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Larry Boekeloo

K3/RigExpert TI-5

Good afternoon everyone....

I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed and I get the K3 to transmit using MXWin software, I can get the frequency/mode to change on the K3 but not much else.

I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work. Anyone else have the RigExpert and the K3 that could point me to a configuration I might be missing on the K3?

Thanks.

Larry, KN8N
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KK7P

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

I use a RigExpert Plus, which appears to be very similar to the TI-5.
You'll need to set the "OUT" pot to max and use a high setting on the
windows slider control related to that output. I don't know how that
maps to usage with MixW; I'm using DM780.

The K3 requires more drive than some radios for sufficient transmit
audio on Line In.

Be *sure* to set the drive to 4-5 bars of ALC. I know the conventional
wisdom on PSK31 tells you to have no ALC indication on your transmitter
or your Tx IMD will suffer, but the purveyors of that wisdom aren't
using a K3 :-) The "ALC" indication on the K3 is an audio input level
indication until you get to 5 bars. It is *not* a "Tx power has been
reduced due to overdive" indicator.

73,

Lyle KK7P

> I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed...
>
> I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work.

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

In reply to this post by Larry Boekeloo

Larry,

We had a similar problem yesterday too.

Put the K3 into TX TEST and check the audio input level. Are you
getting at least 4 bars indicated on the ALC meter with the 5th bar
flashing occasionally? If not, the audio level is not high enough.

The RigExpert manual only addresses using microphone input to the
transceiver, but there is a jumper to insert or remove a 10 dB
attenuator - try it in the non-attenuated position and see if the level
becomes high enough. See Appendix A of the Rigexpert manual, the proper
jumper is labeled "OUT", but unfortunately the manual does not state how
the jumper should be configured to remove the attenuator.

The level required by the K3 is the normal Line level available from a
computer soundcard. Several ham type digital interfaces apparently do
not produce a line level because the manufacturer provides only
microphone levels - mic level is down in the millivolt range while line
level in in the low volts range.

You *could* use the microphone input to the K3 if worse comes to worse,
but the TX EQ is in line with the microphone input and you would want to
set all bands of the TX EQ to zero for digital use.

With the K3, no digital interface is required - just a computer
soundcard. Connect the soundcard Line Out to the K3 Line In, and the K3
Line Out to the soundcard Line In using a pair of stereo cables with
3.5mm stereo jacks and you can run DATA A or AFSK A (for RTTY) using
VOX. If your application can key the K3 using RS-232 commands, so much
the better, and the K3 provides for DTR or RTS keying as well. The K3
has everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/9/2011 2:48 PM, Larry Boekeloo wrote:

> Good afternoon everyone....
>
> I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed and I get the K3 to transmit using MXWin software, I can get the frequency/mode to change on the K3 but not much else.
>
> I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work. Anyone else have the RigExpert and the K3 that could point me to a configuration I might be missing on the K3?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Larry, KN8N
>

Tony Estep

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>

What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do
all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then
you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you
can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.

Tony KT0NY
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Bob Naumann W5OV

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to
interfere with your "normal" computer's sound card.

I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit
levels are not something I have to mess with.

73,

Bob W5OV

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Estep
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM
To: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5

On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>

What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do
all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then
you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you
can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.

Tony KT0NY
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

Bob,

Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer
soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the
"Digital Interfaces" just to get the soundcard function. There are
plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital
interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal
soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing
to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be
used.

In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a
better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote:

> The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to
> interfere with your "normal" computer's sound card.
>
> I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit
> levels are not something I have to mess with.
>
> 73,
>
> Bob W5OV
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Estep
> Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM
> To: Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
>
> On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
>> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>>
> What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
> cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do
> all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then
> you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you
> can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.
>
> Tony KT0NY
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

Joe,

My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong
believer in the KISS principle. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Yes, there
are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of
simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a
signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that
added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds
exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible -
some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other
combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft
reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a
result of the complexity of the various components in the users station
setup.

Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer
soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination
first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external
interface box.

