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FT8 TX levels = no power

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Peter W2IRT

FT8 TX levels = no power

Hi all,
I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the sound
mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out using
digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).

CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not smart
enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run across this and
found a solution?

---------------------------------------------
73 and Good DX
Peter, W2IRT

President, North Jersey DX Association

DXCC Card Checker
Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau

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Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

Nr4c

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

Look at Sound Settings. What is your input and output device. It should be pointed at your radio. You don’t mention which radio this problem concerns.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Jul 16, 2019, at 5:41 PM, Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
> looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the sound
> mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out using
> digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>
> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not smart
> enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run across this and
> found a solution?
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> 73 and Good DX
> Peter, W2IRT
>
>
>
> President, North Jersey DX Association
>
> DXCC Card Checker
> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Peter W2IRT

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Peter W2IRT

I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?

I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.

But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.

What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!

- pjd

From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power

Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.

-------- Original message --------

From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >

Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)

To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>

Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power

Hi all,
I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the sound
mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out using
digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).

CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not smart
enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run across this and
found a solution?

---------------------------------------------
73 and Good DX
Peter, W2IRT

President, North Jersey DX Association

DXCC Card Checker
Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

Jim Brown-10

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

On 7/16/2019 3:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
When using the Line input, which we should be doing for WSJT modes, the
Mic Gain toggles to Line In Gain by pushing the knob in until the Line
LED is lit.
>
> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.

This stuff IS in the manual. :)

73, Jim K9YC

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Peter W2IRT

Peter:

In that configuration there are 3 specific places where adjustments are
needed for transmit levels.   Left click on the SPKR icon in the lower
right side of the computer display. Set that slider to a value between
30 and 50.    That controls the transmit audio via the software. And in
WSJT-X set the PWR slider {which does not actually control power} to a
value of about 50% or mid scale. Then on the K3S you MUST be in DATA A
mode. The press MENU and scroll to MIC SEL. It should be set to Line
In using the A VFO knob.   Then exit that menu.    Use the Speed/MIC
knob to control LINE gain to attain 4 solid bars shown on the ALC scale
with WSJT-X in TUNE mode. The 5th bar should be flickering. With WSJT-X
in TUNE mode, move the TX audio frequency away from 1500 Hz as there is
a beat between the tone and refresh rate of the display and will cause
what appears to be pulsing of the audio.   Adjust the actual
transmitted power using the normal radio PWR control. NEVER change the
audio level to adjust power output.

For setting receive level you should RIGHT click on the SPKR icon which
should bring up a menu. Then LEFT click on OPEN SOUND SETTINGS.   This
will bring up the WINDOWS Settings page. At the top in the box you
should have SPEAKERS USB Audio CODEC selected. Then down below is the
bar showing level and it should be about 30 to 40.    Then a bit down
the page is INPUT. In the box it should be showing Microphone (USB
Audio CODEC).    Click on Device Properties and you can adjust that
slider to attain a value of about 30 or so on the WSJT-X level
indication on the left side of the WSJT-X pane.

Now all of this is not nearly a complex as it sounds. One just needs to
know where things are located and what to adjust.   As a general rule
one never wants a control at or near maximum and likewise, never near
minimum.    The three places must be used "in harmony" in order to
attain excellent results.

I've been running my K3S for several years with WSJT-X and other audio
modes very successfully. I've just updated to the 64 bit version for
Windows 10 and it is GREAT!

If you need screen shots, I'll be glad to provide same.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/16/2019 5:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>
> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>
> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>
> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>
>
>
> - pjd
>
>
>
> From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
> To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
>
> From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >
>
> Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)
>
> To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Hi all,
> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
> looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the sound
> mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out using
> digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>
> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not smart
> enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run across this and
> found a solution?
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> 73 and Good DX
> Peter, W2IRT
>
>
>
> President, North Jersey DX Association
>
> DXCC Card Checker
> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Peter W2IRT

Peter,

See the article on my webpage www.w3fpr.com. Scroll down to the last
entry on the left column and click to bring up the document.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/16/2019 6:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>
> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>
> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>
> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

Peter W2IRT

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

So there's something specific in my system that's fatally allergic to v2.1.0 (either 32- or 64-bit).

