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Elecraft and Mac OS X

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W4JBB

Elecraft and Mac OS X

My family and I are swapping out to Macs for Christmas. I have a KX3
and a K3 that I use with a SignaLink USB. What USB-to-serial converters
are advised?

At one time, with Windows, it was FTDI chipsets over Prolific. I have
always tried to make sure that the converters I get have the FTDI
chipset. Is this the case with OS X?

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Karl DK5LP

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

Hallo Joel,
you have no problems with a FTDI chipset and Mac-OSX. Load the driver from the Elecraft-Site, thats all.
The Elecraft-Utility works fine with Mac OS-X.

Congrats for your new computer-system!

vy 73 de
Karl-Heinz, DK5LP / AK5LP

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Mike Reublin

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by W4JBB

Joel,

I use the same ones I used for Windoze. My MacBook Pro running Mountain Lion doesn't enumerate the ports the way Win does. I have two, and they're reported as usbserial-FTCEQGKK and usbserial-A700f4ur.

If the Macs y'all are getting have a single audio jack (in/out on the same jack), look at the iMic to split 'em.

I'd highly recommend RUMLog for logging.

73, Mike NF4L

On Dec 6, 2012, at 6:20 AM, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:

> My family and I are swapping out to Macs for Christmas. I have a KX3 and a K3 that I use with a SignaLink USB. What USB-to-serial converters are advised?
>
> At one time, with Windows, it was FTDI chipsets over Prolific. I have always tried to make sure that the converters I get have the FTDI chipset. Is this the case with OS X?
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
> ______________________________________________________________
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ke9uw

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by W4JBB

Those FTDI work here on a Mac.

Chuck, KE9UW
Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224

________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Joel Black [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 5:20 AM
To: elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft and Mac OS X

My family and I are swapping out to Macs for Christmas. I have a KX3
and a K3 that I use with a SignaLink USB. What USB-to-serial converters
are advised?

At one time, with Windows, it was FTDI chipsets over Prolific. I have
always tried to make sure that the converters I get have the FTDI
chipset. Is this the case with OS X?

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Chuck, KE9UW

ke9uw

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by W4JBB

This Keyspan 19hs model convertor is highly recommended. A ham friend uses these, mine are another brand, but still the FTDI chipset.

http://www.amazon.com/Keyspan-USA-19HS-Hi-Speed-supports-Sequence/dp/B0000VYJRY

Chuck, KE9UW
Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC
aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224

________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Joel Black [[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2012 5:20 AM
To: elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft and Mac OS X

My family and I are swapping out to Macs for Christmas. I have a KX3
and a K3 that I use with a SignaLink USB. What USB-to-serial converters
are advised?

At one time, with Windows, it was FTDI chipsets over Prolific. I have
always tried to make sure that the converters I get have the FTDI
chipset. Is this the case with OS X?

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Chuck, KE9UW

Bill Frantz

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

From a sample of one, RUMped worked well when I used it on
field day as a contest logger. I had to import its logs into
RUMlog to upload them to LoTW.

Cheers - Bill, AE6JV

On 12/6/12 at 5:21 AM, [hidden email] (Mike Reublin) wrote:

>I'd highly recommend RUMLog for logging.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | When it comes to the world | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506 | around us, is there any choice | 16345
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | but to explore? - Lisa Randall | Los Gatos,
CA 95032

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af9w

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

The one feature of RUMped that I find cool for portable contesting is the ability to key the KX3 without a Winkeyer using RUMped. Reduces the gear you need to carry.

Overall, though, I think Skookumlogger is a better native Mac contest logger.

73 de AF9W
Bob Stephens

On Dec 6, 2012, at 2:15 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:

> From a sample of one, RUMped worked well when I used it on field day as a contest logger. I had to import its logs into RUMlog to upload them to LoTW.
>
> Cheers - Bill, AE6JV
>
> On 12/6/12 at 5:21 AM, [hidden email] (Mike Reublin) wrote:
>
>> I'd highly recommend RUMLog for logging.
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | When it comes to the world | Periwinkle
> (408)356-8506 | around us, is there any choice | 16345 Englewood Ave
> www.pwpconsult.com | but to explore? - Lisa Randall | Los Gatos, CA 95032
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Bob Stephens AF9W

John_N1JM

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

This post was updated on .

I use RumPed for rttty contests and Skookum Logger for the phone and cw.

John N1JM

Greg - AB7R

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by W4JBB

I always recommend the keyspan devices. I have a 4 port version that
worked fine when I had an iMac.

