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[K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

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W4JBB

[K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

I started this email with another thought in mind. The more I typed, the
more I thought I may be wrong about what I was thinking.

First, let me emphatically state that I *know* the K3 will just let you
plug into a computer sound card - I get that. I like something between
my radio and computer; something other than the default sound card if
for no other reason than to eliminate the odd beeps and boops over the
air. I have used a SignaLink USB and am currently using an E-MU 0204.

Now for this disclaimer, I am only a *very* casual contester. In the WPX
RTTY contest last weekend, I only operated about 10 hours and that was
spread out over 44 hours of the contest (the contest is 48 hours). Most
of that was on Saturday. I am a QRS CW operator who prefers manual
keying but will use the macros in RUMPed for contest exchanges. I
operated for about an hour in the ARRL DX CW contest last night and will
probably operate a few more hours on and off through the duration of the
contest. I am no where near hard core and I operate in S & P mode. I get
serious for one "contest" and that is Field Day (I know, I know, it's
not a contest. Really? Why do we keep score then?) where I will sit for
hours. I already have CAT control with a GearMo USB-to-4port serial adapter.

The reason I ask is that I have lately been using an E-MU 0204 for sound
card modes. I've been thinking about purchasing either a Navigator or a
microHAM Digi Keyer II. This is where I think I may be wrong in my
thinking - the SignaLink USB has only mono receive capability. When
working split, is there any reason why I have to be able to decode both
the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the calling station?

Even if I were to make the decision to purchase a Navigator / microHAM
interface, I'm on a budget so I'd have to sell both the SignaLink USB
and the E-MU 0204. The E-MU 0204 can also be used to interface with the
I / Q output of my KX3. So, I'm reluctant to sell the 0204.

Now, some things on my wish list (way down the road) and I cannot really
see how to hook all this up with either the Navigator or a microHAM
interface (before you ask, I like lemonade flavored Kool-Aid):

P3 SVGA adapter - okay, I know that just goes in the P3 and doesn't have
anything to do with the Navigator / microHAM
KPA500
KAT500
W2 wattmeter

I know this list has an august crowd and I know what I'm asking when I
ask for opinions ;) but that's what I need. Then I can make a better
decision.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

Joel,

If you are using the E-MU 0204 between the computer and the K3, that
satisfies your desire to have something other than the default sound
card between the K3 and the computer. Just tell the computer to use the
on-board card for normal windows sounds and tell your digital modes
software to use the 0204.
The K3 contains isolation transformers, so there is no need for
additional isolation provided by an external interface box.

So IMHO, you already have everything needed.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 2/15/2014 7:14 AM, Joel Black wrote:

> I started this email with another thought in mind. The more I typed,
> the more I thought I may be wrong about what I was thinking.
>
> First, let me emphatically state that I *know* the K3 will just let
> you plug into a computer sound card - I get that. I like something
> between my radio and computer; something other than the default sound
> card if for no other reason than to eliminate the odd beeps and boops
> over the air. I have used a SignaLink USB and am currently using an
> E-MU 0204.
>

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

In reply to this post by W4JBB

> When working split, is there any reason why I have to be able to
> decode both the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the calling
> station?

It's not absolutely necessary but it makes working split - especially
in big pile-ups - much easier if one can tell where the target is
listening. With the incessant calling of some stations one simply
can not rely of seeing a signal pop up on the P3 or some software based
panadapter.

> Now, some things on my wish list (way down the road) and I cannot
> really see how to hook all this up with either the Navigator or a
> microHAM interface (before you ask, I like lemonade flavored
> Kool-Aid):
>
> P3 SVGA adapter - okay, I know that just goes in the P3 and doesn't
> have anything to do with the Navigator / microHAM
> KPA500
> KAT500
> W2 wattmeter

DigiKeyer II does not effect the use/connection of any of the K-line.
The RS-232 connection from DKII connects to the P3 where the computer
would normally connect. FSK and PTT connect to the K3 ACC jack using
the DB15 Y adapter that is part of the Elecraft optional cable kit.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2/15/2014 7:14 AM, Joel Black wrote:

> I started this email with another thought in mind. The more I typed, the
> more I thought I may be wrong about what I was thinking.
>
> First, let me emphatically state that I *know* the K3 will just let you
> plug into a computer sound card - I get that. I like something between
> my radio and computer; something other than the default sound card if
> for no other reason than to eliminate the odd beeps and boops over the
> air. I have used a SignaLink USB and am currently using an E-MU 0204.
>
> Now for this disclaimer, I am only a *very* casual contester. In the WPX
> RTTY contest last weekend, I only operated about 10 hours and that was
> spread out over 44 hours of the contest (the contest is 48 hours). Most
> of that was on Saturday. I am a QRS CW operator who prefers manual
> keying but will use the macros in RUMPed for contest exchanges. I
> operated for about an hour in the ARRL DX CW contest last night and will
> probably operate a few more hours on and off through the duration of the
> contest. I am no where near hard core and I operate in S & P mode. I get
> serious for one "contest" and that is Field Day (I know, I know, it's
> not a contest. Really? Why do we keep score then?) where I will sit for
> hours. I already have CAT control with a GearMo USB-to-4port serial
> adapter.
>
> The reason I ask is that I have lately been using an E-MU 0204 for sound
> card modes. I've been thinking about purchasing either a Navigator or a
> microHAM Digi Keyer II. This is where I think I may be wrong in my
> thinking - the SignaLink USB has only mono receive capability. When
> working split, is there any reason why I have to be able to decode both
> the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the calling station?
>
> Even if I were to make the decision to purchase a Navigator / microHAM
> interface, I'm on a budget so I'd have to sell both the SignaLink USB
> and the E-MU 0204. The E-MU 0204 can also be used to interface with the
> I / Q output of my KX3. So, I'm reluctant to sell the 0204.
>
> Now, some things on my wish list (way down the road) and I cannot really
> see how to hook all this up with either the Navigator or a microHAM
> interface (before you ask, I like lemonade flavored Kool-Aid):
>
> P3 SVGA adapter - okay, I know that just goes in the P3 and doesn't have
> anything to do with the Navigator / microHAM
> KPA500
> KAT500
> W2 wattmeter
>
> I know this list has an august crowd and I know what I'm asking when I
> ask for opinions ;) but that's what I need. Then I can make a better
> decision.
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