In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered "problems" on
this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems
because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level
instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer
did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs.
Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input
(I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider
anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham
products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do
not consider line level audio input to the transceiver.

Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the
interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes.
Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are
initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and
menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a
K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and
determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does
not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the
interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to
the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is
faulty.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be
>> a better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>
> That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs.
>
> 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone
> input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software
> 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom
> PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories.
> 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major
> contest loggers and several major "day to day" loggers.
>
> I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed.
> In any case, dismissing the "digital interfaces" rather than helping
> K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short
> sighted.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe Subich, W4TV
> microHAM America, LLC.
> http://www.microHAM-USA.com
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
>
>
> On 1/9/2011 7:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Bob,
>>
>> Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer
>> soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the
>> "Digital Interfaces" just to get the soundcard function. There are
>> plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital
>> interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal
>> soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing
>> to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be
>> used.
>>
>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a
>> better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote:
>>> The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to
>>> interfere with your "normal" computer's sound card.
>>>
>>> I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the
>>> transmit
>>> levels are not something I have to mess with.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Bob W5OV
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email]
>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Estep
>>> Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM
>>> To: Elecraft
>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
>>>
>>> On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
>>>> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>>>>
>>> What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
>>> cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It
>>> will do
>>> all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an
>>> interface. Then
>>> you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After
>>> that you
>>> can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.
>>>
>>> Tony KT0NY
>

Gary Gregory

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

Amen Don, you just hit the nail right on the head.

I struggled with an interface box and set it aside and got the K3/PC
hookup working and never did bother with the interface box after that
as I found the current setup does it all.

KISS is the Portable Operators 'Bible' for me now..:-)

73''s
Gary

On Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Joe,
>
> My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong
> believer in the KISS principle. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Yes, there
> are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of
> simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a
> signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that
> added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds
> exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible -
> some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other
> combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft
> reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a
> result of the complexity of the various components in the users station
> setup.
>
> Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer
> soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination
> first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external
> interface box.
>
> In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered "problems" on
> this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems
> because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level
> instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer
> did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs.
> Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input
> (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider
> anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham
> products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do
> not consider line level audio input to the transceiver.
>
> Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the
> interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes.
> Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are
> initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and
> menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a
> K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and
> determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does
> not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the
> interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to
> the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is
> faulty.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be
>>> a better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>>
>> That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs.
>>
>> 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone
>> input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software
>> 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom
>> PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories.
>> 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major
>> contest loggers and several major "day to day" loggers.
>>
>> I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed.
>> In any case, dismissing the "digital interfaces" rather than helping
>> K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short
>> sighted.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe Subich, W4TV
>> microHAM America, LLC.
>> http://www.microHAM-USA.com
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
>>
>>
>> On 1/9/2011 7:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Bob,
>>>
>>> Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer
>>> soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the
>>> "Digital Interfaces" just to get the soundcard function. There are
>>> plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital
>>> interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal
>>> soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing
>>> to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be
>>> used.
>>>
>>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a
>>> better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote:
>>>> The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to
>>>> interfere with your "normal" computer's sound card.
>>>>
>>>> I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the
>>>> transmit
>>>> levels are not something I have to mess with.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> Bob W5OV
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Estep
>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM
>>>> To: Elecraft
>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
>>>>> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>>>>>
>>>> What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
>>>> cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It
>>>> will do
>>>> all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an
>>>> interface. Then
>>>> you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After
>>>> that you
>>>> can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.
>>>>
>>>> Tony KT0NY
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

--
Gary
VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/
K3 #679, P3 #546
For everything else there's Mastercard!!!
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Don,

> In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered "problems" on
> this reflector where the user of an external interface box had
> problems because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at
> microphone level instead of line level - simply because the interface
> box manufacturer did not consider that any transceiver would be using
> line level inputs.

In both cases the device was not a microHAM product *BUT* in both
cases the solution was in the device's User Manual as both products
had internal jumpers that allowed the signal level to be compatible
with the "Line In" requirements of the K3. It was *not* a device
problem but one of documentation or failure of the user to read the
manual (I can't say which).

