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K3 port sharing and FT-8

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Wes Stewart-2

K3 port sharing and FT-8

Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found elsewhere.

Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software
for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port
sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with
point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and
AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I
don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.

Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is
forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total
hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the other
programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its
database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the
virtual ports before the other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I
believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from
WSJT-X.

So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different
radio?

Wes N7WS

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Allan Zadiraka

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

I do port sharing for a K3s through Win4k3 with ACLog, N1MM+, and
Wsjt-X/JTAlert all running and no problems. Normally don't have N1MM+ and
ACLog running at same time but have done it with no problems.

*Allan Zadiraka*
*AB8OU*

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 2:48 PM Wes <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software
> for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for
> port
> sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with
> point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect
> N1MM and
> AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary.
> I
> don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism
> is
> forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total
> hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the other
> programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates
> its
> database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates
> the
> virtual ports before the other programs start. Although I haven't tried
> it I
> believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from
> WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different
> radio?
>
> Wes N7WS
>
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Don Wilhelm

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software
applications, particularly those providing virtual ports. So I don't
think a different radio will change things.

You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different
than LP-Bridge.

I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to
take the load off the K3 serial communication.

Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using
> LPBridge for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean
> spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if
> desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of
> MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any
> of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but
> pragmatism is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X
> (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I
> have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little
> time while DXBase updates its database. Going the other way takes even
> more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other
> programs start. Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge
> from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?

Mark Musick

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

As a comment to both Allan's and Don's replies, Win4K3Suite uses Com0Com for its virtual ports. I use Win4K3Suite and like Allan I have N1MM, MMTTY and I have WSJT-X all connected at the same time and have had no issues.

73,
Mark, WB9CIF

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2019 19:03
To: Wes <[hidden email]>; Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software applications, particularly those providing virtual ports. So I don't think a different radio will change things.

You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different than LP-Bridge.

I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to take the load off the K3 serial communication.

Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be
> found elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using
> LPBridge for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean
> spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if
> desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version
> of
> MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or
> any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but
> pragmatism is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X
> (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I
> have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little
> time while DXBase updates its database. Going the other way takes
> even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the
> other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I believe there is
> a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?

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Gary Johnson

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

I use LP-Bridge with N1MM and WSTJ-X simultaneously (along with an
LP-Pan and NaP3). The only configuration oddity that I found was that
WSJT had to connect via Virtual Com Port #1 and N1MM had to be on #2.
Swapping those assignments would not work. No idea why. So I can guess
that it would work if you assign DXBase to #2.

Gary NA6O

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Wes Stewart-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

I got several answers suggesting that LP-Bridge will work and I tried all of the
suggestions with no success.

Even disabling all other applications and just trying to connect WSJT-X via
LP-Bridge Virtual Port 1 gives a hamlib error.

Wes

On 6/11/2019 1:28 PM, Gary Johnson wrote:
> I use LP-Bridge with N1MM and WSTJ-X simultaneously (along with an LP-Pan and
> NaP3). The only configuration oddity that I found was that WSJT had to
> connect via Virtual Com Port #1 and N1MM had to be on #2. Swapping those
> assignments would not work. No idea why. So I can guess that it would work if
> you assign DXBase to #2.
>
> Gary NA6O
>
>

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Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

On 6/11/2019 11:47 AM, Wes wrote:
> s best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total hogging of the
> K3S com port.

No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the
radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control
of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab.

73, Jim K9YC

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Wes Stewart-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Hi Don,

The radio I was thinking about is a TS-890 which by using their control program
over Ethernet, can drive an external monitor displaying the band scope with
point and click tuning. This leaves the USB ports available for other apps.

Others obviously have different experiences, but I'm finding that your point
about total control is well-taken.

Wes

On 6/11/2019 12:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Wes,
>
> You are asking about the limitations of the computer software applications,
> particularly those providing virtual ports. So I don't think a different
> radio will change things.
>
> You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different than
> LP-Bridge.
>
> I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to take
> the load off the K3 serial communication.
>
> Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:
>> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
>> elsewhere.
>>
>> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software
>> for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port
>> sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with
>> point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM
>> and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary.
>> I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.
>>
>> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is
>> forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total
>> hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the other
>> programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its
>> database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the
>> virtual ports before the other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I
>> believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
>> from WSJT-X.
>>
>> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
>> different radio?
>

ANDY DURBIN

K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

"No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the
radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control
of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab."