With everything set as it always was before the v1903 and 2.1.0 change, I go in to settings and see the correct sound cards setup (the input and output to/from the K3s, which I renamed K3 Input and K3 Output, respectively, several months ago, and which have been reliable until last night).

Now with v2.1.0, the software is getting confused, and trying to connect the output from a non-existent Windows sound card to what it thinks is K3-Transmit. If I force it to use the K3-Transmit card it works very briefly, but after a band change or maybe 10 minutes of inactivity it goes back in to the same failure mode.

I installed the 32-bit version over top of the 64-bit version and the same problem.

I installed the old v2.0.1 over top of the 32-bit and everything's back to normal. So there's absolutely a problem on my own system with v2.1.0. I would really like to fix it if I can.

- pjd

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 7:24 PM
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email] >> Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power

Peter:

In that configuration there are 3 specific places where adjustments are needed for transmit levels. Left click on the SPKR icon in the lower right side of the computer display. Set that slider to a value between
30 and 50. That controls the transmit audio via the software. And in WSJT-X set the PWR slider {which does not actually control power} to a value of about 50% or mid scale. Then on the K3S you MUST be in DATA A mode. The press MENU and scroll to MIC SEL. It should be set to Line In using the A VFO knob. Then exit that menu. Use the Speed/MIC knob to control LINE gain to attain 4 solid bars shown on the ALC scale with WSJT-X in TUNE mode. The 5th bar should be flickering. With WSJT-X in TUNE mode, move the TX audio frequency away from 1500 Hz as there is a beat between the tone and refresh rate of the display and will cause what appears to be pulsing of the audio. Adjust the actual transmitted power using the normal radio PWR control. NEVER change the audio level to adjust power output.

For setting receive level you should RIGHT click on the SPKR icon which should bring up a menu. Then LEFT click on OPEN SOUND SETTINGS. This will bring up the WINDOWS Settings page. At the top in the box you should have SPEAKERS USB Audio CODEC selected. Then down below is the bar showing level and it should be about 30 to 40. Then a bit down the page is INPUT. In the box it should be showing Microphone (USB Audio CODEC). Click on Device Properties and you can adjust that slider to attain a value of about 30 or so on the WSJT-X level indication on the left side of the WSJT-X pane.

Now all of this is not nearly a complex as it sounds. One just needs to know where things are located and what to adjust. As a general rule one never wants a control at or near maximum and likewise, never near minimum. The three places must be used "in harmony" in order to attain excellent results.

I've been running my K3S for several years with WSJT-X and other audio modes very successfully. I've just updated to the 64 bit version for Windows 10 and it is GREAT!

If you need screen shots, I'll be glad to provide same.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/16/2019 5:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>
> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>
> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>
> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>
>
>
> - pjd
>
>
>
> From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
> To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
>
> From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >
>
> Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)
>
> To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Hi all,
> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
> looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the
> sound mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out
> using digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>
> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not
> smart enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run
> across this and found a solution?
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> 73 and Good DX
> Peter, W2IRT
>
>
>
> President, North Jersey DX Association
>
> DXCC Card Checker
> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

Peter W2IRT

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

And I need to add that all the steps you outlined I had followed a few months ago when I took the MicroKeyer-II out of line and went to pure USB control of the K3s. All my levels and TX settings were 100% reliable UNTIL YESTERDAY, when I upgraded to v2.1.0. Well for now v2.0.1. is good enough for me.

- pjd

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 7:24 PM
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email] >> Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power

Peter:

In that configuration there are 3 specific places where adjustments are needed for transmit levels. Left click on the SPKR icon in the lower right side of the computer display. Set that slider to a value between
30 and 50. That controls the transmit audio via the software. And in WSJT-X set the PWR slider {which does not actually control power} to a value of about 50% or mid scale. Then on the K3S you MUST be in DATA A mode. The press MENU and scroll to MIC SEL. It should be set to Line In using the A VFO knob. Then exit that menu. Use the Speed/MIC knob to control LINE gain to attain 4 solid bars shown on the ALC scale with WSJT-X in TUNE mode. The 5th bar should be flickering. With WSJT-X in TUNE mode, move the TX audio frequency away from 1500 Hz as there is a beat between the tone and refresh rate of the display and will cause what appears to be pulsing of the audio. Adjust the actual transmitted power using the normal radio PWR control. NEVER change the audio level to adjust power output.