73
Greg
Ab7r
On Dec 6, 2012 3:21 AM, "Joel Black" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> My family and I are swapping out to Macs for Christmas. I have a KX3 and
> a K3 that I use with a SignaLink USB. What USB-to-serial converters are
> advised?
>
> At one time, with Windows, it was FTDI chipsets over Prolific. I have
> always tried to make sure that the converters I get have the FTDI chipset.
> Is this the case with OS X?
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
> ______________________________**______________________________**__
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> Post: mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Paul M Dunphy

K3 line out - Stereo vs Mono

Does anyone know if the warning mentioned here in relation an
external speaker and a mono speaker applies to the K3's line out (which
is also stereo):

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107E%20K3%20Owner%27s%20man%20errata%20D10-1.pdf

The reason I ask is I have an old Buxcom Rascal circa 2007-2008
that I used for RTTY and PSK on my ICOM PRO3 with great success . . .
was thinking of just getting the K3 cable (Part 5DK3) and using it with
MMTTY as I had been doing.

The concern is the 1/8" plugs on the 5DK3 look to be mono for both
audio in and audio out on it's schematic diagram.

http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2514

It's hard to see because the diagram is so small, but I am 99% sure
they are 1/8" mono plugs.

I want to do FSK, not AFSK. Otherwise I'd just use a couple of
stereo 1/8" inch cables to the computer. Seeing as the Buxcom Rascal
and 5DK3 combo will key the RCA PTT as well as handle the TX and RX
audio, I was going to go that route. Just switch the old ICOM cable
with the 5DK3. Has anyone done this? Seems like a simple way . .. on
the PRO3 I used this setup for RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc. I also read that
you shouldn't try to key the PTT line using the DB9 serial
communications port, and since the Rascal is already working with MMTTY
. . .

73, Paul VE1DX

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3 line out - Stereo vs Mono

Paul,

I believe you may be trying to address too many issues at once. Take
then one at a time.
As far as the speaker goes, I suggest the safest solution is to re-wire
the plug to a stereo plug using only the tip and the shell.

Look st the plug - if the plug does not have a ring on it, then it is
not a stereo plug.

The speakers question does not have any direct relationship with the
MMTTY input.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/6/2012 8:15 PM, Paul M Dunphy wrote:

> Does anyone know if the warning mentioned here in relation an external
> speaker and a mono speaker applies to the K3's line out (which is also
> stereo):
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107E%20K3%20Owner%27s%20man%20errata%20D10-1.pdf
>
>
> The reason I ask is I have an old Buxcom Rascal circa 2007-2008
> that I used for RTTY and PSK on my ICOM PRO3 with great success . . .
> was thinking of just getting the K3 cable (Part 5DK3) and using it
> with MMTTY as I had been doing.
>
> The concern is the 1/8" plugs on the 5DK3 look to be mono for both
> audio in and audio out on it's schematic diagram.
>
> http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2514
>
>
> It's hard to see because the diagram is so small, but I am 99%
> sure they are 1/8" mono plugs.
>
> I want to do FSK, not AFSK. Otherwise I'd just use a couple of
> stereo 1/8" inch cables to the computer. Seeing as the Buxcom Rascal
> and 5DK3 combo will key the RCA PTT as well as handle the TX and RX
> audio, I was going to go that route. Just switch the old ICOM cable
> with the 5DK3. Has anyone done this? Seems like a simple way . .. on
> the PRO3 I used this setup for RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc. I also read that
> you shouldn't try to key the PTT line using the DB9 serial
> communications port, and since the Rascal is already working with
> MMTTY . . .
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3 line out - Stereo vs Mono

In reply to this post by Paul M Dunphy

Paul,

The short answer is the warnings do not apply to Line Out.

Line Out is always stereo but both right and left are transformer
coupled (you don't need the Rascal) and the primaries of both
transformers contain resistors that would limit current from the
DAC to a safe level even of the output of the transformer were
shorted. I refer you to the K3 Schematic package on the Elecraft
web site.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/6/2012 8:15 PM, Paul M Dunphy wrote:

> Does anyone know if the warning mentioned here in relation an
> external speaker and a mono speaker applies to the K3's line out (which
> is also stereo):
>
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107E%20K3%20Owner%27s%20man%20errata%20D10-1.pdf
>
>
> The reason I ask is I have an old Buxcom Rascal circa 2007-2008
> that I used for RTTY and PSK on my ICOM PRO3 with great success . . .
> was thinking of just getting the K3 cable (Part 5DK3) and using it with
> MMTTY as I had been doing.
>
> The concern is the 1/8" plugs on the 5DK3 look to be mono for both
> audio in and audio out on it's schematic diagram.
>
> http://www.packetradio.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2514
>
>
> It's hard to see because the diagram is so small, but I am 99% sure
> they are 1/8" mono plugs.
>
> I want to do FSK, not AFSK. Otherwise I'd just use a couple of
> stereo 1/8" inch cables to the computer. Seeing as the Buxcom Rascal
> and 5DK3 combo will key the RCA PTT as well as handle the TX and RX
> audio, I was going to go that route. Just switch the old ICOM cable
> with the 5DK3. Has anyone done this? Seems like a simple way . .. on
> the PRO3 I used this setup for RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc. I also read that
> you shouldn't try to key the PTT line using the DB9 serial
> communications port, and since the Rascal is already working with MMTTY
> . . .
>
> 73, Paul VE1DX
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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>

