Hi Gang: I do not have a SideKar, but I do have a Ham Central Terminal, which has a lot of the same features as the SideKar. I also have a NUE-PSK modem. The big feature the HCT (and SideKar) bring to the plate is the logging capability, along with ADIF exporting. The connection to your rig (FT-817, KX3, etc) permits the SideKar to poll the rig for data like mode, band, (frequency), time.. so you log will have useful data. So, the SideKar is helpful in a contest situation, or for SOTA and similar activities. It’s also lightweight and can be self-powered.
The NUE-PSK modem is a generic device, in that it can be used with almost any rig, and it will decode CW, PSK, RTTY, and may offer additional modes. It’s compact and can be updated to include a USB interface, which permits easy firmware updates and the ability to save all received the sent text. That’s not logging, but you can view the generated text file to look back on your activity. So each has it’s value (which is why I have both). And, both are quite QRP, unlike most laptop/computer based systems. 73 de Ray K2ULR > On Sep 9, 2015, at 12:19 AM, Phil Wheeler <w...@socal.rr.com> wrote: > > I use an NUE-PSK, which has it's own decoding (for PSK31 and CW), a keyer, > etc. It's a bit of an oddball I reckon, but perhaps that's why I like it. > > 73, Phil W7OX > > On 9/8/15 8:39 PM, Shel Radin wrote: >> Steve, >> >> One important thing to me and the way I use the KX3 is that with the >> SideKar, you don't need a PC, laptop, tablet, etc. It's self contained. >> >> So for portable operation, it's lighter (5 oz) and smaller than bringing >> something else along. And it's sunlight readable. It has a transflective >> display, like the KX3. >> >> Ho Ho Ho... >> >> 73, >> >> Shel KF0UR >> >> >> On September 8, 2015 7:46:31 PM MDT, Stephen Shearer >> <sm.shearer...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> Thank you for the info. >>> >>> I am still thinking about SideKar. >>> >>> 1) cost - it may need to be a Christmas gift - it exceeds my max per >>> item spending limit without approval. >>> >>> 2) Elecraft - what are they "going" to do with the keyboard on the PX3 >>> and more important, SideKar is stuck with the DSP decode method from >>> Elecraft, too. Fldigi has its own processing AND includes AFC. As >>> pointed out by someone else, the Elecraft DSP does not have AFC to >>> track >>> psk31 (needed) or RTTY (not needed as much with wider signal). SO, >>> SideKar is stuck with a good display/logging system but stuck with ok >>> decoding. CW, why does the Elecraft DSP need a threshold level? For >>> example MRP40 has AGC and AFC, why not Elecraft? This limits SideKar >>> over fldigi and has made me think about my direction. For now, fldigi >>> has better decoding. "you", SideKar, should push Elecraft to improve >>> its DSP decode of CW/psk31/rtty... I don't expect "you" to have the >>> DSP >>> answers, either... Minus six for Elecraft (afc+agc*kx3+k3+ks3)=6... >>> >>> 3) Elecraft has never said anything about a logging function with the >>> pX3 keyboard option, either. Plus one for SideKar. >>> >>> Christmas isn't that far off and SideKar is still an option even with >>> the shaky decode issues. >>> >>> 73, steve WB3LGC >>> >>> >>> On 08-Sep-15 6:42 PM, Shel Radin KF0UR wrote: >>>> Steve, >>>> >>>> With the SideKar, you only have to enter the call once. Then it's >>> used in >>>> all messages and the log as well. And if it's there, the log will >>>> automatically position you in the Exchange field, as that's the only >>> field >>>> you need to enter (by paddle or keyboard). >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> >>>> Shel KF0UR >>>> >>>> >>>> > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to raysil...@verizon.net ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
