Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Dave Fugleberg]

Yep, that's the best solution. I built a winkeyer clone with an Arduino
Nano, and it works great.
Thanks for a fine piece of software Tom. It is well worth the price of
admission and a key component in my shack.
73 de W0ZF

On Wed, Jun 12, 2019 at 5:09 PM Tom  wrote:

> Managing the DTR and RTS over 6 virtual computers all running in separate
> threads and on the radio introduces lots of potential incompatibilities
> between applications where one might expect a different signal than the
> other and so on.  Fortunately, all applications that I am aware of support
> software PTT or allow you to use a different comport for PTT.  You can make
> such an adapter easily with one resistor and a transistor on an RS232 port.
> In the case of N1MM+, using DTR to send CW when there are 6 other
> applications running is impossible since it relies on precise time for the
> dit's and dah's.  So the solution is a WinKey for CW.  You can buy one for
> under $40 these days and well worth it.
> 73 Tom
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> On
> Behalf Of Dave Fugleberg
> Sent: June 12, 2019 9:08 AM
> To: M. George 
> Cc: Elecraft Mailer 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
>
> I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the
> shack,
> but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept works
> extremely well.
> As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
> that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
> my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
> the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
> that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
> I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
> switched to using a winkeyer.
> I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
> out there in case it matters to your use case.
>
> On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George 
> wrote:
>
> > Wes, I wanted to jump in where Tom mentioned my YouTube video of
> > sharing Virtual K3 CAT feeds with Win4K3Suite
> > <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U>.
> >
> > I'm just like you, I like to turn the knobs primarily.  Don't be
> > confused by the graphical interface that Win4K3Suite provides as it
> > relates to sharing your K3/S CAT feed.  Early on I purchased the
> > software primarily for the ability to share full on Virtual CAT Feeds
> > and not the graphical interface.  The CAT sharing is just one aspect
> > of Win4K3Suite.  The PAN Adapter support and graphic interface are
> > simply additional features you can use if you like.  And for remote
> > operation the graphical interface is excellent as you will learn if
> > you operate remote.  Or just minimize Win4K3Suite and don't use it...
> > twist the knobs on your radio and just use the CAT sharing via the
> Virtual
> K3 CAT feeds it provides.
> >
> > I would highly recommend that you watch my video.  It's very
> > detailed... to a fault some will say, but you can jump ahead by 10
> > seconds and back using the L and J keys and pause with the K key.  Or
> > jump ahead 5 seconds and back with the arrow keys and pause with the
> space
> bar.
> >
> > I too used LP-Bridge many years ago and it did work, but it isn't even
> > in the same ball park for reliability as Win4K3Suite for sharing CAT
> Feeds.
> > Not even close.
> >
> > The beauty of :Win4K3Suite is that it creates true Virtual K3/S CAT
> feeds.
> > The software or hardware you are using has no idea it's not connected
> > directly to the K3/S CAT port / USB CAT port direct.  No funky API's
> > like Hamlib or Omni-rig that requires software support to use the
> > abstraction layer required.
> >
> > If there is hardware or software that expects to be connected directly
> > to a K3/S CAT port / feed, it will work with Win4K3Suite Virtual K3/S
> > CAT interfaces.
> >
> > Watch the video and give Win4K3Suite a try.
> > <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U> The com0com port setup
> > trips most guys up, but you have the same problem with LP-Bridge too.
> > I go into great detail on com0com in the video.  It's not bad once you
> > understand the concept. You won't go back to LP-Bridge... my two
> > cents.  And again, you are not required to use the graphical interface
> > to the K3 for anything, but you might just start using it after awhile,
> for remote control like I did.
> > Not to mention all the other features... like using it with LP-PAN

Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Tom]

Managing the DTR and RTS over 6 virtual computers all running in separate
threads and on the radio introduces lots of potential incompatibilities
between applications where one might expect a different signal than the
other and so on.  Fortunately, all applications that I am aware of support
software PTT or allow you to use a different comport for PTT.  You can make
such an adapter easily with one resistor and a transistor on an RS232 port.
In the case of N1MM+, using DTR to send CW when there are 6 other
applications running is impossible since it relies on precise time for the
dit's and dah's.  So the solution is a WinKey for CW.  You can buy one for
under $40 these days and well worth it.
73 Tom

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Dave Fugleberg
Sent: June 12, 2019 9:08 AM
To: M. George 
Cc: Elecraft Mailer 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the shack,
but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept works
extremely well.
As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
switched to using a winkeyer.
I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
out there in case it matters to your use case.

