How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer?
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How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer?
 
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Ok, I got this Elecraft K3 a week ago. I want to see the radio on my monitor along with a scope. Anyone have their Elecraft on the screen? All I have is the USB cable that updates my K3 from the computer. Is this the cable I need and what kind of software? I am from "old school" so please step it down a notch so I can understand. I also want to use different digital modes on MARS like Olivia and Easy Pal and don't have a clue. Some say I need a external box like Signal Link so I don't burn up the sound card with too much audio. Anyone using digital modes on HF and also having the radio up on the screen.
This is Signal Link's information. Do I need another cable than the USB one that is hooked to the radio for updates? Thanks. * FCC Class B Certified * Built-in Low-noise Sound Card * Simple Installation and Setup * Complete Radio Isolation * USB Port Powered * Works with ALL Radios * Uses Mic, Data, or Accy Port * Supports All Sound Card Digital and Voice Modes |
Re: How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer?
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Greg,
Using a second sound card is good because you are less likely to send Windows beeps and boops. The K3 includes transformers for isolation and VOX, already so the Signalink USB has more than you need, since it duplicates the isolation transfomers from the K3. If you don't have Microsoft Vista, you can save $50 or with a cheaper option (Griffin iMic or Creative Sound Blaster Play (USB) or similar USB-based sound card). With these, just use 1/8" miniature jack shielded audio cables. However, if you have Microsoft Vista, the Signalink USB may be your best option as it is supported there and the company is ham-oriented, so support will be good. I believe you'll need their Un-terminated Radio Cable option, and can just put the 1/8" audio jacks on. It doesn't like like they offer a pre-made cable that way already. In any case, you'll need to key the transmitter. Here are three options: 1. VOX. On the K3 this works well and will work with any of the above. 2. RS232. This is my favorite, because it puts the program in charge of TX and so it doesn't transmit accidentally on sound card noises. Also, your digital mode program can read the exact frequency and do other things such as change filters when you press buttons, so it's very convenient. You'll need either an RS232 port on your computer, or a USB device, which you can buy from Elecraft (though other brands may work). It will work with any of the above. 3. The Signalink USB has its own VOX circuit, so you'll need a connector from it to the PTT IN jack on the K3, which is an RCA phono jack. This is more cables than #1 for the same functions, and less features than #2 for the same cables. Again, a good feature for hams with less radio than the K3. As for software, you can use the simple DigiPan, or step up to DM780, both free. fldigi (which I work on) is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac. Both are free and both include support for PSK31, MFSK, Olivia, and MT63, which is a mode I'm told is used in MARS. Both use data modem software derived from the same source, so should have fairly similar performance. The user interface, though, is quite different, so try both and see which one you like. Both include some SSTV support as well. Adjust Line Out gain on your K3 to "3" (it goes higher but don't) and adjust your sound card gain to get a good signal on RX. On TX, make sure you're not clipping the audio out of your sound card (a scope's a help here, or just use a speaker) and then adjust the K3 mic gain knob when you're in "DATA A" mode until the ALC meter hits the first big mark, but no higher. PSK31 requires a linear transmit chain; some other modes such as MFSK aren't as sensitive. 73 es GL, Leigh/WA5ZNU > Ok, I got this Elecraft K3 a week ago. I want to see the radio on my > monitor > along with a scope. Anyone have their Elecraft on the screen? All I have > is > the USB cable that updates my K3 from the computer. Is this the cable I > need > and what kind of software? I am from "old school" so please step it down a > notch so I can understand. I also want to use different digital modes on > MARS like Olivia and Easy Pal and don't have a clue. Some say I need a > external box like Signal Link so I don't burn up the sound card with too > much audio. Anyone using digital modes on HF and also having the radio up > on > the screen. > > This is Signal Link's information. Do I need another cable than the USB > one > that is hooked to the radio for updates? > > Thanks. > > > > > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by -.-. --.-N3TU -.-. --.-
Greg
Your K3 is designed to be directly connected to an audio card. I have used my K3 with the audio directly connected to my computer for a year now with no problem. By "Elecraft on the screen" you mean control your K3, you can use the Ham Radio Deluxe software which is free for the download. It's author, Simon Brown, has a K3 so it is well supported. Part of the HRD distribution is a program called DM780 which does many digital modes. Your USB to serial cable and two audio cables are all you need. You do not need any other hardware or cables. If you have questions drop me an email and we can arrange a phone call to walk through it. Bob KD8CGH |
RE: [Elecraft] How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer?
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Hi Bob,
Thanks for the information and trying to help me. Yes, I would like to talk to you on the phone because this is really complicated for me. All I know how to do right now is use the USB cable into the computer and the other end going into the RS232 in back of the radio. I only know how to get the radio updated which is a good start for me. I got that far. Anyway, pass me your number and I will give you a call. Weekends are good for me because I am not working. I really enjoy this radio so far but I am having a hangup with getting into the digital modes for Army Mars. Look forward to hear from you. Greg N3TU Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 18:58:54 -0700 From: [hidden email] To: [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer? Greg Your K3 is designed to be directly connected to an audio card. I have used my K3 with the audio directly connected to my computer for a year now with no problem. By "Elecraft on the screen" you mean control your K3, you can use the Ham Radio Deluxe software which is free for the download. It's author, Simon Brown, has a K3 so it is well supported. Part of the HRD distribution is a program called DM780 which does many digital modes. Your USB to serial cable and two audio cables are all you need. You do not need any other hardware or cables. If you have questions drop me an email and we can arrange a phone call to walk through it. Bob KD8CGH
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