For setting receive level you should RIGHT click on the SPKR icon which should bring up a menu. Then LEFT click on OPEN SOUND SETTINGS. This will bring up the WINDOWS Settings page. At the top in the box you should have SPEAKERS USB Audio CODEC selected. Then down below is the bar showing level and it should be about 30 to 40. Then a bit down the page is INPUT. In the box it should be showing Microphone (USB Audio CODEC). Click on Device Properties and you can adjust that slider to attain a value of about 30 or so on the WSJT-X level indication on the left side of the WSJT-X pane.

Now all of this is not nearly a complex as it sounds. One just needs to know where things are located and what to adjust. As a general rule one never wants a control at or near maximum and likewise, never near minimum. The three places must be used "in harmony" in order to attain excellent results.

I've been running my K3S for several years with WSJT-X and other audio modes very successfully. I've just updated to the 64 bit version for Windows 10 and it is GREAT!

If you need screen shots, I'll be glad to provide same.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/16/2019 5:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:

> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>
> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>
> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>
> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>
>
>
> - pjd
>
>
>
> From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
> To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
>
>
>
> -------- Original message --------
>
> From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >
>
> Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)
>
> To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
>
>
> Hi all,
> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
> looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the
> sound mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out
> using digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>
> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not
> smart enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run
> across this and found a solution?
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------------------
> 73 and Good DX
> Peter, W2IRT
>
>
>
> President, North Jersey DX Association
>
> DXCC Card Checker
> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

I had 2.0.1 in my computer and had been using it since it's general release. Works well, no issues.

Then when the new version was released, I just installed it, 64 bit version, taking the defaults. It installed in the same directory, overwriting files as needed. Everything works as expected with 2.1.0. Did not have to change any parameters or such.

I would suggest you uninstall the version 2.0.1 and use an application to clean your registry. Then load a fresh install of 2.1.0

73
Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 16, 2019, at 9:20 PM, Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> And I need to add that all the steps you outlined I had followed a few months ago when I took the MicroKeyer-II out of line and went to pure USB control of the K3s. All my levels and TX settings were 100% reliable UNTIL YESTERDAY, when I upgraded to v2.1.0. Well for now v2.0.1. is good enough for me.
>
>
> - pjd
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 7:24 PM
> To: [hidden email]; [hidden email] >> Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
> Peter:
>
> In that configuration there are 3 specific places where adjustments are needed for transmit levels. Left click on the SPKR icon in the lower right side of the computer display. Set that slider to a value between
> 30 and 50. That controls the transmit audio via the software. And in WSJT-X set the PWR slider {which does not actually control power} to a value of about 50% or mid scale. Then on the K3S you MUST be in DATA A mode. The press MENU and scroll to MIC SEL. It should be set to Line In using the A VFO knob. Then exit that menu. Use the Speed/MIC knob to control LINE gain to attain 4 solid bars shown on the ALC scale with WSJT-X in TUNE mode. The 5th bar should be flickering. With WSJT-X in TUNE mode, move the TX audio frequency away from 1500 Hz as there is a beat between the tone and refresh rate of the display and will cause what appears to be pulsing of the audio. Adjust the actual transmitted power using the normal radio PWR control. NEVER change the audio level to adjust power output.
>
> For setting receive level you should RIGHT click on the SPKR icon which should bring up a menu. Then LEFT click on OPEN SOUND SETTINGS. This will bring up the WINDOWS Settings page. At the top in the box you should have SPEAKERS USB Audio CODEC selected. Then down below is the bar showing level and it should be about 30 to 40. Then a bit down the page is INPUT. In the box it should be showing Microphone (USB Audio CODEC). Click on Device Properties and you can adjust that slider to attain a value of about 30 or so on the WSJT-X level indication on the left side of the WSJT-X pane.
>
> Now all of this is not nearly a complex as it sounds. One just needs to know where things are located and what to adjust. As a general rule one never wants a control at or near maximum and likewise, never near minimum. The three places must be used "in harmony" in order to attain excellent results.
>
> I've been running my K3S for several years with WSJT-X and other audio modes very successfully. I've just updated to the 64 bit version for Windows 10 and it is GREAT!
>
> If you need screen shots, I'll be glad to provide same.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>> On 7/16/2019 5:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
>> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>>
>> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>>
>> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>>
>> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>>
>>
>>
>> - pjd
>>
>>
>>
>> From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
>> To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>>
>>
>>
>> Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
>>
>>
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>>
>> From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >
>>
>> Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)
>>
>> To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even start
>> looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up the
>> sound mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power out
>> using digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>>
>> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm not
>> smart enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run
>> across this and found a solution?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------
>> 73 and Good DX
>> Peter, W2IRT
>>
>>
>>
>> President, North Jersey DX Association
>>
>> DXCC Card Checker
>> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [hidden email]
>
>
>