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George 
wrote:

> Wes, I wanted to jump in where Tom mentioned my YouTube video of 
> sharing Virtual K3 CAT feeds with Win4K3Suite 
> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U>.
>
> I'm just like you, I like to turn the knobs primarily.  Don't be 
> confused by the graphical interface that Win4K3Suite provides as it 
> relates to sharing your K3/S CAT feed.  Early on I purchased the 
> software primarily for the ability to share full on Virtual CAT Feeds 
> and not the graphical interface.  The CAT sharing is just one aspect 
> of Win4K3Suite.  The PAN Adapter support and graphic interface are 
> simply additional features you can use if you like.  And for remote 
> operation the graphical interface is excellent as you will learn if 
> you operate remote.  Or just minimize Win4K3Suite and don't use it... 
> twist the knobs on your radio and just use the CAT sharing via the Virtual
K3 CAT feeds it provides.
>
> I would highly recommend that you watch my video.  It's very 
> detailed... to a fault some will say, but you can jump ahead by 10 
> seconds and back using the L and J keys and pause with the K key.  Or 
> jump ahead 5 seconds and back with the arrow keys and pause with the space
bar.
>
> I too used LP-Bridge many years ago and it did work, but it isn't even 
> in the same ball park for reliability as Win4K3Suite for sharing CAT
Feeds.
> Not even close.
>
> The beauty of :Win4K3Suite is that it creates true Virtual K3/S CAT feeds.
> The software or hardware you are using has no idea it's not connected 
> directly to the K3/S CAT port / USB CAT port direct.  No funky API's 
> like Hamlib or Omni-rig that requires software support to use the 
> abstraction layer required.
>
> If there is hardware or software that expects to be connected directly 
> to a K3/S CAT port / feed, it will work with Win4K3Suite Virtual K3/S 
> CAT interfaces.
>
> Watch the video and give Win4K3Suite a try.
> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U> The com0com port setup 
> trips most guys up, but you have the same problem with LP-Bridge too.  
> I go into great detail on com0com in the video.  It's not bad once you 
> understand the concept. You won't go back to LP-Bridge... my two 
> cents.  And again, you are not required to use the graphical interface 
> to the K3 for anything, but you might just start using it after awhile,
for remote control like I did.
> Not to mention all the other features... like using it with LP-PAN2 or 
> SDRPlay.  I switched from NaP3 long ago and never looked back.  By the 
> way, i'm a big N8LP fan too... I love the LP-PAN2 setup and LP-700, 
> but NaP3 plays second fiddle to Win4K3Suite's spectrum display and you 
> can now pump a UDP feed of the spectrum to N1MM too... Have fun.
>
> Max NG7M
>
>
> Tom,
>
> I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why 
> your site won't let me do it again).? Nothing personal, but I just 
> don't like running the radio from the computer that much.? I know that 
> flies in the face of my desire to tune (sometimes) the frequency with 
> the mouse on the pana

Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Rick WA6NHC]

Thank you Jim and Don,

I based my comments on the experiences I've had with the K3.

When I was running AFSK, I would use the standard tones 2125/2295, set 
the levels on the K3 with 4 bars showing, the 5th flickering (no ALC).  
But if I tapped the display (in HRD) to center on another station 
(changing tones to say 1000/1170) I often noticed that the bar display 
was often very different, either pegging the 5th bar or not even 
reaching the 4th bar.  Adjusting the Mic gain was the simple fix, but it 
was something that had to be watched for each click of the mouse.


Based on the assumption that it wasn't the K3 as the cause, that leaves 
the computer (no equalizer in play, so not likely) or the sound card (in 
this case a SignaLink).


It's not scientific research but there you are. I don't have the 
training or tools (scopes) to make refined repeatable lab quality 
observations of audio.  It also stops the K3 from power hunting if you 
watch the audio levels (rarely saw that, even with 3 bars showing, even 
the amp stayed at full power).


These days I use FSK and manually tune so this is a non-issue for RTTY 
but having experienced this before, I watch carefully on FT8 (and it 
doesn't seem to be an issue since I use 'fake it' which keeps the actual 
tones between 1500-2000 Hz. and I'm unlikely to transmit harmonics of 
the audio).


73,
Rick NHC

On 6/11/2019 11:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 6/11/2019 5:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower 
tone, watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher 
pitched tone.  If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the 
radio (while keeping NO ALC), you're fine.  If you do have change 
levels, use the frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same 
range.


Rick,

You (or at least your test) are (is) blaming the computer sound card 
for what may also be the response of the TX bandpass filter. I would 
be VERY surprised if the response of a sound card varied more than a 
few dB from 200-3,000 Hz. If audio levels between the computer and the 
radio are reasonably set, a few dB is not going push the system into 
distortion.


