I will probably use the KDVR3 with N1MM for Sweepstakes this year, as
I'll be a guest operator at another station (with real antennas), and
will be taking my own laptop. The built-in audio on the laptop is
garbage (when the gain is cranked up high enough for a Heil HC4 as
input, it has all sorts of nasty noises in it), and none of the USB
audio devices that I have seem to do duplex audio in the way I need
for N1MM software voice keying....
I do use N1MM software voice keying for other contests, including SO2R
SSB. It works well most of the time, with a decent sound card. For a
simple single-operator contester who just wants to have a convenient
recorded CQ and maybe exchange, the KDVR3 method can be easier than
messing around with Windows audio, and there's less to go wrong...
~Iain / N6ML
On Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 5:42 PM, Lu Romero <lrom...@ij.net> wrote:
> Gents:
>
> Im trying to understand the need to even *consider* a KDVR
> module.
>
> I use N1MMLogger, and have for over 4 years now. I can
> record, not only messages, but numbers and letters and
> phrases into the computer (pre-air processor, using my air
> mic) and off air audio, up to the limiting amount of storage
> that my computer's hard drive has (zillions and zillions of
> messages, hours and hours of QSO's!).
>
> The Logger software can parse the letters and numbers. It
> sends, not only pre-canned signal reports, but dynamic
> callsigns and serial numbers live. If I choose to, I dont
> even have to talk at all in a SSB contest (ever work Jamie,
> NS3T? You worked a DVK!).
>
> Not only this, but with the "Enter Sends Message" feature of
> Logger, I input the callsign and hit the enter key, and the
> software sequences the correct function key for the QSO step
> automatically. It even logs the Q when done and sends QRZ
> for the next one.
>
> In multioperator situations, I can have all the operators
> using the station record the messages and when they take
> their shift, they press CTRL-O, put in their callsigns, and
> the software will load the Logger's DVK with their own
> personal voice message files automatically.
>
> Although I use a MicroKeyer 2, K3 makes interfacing to the
> computer as simple as plugging in the soundcard line out
> into line in on the back of the radio and plugging the
> soundcard in (not really needed, but useful if I set Logger
> to record each QSO) into the line out of the K3. So, worst
> case, you need a USB to serial adaptor for CAT and two 1/8
> inch stereo cables for audio I/O.
>
> If I ever want to go portable or operate at another station
> with my K3, I take my MicorKeyer 2 and the K3 interface
> cable with me. Then, one single USB cable is all that is
> needed to interface the computer to the MicroKeyer 2 for
> full DVK, CAT and all other feature functionality in SSB,
> CW, RTTY and PSK, along with any other soundcard based mode
> I desire to use (The MicroKeyer 2 has its own built in sound
> card).
>
> By the way, N1MM Logger is Freeware.
>
> I own lots of options for my K3, but KDVR is not one of
> them. Is there any compelling reason to even *own* this
> accessory, other than having a computer-less environment
> which, in today's contesting environment, is not going to be
> very competitive (unless your QTH is P5, Mt. Athos or
> something exotic)?
>
> Lu Romero - W4LT
> K3 S# 3192
>
>
>
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:22:23 -0700
> From: "Andrew Faber" <andrewfa...@ymail.com>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - KDVR
> To: "Brett Howard" <br...@livecomputers.com>, "Barry
> Pfeil"
> <barrypf...@sbcglobal.net>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>, Fred
> Jensen
> <k6...@foothill.net>
> Message-ID: <002701ca4d03$a893f570$f2000...@bc.local>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
> charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=original
>
> Brett,
> As I see it the advantage is that you can send messages
> from the keyboard
> (particularly useful if you have an SO2R setup with the
> radios spread
> apart). Furthermore, you can integrate the message sending
> into the normal
> message sending functionality, like message repeating and
> hitting ESC to
> stop it. I do that with my logging program, CQPWIN, and
> find it's more
> convenient than continually using the radio buttons. I do
> have to have the
> program calibrate the length of each message first, to be
> able to do the
> repeating properly. It works fine.
> 73, andy, ae6y
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Brett Howard" <br...@livecomputers.com>
> To: "Barry Pfeil" <barrypf...@sbcglobal.net>
> Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>; "Fred
> Jensen"
> <k6...@foothill.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:30 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - KDVR
>
>
> What makes this easier than just using the radio? Seems to
> me that
> its just as easy to press M1 as F1... Also now that VOX can
> now stop
> tx of a DVR message stopping it is as simple as pressing
> nearly any
> button or beginning a transmission. Heck ESC would probably
> also work
> if you initiated w/ M1 if it works when you press F1.
>
> BTH
>
>
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