Hopeless Confused - K3 and Digital Modes

[Gary K9GS]

Hello all,

OK...I decided I need some help from people who have done this before.
I know this is pretty long-winded and I'd be happy to take this off of
the reflector if desired.

I had planned on spending this weekend reconfiguring the shack but
before I started adding cables, changing software configurations and K3
menu items I better get a plan in place.

I want to explore operating digital modes on the HF bands.  Primarily,
I'm interested in RTTY and PSK.  Right now, 90% of my operating is CW
and a little SSB thrown in. DXing and contesting are my primary interests.

I'm pretty computer savvy but my knowledge of digital modes and radio
interfacing is limited to CW and N1MM/Logger32.

I should note that during the HK0NA operation I did try using the K3
utility to work them on RTTY.  I was able to receive OK but spend a LOT
of time trying unsuccessfully to work them.  I was able to transmit but
I suspect I had something screwed up with mark/space tones in the K3
set-up.  In the monitor of the K3 I heard "RTTY" tones but had no idea
if they were the correct ones.  This is what has finally spurred me to
get all of this figured out.

My current configuration consists of the following:

*PC running XP Pro
*1 serial port (currently connected directly to the K3 for CAT control)
*1 parallel port (I used to use this port for CW keying of the K3.  I
just recently purchased a WK-USB to take over this task.
*Multiple USB ports (1 being currently used for the WK-USB)

*K3 w/sub-receiver
*CW QSK using the WK-USB and either N1MM or Logger32 (see below)
*When I operate SSB I use a Heil headset connected to the front panel
through a Heil adapter and I use a foot switch for PTT connected to the
K3 rear panel.

WK-USB for CW keying and a paddle plugged into the WK-USB for sending by
hand.

For contesting I use N1MM.
For day to day operation I use Logger32 for logging.  I am leaning very
heavily towards changing to DX Labsuite, however.

All that said, I'm trying to figure out the highest performance solution
for adding in digital modes, primarily RTTY but also sound-card modes
like PSK.

I've been to countless web sites, reviewed postings on this and other
forums and the more I read the more I am confused with which way to proceed.

I like the idea of using a separate sound-card so that the integrated
sound-card in my PC can be used with pair of speakers for normal
computer tasks.

I thought about buying a Signalink USB for the separate sound-card but
the more I look at this if I ever want to use the sub receiver on the K3
for RTTY, I'm only 1/2 way there...I would need to buy a second
Signalink USB USB for the sub receiver.  To do this I would need to run
separate instances of, MTTY I believe??

I also thought about going the MicroHam/Rigblaster route but before I
spend hundreds of dollars and still not know if this is a complete
solution I thought I'd seek some advice.

Then I thought about buying two USB sound-cards with one going to each
receiver.  A quick look on Amazon shows these ranging in cost from less
than $1.00 (yes, I saw one for $0.48 today) to over $100.

And then the whole topic of how to best place the K3 into transmit has
me very confused.  Do I build a RS-232 interface box like the one W3YY
describes at http://w3yy.com/fsk.htm ?  This would allow FSK RTTY
operation too which I understand is the best way to go but then I've got
the problem of needing an additional RS232 port on my computer.  I also
thought I could press my old parallel-port interface (that I used to use
for CW keying of the K3) to perform the PTT task but I don't know if
this is supported by the software applications above (N1MM,
Logger32/DXLabsuite).  This is probably the area I'm most confused about.

I figure someone out there must be using the same radio, software
combinations I do and has already figured this out.

Again, thanks in advance for your guidance.


--


73,

Gary K9GS

Check out K9NS on the web:  http://www.k9ns.com
Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com

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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Gary,

Let me try to help a bit.  Since you admit to being a "newbie" to
digital modes, I suggest you just try it before making any purchases or
additions.

If your main interest is only RTTY, then get a copy of MMTTY, but if you
want other data modes as well, I suggest Fldigi although there are others.

The easiest is to use the soundcard - if you want to advance to FSK for
RTTY later, you can do that, but for now, stick with the soundcard input
and output.  You will need 2 stereo cables - between the soundcard line
out and the K3 line in, and between the soundcard line in and the K3
line out.

You will be using the K3 DATA A submode for PSK, and possibly also for
RTTY - you may want to advance to the features for AFSK A for RTTY
later, but stick with DATA A to begin with.

At the computer, turn off Windows sounds if you are using your default
soundcard (I would suggest that to begin with and later determine if an
additional soundcard would be an advantage).

Set the DATA mode audio input to Line In on the K3.
Set the RTTY mark frequency and shift to the same values for both the K3
and your RTTY application.

You may want to connect a serial cable between the computer and the K3
RS-232 port and then tell your software application which serial port is
connected to your K3 -  that will allow the application to control and
display the frequency of the K3 as well as provide other control functions.

