K3 Confussion - Help Please

[KC6CNN]

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[Peter, DL2FI]

Last weekend I did some intensive playing with my brand new Fieldtest KX3
Serial Number 00016. It was a quite good situation for testing, because UBA
contest blocked 40m with horrible loud signals, 10m was opened so it was
possible to try some DX and the QRP Forum was quiet, so I had time enough.

To say it first: All those months of waiting for the KX3 I was much too
conservative. In a lot of discussions I had  classified the KX3 as "
Improved FT-817 with super control unit" This was definitively wrong and
short by magnitudes.

The Receiver
Extreme low noise, extreme clean signals, nor ringing in CW down to the 50Hz
DSP filter. No crossover from nearby stations. I could perfect hear S4
signals only 2 kHz below or above a 9 plus 40 signal, in worse case I could
eventually hear some key clicks. In SSB thanks t0 High Cut and LowCut I was
able to decode signals middle out of a pileup although I am having
difficulties in copying SSB normally. (That's the reason to do 99% CW for
me)

Latency was absolutely no problem. I connected a K2, K3 and the KX3 using a
splitter to the same antenna and all 3 haven been absolute synchronic.

Intermodulations:
That was one of the points, I expected problems due to the well known fact
of extreme high sum levels especially in the evening here in Europe. I was
more than surprised: I could not find any Intermodulation with or without
Preamplifier. The Preamp can be used in 3 steps: +10dB, +20dB and +30dB.
Against all experience, and just for fun I switched it to +30dB while using
my full size diamond shape loop on 40m. The RX now sounded a little bit
nervous, but again I didn´t find IM2 nor IM3 products. But the KX3 several
times switched back the Preamp, whilst the display was showing "High Signal"
This is a protection circuit which reacts if the sum of all signal voltages
is too high. Wayne, N6KR answered to my question "Actual KX3 is analyzing
all in band signals, in a further firmware version it will detect out band
signals as well."

Sensitivity: 1µV Signal gives a noise free, clear tone in the headphone.

Empfindlichkeit: ein 1µV Signal erzeugt einen fast rauschfreien Ton.

Unwanted Sideband Suppression: After I had adjusted Phase and Gain (easy to
do at the KX3) the opposite sideband of a 9+20 signal could no longer be
seen in the S-Meter, it was just audible when I listened concentrated.
That's much better than most Xtal Filters do.

AGC: Critical point for all SDR based designs. Working in the multi crowded
40m Band during the contest I found that AGC Fast was working not optimal.
Lyle, who is the designer of the DSP suggested to use AGC Slow at this time.
So  did and I can say, it works excellent. Lyle is still working on AGC
fast, so I am sure this will do it also in future.

Current consumption in receive: 200mA

The Transmitter:
All worked stations stated an excellent sound of the transmitted signal in
SSB and in CW. I didn´t yet use the Equalizer, but I played with the
compression. Compression between 10dB and 25 dB resulted in "outstanding
good modulation" reports. Even when I got reports far above 599, no one
could hear any key clicks. I personally do not like full QSK, for me it is
ok if I can listen between letters, but I tested it and yes, the KX3 is full
QSK. Internal Temperature Control showed after several ragChew QSO < 35
degree C for the PA and 38 degree C for the DSP Unit (This shows, who is
eating current :-)
The internal ATU is working like a champ. I was able to tune the 40m element
of my Trap beam at 30m easily.

When I started with the KXPd3 Paddle, I had some problems. In a discussion
with Wayne, N6KR we found that my KX3 was missing its front rubber feet.
After installing the feet, the paddle works really great.

Because it was warm outside at Sunday (+10 C) I opened /p season and did
some QSO in the garden and enjoyed the combination KX3 / HFP-1 (The follow
up of MP1). A great combination, I know what I will use in spring and summer
on my bicycle tours.

QSOing:
Yes, I am sure good old Mojo found its way from K2 into KX3. I heard W2mm in
a Pile Up on ten. She got me at my second call and stayed in a long QSO.
Carol was working at her K3 and was enthusiastic to hear a KX3 from Germany.
Some type of Elecraft Family Bonus :-)

Under the bottom line:
Elecraft is fiddling on the firmware, but under the bottom shell just now
and as it is the KX3 is one of the best Receivers I know. Due to KX3s
smallness and because my Mobil home is one of the smallest you can get, it
is absolutely sure what I am using if you hear me on HF if I find time to be
on the road again.

I have to excuse for my laughing, when a German DXpedition HAM talked about
using a KX3 for his next DXpedition. After some days playing with my KX3 I
think, it will handle even such use.