Peter W2IRT

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

Yeah, good idea. I'll give it a shot and see what happens.

- pjd

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 10:47 PM
To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power

I had 2.0.1 in my computer and had been using it since it's general release. Works well, no issues.

Then when the new version was released, I just installed it, 64 bit version, taking the defaults. It installed in the same directory, overwriting files as needed. Everything works as expected with 2.1.0. Did not have to change any parameters or such.

I would suggest you uninstall the version 2.0.1 and use an application to clean your registry. Then load a fresh install of 2.1.0

73
Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 16, 2019, at 9:20 PM, Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> And I need to add that all the steps you outlined I had followed a few months ago when I took the MicroKeyer-II out of line and went to pure USB control of the K3s. All my levels and TX settings were 100% reliable UNTIL YESTERDAY, when I upgraded to v2.1.0. Well for now v2.0.1. is good enough for me.
>
>
> - pjd
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 7:24 PM
> To: [hidden email]; [hidden email] >> Peter Dougherty
> <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>
> Peter:
>
> In that configuration there are 3 specific places where adjustments are needed for transmit levels. Left click on the SPKR icon in the lower right side of the computer display. Set that slider to a value between
> 30 and 50. That controls the transmit audio via the software. And in WSJT-X set the PWR slider {which does not actually control power} to a value of about 50% or mid scale. Then on the K3S you MUST be in DATA A mode. The press MENU and scroll to MIC SEL. It should be set to Line In using the A VFO knob. Then exit that menu. Use the Speed/MIC knob to control LINE gain to attain 4 solid bars shown on the ALC scale with WSJT-X in TUNE mode. The 5th bar should be flickering. With WSJT-X in TUNE mode, move the TX audio frequency away from 1500 Hz as there is a beat between the tone and refresh rate of the display and will cause what appears to be pulsing of the audio. Adjust the actual transmitted power using the normal radio PWR control. NEVER change the audio level to adjust power output.
>
> For setting receive level you should RIGHT click on the SPKR icon which should bring up a menu. Then LEFT click on OPEN SOUND SETTINGS. This will bring up the WINDOWS Settings page. At the top in the box you should have SPEAKERS USB Audio CODEC selected. Then down below is the bar showing level and it should be about 30 to 40. Then a bit down the page is INPUT. In the box it should be showing Microphone (USB Audio CODEC). Click on Device Properties and you can adjust that slider to attain a value of about 30 or so on the WSJT-X level indication on the left side of the WSJT-X pane.
>
> Now all of this is not nearly a complex as it sounds. One just needs to know where things are located and what to adjust. As a general rule one never wants a control at or near maximum and likewise, never near minimum. The three places must be used "in harmony" in order to attain excellent results.
>
> I've been running my K3S for several years with WSJT-X and other audio modes very successfully. I've just updated to the 64 bit version for Windows 10 and it is GREAT!
>
> If you need screen shots, I'll be glad to provide same.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>> On 7/16/2019 5:46 PM, Peter Dougherty wrote:
>> I should have mentioned, this is on a K3s. What radio settings are involved? Is it mic gain or something in the menu?
>>
>> I did find the new Windows TX level for the K3s (purely by accident; I don’t think I could do it again on a bet), and I set it up to 100%. I also set the TX level in WSJT-X to 100%. I don’t know if there are any more level controls involved, and to be honest, I never like to run anything wide-open.
>>
>> But with that said (and set), on FT8 transmit now I have four solid ALC bars, but I can’t push the 5th one to start flashing, as it had before.
>>
>> What was even more aggravating was my RX levels went haywire and it took me almost an hour to find them. There’s GOT to be an easier way to control all these settings!
>>
>>
>>
>> - pjd
>>
>>
>>
>> From: turnbull <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Tuesday, July 16, 2019 5:48 PM
>> To: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>>
>>
>>
>> Ck radio settings. After loading 2.1, I found rig setting changed from K3. Once corrected all was ok.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
>>
>>
>>
>> -------- Original message --------
>>
>> From: Peter Dougherty <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]> >
>>
>> Date: 16/07/2019 22:41 (GMT+00:00)
>>
>> To: [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] FT8 TX levels = no power
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi all,
>> I'm completely stumped at a problem I have no idea where to even
>> start looking at. Windows 10, version 1903 has completely buggered up
>> the sound mixer interface. No matter what I'm doing I can't get power
>> out using digital modes from the new WSJT-X version 2.1.0 (64 bit).
>>
>> CW and SSB are fine, so it's a computer problem, but evidently I'm
>> not smart enough to understand what's going on here. Has anybody run
>> across this and found a solution?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------------------
>> 73 and Good DX
>> Peter, W2IRT
>>
>>
>>
>> President, North Jersey DX Association
>>
>> DXCC Card Checker
>> Letter O Manager, ARRL Incoming 2nd District QSL bureau
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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 Message delivered to
>> [hidden email]
>
>
>

