Chris,
Typically, the more bits in the Soundcard A-D conversion, the better the
dynamic range. There is also the noise floor of the soundcard to consider.
Most internal soundcards are 16 bit while the upgrades are typically 24
bits for the A-D.
The Soundblaster Live or Soundblaster Audiogy are good alternatives
IMHO, are available in USB connected external versions as well as
internal cards and will do a good job overall. They are a bit more
noisy than the Delta-44, but not a pricey. Depending on your
applications and your OS, there may be some differences in the drivers
available - check the various forums to get a feeling for any
troublespots - the SDR forums are a good resource for that information.
I doubt that you will notice a great difference with the better cards
for most data modes, although your receiving noise floor could be
improved with a good 24 bit card. If you have interest in Software
Defined Radio, go for the best you can find that fits within your budget.
73,
Don W3FPR
Chris Gibson wrote:
My own interest in the K3 is principally (but not exclusively) the
digimodes. For that reason I was interested in the suggestion of Simon,
HB9DRV that there might be an operational gain in using a "better" sound
card than that on the PC motherboard. I don't know enough about computing to
make judgements, and it would help me (and others in my position) if more
knowledgeable and experienced folk on the list could offer advice on the
following questions.
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