Fortunately, microHAM have designed their products in such a way
that setting the front panel "TX" level control to 12:00 and the
soundcard "speaker" level to 80% provides an output that is correct
for the "line input" of the K3 (with Line In at 30 - 35) as well as
the "line" inputs of most YaeComWood transceivers when their mic
gain controls are at a normal SSB level. In addition, the user
manuals contain extensive, step by step instructions for setting
and optimizing levels for both Windows 2000/XP and Vista/Windows 7.

> Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level
> input (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even
> consider anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the
> Microham products, but am simply indicating that many digital
> interface boxes do not consider line level audio input to the
> transceiver.

microHAM's interfaces have *always* provided separate outputs for
mic and Line (microKEYER, microKEYER II) or proper "line level"
outputs (USB Interface II, USB Interface III, DigiKeyer, Digikeyer
II). In fact, unlike most other products, the "line level" outputs
are capable of nearly 4V P-P (+6 dB) for those transceivers that
require that level of drive for their "line" inputs. In any case,
all of the "well known" interfaces that include a sound card also
appear to have provision for a "reasonable" "line in" signal - at
least at a level compatible with the "line in" on most consumer
electronics even if their manuals may not be completely clear in
the matter.

While I am not being critical ... you must also realize that the
level setting instructions for the K3 are not the most obvious
or well documented. Using an "ALC" scale for both an input level
and "RF reduction" function is a foreign concept for most users -
particularly when software authors have said for years to turn
the transceiver "Power out" control to the maximum and adjust the
"mic gain" (or soundcard output) for the desired output level!

> Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in
> the interface box, the more complex the entire station operation
> becomes. Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who
> are initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup
> tools and menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming.

That is certainly not the case when the interface has a suitable
Users Manual. However, when a user is faced with both a new
interface and a transceiver that behaves differently than any other
transceiver on the market, it is easy for the user to become confused.
Telling a user that is confused due to the different paradigm of the
K3 to abandon their digital interface does nobody any good ... the
user is still confused and still can't make their digital software
function properly. Once they understand the input requirements and
adjustments for the K3, the interface is no longer the issue.

> This is not a K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest
> connections possible, and determine that the K3 works.

It is most certainly a "K3 problem" if the user does not understand
how the K3 works and how to properly set levels. Again, if the user
is able to understand the unique characteristics of the K3, he will
be able to understand what is happening and the interface - whether
is be a "simple" stereo audio cable or an advanced multi-function
interface - will be moot. While there may have been two users in
the past week who have had problems setting up third party interfaces,
there have been as many or more users with problems setting up the
"stereo audio cable" over the last several months.

It's not a matter of implying that the K3 doesn't work - we all know
that it works well. It is a matter that the K3 works differently
than other transceivers and the user needs to understand those
differences, not be told to use a different interface ... or would
you rather those who make interfaces tell users who come to them
with K3 problems be told "use a different transceiver that operates
properly"?