It's common for RF, digital, and video engineers, whose signals are at 
generally fixed levels, to fail to understand that analog audio is 
NOTHING like that. Indeed, the level of ordinary voice signals varies 
over a range of at least 30 dB. In analog systems, levels are set so 
that peaks always stay comfortably below clip, where distortion rises 
sharply.


My recommended methods of setting the output levels of sound cards all 
boil down to one principle -- set the output of the sound card at 
least 6dB below where it starts to sound distorted. Very easy to do, 
at least three ways.


1) Use your ears -- plug headphones into the computer output, activate 
"Tune," start with the Power slider fairly low and increase it until 
the tone starts to sound harsh. THAT'S distortion. Now, back off the 
Power slider until it sounds half as loud. That will bring it 7-10 dB 
lower. Run the sound card there. (This works because humans perceive 
7-10 dB "half as loud" or "twice as loud."


2) Use a scope to find clip by seeing flat-topping of the sinewave, 
then back down to at least half the voltage, or maybe slightly more.


3) Use a voltmeter to find where the voltage stops increasing with the 
Power slider, then it down so that the voltage is half or less of the 
max value.


Once you've done this, the sound card should safely drive a line level 
input without overload, and audio transmit level can be set just like 
you would with speech. If the radio has no line level input, you 
simply build a 20 dB voltage divider, (470 ohms in series between 
computer and rig, 47 ohms in parallel with the mic input). or 1K and 
100 ohms.


This is all very simple, it's stuff that we demonstrated that we 
learned when we passed our license exams.


73, Jim K9YC



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I run WSJT-X V2.xxx with my K3S and have no issues with other applications, 
port sharing as such.  Only use one USB cable between the radio and computer. 

I've found the more applications one runs, then one WILL have more problems.   
Thus the question "has one made their system overly complex?"  Seems so. 

Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 12, 2019, at 8:40 AM, Andy Durbin  wrote:
> 
> "> That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?
> 
> That WSJT-X works just fine without CAT,  including the Fox's control of 
> the Hounds' radios to move them into his protected space."
> 
> 
> I see no conflict or anything to disagree with.  I did not say that WSJT-X 
> cannot be used without CAT and I did not say that operating as Fox requires 
> CAT.
> What I said was that the use of WSJT-X "split" mode ( a specific mode of 
> operation selectable from settings/radio/spit operation) requires CAT.  
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> __
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> 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Andy Durbin]

"> That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?

That WSJT-X works just fine without CAT,  including the Fox's control of 
the Hounds' radios to move them into his protected space."


I see no conflict or anything to disagree with.  I did not say that WSJT-X 
cannot be used without CAT and I did not say that operating as Fox requires CAT.
What I said was that the use of WSJT-X "split" mode ( a specific mode of 
operation selectable from settings/radio/spit operation) requires CAT.  

73,
Andy, k3wyc











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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[W0FK]

Wes Stewart-2 wrote
> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
> 
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging Although I haven't tried it I
> believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from WSJT...

Wes, I don’t run the other programs you’re using with FT8 (I use JTDX, but
it interfaces the same WSJT-X), but with LPBridge connected I’ve had no
issues communicating with my K3S and other programs. If you haven’t tried
them yet, download Joe’s (WA6AXA) WSJT-X and JTDX bridge interfaces. I
discovered the bridge will load the last FT8 QSO into DXBase even when
DXBase isn’t connected to my K3S. So your FT8 program can be a port hog but
you can still log QSO’s into DXBase.

73

Lou, W0FK 



-
St. Louis, MO

"The difference between stupidity and genius is that 
genius has its limits." Albert Einstein


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Dave Fugleberg]

I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the
shack, but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept
works extremely well.
As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
switched to using a winkeyer.
I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
out there in case it matters to your use case.

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George 
wrote:

> Wes, I wanted to jump in where Tom mentioned my YouTube video of sharing
> Virtual K3 CAT feeds with Win4K3Suite
> .
>
> I'm just like you, I like to turn the knobs primarily.  Don't be confused
> by the graphical interface that Win4K3Suite provides as it relates to
> sharing your K3/S CAT feed.  Early on I purchased the software primarily
> for the ability to share full on Virtual CAT Feeds and not the graphical
> interface.  The CAT sharing is just one aspect of Win4K3Suite.  The PAN
> Adapter support and graphic interface are simply additional features you
> can use if you like.  And for remote operation the graphical interface is
> excellent as you will learn if you operate remote.  Or just minimize
> Win4K3Suite and don't use it... twist the knobs on your radio and just use
> the CAT sharing via the Virtual K3 CAT feeds it provides.
>
> I would highly recommend that you watch my video.  It's very detailed... to
> a fault some will say, but you can jump ahead by 10 seconds and back using
> the L and J keys and pause with the K key.  Or jump ahead 5 seconds and
> back with the arrow keys and pause with the space bar.
>
> I too used LP-Bridge many years ago and it did work, but it isn't even in
> the same ball park for reliability as Win4K3Suite for sharing CAT Feeds.
> Not even close.
>
> The beauty of :Win4K3Suite is that it creates true Virtual K3/S CAT feeds.
> The software or hardware you are using has no idea it's not connected
> directly to the K3/S CAT port / USB CAT port direct.  No funky API's like
> Hamlib or Omni-rig that requires software support to use the abstraction
> layer required.
>
> If there is hardware or software that expects to be connected directly to a
> K3/S CAT port / feed, it will work with Win4K3Suite Virtual K3/S CAT
> interfaces.
>
> Watch the video and give Win4K3Suite a try.
>  The com0com port setup trips
> most guys up, but you have the same problem with LP-Bridge too.  I go into
> great detail on com0com in the video.  It's not bad once you understand the
> concept. You won't go back to LP-Bridge... my two cents.  And again, you
> are not required to use the graphical interface to the K3 for anything, but
> you might just start using it after awhile, for remote control like I did.
> Not to mention all the other features... like using it with LP-PAN2 or
> SDRPlay.  I switched from NaP3 long ago and never looked back.  By the way,
> i'm a big N8LP fan too... I love the LP-PAN2 setup and LP-700, but NaP3
> plays second fiddle to Win4K3Suite's spectrum display and you can now pump
> a UDP feed of the spectrum to N1MM too... Have fun.
>
> Max NG7M
>
>
> Tom,
>
> I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why your
> site
> won't let me do it again).? Nothing personal, but I just don't like running
> the
> radio from the computer that much.? I know that flies in the face of my
> desire
> to tune (sometimes) the frequency with the mouse on the panadapter.?
> Otherwise,
> I like the knobs.? That said, your mention of Omni-rig got me thinking and
> I
> installed it and at first blush it appears that I can now connect
> everything to
> everything else using LP-Bridge.
>
> I'll call this the beta test stage, but did want to put this out there for
> the
> folks who said it would work.
>
> Wes
>
>
> On 6/11/2019 4:00 PM, Tom wrote:
> > Hi
> > 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used
> LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all
> commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of
> collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport
> at the same time.
> > So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> > It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It
> has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or
> KX2.  It listens to commands from software products and then delivers
> results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are
> synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the
> 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)]

Going back to the original question, then LP_Bridge in combination with
DXLabs Commander allows one to use and control both WSJT-X, a logging
program, and a contest program with port sharing at the same time. I wrote
it up here: http://la3za.blogspot.com/2019/06/port-sharing-for-wsjt-x.html






-
Sverre, LA3ZA

K2 #2198, K3 #3391,
LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com,
LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: 
http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Jim Brown]

On 6/11/2019 5:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower 
tone, watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher 
pitched tone.  If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the 
radio (while keeping NO ALC), you're fine.  If you do have change 
levels, use the frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same 
range.


Rick,

You (or at least your test) are (is) blaming the computer sound card for 
what may also be the response of the TX bandpass filter. I would be VERY 
surprised if the response of a sound card varied more than a few dB from 
200-3,000 Hz. If audio levels between the computer and the radio are 
reasonably set, a few dB is not going push the system into distortion.


It's common for RF, digital, and video engineers, whose signals are at 
generally fixed levels, to fail to understand that analog audio is 
NOTHING like that. Indeed, the level of ordinary voice signals varies 
over a range of at least 30 dB. In analog systems, levels are set so 
that peaks always stay comfortably below clip, where distortion rises 
sharply.


My recommended methods of setting the output levels of sound cards all 
boil down to one principle -- set the output of the sound card at least 
6dB below where it starts to sound distorted. Very easy to do, at least 
three ways.


1) Use your ears -- plug headphones into the computer output, activate 
"Tune," start with the Power slider fairly low and increase it until the 
tone starts to sound harsh. THAT'S distortion. Now, back off the Power 
slider until it sounds half as loud. That will bring it 7-10 dB lower. 
Run the sound card there. (This works because humans perceive 7-10 dB 
"half as loud" or "twice as loud."


2) Use a scope to find clip by seeing flat-topping of the sinewave, then 
back down to at least half the voltage, or maybe slightly more.


3) Use a voltmeter to find where the voltage stops increasing with the 
Power slider, then it down so that the voltage is half or less of the 
max value.