Initially, use the K3 in VOX mode rather than fooling with any extra PTT
items - change later if you desire.

Set the K3 into TX TEST and adjust your audio input levels so your
soundcard output brings the K3 ALC meter to 4 bars solid with the 5th
bar flickering - this setting is correct for the K3 and differs from
advice usually found for other radios - the fact is that the K3 ALC
meter uses the 5th bar to indicate the onset of ALC, the lower bars act
as a "VU meter" to aid you in setting the proper audio levels.

OK, that is about it - experiment a bit by tuning around and decoding
signals - you will get the "hang of it" in short order, then try
transmitting. Fldigi covers many digital modes, and that is why I
recommend it - as I said, there are other software applications, some
are more complex and include additional rig control, and you should use
those if you want those features.

Jump in and give it a try - TX TEST will allow you to experiment without
transmitting RF - then if you have difficulties, just ask about the
specifics - someone is bound to help.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/11/2012 4:12 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> OK...I decided I need some help from people who have done this before.
> I know this is pretty long-winded and I'd be happy to take this off of
> the reflector if desired.
>
> I had planned on spending this weekend reconfiguring the shack but
> before I started adding cables, changing software configurations and K3
> menu items I better get a plan in place.
>
> I want to explore operating digital modes on the HF bands.  Primarily,
> I'm interested in RTTY and PSK.  Right now, 90% of my operating is CW
> and a little SSB thrown in. DXing and contesting are my primary interests.
>
> I'm pretty computer savvy but my knowledge of digital modes and radio
> interfacing is limited to CW and N1MM/Logger32.
>
> I should note that during the HK0NA operation I did try using the K3
> utility to work them on RTTY.  I was able to receive OK but spend a LOT
> of time trying unsuccessfully to work them.  I was able to transmit but
> I suspect I had something screwed up with mark/space tones in the K3
> set-up.  In the monitor of the K3 I heard "RTTY" tones but had no idea
> if they were the correct ones.  This is what has finally spurred me to
> get all of this figured out.
>
> My current configuration consists of the following:
>
> *PC running XP Pro
> *1 serial port (currently connected directly to the K3 for CAT control)
> *1 parallel port (I used to use this port for CW keying of the K3.  I
> just recently purchased a WK-USB to take over this task.
> *Multiple USB ports (1 being currently used for the WK-USB)
>
> *K3 w/sub-receiver
> *CW QSK using the WK-USB and either N1MM or Logger32 (see below)
> *When I operate SSB I use a Heil headset connected to the front panel
> through a Heil adapter and I use a foot switch for PTT connected to the
> K3 rear panel.
>
> WK-USB for CW keying and a paddle plugged into the WK-USB for sending by
> hand.
>
> For contesting I use N1MM.
> For day to day operation I use Logger32 for logging.  I am leaning very
> heavily towards changing to DX Labsuite, however.
>
> All that said, I'm trying to figure out the highest performance solution
> for adding in digital modes, primarily RTTY but also sound-card modes
> like PSK.
>
> I've been to countless web sites, reviewed postings on this and other
> forums and the more I read the more I am confused with which way to proceed.
>
> I like the idea of using a separate sound-card so that the integrated
> sound-card in my PC can be used with pair of speakers for normal
> computer tasks.
>
> I thought about buying a Signalink USB for the separate sound-card but
> the more I look at this if I ever want to use the sub receiver on the K3
> for RTTY, I'm only 1/2 way there...I would need to buy a second
> Signalink USB USB for the sub receiver.  To do this I would need to run
> separate instances of, MTTY I believe??
>
> I also thought about going the MicroHam/Rigblaster route but before I
> spend hundreds of dollars and still not know if this is a complete
> solution I thought I'd seek some advice.
>
> Then I thought about buying two USB sound-cards with one going to each
> receiver.  A quick look on Amazon shows these ranging in cost from less
> than $1.00 (yes, I saw one for $0.48 today) to over $100.
>
> And then the whole topic of how to best place the K3 into transmit has
> me very confused.  Do I build a RS-232 interface box like the one W3YY
> describes at http://w3yy.com/fsk.htm ?  This would allow FSK RTTY
> operation too which I understand is the best way to go but then I've got
> the problem of needing an additional RS232 port on my computer.  I also
> thought I could press my old parallel-port interface (that I used to use
> for CW keying of the K3) to perform the PTT task but I don't know if
> this is supported by the software applications above (N1MM,
> Logger32/DXLabsuite).  This is probably the area I'm most confused about.
>
> I figure someone out there must be using the same radio, software
> combinations I do and has already figured this out.
>
> Again, thanks in advance for your guidance.
>
>

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[KD8NNU]

Hi Gary,

Just download Ham Radio Delux (version 5.1 has just been released and
this version is still free) and connect the output of your computer
sound lines speakes and microphone directly to the computer.

