K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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Fellow Hams,
I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling at it’s features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - and them I will hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the meantime - I am enjoying the awesome RX/TX on this radio…. I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - on CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can automate some of the repetition of contest work …. I fully understand and accept "DE TEST” is not everyone’s cup of tea… But I enjoy it at times. It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? How about Data Modes ?? I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things simple. In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which I found flexible and worthwhile. OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows Many thanks for taking the time to read this Regards Tim - A45WG ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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You need to consider several separate aspects of radio automation. Assuming
you are operating with one radio, consider these: - Operating System: There are logging programs for Linux and MacOS but your choices are much more limited than with Windows. When I switched from Windows to MacOS, I tried Snookum Logger but found it primitive compared to Windows offerings. There are other possibilities that I know nothing about. At this point I run a virtual Windows machine on my Macbook Pro under VMware Fusion. It's complicated but it works. - Rig Control: Connect either an RS232 cable or USB cable from your computer to the K3s. Tell your logging program the COM port number (or identify the USB connection to MacOS) and characteristics (typically 38400-N-8-1) and then the logger will track the radio's frequency and mode. You can also type in a frequency and most loggers will send the rig there. Not all of them, though. - CW Keying: Although you can key the K3s through the same serial port that you use for rig control, I advise against it because unrelated load on your computer can sometimes result in "stuttering" - poor keying. Instead, I like to use an external keyer and the WinKeyer USB is a very good choice. It connects to your computer via a USB cable, to your paddle and to the the K3s Key In connector. It forms dots and dashes outside the computer and works very well for both computer and manual sending. Some people prefer to connect the paddle to the K3 PADDLE input to provide separate speed control for manual and computer sending. (I use two paddles, one through the external keyer and one direct to the K3.) - Voice Messages: If you operate phone, you may want to automate contest messages, especially CQ, Exchange and Thanks. If you have the K3s internal voice keyer, you can use that, provided your logging program supports it. If not, you can let your logger generate voice messages and transfer them to the K3 via a sound card. It is best to use an external sound card rather than the one inside the computer in order to avoid computer sound effects getting transmitted. The Griffen iMic card is simple and inexpensive. (The Asus Xonar family are more sophisticated and probably "better." I don't have mine working yet.) There are dozens of alternatives. You can plug into K3 Line In and leave your live microphone connected to front or rear MIC In connectors. - Data Modes: The quickest way to get here is to connect a pair of 3.5mm phone cables between an external sound card and the K3 Line In and Line Out connectors. Run AFSK or PSK with appropriate software. Many prefer FSK which requires a cable from a serial port (or carefully chosen USB-to-Serial adapter) to the FSK line on the K3 ACC connector. You can also use a Signalink or other multi-function interface box, but it's not required and won't be any simpler. It might save some cable swapping when changing between voice and data modes, depending on the box and how you set things up. There are lots of "moving parts" and patience is a virtue. Consider the project of getting it all working to be part of your pursuit of ham radio. Take it one piece at a time and enjoy each individual success. If you operate two radios (SO2R), it's more complicated. ;-) GL & 73, /Rick N6XI On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 10:51 AM, a45wg <[hidden email]> wrote: > Fellow Hams, > I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been > marvelling at it’s features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - > and them I will hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the meantime - I am enjoying > the awesome RX/TX on this radio…. > > I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) > - on CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some > steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can > automate some of the repetition of contest work …. I fully understand and > accept "DE TEST” is not everyone’s cup of tea… But I enjoy it at times. > > It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for > CW ? How about Data Modes ?? > > I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things > simple. In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which I found > flexible and worthwhile. > > > OS for PC: > Linux or Mac - NOT Windows > > Many thanks for taking the time to read this > > > Regards > > Tim - A45WG > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] -- Rick Tavan Truckee, CA ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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Regarding this point, to me the easiest way to run Data modes is to
simply use the USB connection between the radio K3S and the computer USB port. No box, no USB to Serial adapter or other cables required. I use FLDIGI and it handles CAT control of the radio and data/audio. Set the CONFIG menu RS232 to USB and not RS-232 which is the default as I recall. No cable swapping when changing modes, SSB, CW or digital. 73 Bob, K4TAX On 1/27/2016 1:50 PM, Rick Tavan wrote: > - Data Modes: The quickest way to get here is to connect a pair of 3.5mm > phone cables between an external sound card and the K3 Line In and Line Out > connectors. Run AFSK or PSK with appropriate software. Many prefer FSK > which requires a cable from a serial port (or carefully chosen > USB-to-Serial adapter) to the FSK line on the K3 ACC connector. You can > also use a Signalink or other multi-function interface box, but it's not > required and won't be any simpler. It might save some cable swapping when > changing between voice and data modes, depending on the box and how you set > things up. ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Tim Seed
On Wed,1/27/2016 10:51 AM, a45wg wrote:
> best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can automate some of the repetition of contest work Welcome back to contesting. Like you, I started contesting as a teenager, drifted in and out of ham radio several times in 60 years, and have been quite active for the last 13 years. N6XI has given you great advice. I'll only add to it. First, unless you want to spend your time with computer issues, stick with Windoze -- pickin's for software get slim in other OSs. For day-to-day logging, use DXKeeper, which does everything anyone might need. It's part of a FREEWARE suite of programs. Very mature, bug free, well supported. Supports LOTW and eQSL almost automatically once you're set up. For contest logging, go with N1MM Logger Plus, also FREEWARE, and well supported. The only viable alternatives, WriteLog and WinTest cost money. N1MM is superior to WriteLog. Some swear by WinTest. For digital interfaces, see http://k9yc.com/USB_Interfaces.pdf For a tutorial on grounding and bonding in your home and shack, see http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Tim Seed
Allow me to disagree with Jim and Rick on this issue and
recommend some native Mac programs. I have used RUMlog (a general purpose log program) and RUMped (a contest logger) for several years. They are mature programs and Thomas, DL2RUM provides excellent support. He has a new logging program, RUMlogNG which provides the functionality of both programs and is available at not cost through the Apple App store. I just installed RUMlogNG yesterday, and am still getting it set up. It will cooperate with fldigi to provide digital modes and will directly run a K3 or KX3. Since the K3S is operationally the same as the K3 as far as computer control is concerned, it should also "just work". NOTE: If anyone wants to load old QSOs into RUMlogNG, read the getting started documentation first. I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working pileups. For information on ham radio programs for the Mac, see <http://www.machamradio.com/>. 73 Bill AE6JV On 1/27/16 at 10:51 AM, [hidden email] (a45wg) wrote: >Fellow Hams, >I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling >at it’s features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a >rotator - and them I will hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the >meantime - I am enjoying the awesome RX/TX on this radio…. > >I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 >here) - on CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask >for some steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a >K3-S to a PC so I can automate some of the repetition of >contest work …. I fully understand and accept "DE TEST” is >not everyone’s cup of tea… But I enjoy it at times. > >It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? How about Data Modes ?? > >I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things >simple. In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which >I found flexible and worthwhile. > > >OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows > >Many thanks for taking the time to read this > > >Regards > >Tim - A45WG Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | it. | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy | Los Gatos, CA 95032 ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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> I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports > decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working > pileups. Unfortunately, Chen has abandoned cocoaModem ... it is orphan software. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 1/27/2016 5:17 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: > Allow me to disagree with Jim and Rick on this issue and recommend some > native Mac programs. I have used RUMlog (a general purpose log program) > and RUMped (a contest logger) for several years. They are mature > programs and Thomas, DL2RUM provides excellent support. He has a new > logging program, RUMlogNG which provides the functionality of both > programs and is available at not cost through the Apple App store. > > I just installed RUMlogNG yesterday, and am still getting it set up. It > will cooperate with fldigi to provide digital modes and will directly > run a K3 or KX3. Since the K3S is operationally the same as the K3 as > far as computer control is concerned, it should also "just work". > > NOTE: If anyone wants to load old QSOs into RUMlogNG, read the getting > started documentation first. > > I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports > decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working > pileups. > > For information on ham radio programs for the Mac, see > <http://www.machamradio.com/>. > > 73 Bill AE6JV > > > On 1/27/16 at 10:51 AM, [hidden email] (a45wg) wrote: > >> Fellow Hams, >> I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling at >> it’s features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - and them >> I will hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the meantime - I am enjoying the >> awesome RX/TX on this radio…. >> >> I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - on >> CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some >> steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I >> can automate some of the repetition of contest work …. I fully >> understand and accept "DE TEST” is not everyone’s cup of tea… But I >> enjoy it at times. >> >> It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? >> How about Data Modes ?? >> >> I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things >> simple. In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which I found >> flexible and worthwhile. >> >> >> OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows >> >> Many thanks for taking the time to read this >> >> >> Regards >> >> Tim - A45WG > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle > (408)356-8506 | it. | 16345 Englewood Ave > www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy | Los Gatos, CA 95032 > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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On 1/27/16 at 2:53 PM, [hidden email] (Joe Subich, W4TV) wrote:
>>I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports >>decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working >>pileups. > >Unfortunately, Chen has abandoned cocoaModem ... it is orphan software. > The source code is available. I have downloaded it, but I haven't tried to see if it builds. Jack, W6FB pointed out to me that the tuning "eye" for RTTY wasn't working. (The two for Dual RTTY which decodes both receivers do work.) Jack's report may provoke me to try to learn Mac programming. 73 Bill AE6JV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | When it comes to the world | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | around us, is there any choice | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | but to explore? - Lisa Randall | Los Gatos, CA 95032 ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4
I would not call CocoaModem orphaned. It is open-source, and when things break, we (myself included) are trying to fix them.