Once you've done this, the sound card should safely drive a line level 
input without overload, and audio transmit level can be set just like 
you would with speech. If the radio has no line level input, you simply 
build a 20 dB voltage divider, (470 ohms in series between computer and 
rig, 47 ohms in parallel with the mic input). or 1K and 100 ohms.


This is all very simple, it's stuff that we demonstrated that we learned 
when we passed our license exams.


73, Jim K9YC



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Jim Brown]

On 6/11/2019 4:48 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

Jim - what specifically did you disagree with:

That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?


That WSJT-X works just fine without CAT,  including the Fox's control of 
the Hounds' radios to move them into his protected space.


73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[M. George]

Wes, I wanted to jump in where Tom mentioned my YouTube video of sharing
Virtual K3 CAT feeds with Win4K3Suite
.

I'm just like you, I like to turn the knobs primarily.  Don't be confused
by the graphical interface that Win4K3Suite provides as it relates to
sharing your K3/S CAT feed.  Early on I purchased the software primarily
for the ability to share full on Virtual CAT Feeds and not the graphical
interface.  The CAT sharing is just one aspect of Win4K3Suite.  The PAN
Adapter support and graphic interface are simply additional features you
can use if you like.  And for remote operation the graphical interface is
excellent as you will learn if you operate remote.  Or just minimize
Win4K3Suite and don't use it... twist the knobs on your radio and just use
the CAT sharing via the Virtual K3 CAT feeds it provides.

I would highly recommend that you watch my video.  It's very detailed... to
a fault some will say, but you can jump ahead by 10 seconds and back using
the L and J keys and pause with the K key.  Or jump ahead 5 seconds and
back with the arrow keys and pause with the space bar.

I too used LP-Bridge many years ago and it did work, but it isn't even in
the same ball park for reliability as Win4K3Suite for sharing CAT Feeds.
Not even close.

The beauty of :Win4K3Suite is that it creates true Virtual K3/S CAT feeds.
The software or hardware you are using has no idea it's not connected
directly to the K3/S CAT port / USB CAT port direct.  No funky API's like
Hamlib or Omni-rig that requires software support to use the abstraction
layer required.

If there is hardware or software that expects to be connected directly to a
K3/S CAT port / feed, it will work with Win4K3Suite Virtual K3/S CAT
interfaces.

Watch the video and give Win4K3Suite a try.
 The com0com port setup trips
most guys up, but you have the same problem with LP-Bridge too.  I go into
great detail on com0com in the video.  It's not bad once you understand the
concept. You won't go back to LP-Bridge... my two cents.  And again, you
are not required to use the graphical interface to the K3 for anything, but
you might just start using it after awhile, for remote control like I did.
Not to mention all the other features... like using it with LP-PAN2 or
SDRPlay.  I switched from NaP3 long ago and never looked back.  By the way,
i'm a big N8LP fan too... I love the LP-PAN2 setup and LP-700, but NaP3
plays second fiddle to Win4K3Suite's spectrum display and you can now pump
a UDP feed of the spectrum to N1MM too... Have fun.

Max NG7M


Tom,

I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why your
site
won't let me do it again).? Nothing personal, but I just don't like running
the
radio from the computer that much.? I know that flies in the face of my
desire
to tune (sometimes) the frequency with the mouse on the panadapter.?
Otherwise,
I like the knobs.? That said, your mention of Omni-rig got me thinking and
I
installed it and at first blush it appears that I can now connect
everything to
everything else using LP-Bridge.

I'll call this the beta test stage, but did want to put this out there for
the
folks who said it would work.

Wes


On 6/11/2019 4:00 PM, Tom wrote:
> Hi
> 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used
LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all
commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of
collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport
at the same time.
> So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It
has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or
KX2.  It listens to commands from software products and then delivers
results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are
synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the
other.
> You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook.  It
also works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners.  Here is
a video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of
software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
> It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com
actually behaves just like a null modem cable.  You create a Pair of
comports which form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3
and the other to the other software.  It is 100% reliable and tested with
thousands of users.
> There's a free trial and updates are free.  There are numerous videos
under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
> In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections.  Always use
Omni-rig.  Much more stable.
> 73 Tom
> Va2fsq.com
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Don Wilhelm]

Rick and all,

You did not mention the "NO ALC" point for Elecraft gear.
The ALC scale on the K3/K3S/KX3/KX2 gives you the ability to adjust the 
audio level (the lower bars are NOT an indication of ALC).

ALC begins at the 5th bar.
Those Elecraft radios must be have the audio level adjusted so there are 
4 bars solid with the 5th bar flashing.  The Elecraft radios must not 
use the audio level to control power - other radios may use that method, 
but not Elecraft.


