There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use:
wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK,
Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.
For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card"
is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I
have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for
about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the
KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.
For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output
of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a
47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack
and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K
resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in
a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my
junque box.
For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio
from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for
updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x
will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.
For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the
whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software,
you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your
software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT
commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from
a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.
For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the
CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on
the radio.
Getting your computer software connected to these hardware
interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which
just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in
the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users
that software updates make it necessary to redo these
connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.
Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since
there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound
card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting
everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the
highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your
sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.
For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of
the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4
bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely
overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so
if you're having problems, start low and work up.
Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.
73 Bill AE6JV
On 5/4/20 at 12:21 PM, [email protected] (MIKE W1SRR) wrote:
so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
sign will be KG4MA, wink wink) I want to setup my KX3 for FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.
Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?
If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
load a bit, is that possible?
Thanks in advance
Future KG4MA (in mid june)
Mike
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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There you're
408-348-7900 | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on.
The only
www.pwpconsult.com | thing lacking is freedom. - Dwight D. Eisenhower
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