It is not well supported, however. And, it works pretty well under OS X 10.11.3 (El Capitan) on my Mac mini. - Jack, W6FB > On Jan 27, 2016, at 2:53 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote: > > > > I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports > > decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working > > pileups. > > Unfortunately, Chen has abandoned cocoaModem ... it is orphan software. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 1/27/2016 5:17 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: >> Allow me to disagree with Jim and Rick on this issue and recommend some >> native Mac programs. I have used RUMlog (a general purpose log program) >> and RUMped (a contest logger) for several years. They are mature >> programs and Thomas, DL2RUM provides excellent support. He has a new >> logging program, RUMlogNG which provides the functionality of both >> programs and is available at not cost through the Apple App store. >> >> I just installed RUMlogNG yesterday, and am still getting it set up. It >> will cooperate with fldigi to provide digital modes and will directly >> run a K3 or KX3. Since the K3S is operationally the same as the K3 as >> far as computer control is concerned, it should also "just work". >> >> NOTE: If anyone wants to load old QSOs into RUMlogNG, read the getting >> started documentation first. >> >> I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports >> decoding both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working >> pileups. >> >> For information on ham radio programs for the Mac, see >> <http://www.machamradio.com/>. >> >> 73 Bill AE6JV >> >> >> On 1/27/16 at 10:51 AM, [hidden email] (a45wg) wrote: >> >>> Fellow Hams, >>> I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling at >>> it’s features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - and them >>> I will hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the meantime - I am enjoying the >>> awesome RX/TX on this radio…. >>> >>> I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - on >>> CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some >>> steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I >>> can automate some of the repetition of contest work …. I fully >>> understand and accept "DE TEST” is not everyone’s cup of tea… But I >>> enjoy it at times. >>> >>> It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? >>> How about Data Modes ?? >>> >>> I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things >>> simple. In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which I found >>> flexible and worthwhile. >>> >>> >>> OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows >>> >>> Many thanks for taking the time to read this >>> >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Tim - A45WG >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- >> Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle >> (408)356-8506 | it. | 16345 Englewood Ave >> www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy | Los Gatos, CA 95032 >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> 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 >> Message delivered to [hidden email] > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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On 1/27/2016 6:39 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: > I would not call CocoaModem orphaned. It is open-source, and when > things break, we (myself included) are trying to fix them. It is nice that someone is there to fix problems but that is a long way from having the original developer involved to move things forward! 73, ... Joe, W4TV ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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Yes, but if you apply that category to all programs, there are very few, including commercial apps, that survive. I am 100% certain that there are major software applications that are now completely detached from the developers (any developers), that perfectly fit your description. Some of these would amaze you. Companies make decisions all the time to do this, wise or not. sigh…
At least with Chen’s programs we have the opportunity to pick up support and even add features, something you cannot do with non-open source software. What’s really amazing about this is that I’m not usually a proponent of open-source. In some cases it is the far better approach. - Jack, W6FB > On Jan 27, 2016, at 4:33 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote: > > > On 1/27/2016 6:39 PM, Jack Brindle wrote: >> I would not call CocoaModem orphaned. It is open-source, and when > > things break, we (myself included) are trying to fix them. > > It is nice that someone is there to fix problems but that is a long > way from having the original developer involved to move things > forward! > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4
For any windows users watching this thread who actually care what their
morse sounds like in a contest I would suggest the WinKeyUSB3 from K1EL. Instead of relying on windows to correctly key the rig with a direct serial connection the contest software generates ASCII characters and sends the string to the Winkey which keys the rig perfectly. Windows does what it does best, which is move data around, rather than trying to properly time morse code through a serial port. The Winkey works with all the windows contest software and most regular loggers. It also works with CQRLog in Linux and works on the Mac as well. I have no idea if the Mac contest software supports it or not. > -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H ARRL FISTS #11993 SKCC #215 NAQCC #3441 --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Fwd: Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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I have checked the K1EL site.