73 de Peter, DL2FI
www.qrpproject.de


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[Scott Manthe-2]

Gerald- You would just plug the audio cables from the rig into the
laptop's headphone and mic jacks. The term "soundcard" is better used
when applied to desktop PCs, and refers to the days when computers
didn't have integrated audio on the motherboard and if one wanted to
process audio at all, one had to buy a card to plug into one of the
expansion slots. (Your laptop could actually have a "soundcard," but
more likely it has integrated audio.) These days, most PCs have
integrated audio processing, but people use sound cards to do higher-end
audio processing.

Hope this helps!

73,
Scott, N9AA


On 3/2/12 3:23 AM, KC6CNN wrote:

> I called Elecraft today to get information about ordering my new K3.
> I spoke with Dale, Very informative and so willing to help.
> One question I asked him and he gave me the answer to was on RTTY, PDK31,
> and CW I thought that I could hook up a cable between my laptop and K3 and
> be able to operate those modes.
> Maybe I miss understood but from what I got was that I needed that cable,
> DB9 to USB or usb converter and that I needed to connect the in and out from
> the back of the radio to my sound card. I checked my laptop and don't have a
> sound card port on the outside of it.
> I do have a 3.5 mm head phone jack and a 3.5mm mic jack on the front.
> So my confussion is do I need to hook up the 3.5mm jacks or will it run with
> just the one cable from laptop to radio. I hoping that, because I don't know
> where to buy the other cables, and with my current conditions, I can't make
> them.
>
> Anyone know the run down on this?
>
> Thank you in advance.
> Gerald - KC6CNN
>
>

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[Mike K2MK]

Hi Gerald,

No you don't need a SignalLink. You may want to review the K3 manual before ordering your K3. Audio patch cables are readily available from Radio Shack, Amazon, and other on-line cable sources like Monoprice or CableWholesale. Probably at Target and Walmart as well. Some may call them 1/8" patch cables. Get stereo cables. Even for mono inputs, the stereo cables will work just fine. Just connect between your laptop microphone input and headphone output to the K3 Line Out and Line In.

Here are some links:
http://www.amazon.com/Professional-Cable-ST35MM-06-Stereo-3-5mm/dp/B002JCOX5U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330696042&sr=8-1

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021802&p_id=644&seq=1&format=2

http://www.cablewholesale.com/specs/headphone-cable/10a1-01106.htm

73,
Mike K2MK

KC6CNN wrote

I called Elecraft today to get information about ordering my new K3.
I spoke with Dale, Very informative and so willing to help.
One question I asked him and he gave me the answer to was on RTTY, PDK31, and CW I thought that I could hook up a cable between my laptop and K3 and be able to operate those modes.
Maybe I miss understood but from what I got was that I needed that cable, DB9 to USB or usb converter and that I needed to connect the in and out from the back of the radio to my sound card. I checked my laptop and don't have a sound card port on the outside of it.
I do have a 3.5 mm head phone jack and a 3.5mm mic jack on the front.
So my confussion is do I need to hook up the 3.5mm jacks or will it run with just the one cable from laptop to radio. I hoping that, because I don't know where to buy the other cables, and with my current conditions, I can't make them.

Anyone know the run down on this?

Thank you in advance.
Gerald - KC6CNN

Looks like most just use the signalink to resolve this.

[Don Wilhelm-4]

Gerald,

You can operate data modes with only 2 cables - 3.5mm stereo audio
cables.  One between the K3 line in and the computer headphone jack -
the other between the computer mic jack and the K3 line out.  If your
computer allows switching between mic in and line in levels, set it to
line in and you are all set to go as long as you use the K3 VOX.

If you cannot set the mic jack to line in, you will likely need two
resistors to put an attenuator in the cable between K3 line out and the
computer mic in - use 100k in series and 10k across the cable conductors
- the 10k goes on the mic in side of the 100k resistor.

If you want to use PTT instead of VOX, you will need a USB to serial
adapter (use one with the FTDI chipset) between the computer and the
RS-232 connector on the K3.  Set your application to use either RTS or
DTR for PTT and set the K3 CONFIG: PTT - KEY menu entry to match your
application selection.