If you want full information about that (and the related Elecraft power 
control), refer to the article on my website www.w3fpr.com.  Scroll to 
the last link in the left column and click to open the link.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 8:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:


On 6/11/2019 4:19 PM, Jim Brown wrote:



Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.


No,  it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if 
WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!




At the risk of transmitting harmonics as well as the principle audio...

Plus not all sound card responses are 'flat' so the levels, if outside 
the tested range (say 1500 Hz +/- 500 Hz) vary much, it may be too loud 
(overdriving) or soft.


A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower tone, 
watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher pitched 
tone.  If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the radio (while 
keeping NO ALC), you're fine.  If you do have change levels, use the 
frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same range.


Sometimes cheap audio, is REALLY cheap audio.

Rick nhc

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Rick WA6NHC]

On 6/11/2019 4:19 PM, Jim Brown wrote:



Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.


No,  it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if 
WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!




At the risk of transmitting harmonics as well as the principle audio...

Plus not all sound card responses are 'flat' so the levels, if outside 
the tested range (say 1500 Hz +/- 500 Hz) vary much, it may be too loud 
(overdriving) or soft.


A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower tone, 
watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher pitched 
tone.  If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the radio (while 
keeping NO ALC), you're fine.  If you do have change levels, use the 
frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same range.


Sometimes cheap audio, is REALLY cheap audio.

Rick nhc

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Tom,

I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why your site 
won't let me do it again).  Nothing personal, but I just don't like running the 
radio from the computer that much.  I know that flies in the face of my desire 
to tune (sometimes) the frequency with the mouse on the panadapter.  Otherwise, 
I like the knobs.  That said, your mention of Omni-rig got me thinking and I 
installed it and at first blush it appears that I can now connect everything to 
everything else using LP-Bridge.


I'll call this the beta test stage, but did want to put this out there for the 
folks who said it would work.


Wes


On 6/11/2019 4:00 PM, Tom wrote:

Hi
7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used LPBridge 
to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all commands through 
the radio. In addition, there were many cases of collisions between software 
products if they tried to write to the comport at the same time.
So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It has 6 
"Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2.  It 
listens to commands from software products and then delivers results either from memory 
or if a write is necessary, then all threads are synchronized and prioritised so that one 
application cannot clobber the other.
You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook.  It also 
works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners.  Here is a video 
from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of software and 
hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually 
behaves just like a null modem cable.  You create a Pair of comports which form 
a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to the 
other software.  It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
There's a free trial and updates are free.  There are numerous videos under 
Documentation, Video Tutorials.
In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections.  Always use Omni-rig.  
Much more stable.
73 Tom
Va2fsq.com



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Gary Smith]

With the K3 & the K3s, I found getting 
WSJT-X to play nice was an oddity; 5% of 
the time it would work and 95% of the time 
it did not (The % is relative to my 
experience, not exact %). All Ham programs 
used LP-Bridge with no issue except 
WSJT-X. 

I finally was directed to Win4K3suite as 
Tom just mentioned. It resolved all the 
issues I had and I was totally happy with 
his software. I was not happy with several 
things regarding WSJT-X and I could see 
people asking for the same things on the 
email forum but these changes didn't come.

A VE friend suggested I try JTDX and 
though it does not do some things I like, 
like MSK for 6M, I found it to do 
everything I liked and it has much the 
same interface as WSJT-X. It is also a 
free program and now that I am using it, I 
no longer use WSJT-X, for me, there's no 
need to. 

http://jtdx.tech/en/videos-guides

Look to the bottom of the downloads column 
on the right & the latest version for 
windows is JTDX v2.0.1-rc137_6

My 2 pence & 73,

Gary
KA1J

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be
> found elsewhere.
> 
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using
> LPBridge for port sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean
> spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if
> desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version
> of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or
> any of that other stuff.
> 
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but
> pragmatism is forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X
> (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over
> I have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a
> little time while DXBase updates its database.  Going the other way
> takes even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before
> the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I believe
> there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from WSJT-X.
> 
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?
> 
> Wes  N7WS
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Andy Durbin]

Jim - what specifically did you disagree with:

That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?
That some people not using split mode produce horrible harmonics?
Something else?


"There's detailed advice in several places on my website for how to set 
audio drive levels from a computer sound card to the mic or line input 
of a ham rig. If those don't work for someone, he or she needs to turn 
in their boxtop license!"