Both MacLoggerDX and Rumped support the WKUSB. -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3-S - CW Keying for Contests Date: Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:07:24 -0600 From: Kevin Stover <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] For any windows users watching this thread who actually care what their morse sounds like in a contest I would suggest the WinKeyUSB3 from K1EL. Instead of relying on windows to correctly key the rig with a direct serial connection the contest software generates ASCII characters and sends the string to the Winkey which keys the rig perfectly. Windows does what it does best, which is move data around, rather than trying to properly time morse code through a serial port. The Winkey works with all the windows contest software and most regular loggers. It also works with CQRLog in Linux and works on the Mac as well. I have no idea if the Mac contest software supports it or not. > -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H ARRL FISTS #11993 SKCC #215 NAQCC #3441 --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Tim Seed
For CW and RTTY FSK keying I use a MicroHAM DigiKeyerII. This has the WinKey
chip and it is easy to install and operate however I do not know if it will work with a non-Windows computer. GL, John KK9A Wed Jan 27 13:51:20 EST 2016 Fellow Hams, I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling at it's features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - and them I will hoist some Yagi's up. but in the meantime - I am enjoying the awesome RX/TX on this radio.. I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - on CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can automate some of the repetition of contest work .. I fully understand and accept "DE TEST" is not everyone's cup of tea. But I enjoy it at times. It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? How about Data Modes ?? I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things simple. In the "old days" I used to use a SignaLink - which I found flexible and worthwhile. OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows Many thanks for taking the time to read this Regards Tim - A45WG ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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I second the vote for RUMLogNG for both general logging and many contests.
It's a good way to get back in without spending the time required to learn the Windows contest programs. BTW, RUMLogNG supports the WINkeyer and I usually use it but I have never had problem with my Mac using the onboard K3 Keyer ( an option with the RUM family ). BTW, the K3 and P3 control screens built in to RUMLogNG are great and very useful and I find myself really missing the P3 control screen if I am running something else. Unsupported or not I find CocoaModem to be very useful especially if you have the Sub receiver. It lets you monitor both receivers on one screen. Anyway, I suggest you start out with these Mac programs and if you later decide you are missing something then you can go through the hoops of setting up a VM and running Windows. Have fun, RIck K6LE On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 5:46 PM, <[hidden email]> wrote: > For CW and RTTY FSK keying I use a MicroHAM DigiKeyerII. This has the > WinKey > chip and it is easy to install and operate however I do not know if it will > work with a non-Windows computer. > > GL, > John KK9A > > Wed Jan 27 13:51:20 EST 2016 > Fellow Hams, > I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been > marvelling at it's features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - > and them I will hoist some Yagi's up. but in the meantime - I am enjoying > the awesome RX/TX on this radio.. > > I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - > on CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some > steerage/advice regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can > automate some of the repetition of contest work .. I fully understand and > accept "DE TEST" is not everyone's cup of tea. But I enjoy it at times. > > It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW > ? How about Data Modes ?? > > I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things > simple. In the "old days" I used to use a SignaLink - which I found > flexible > and worthwhile. > > > OS for PC: > Linux or Mac - NOT Windows > > Many thanks for taking the time to read this > > > Regards > > Tim - A45WG > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] > 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Bill Frantz
I would hesitate to call these "full featured and mature" as compared to
DXKeeper, which automates applications for awards like DXCC, and tabulates totals for dozens of awards by band and mode. Nor as compared to N1MM Logger Plus, which supports hundreds of contests and has many features that simplify contesting and make the operator more competitive. N1MM Logger Plus supports hundreds of rigs; RUMPed supports only the handful of rigs the program author owns and is feature-poor compared to N1MM Logger Plus. DXKeeper supports IOTA, WAS, WAC, WAZ, WPX, CQ Field Award, US counties, VUCC (VHF/UHF grids), Fred Fish (6M US grids), and dozens of awards from ham societies in UK, France, Spain, Russia, Japan, and lots of other countries. It imports contest logs, and allows you to keep track of QSOs by contest! It also logs TX power, so I can sort QSOs by power to check for status of what I've achieved QRP (150 countries worked so far). NY4I just posted statistics for logging programs used by those submitting logs for CQWW CW and SSB last year. N1MM was the most popular by far -- 44% of logs used it. WinTest was next with 8%, TR4Win with 6%, CTESTWIN, N3FJP, and WriteLog , each with 4%, and QARTest with 3%. ALL of those are Windoze programs. I made the recommendations for DXKeeper and N1MM because they are top programs in their class -- you won't find yourself having to learn something else when you get serious, or export years of logs to a new format. They are both FREE, well supported, and reasonably easy to learn. Indeed, my experience has been that it's much easier to learn a program when you don't have UN-learn another program that does the same thing. FWIW -- I started with WriteLog in 2003, used it for four years. Friend AE6RF was running FD for our group and declared that we were using N1MM, so I downloaded and learned it. Within four months, I had abandoned WriteLog, and I've never looked back. It wasn't the cost, it was the features! 