One caution - using the serial port signals for PTT and keying may cause
the K3 to go into transmit when the computer boots - the computer does
testing and initialization of those signal lines during the boot
process.  Not a problem, but just something to be aware of.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2012 3:23 AM, KC6CNN wrote:

> I called Elecraft today to get information about ordering my new K3.
> I spoke with Dale, Very informative and so willing to help.
> One question I asked him and he gave me the answer to was on RTTY, PDK31,
> and CW I thought that I could hook up a cable between my laptop and K3 and
> be able to operate those modes.
> Maybe I miss understood but from what I got was that I needed that cable,
> DB9 to USB or usb converter and that I needed to connect the in and out from
> the back of the radio to my sound card. I checked my laptop and don't have a
> sound card port on the outside of it.
> I do have a 3.5 mm head phone jack and a 3.5mm mic jack on the front.
> So my confussion is do I need to hook up the 3.5mm jacks or will it run with
> just the one cable from laptop to radio. I hoping that, because I don't know
> where to buy the other cables, and with my current conditions, I can't make
> them.
>
> Anyone know the run down on this?
>
> Thank you in advance.
> Gerald - KC6CNN
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Confussion-Help-Please-tp7335735p7335735.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Edward R Cole]

John,

I have my K3 connected to my computer exactly as described by Don
W3FPR.  I bought 1/8-inch mini-phone connector audio cables from
RS.  These connectors mate most computers and the K3.  I bought the
KUSB Serial to USB adaptor cable when I ordered my K3.  It is the
Prolific version but worked fine after downloading new driver from
prolific.  That cable is no longer sold by K3 so not an issue.  The
new KUSB cable is based on FTDI chipset.

I run all kinds of soundcard sw with the K3 with this wiring
interface.  You must use DATA mode for this and suggest you read the
respective section of the K3 manual about this.  There are several
DATA selections depending on data mode desired.  Have question about
that come back and ask after reading the DATA sections.

I am expert user of WSJT: JT65, MAP65 and WSPR, but not the HF
JT65.  I also run ARGO, psk-31, QRSS.  Looking into running Opera, ROS.


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
======================================
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EME: 50-1.1kw?, 144-1.4kw, 432-QRT, 1296-?, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep [hidden email]
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[W8JH]

Gerald,
          As a proponent of the KISS principle you should know that CW, RTTY and I think PSK31 can all be done by the K3 without any 3.5mm cables or sound card additions.
          I have used the free K3 Utility program and the serial port cable you will already have connected to your K3 for updates to use RTTY.  I have even had respectable run rates in contests with this simple setup.  I see PSK31 as a choice there in the program but have not tried it.  Again, all of this is ready "out of the box" with the free K3 Utility program and the serial connection you will have for K3 updates.
          My logging program by N3FJP sends CW with the K3 as well.  For that I have a USB to 1/4 inch phono plug cable from the computer to the manual key jack on the back of the K3.  No other connections needed and it is a simple way to use CW via keyboard while the paddles also can be connected and working at the same time for fills, serial numbers etc.  Note that this method requires a logging program that sends CW and a USB to 1/4 inch phono plug.  This cable was suggested by someone on the list and I can dig that info up if you need it.
          I have no connection with the above mentioned products, just a satisfied user.  You can do the soundcard connections if you wish but this KISS method has worked for me.  YMMV.
73,
Joe W8JH,  K3 1713, KPA 132

[Ian Kahn, KM4IK]

Gerald,

I would add one other caution so you don't get bitten by a common
"gotcha".  If you run lines between the K3 and your mic/headphone (also
called LineIn and LineOut on most laptops), make sure you turn off the
Windows system sounds.  These can be transmitted out via the "sound card",
creating transmissions you don't want from your K3.

Good luck getting everything up and running!

73,

--Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA  EM74ua
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688


On Fri, Mar 2, 2012 at 1:37 PM, W8JH <[hidden email]>wrote:

> Gerald,
>          As a proponent of the KISS principle you should know that CW, RTTY
> and I think PSK31 can all be done by the K3 without any 3.5mm cables or
> sound card additions.
>          I have used the free K3 Utility program and the serial port cable
> you will already have connected to your K3 for updates to use RTTY.  I have
> even had respectable run rates in contests with this simple setup.  I see
> PSK31 as a choice there in the program but have not tried it.  Again, all
> of
> this is ready "out of the box" with the free K3 Utility program and the
> serial connection you will have for K3 updates.
>          My logging program by N3FJP sends CW with the K3 as well.  For
> that I have a USB to 1/4 inch phono plug cable from the computer to the
> manual key jack on the back of the K3.  No other connections needed and it
> is a simple way to use CW via keyboard while the paddles also can be
> connected and working at the same time for fills, serial numbers etc.  Note
> that this method requires a logging program that sends CW and a USB to 1/4
> inch phono plug.  This cable was suggested by someone on the list and I can
> dig that info up if you need it.
>          I have no connection with the above mentioned products, just a
> satisfied user.  You can do the soundcard connections if you wish but this
> KISS method has worked for me.  YMMV.
> 73,
> Joe W8JH,  K3 1713, KPA 132
>
> -----
> 73,
>
> Joe, W8JH
> K3 1713, KPA 132
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Confussion-Help-Please-tp7335735p7337530.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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