K3 configuration for PSK31 - How To

[Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX]

Hello,

Now that I got my K3-40 running on PSK31, I write this summary to help
anyone fighting the same battle ...

Connections:
Audio: Line in and out (two wires) K3 to PC's extra sound board (Audigy
by Creative).
Audio: Stereo phones (one wire) K3 to PC's built-in sound on motherboard.
Stereo speakers: Connected to PC's built-in sound.
RS-232 cable that I made for the K2.

Software:
Ham Radio Deluxe (latest beta required, build 1686)
DM780 (part of HRD)

Configuration:
1. PC system sound set for the built-in motherboard audio (Control Panel
setting). I hear the PC's beeps AND the K3's audio. When I connect to
the K3's phone jack (and ONLY this jack), I can press the AFX button and
hear the K3's "pseudo stereo," which is really quite a nice feature.
2. The XP sliders for volume, etc, pertain to the speaker's audio.
3. When setting up HRD/DM780, I specify the Audigy sound card, and
control volume/mic gain within HRD/DM780. Having a second sound card
really makes configuration easy AND allows me to listen to pseudo stereo
on the speakers (not possible with one sound card).
4. PTT is done in software. I don't need to fuss with a PTT line to
transmit. (Can't use Digipan for PTT this way, but I'm really coming to
like HRD more as I get more familiar with it.)
5. When I switch from SSB to PSK31, the microphone needs to be set to
"Line-in" rather than front panel with bias (it's a main-menu selection).

Remote operation:
Because my radio bench is downstairs in the basement, and my office is
on the second floor (more comfortable), I tried early on to set the K3
up so I could go remote. After an extended discussion at
http://forums.ham-radio.ch/showthread.php?t=9797 ... here's where I
landed (at least for now):
1. Setup the K3 as above. No changes for remote operation.
2. The Radio's PC downstairs runs UltraVNC server (Windows 2000 on that PC).
3. Upstairs I connect over my LAN (now with CAT5 cable to downstairs)
using VNC. What I see on my monitor is exactly what's on the monitor
downstairs. So I just click the buttons in HRD or DM780, carry on a
digital QSO just as if I were in the basement. The CAT5 is essential to
handle a decent VNC screen that refreshes quickly; 802.11b was way too
slow, and I went for the cables (250 feet for $50 at Lowe's) rather than
deal with a major wireless upgrade. The waterfall displays proper motion
now.

Yet to do:
1. No audio upstairs yet. IP-Sound worked, but was a major hassle
getting it to work smoothly. When I ran the CAT5 cable downstairs, I
pulled a second cable with it (250' is a LOT of cable at home). I'm
planning to get the Gefen "Audio Extender" to get the audio upstairs
using that second cable. Don't need audio with the waterfall, but it is
nice to be able to hear other things!
2. At the moment, HRD's ATU and tune buttons don't seem to work. So if I
change bands, I can't retune if it's needed (don't need to do this
frequently, so it's not a deal breaker).

Option not selected:
HRD/DM780 can be run directly on my upstairs PC, and connect to the K3
downstairs. I had a huge hassle getting audio upstairs so I could see
the waterfall. Again, http://forums.ham-radio.ch/showthread.php?t=9797 
for details. IP-Sound just didn't cut it. Perhaps once I install the
Gefens, the audio might actually give me a waterfall. Unknown.  Aside
from that, having two HRDs and two sets of macros, etc, just doesn't
make sense; I suppose I could set my upstairs HRD to go to the basement
PC for its data and configuration files. Plus I'd need to tinker with
audio levels upstairs without being able to see what's happening with
the transmitter.

Hope this helps! I've probably overlooked something vital to your setup,
so feel free to contact me!

Alan

--
Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX
570-321-1516
http://WilcoxEngineering.com
Williamsport, PA 17701

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[Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX]

Bruce,

I have a barefoot K3, so I can't comment on the power issue you raise.
On the bright side, my 100-watt KPA3 is en route and will arrive late
this week, so I'll know soon how it works with HRD.

You might want to visit http://forums.ham-radio.ch/forumdisplay.php?f=18 
... it's the Elecraft HRD forum. Doesn't seem to get much use by us (who
use this Reflector), but it DOES get the attention of HRD experts. If
they think it's an issue for Simon's response, they escalate as needed.

73,
Alan

Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX
570-321-1516
http://WilcoxEngineering.com
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6768 ... for Client Comments
Williamsport, PA 17701

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce Bowman wrote:

> Hi Alan-
>
> Thanks for the PSK31 setup.
>
> re: HRD control of the K3... since you're operating remote you will be
> setting power remotely as well. I found that HRD would control power OK
> (using the slider)until I lowered power to where the internal K3 relays
> clicked and dropped out the KPA3. At that point the slider would still
> indicate it was at whatever lower power I had selected, but when I
> released the mouse the K3 would jump to a higher power, after which the
> HRD would display whatever that higher power setting was. There was a
> 1-3 sec. delay between releasing the mouse and the change in power
> level. As I remember it was about 10X what was displayed when I released
> the mouse. Power control from the K3 front panel seems fine: I could go
> to any power setting and HRD would track it... it's only when using the
> slider control in HRD.
>
> So the question is, have you noticed this same anomaly? I sent a note to
> Simon but didn't hear back... I think he's got too much on his plate to
> think about this since there's a work around (except for remote
> operation!).
>
> Bruce, NM5B
> Santa Fe, NM
>
>
>  
> <snip>

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