Not everyone knows of your website or reads it.  Not everyone feeds audio to 
their rig using line or mic inputs.  However, It is a fact that more than a few 
ops using WSJT-X mode generate huge audio harmonics because they don't use 
"split" and don't set up the audio drive correctly.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Jim Brown]

On 6/11/2019 2:48 PM, Wes wrote:
Agree with Andy. 


I don't, especially for an EE of Wes's background and experience. 
There's detailed advice in several places on my website for how to set 
audio drive levels from a computer sound card to the mic or line input 
of a ham rig. If those don't work for someone, he or she needs to turn 
in their boxtop license!



Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.


No,  it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if 
WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Gwen Patton]

Tom,

I use Win4K3Suite all the time with my KX3, because my neck won't take a
lot of twisting or craning about. The spectrum scope works perfectly, after
I found the port I originally tried months ago was indeed mono. It's on a
stereo input now, and is fine.

You mentioned it didn't use the same audio stack as wsjt-x. That's good too
know, and thanks for the explanation of how that bug functions. I will be
upgrading to Win 10 to fix it soon, but I do have things working ok with a
workaround for now.

It's great software, and it literally saves me serious pain. Thank you for
creating it.

73,
Gwen, NG3P

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019, 7:02 PM Tom  wrote:

> Hi
> 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used
> LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all
> commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of
> collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport
> at the same time.
> So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It has
> 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2.
> It listens to commands from software products and then delivers results
> either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are
> synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the
> other.
> You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook.  It also
> works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners.  Here is a
> video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of
> software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
> It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually
> behaves just like a null modem cable.  You create a Pair of comports which
> form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to
> the other software.  It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
> There's a free trial and updates are free.  There are numerous videos
> under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
> In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections.  Always use
> Omni-rig.  Much more stable.
> 73 Tom
> Va2fsq.com
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
> On Behalf Of Wes
> Sent: June 11, 2019 2:47 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector 
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
>
> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge
> for port sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display
> with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect
> N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if
> necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism
> is forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires
> total hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the
> other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase
> updates its database.  Going the other way takes even more time while
> LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other programs start.
> Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to
> DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?
>
> Wes  N7WS
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Tom]

Hi
7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used LPBridge 
to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all commands through 
the radio. In addition, there were many cases of collisions between software 
products if they tried to write to the comport at the same time.
So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It has 6 
"Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2.  It 
listens to commands from software products and then delivers results either 
from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are synchronized and 
prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the other.
You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook.  It also 
works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners.  Here is a video 
from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of software and 
hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually 
behaves just like a null modem cable.  You create a Pair of comports which form 
a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to the 
other software.  It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
There's a free trial and updates are free.  There are numerous videos under 
Documentation, Video Tutorials.
In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections.  Always use Omni-rig.  
Much more stable.
73 Tom
Va2fsq.com


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wes
Sent: June 11, 2019 2:47 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found 
elsewhere.

Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software 
for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port 
sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with 
point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and 
AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I 
don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.

Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is 
forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total 
hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the other 
programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its 
database.  Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the 
virtual ports before the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I 
believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from 
WSJT-X.

So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different 
radio?

Wes  N7WS

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Agree with Andy.  Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.

Wes  N7WS

On 6/11/2019 2:30 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

"No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the
radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control
of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab."

Yes, that's true but it doesn't tell the whole story.   WSJT-X cannot be used in "split" 
mode without CAT control.  Without "split" mode there is no constraint on modulation 
frequency.  Without constraint on modulation frequency people will work the low end of the 
waterfall with over-driven transmitters or over-driven audio stages and QRM the rest of us with 
horrible audio harmonics.  I have an extensive selection of screen shots that I use to illustrate 
how not to use WSJT-X.  One I captured just a few days ago shows second, third, and fourth 
harmonics on every transmission that station made.

Some of the worst WSJT-X mode signals I have seen came from very experienced operators 
using the K3.  Please, if you can't, or won't, use "split" mode, don't TX in 
the low end of the WSJT-X waterfall (below 1500 Hz) unless you *know* your signal is 
clean.

73,
Andy, k3wyc


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[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Andy Durbin]

"No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the 
radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control 
of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab."

Yes, that's true but it doesn't tell the whole story.   WSJT-X cannot be used 
in "split" mode without CAT control.  Without "split" mode there is no 
constraint on modulation frequency.  Without constraint on modulation frequency 
people will work the low end of the waterfall with over-driven transmitters or 
over-driven audio stages and QRM the rest of us with horrible audio harmonics.  
I have an extensive selection of screen shots that I use to illustrate how not 
to use WSJT-X.  One I captured just a few days ago shows second, third, and 
fourth harmonics on every transmission that station made.