73, Jim K9YC On Wed,1/27/2016 2:17 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: > I have used RUMlog (a general purpose log program) and RUMped (a > contest logger) for several years. They are mature programs and > Thomas, DL2RUM provides excellent support. He has a new logging > program, RUMlogNG which provides the functionality of both programs > and is available at not cost through the Apple App store. ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Bill Frantz
W4TV mentioned RUMlog et al to me in response to my posting. I installed
the general QSO logger and it does, indeed, look good. It doesn't support all my hardware so I'm not likely to adopt it myself, but it does look like a viable logging package for MacOS for most users. 73, /Rick N6XI On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 2:17 PM, Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> wrote: > Allow me to disagree with Jim and Rick on this issue and recommend some > native Mac programs. I have used RUMlog (a general purpose log program) and > RUMped (a contest logger) for several years. They are mature programs and > Thomas, DL2RUM provides excellent support. He has a new logging program, > RUMlogNG which provides the functionality of both programs and is available > at not cost through the Apple App store. > > I just installed RUMlogNG yesterday, and am still getting it set up. It > will cooperate with fldigi to provide digital modes and will directly run a > K3 or KX3. Since the K3S is operationally the same as the K3 as far as > computer control is concerned, it should also "just work". > > NOTE: If anyone wants to load old QSOs into RUMlogNG, read the getting > started documentation first. > > I am also a big fan of cocoaModem for digital modes. It supports decoding > both the main and sub receivers, which is nice for working pileups. > > For information on ham radio programs for the Mac, see < > http://www.machamradio.com/>. > > 73 Bill AE6JV > > > On 1/27/16 at 10:51 AM, [hidden email] (a45wg) wrote: > > Fellow Hams, >> I received my K3-S a few weeks ago - and I have been marvelling at it’s >> features. I still am awaiting the arrival of a rotator - and them I will >> hoist some Yagi’s up… but in the meantime - I am enjoying the awesome RX/TX >> on this radio…. >> >> I used to be quite an active contest station (alas no 4x4x4 here) - on >> CW/SSB and Occasionally RTTY - so please may I ask for some steerage/advice >> regarding the best way to connect a K3-S to a PC so I can automate some of >> the repetition of contest work …. I fully understand and accept "DE TEST” >> is not everyone’s cup of tea… But I enjoy it at times. >> >> It appears that WinKeyer is popular - will that suffice just for CW ? How >> about Data Modes ?? >> >> I would prefer not to have 3 or 4 options - but too keep things simple. >> In the “old days” I used to use a SignaLink - which I found flexible and >> worthwhile. >> >> >> OS for PC: Linux or Mac - NOT Windows >> >> Many thanks for taking the time to read this >> >> >> Regards >> >> Tim - A45WG >> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > Bill Frantz | Privacy is dead, get over | Periwinkle > (408)356-8506 | it. | 16345 Englewood Ave > www.pwpconsult.com | - Scott McNealy | Los Gatos, CA 95032 > > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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 > Message delivered to [hidden email] > -- Rick Tavan Truckee, CA ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
:-) Don't forget about the support, either, Jim. N1MM support is
excellent, with developers responding quickly to most questions on the reflector and releasing new stuff almost every week. Writelog support is opaque and rare. Like you, I haven't looked back since first trying MM+. 73, /Rick N6XI On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 10:31 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote: > > FWIW -- I started with WriteLog in 2003, used it for four years. Friend > AE6RF was running FD for our group and declared that we were using N1MM, so > I downloaded and learned it. Within four months, I had abandoned WriteLog, > and I've never looked back. It wasn't the cost, it was the features! > -- Rick Tavan Truckee, CA ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
Re: K3-S - CW Keying for Contests
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On Thu,1/28/2016 9:17 PM, Rick Tavan wrote:
> :-) Don't forget about the support, either, Jim. N1MM support is > excellent, with developers responding quickly to most questions on the > reflector and releasing new stuff almost every week. Writelog support > is opaque and rare. Like you, I haven't looked back since first trying > MM+. Yes, and the support is equally good for DXKeeper and all the other software in that suite. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ 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 Message delivered to [hidden email] |
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