This is what I have done with mine.

I run all the digital modes this way and I mean all.    I even have JT65
and other modes not supported by HRD but connecting to it for the log
book.

Its relatively easy to set up, and I say that based on the fact that I
got it running and if you read my posts you know I need lots of help in
this hobby.

So take advantage of the fact the the k3 does not need a seperate sound
card  and get your feet wet.  Then if you want a sound card for other
computer stuff you can either get one or disconnect stuff.  In any case
you can get started while you figure out what you want for the other
sound card system.

Personally I have a seperate PC for my ham shack that I dont do the
general surfing stuff and it only gets software specfically for my
hamming activities.  I want to minimize any chances of virusus which
have killed me twice.

Anyway good luck and you will get support on this reflector for sure.

Cheers

~73
Don
KD8NNU


On Sat, Feb 11, 2012 at 4:12 PM, Gary K9GS wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> OK...I decided I need some help from people who have done this before.
> I know this is pretty long-winded and I'd be happy to take this off of
> the reflector if desired.
>
> I had planned on spending this weekend reconfiguring the shack but
> before I started adding cables, changing software configurations and
> K3 menu items I better get a plan in place.
>
> I want to explore operating digital modes on the HF bands.  Primarily,
> I'm interested in RTTY and PSK.  Right now, 90% of my operating is CW
> and a little SSB thrown in. DXing and contesting are my primary
> interests.
>
> I'm pretty computer savvy but my knowledge of digital modes and radio
> interfacing is limited to CW and N1MM/Logger32.
>
> I should note that during the HK0NA operation I did try using the K3
> utility to work them on RTTY.  I was able to receive OK but spend a
> LOT of time trying unsuccessfully to work them.  I was able to
> transmit but I suspect I had something screwed up with mark/space
> tones in the K3 set-up.  In the monitor of the K3 I heard "RTTY" tones
> but had no idea if they were the correct ones.  This is what has
> finally spurred me to get all of this figured out.
>
> My current configuration consists of the following:
>
> *PC running XP Pro
> *1 serial port (currently connected directly to the K3 for CAT
> control)
> *1 parallel port (I used to use this port for CW keying of the K3.  I
> just recently purchased a WK-USB to take over this task.
> *Multiple USB ports (1 being currently used for the WK-USB)
>
> *K3 w/sub-receiver
> *CW QSK using the WK-USB and either N1MM or Logger32 (see below)
> *When I operate SSB I use a Heil headset connected to the front panel
> through a Heil adapter and I use a foot switch for PTT connected to
> the K3 rear panel.
>
> WK-USB for CW keying and a paddle plugged into the WK-USB for sending
> by hand.
>
> For contesting I use N1MM.
> For day to day operation I use Logger32 for logging.  I am leaning
> very heavily towards changing to DX Labsuite, however.
>
> All that said, I'm trying to figure out the highest performance
> solution for adding in digital modes, primarily RTTY but also
> sound-card modes like PSK.
>
> I've been to countless web sites, reviewed postings on this and other
> forums and the more I read the more I am confused with which way to
> proceed.
>
> I like the idea of using a separate sound-card so that the integrated
> sound-card in my PC can be used with pair of speakers for normal
> computer tasks.
>
> I thought about buying a Signalink USB for the separate sound-card but
> the more I look at this if I ever want to use the sub receiver on the
> K3 for RTTY, I'm only 1/2 way there...I would need to buy a second
> Signalink USB USB for the sub receiver.  To do this I would need to
> run separate instances of, MTTY I believe??
>
> I also thought about going the MicroHam/Rigblaster route but before I
> spend hundreds of dollars and still not know if this is a complete
> solution I thought I'd seek some advice.
>
> Then I thought about buying two USB sound-cards with one going to each
> receiver.  A quick look on Amazon shows these ranging in cost from
> less than $1.00 (yes, I saw one for $0.48 today) to over $100.
>
> And then the whole topic of how to best place the K3 into transmit has
> me very confused.  Do I build a RS-232 interface box like the one W3YY
> describes at http://w3yy.com/fsk.htm ?  This would allow FSK RTTY
> operation too which I understand is the best way to go but then I've
> got the problem of needing an additional RS232 port on my computer.  I
> also thought I could press my old parallel-port interface (that I used
> to use for CW keying of the K3) to perform the PTT task but I don't
> know if this is supported by the software applications above (N1MM,
> Logger32/DXLabsuite).  This is probably the area I'm most confused
> about.
>
> I figure someone out there must be using the same radio, software
> combinations I do and has already figured this out.
>
> Again, thanks in advance for your guidance.
>
>
> --
>
>
> 73,
>
> Gary K9GS
>
> Check out K9NS on the web:  http://www.k9ns.com
> Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org
> Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
>
> ************************************************
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

______________________________________________________________
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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