Paul M Dunphy

Re: K3 line out - Stereo vs Mono

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

On 12/6/2012 9:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Paul,
>
> I believe you may be trying to address too many issues at once. Take
> then one at a time.
> As far as the speaker goes, I suggest the safest solution is to
> re-wire the plug to a stereo plug using only the tip and the shell.
>
> Look st the plug - if the plug does not have a ring on it, then it is
> not a stereo plug.
>
> The speakers question does not have any direct relationship with the
> MMTTY input.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

Hi Don,

I provided too much info. I do not want to ever use an external
speaker. I use stereo headphones 99% of the time, and for the few times
I don't, I'll use the K3's stock speakers . . .

My concern was the warning in the manual errata saying that if one
did use an external speaker with a mono plug, you could damage the right
channel amplifier (unless you made the suggested menu changes.) The
Line Out is labelled stereo, and like the eternal speaker one, it has
the same triangle icon with an exclamation mark beside it. I was
concerned that plugging a mono plug into it would risk the same
potential danger as plugging a mono plug into the external speak jack.
In a subsequent post, Joe W4TV, says the warnings do not apply to the
Line Out because it contains current limiting resistors. That was the
main reason for my question. I gave too much background and and lead in
. . . I should have simply said:

Is it OK to use a mono plug in the stereo Line Out K3's jack? <G>

Now that I have an answer to that I'll go with the recommended K3
RX <--> PC TX and K3 <--> TX to PC RX (solving the exchange of audio)

Next (and hopefully last question):

Can I use the RCA PTT IN jack on the back of the rig to key it for
RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc.? I prefer FSK to AFSK and hence would rather use
PTT instead of VOX.

73, Paul VE1DX
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3 line out - Stereo vs Mono

Paul,

> Now that I have an answer to that I'll go with the recommended K3 RX
> <--> PC TX and K3 <--> TX to PC RX (solving the exchange of audio)

I would not bother connecting the RASCAL's receive side. Simply use
the stereo audio cable between the K3 "Line Out" and the PC "Line IN".
Reserve the RASCAL for the FSK/PTT connection to the K3's AUX.

> Can I use the RCA PTT IN jack on the back of the rig to key it for
> RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc.? I prefer FSK to AFSK and hence would rather
> use PTT instead of VOX.

Sure you can. However, if you already have the RASCAL and it provides
a PTT connection to the AUX jack, why not use it for PTT even with
PSK/JT65A/etc.? I assume the RASCAL is an FSK interface with RX audio
from Line Out and FSK/PTT to AUX (DB15HD).

If, on the other hand, RASCAL is a simple passive audio box with a
serial control port, connect the PTT line from it to the RCA PTT jack
and use two stereo audio cables from the K3 to the computer sound card
(you don't want to cascade transformers - it's unnecessary and prone
to distortion given the quality of the transformers in some external
boxes).

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/6/2012 9:42 PM, Paul M Dunphy wrote:

> On 12/6/2012 9:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Paul,
>>
>> I believe you may be trying to address too many issues at once. Take
>> then one at a time.
>> As far as the speaker goes, I suggest the safest solution is to
>> re-wire the plug to a stereo plug using only the tip and the shell.
>>
>> Look st the plug - if the plug does not have a ring on it, then it is
>> not a stereo plug.
>>
>> The speakers question does not have any direct relationship with the
>> MMTTY input.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>
> Hi Don,
>
> I provided too much info. I do not want to ever use an external
> speaker. I use stereo headphones 99% of the time, and for the few times
> I don't, I'll use the K3's stock speakers . . .
>
> My concern was the warning in the manual errata saying that if one
> did use an external speaker with a mono plug, you could damage the right
> channel amplifier (unless you made the suggested menu changes.) The
> Line Out is labelled stereo, and like the eternal speaker one, it has
> the same triangle icon with an exclamation mark beside it. I was
> concerned that plugging a mono plug into it would risk the same
> potential danger as plugging a mono plug into the external speak jack.
> In a subsequent post, Joe W4TV, says the warnings do not apply to the
> Line Out because it contains current limiting resistors. That was the
> main reason for my question. I gave too much background and and lead in
> . . . I should have simply said:
>
> Is it OK to use a mono plug in the stereo Line Out K3's jack? <G>
>
> Now that I have an answer to that I'll go with the recommended K3
> RX <--> PC TX and K3 <--> TX to PC RX (solving the exchange of audio)
>
> Next (and hopefully last question):
>
> Can I use the RCA PTT IN jack on the back of the rig to key it for
> RTTY, PSK, JT65, etc.? I prefer FSK to AFSK and hence would rather use
> PTT instead of VOX.
>
> 73, Paul VE1DX
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

W4JBB

Re: Elecraft and Mac OS X

In reply to this post by W4JBB

Thanks for all the responses and advice.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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