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 1/9/2011 8:56 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Joe,
>
> My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong
> believer in the KISS principle. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Yes, there are
> accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of
> simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a
> signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that
> added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds
> exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible -
> some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other
> combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft reflector.
> None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a result of the
> complexity of the various components in the users station setup.
>
> Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer
> soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination
> first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external
> interface box.
>
> In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered "problems" on
> this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems
> because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level
> instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer
> did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs.
> Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input
> (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider
> anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham
> products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do
> not consider line level audio input to the transceiver.
>
> Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the
> interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes.
> Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are
> initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and
> menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a
> K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and
> determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does not
> work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the
> interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to
> the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is
> faulty.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be
>>> a better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>>
>> That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs.
>>
>> 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone
>> input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software
>> 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom
>> PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories.
>> 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major
>> contest loggers and several major "day to day" loggers.
>>
>> I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed.
>> In any case, dismissing the "digital interfaces" rather than helping
>> K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short
>> sighted.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe Subich, W4TV
>> microHAM America, LLC.
>> http://www.microHAM-USA.com
>> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
>>
>>
>> On 1/9/2011 7:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>>> Bob,
>>>
>>> Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer
>>> soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the
>>> "Digital Interfaces" just to get the soundcard function. There are
>>> plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital
>>> interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal
>>> soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing
>>> to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be
>>> used.
>>>
>>> In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a
>>> better solution than one of the "Digital Interface" boxes.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote:
>>>> The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to
>>>> interfere with your "normal" computer's sound card.
>>>>
>>>> I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the
>>>> transmit
>>>> levels are not something I have to mess with.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> Bob W5OV
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Tony Estep
>>>> Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM
>>>> To: Elecraft
>>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed
>>>>> built-in, no need for a separate interface box.
>>>>>
>>>> What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3
>>>> cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It
>>>> will do
>>>> all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an
>>>> interface. Then
>>>> you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After
>>>> that you
>>>> can insert an interface if for some reason you need one.
>>>>
>>>> Tony KT0NY
>>
>

Bob Naumann W5OV

Re: K3/RigExpert TI-5

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Don,

I think it's fair to say that interfacing a K3 with a USB port is easily the
most commonly occurring issue on this reflector. The infinite messages and
inquiries about what driver will work with a KUSB and the apparent change of
the KUSB hardware from Prolific to FTDI chipsets while retaining the same
part number is obviously confusing to many users.

In the case of the interface that is the subject of this thread, it greatly
simplifies all of the interfacing for all modes with the K3 to a single USB
port. The TI-5, and other Rig Expert interfaces allow the user to have one
physical USB port drive the K3 with RS232, a WinKey, PTT/CW/Soft FSK for all
modes, & hard FSK for RTTY and not have to mess around with figuring all of
those different things. It's all built-in. One of the benefits of the Rig
Expert units is that you do not need to take them out of the line to use the
K3 utility or the P3 utility to manage your K3.

Again, I have not used mine to do any of the digital modes that require the
use of audio coming from the interface so there could be an issue there, but
I suspect that there is likely a simple resolution to that problem. And yes,
I agree that support for the use of the interface should be directed to the
interface manufacturer's reflector - not here.

73,

Bob W5OV

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 7:57 PM
To: Joe Subich, W4TV
Cc: 'Elecraft'; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5

Joe,

My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong
believer in the KISS principle. "Keep It Simple Stupid". Yes, there
are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of
simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a
signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that
added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds
exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible -
some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other
combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft
reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a
result of the complexity of the various components in the users station
setup.

Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer
soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination
first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external
interface box.

In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered "problems" on
this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems
because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level
instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer
did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs.
Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input
(I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider
anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham
products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do
not consider line level audio input to the transceiver.

Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the
interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes.
Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are
initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and
menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a
K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and
determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does
not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the
interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to
the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is
faulty.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

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Don Cunningham

Interfaces

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I am not what you would call a "computer guru", in fact not really very
computer literate at all, but having used the MicroHam MicroKeyer II for
several months now it seems VERY easy to interface to my station. I switch
back and forth between three radios, K3, Yaesu, and Icom, and find all I
need do after initial setup is change the cable and "fine tune" settings to
match the particular radio. It couldn't be any simpler. Later I will add
the PW-1 to the mix and be able to use it with any of the three rigs. I do
use FSK religiously for RTTY, so don't face the audio level problems there,
but PSK-31 does and I didn't have any trouble there either. It DID take
reading the manual and playing some initially, but once the "language" of
the supplier is known, and the peculiarities of the rigs are known, it is
pretty simple. If I do run into a problem that I cannot decipher, the
manufacturer is quick to reply with suggestions and page numbers of the
manual, so I can learn what I did wrong. I like that approach (i.e., I am
NOT told the RTFM, but given better clues). I have no connections to
MicroHam, SignaLink, etc etc, but feel their interfaces receive a bad rap at
times.
73,
Don, WB5HAK

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