Some of the worst WSJT-X mode signals I have seen came from very experienced 
operators using the K3.  Please, if you can't, or won't, use "split" mode, 
don't TX in the low end of the WSJT-X waterfall (below 1500 Hz) unless you 
*know* your signal is clean.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Hi Don,

The radio I was thinking about is a TS-890 which by using their control program 
over Ethernet, can drive an external monitor displaying the band scope with 
point and click tuning.  This leaves the USB ports available for other apps.


Others obviously have different experiences, but I'm finding that your point 
about total control is well-taken.


Wes

  On 6/11/2019 12:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software applications, 
particularly those providing virtual ports.  So I don't think a different 
radio will change things.


You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different than 
LP-Bridge.


I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to take 
the load off the K3 serial communication.


Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:
Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found 
elsewhere.


Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software 
for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port 
sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with 
point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM 
and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. 
I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.


Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is 
forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total 
hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the other 
programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its 
database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the 
virtual ports before the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I 
believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency 
from WSJT-X.


So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a 
different radio?




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Jim Brown]

On 6/11/2019 11:47 AM, Wes wrote:
s best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total hogging of the 
K3S com port.


No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the 
radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control 
of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab.


73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

I got several answers suggesting that LP-Bridge will work and I tried all of the 
suggestions with no success.


Even disabling all other applications and just trying to connect WSJT-X via 
LP-Bridge Virtual Port 1 gives a hamlib error.


Wes

On 6/11/2019 1:28 PM, Gary Johnson wrote:
I use LP-Bridge with N1MM and WSTJ-X simultaneously (along with an LP-Pan and 
NaP3). The only configuration oddity that  I found was that WSJT had to 
connect via Virtual Com Port #1 and N1MM had to be on #2. Swapping those 
assignments would not work. No idea why. So I can guess that it would work if 
you assign DXBase to #2.


Gary NA6O




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Gary Johnson]

I use LP-Bridge with N1MM and WSTJ-X simultaneously (along with an 
LP-Pan and NaP3). The only configuration oddity that  I found was that 
WSJT had to connect via Virtual Com Port #1 and N1MM had to be on #2. 
Swapping those assignments would not work. No idea why. So I can guess 
that it would work if you assign DXBase to #2.


Gary NA6O

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Mark Musick]

As a comment to both Allan's and Don's replies, Win4K3Suite uses Com0Com for 
its virtual ports. I use Win4K3Suite and like Allan I have N1MM, MMTTY and I 
have WSJT-X all connected at the same time and have had no issues.

73,
Mark, WB9CIF

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 19:03
To: Wes ; Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software applications, 
particularly those providing virtual ports.  So I don't think a different radio 
will change things.

You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different than 
LP-Bridge.

I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to take 
the load off the K3 serial communication.

Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:
> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be 
> found elsewhere.
> 
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue 
> software for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using 
> LPBridge for port sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean 
> spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if 
> desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version 
> of
> MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or 
> any of that other stuff.
> 
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but 
> pragmatism is forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X
> (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I 
> have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little 
> time while DXBase updates its database.  Going the other way takes 
> even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the 
> other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I believe there is 
> a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.
> 
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a 
> different radio?
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Don Wilhelm]

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software 
applications, particularly those providing virtual ports.  So I don't 
think a different radio will change things.


You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different 
than LP-Bridge.


I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to 
take the load off the K3 serial communication.


Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:
Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found 
elsewhere.


Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue 
software for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using 
LPBridge for port sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean 
spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if 
desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of 
MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any 
of that other stuff.


Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but 
pragmatism is forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X 
(FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I 
have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little 
time while DXBase updates its database.  Going the other way takes even 
more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other 
programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge 
from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.


So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a 
different radio?

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Allan Zadiraka]

I do port sharing for a K3s through Win4k3 with ACLog, N1MM+, and
Wsjt-X/JTAlert all running and no problems.  Normally don't have N1MM+ and
ACLog running at same time but have done it with no problems.



*Allan Zadiraka*
*AB8OU*





On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 2:48 PM Wes  wrote:

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software
> for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for
> port
> sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with
> point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect
> N1MM and
> AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary.
> I
> don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism
> is
> forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total
> hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the other
> programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates
> its
> database.  Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates
> the
> virtual ports before the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried
> it I
> believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from
> WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different
> radio?
>
> Wes  N7WS
>
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[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found 
elsewhere.

Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software 
for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port 
sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with 
point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and 
AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I 
don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.


Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is 
forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total 
hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the other 
programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its 
database.  Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the 
virtual ports before the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I 
believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from 
WSJT-X.


So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different 
radio?


Wes  N7WS

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