Lovin' my K3S (S/N 10023)
73, Peter W2IRT

N7US

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

I installed the 64-bit version today. I had to increase the "Pwr" slider to the max and tweak the Windows audio levels on RX and TX for my K3S.

Jim N7US

-----Original Message-----

I had 2.0.1 in my computer and had been using it since it's general release. Works well, no issues.

Then when the new version was released, I just installed it, 64 bit version, taking the defaults. It installed in the same directory, overwriting files as needed. Everything works as expected with 2.1.0. Did not have to change any parameters or such.

I would suggest you uninstall the version 2.0.1 and use an application to clean your registry. Then load a fresh install of 2.1.0

73
Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: FT8 TX levels = no power

What is the Line gain on the radio?

My values:

For transmit:

Computer SPKR level @ 30 or -18 dB

WSJT-X PWR at mid scale, thus Transmit Digital Gain is -17.3 dB

K3S Line gain at 25.

For receive:

Microphone (USB Audio CODEC) = @ 27 or -10 dB

K3S   Line Out = Normal 010

These values above taken directly from the computer, WSJT-X, and K3S.
This is with WSJT-X version 2.1.0 64 bit running under Windows 10 Pro.
The computer is a HP EliteBook 6930P with Windows 10 Pro, version 1809
(OS Build 17763.615).   Processor is P8600 2.40 GHz 2 cores, RAM 4.0
GB. In other words....nothing special in terms of hardware or processing.

If you are running any other interfaces, software, logging applications,
station control software or hardware interfaces, then all bets are off.
I just have a single USB cable between the radio and computer.   When I
use WSJT-X or any other application that is all that is running, other
than my antivirus and malware applications.    Everything else is shut
down or exited and closed.

I'm a happy camper and these work 100% reliable for me. It is simple
and I like it that way.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/16/2019 10:21 PM, Jim N7US wrote:
> I installed the 64-bit version today. I had to increase the "Pwr" slider to the max and tweak the Windows audio levels on RX and TX for my K3S.
>
>
> Jim N7US
>

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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