To add something to what Don said:
I've been using my KX3 with a USB soundcard (SoundBlaster SBx) for
digital modes, and WSJT-X modes especially for about two years now.
Before that I was using an IC-718 with the same soundcard. You don't
need to spend over $100 for a specialty piece of equipment that
basically does the same thing two shielded stereo cables, a KXUSB cable
and a cheap USB soundcard does. You can do it for anywhere from $20 to
60 bucks, the only criteria, at least for the WSJT-X modes, is that the
soundcard must provide 16bit 48kHz audio.
That said, on MACs its been found that keeping the soundcard set to
44100 Hz keeps the computer from having problems with WSJT-X, no one's
quite sure why.
K3s owners have it a bit easier, with the built in USB for CAT and
audio. K3 owners (without the USB KIO3B option) can use the same
setup as my KX3.
73,
Neil, KN3ILZ
On 3/10/2018 11:20 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
There seems to be an ongoing concern about audio levels for digital
modes. This is not confined to the SignaLink, but applies to any and
all soundcards used for digital modes.
There are at least two audio level controls - the Line In gain, and
the soundcard output level (set in the computer for most soundcards,
but with the front panel knob on the SignaLink). There is also a 3rd
control in the software application often marked "POWER". Those
should all initially be set midrange, and then changed a bit from
there to produce 4 bars on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing.
That should keep you out of the clipping level. If any controls are
at a very high or low range, that is when you will run into clipping
problems or insufficient audio drive.
For more detail and explanation of 'why', see the article on my
website www.w3fpr.com. Scroll down to the last article in the left
column and click on the link.
Data mode operation does not require an exotic soundcard, most any
will work. The important parameter for soundcard data modes is the
noise floor available for the soundcard. Soundcards for Panadapter
use need to have a sampling rate equal to (or exceeding) the bandwidth
to be displayed, but that is not an important parameter for digital
modes. In other words, a 16 bit 32k (or greater) soundcard will work
well for data modes. The more expensive soundcards will likely have a
lower noise level, but that is not guaranteed.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 3/9/2018 6:58 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:
Since SignaLinks seem to be a continuing topic, one thing I noticed
with mine is that the manufacturer seems to have been upgrading the
design. When I first heard (probably from Jim) that there were
problems with the SignaLink, I found a web site with directions for
fixing some of them. So I warmed up my soldering iron and opened my
SignaLink. When I looked carefully, every single one of the issues on
the web site had been addressed in my unit.
I got a Tascam 24 bit device, which I used for several years, but it
wouldn't work on my Linux BeagleBone, because of the lack of drivers.
It worked well on my Mac. Now I'm using the KIO3B upgrade to my K3
and am quite happy with it. The SignaLink has moved to my portable
KX3 station, where I'm looking for a smaller, lighter solution.
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