) 73, Barry K3NDM On 7/18/2013 11:31 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Ariel, Nothing wrong with that plan at all. Bond the computer and the KX3 together and power everything from the same AC outlet to minimize common mode noise problems. If that is not possible, you may have to add isolation transformers in the audio lines. See the information provided by Jim Brown K9YC on the bonding solution. He has posted it many times here on the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/18/2013 11:10 AM, Ariel Jacala wrote: Barry and Don I have the Signalink USB. However I have it dedicated to the K2. For the KX3, I was thinking of creating a dongle with the attenuation resistors Don suggested instead of buying another Signalink. I realize that I will still have to adjust the soundcard levels to make the TX just tickle the ALC. Is there a flaw in this plan? Ariel __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
I find when using a SignaLink with both my K3 (using line in/out on the K3) and the Small Wonder Labs PSK-20 I have to raise the gain on the computer sound to radio link to maximum gain on both the signaLink and the computer sound adjustments. I get reasonable settings for the gain control on the K3 and a clean signal from the PSK-20. I've been operating this way for a couple of years with no complaints about spattering all over the bands. It is nice because I can restore the settings easily when they get changed. Cheers - Bill, AE6JV/OK On 7/18/13 at 10:35 AM, n...@hotmail.com (Ariel Jacala) wrote: You may have to adjust the sound card’s Line Out or Headphones Out to achieve the peak ALC reading of about 4 bars. Avoid going higher than about 50% so that Line Out or Headphones Out do not clip. - Bill Frantz| The first thing you need when | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | using a perimeter defense is a | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | perimeter. | Los Gatos, CA 95032 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
http://k4mtx.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/kx3-fldigi-setup/ I followed this minus using the headphone jack I use the i/q and the mic jack and the usb control cable Again I suggest getting the cable set from elecraft! I do psk31 all day with it. And yes you have you adjust the mic and speaker gain on the pc for best acl. no need for a signal link or other such device. and its imho much cleaner setup. if you need help drop a email and I will help you get going and you will see its the best setup I have done yet. I also suggest a few extra pieces of software lp_bridge and nap3. also if you can get a usb sound card . http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-External-7-1-Channel-3D-Virtual-Audio-Sound-Card-Adapter-PC-A-229-/400460458738?pt=US_Sound_Card_Externalhash=item5d3d4daaf2 this is the external card I use. just remember the cables go backwards soundcard speaker to mic in radio and i/q out to mic in sound card. color coding the ends with color tape make for a faster setup. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] PSK31 KX3 Elmer needed!
Dave, It sounds like you are being frustrated by all the choices available. If you want to end up with Fldigi, I suggest you start with that application. It is multi-platform and will work the same on a PC or a Mac. The first thing you need to get a grasp on is the audio levels involved. That does require you to have some familiarity with the PC or Mac that you are using and its soundcard input/output levels. Usually, one takes the computer audio output from the Line out jack (the green one). That will be fed to the KX3 MIC input, but the level is about 100 times too high, so an attenuator is needed. Usually a 100 K resistor in series with the Line out signal and a 10k resistor on the KX3 side will do the job. On the other direction, the KX3 headphone output will provide the audio to the computer. This will be fed to the computer Line In or lacking that the Mic Input. Again an attenuator will be required. If you are using the computer Line In level, a 10k resistor in series with the KX33 headphone output and a 10k resistor across the line on the computer side will do nicely, but if you are using the computer mic input, the series resistor should be increased to 10k. If you are dealing with stereo inputs and outputs on the computer, the normal applications will only use the left channel which is the connection to the tip of the soundcard jack. That should get you started. As far as Fldigi is concerned, I would suggest using RigCAT and selecting the K3 as the rig in the pulldown menu. Use PTT thru RigCAT and it should work. 73, Don W3FPR On 7/17/2013 6:10 PM, Esquer Dave wrote: Hi folks, HF Newbie frustrated with PSK-31 setup on my new KX3. I have tried everything with no joy. I need an ELMER! I've tried so many permutations that all of my hair has fallen out! I have PC and Mac laptops, Digipan 2.0, Fldigi, PSKer (for iPad) and am missing ALL of the basic setup knowledge to get this stuff working. I've played all the Youtube videos too, especially KD0BIK's, but I'm still stuck in the basic hardware and software setup. I would like to first try PC Digipan, but am open to anything. Somewhere, there must be a simple step-by-step setup recipe to interface the KX3, its microphone and headphone cables and the mic input, headphone output from the computer. I also have a Griffin iMic that I've attempted to throw into the mix, again with no joy. I've read the Data Modes section in the manual and Chapter 7 Digital Modes of the Fred Cady book. They just add to my confusion. Looking at the Fred Cady book, Figure 7.4 and 7.5 and Chapter 7 sections 7.4 (107-108) and 7.7 (121-122), ALL remain a mystery to me, which hookup do I use? My assumptions so far: Low power, 5 watts or less I need to put the KX3 into Data A mode, not PSK-D I can interface the KX3 to the computer without the iMic or other external sound card (figure 7.5 of Fred's book)? (Should/how/why do I use the iMic?) I need to set the MIC BTN to OFF I would eventually like to end up with PSK31 working on my Mac (with Fldigi), but I'd like to get it working on the PC laptop first to help me understand all of its nuances. Arghhh … please help a newbie! 73, Dave, K6WDE dave.esq...@gmail.com __ 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 __ 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