In reply to this post by W4JBB

W3FPR wrote:

"So IMHO, you already have everything needed."

Agreed, Don. Thanks for the confirmation.

W4TV wrote:

"With the incessant calling of some stations one simply
can not rely of seeing a signal pop up on the P3 or some software based
panadapter."

Joe, you are correct. Thanks for reminding me of that.

Someone else wrote me privately basically telling me the same thing.

Thanks for the help with this decision. I have everything I need.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Jim Brown-10

Re: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

In reply to this post by W4JBB

On 2/15/2014 4:14 AM, Joel Black wrote:
> The reason I ask is that I have lately been using an E-MU 0204 for
> sound card modes. I've been thinking about purchasing either a
> Navigator or a microHAM Digi Keyer II. This is where I think I may be
> wrong in my thinking - the SignaLink USB has only mono receive
> capability. When working split, is there any reason why I have to be
> able to decode both the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the
> calling station?

While it might be helpful to decode signals on your TX frequency when
working split, you would need another instance of MMTTY (or whatever
decode software you use). I am a serious contester, and active DXer,
mostly CW, but also SSB and RTTY, and while I often listen to my TX
frequency, I've never tried to decode it.

FWIW, I've never seen the virtue in dedicated interfaces like the
Microham stuff, and they sure are complicated to set up. It IS a good
move to use a decent USB audio interface, the EMU is overkill for
digital modes, but a good choice for bandscope display (but a P3 is MUCH
better). The Signalink has its limitations (mono, and Pin One Problems),
but it's bought and paid for, so I'd stick with it and spend your bucks
in Watsonville.

It isn't clear whether you have the P3 yet and only need to add the
SVGA. If you're not a contester but you are a DXer, you'll find the P3
very helpful in figuring out how the DX is working the pileup, but the
SVGA does not help with that. It does add some PSK and RTTY
functionality, but I'd rather get that from the computer.

If you already have a P3, go for the KPA500. You'll need SOME tuner with
it unless your antennas are flat, but it works fine with a manual tuner
that can handle the power. Before the KAT500s were available, I used the
excellent Ten Tec 229 and 238 tuners. They go used for $275 - $325, and
would get you through until you have the bucks for a KAT500.

73, Jim K9YC

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Dave Barr-2

Re: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

In reply to this post by W4JBB

On 2/19/2014 12:00 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> When working split, is there any reason why I have to be
> >able to decode both the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the
> >calling station?
There is plenty of reason to be able to decode both the dx station and
the callers. It is necessary to locate the QRG of the station currently
working the DX in the pileup. The K3 with a sub-receiver makes it
easy. I use N1MM set up with MMTTY under the C/ and another MMTTY set
up under /Program Files. Each iteration of MMTTY can be set to it's own
audio channel, i.e., left or right, under options>set up>misc. Also,
if you have a decent audio card in your computer, you don't need any
interface, just a couple of 3.5 mm stereo patch cords plus a PPT
connection (serial cable or USB adapter-Elecraft's works great) for full
functioning two frequency RTTY. You can also work one digital format
while monitoring another, for example working JT65/9 while monitoring
RTTY activity.

73

Dave, K2YG
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Rick Prather-3

Re: [K3] - Digital Modes Interface - Working Split

Joel,

Since you mention using RUMped I assume you are using a Mac.

On the Mac if you run cocoaModem in the wide RTTY mode you don't need to
run more than one iteration of the software to copy both the DX station and
the pile up. If you have the second receiver you can tell cocoaModem to
use one of the waterfalls for the Left channel and the pile up in the Right
channel. Works like a champ and has helped me more than a few times to
find the last worked station and decide my transmit strategy from there.

With this set up stereo input to the sound card is mandatory and one of the
several reasons I don't have a Signal Link.

Rick
K6LE

On Wed, Feb 19, 2014 at 4:57 PM, Dave Barr <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> On 2/19/2014 12:00 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
>> When working split, is there any reason why I have to be
>> >able to decode both the DX (or split station [i.e. W1AW/x]) and the
>> >calling station?
>>
> There is plenty of reason to be able to decode both the dx station and the
> callers. It is necessary to locate the QRG of the station currently
> working the DX in the pileup. The K3 with a sub-receiver makes it easy. I
> use N1MM set up with MMTTY under the C/ and another MMTTY set up under
> /Program Files. Each iteration of MMTTY can be set to it's own audio
> channel, i.e., left or right, under options>set up>misc. Also, if you
> have a decent audio card in your computer, you don't need any interface,
> just a couple of 3.5 mm stereo patch cords plus a PPT connection (serial
> cable or USB adapter-Elecraft's works great) for full functioning two
> frequency RTTY. You can also work one digital format while monitoring
> another, for example working JT65/9 while monitoring RTTY activity.
>
> 73
>
> Dave, K2YG
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>