Yes, that's true but it doesn't tell the whole story. WSJT-X cannot be used in "split" mode without CAT control. Without "split" mode there is no constraint on modulation frequency. Without constraint on modulation frequency people will work the low end of the waterfall with over-driven transmitters or over-driven audio stages and QRM the rest of us with horrible audio harmonics. I have an extensive selection of screen shots that I use to illustrate how not to use WSJT-X. One I captured just a few days ago shows second, third, and fourth harmonics on every transmission that station made.

Some of the worst WSJT-X mode signals I have seen came from very experienced operators using the K3. Please, if you can't, or won't, use "split" mode, don't TX in the low end of the WSJT-X waterfall (below 1500 Hz) unless you *know* your signal is clean.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Wes Stewart-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

Agree with Andy. Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.

Wes N7WS

On 6/11/2019 2:30 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:

> "No, FT8 does not REQUIRE a com port -- all it does is set and read the
> radio's frequency. All WSJT-X modes will work fine with manual control
> of frequency. In settings, simply choose No Radio on the Radio tab."
>
> Yes, that's true but it doesn't tell the whole story. WSJT-X cannot be used in "split" mode without CAT control. Without "split" mode there is no constraint on modulation frequency. Without constraint on modulation frequency people will work the low end of the waterfall with over-driven transmitters or over-driven audio stages and QRM the rest of us with horrible audio harmonics. I have an extensive selection of screen shots that I use to illustrate how not to use WSJT-X. One I captured just a few days ago shows second, third, and fourth harmonics on every transmission that station made.
>
> Some of the worst WSJT-X mode signals I have seen came from very experienced operators using the K3. Please, if you can't, or won't, use "split" mode, don't TX in the low end of the WSJT-X waterfall (below 1500 Hz) unless you *know* your signal is clean.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc

Tom-4

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

Hi
7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport at the same time.
So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities. It has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2. It listens to commands from software products and then delivers results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the other.
You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook. It also works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners. Here is a video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually behaves just like a null modem cable. You create a Pair of comports which form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to the other software. It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
There's a free trial and updates are free. There are numerous videos under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections. Always use Omni-rig. Much more stable.
73 Tom
Va2fsq.com

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On Behalf Of Wes
Sent: June 11, 2019 2:47 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found elsewhere.

Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.

Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its database. Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.

So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different radio?

Wes N7WS

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Gwen Patton

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

Tom,

I use Win4K3Suite all the time with my KX3, because my neck won't take a
lot of twisting or craning about. The spectrum scope works perfectly, after
I found the port I originally tried months ago was indeed mono. It's on a
stereo input now, and is fine.

You mentioned it didn't use the same audio stack as wsjt-x. That's good too
know, and thanks for the explanation of how that bug functions. I will be
upgrading to Win 10 to fix it soon, but I do have things working ok with a
workaround for now.

It's great software, and it literally saves me serious pain. Thank you for
creating it.

73,
Gwen, NG3P

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019, 7:02 PM Tom <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi
> 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used
> LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all
> commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of
> collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport
> at the same time.
> So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities. It has
> 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2.
> It listens to commands from software products and then delivers results
> either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are
> synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the
> other.
> You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook. It also
> works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners. Here is a
> video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of
> software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
> It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually
> behaves just like a null modem cable. You create a Pair of comports which
> form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to
> the other software. It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
> There's a free trial and updates are free. There are numerous videos
> under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
> In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections. Always use
> Omni-rig. Much more stable.
> 73 Tom
> Va2fsq.com
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> On Behalf Of Wes
> Sent: June 11, 2019 2:47 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
>
> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge
> for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display
> with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect
> N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if
> necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism
> is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires
> total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over I have to close the
> other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase
> updates its database. Going the other way takes even more time while
> LPBridge creates the virtual ports before the other programs start.
> Although I haven't tried it I believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to
> DXBase, which then gets frequency from WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?
>
> Wes N7WS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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>

Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

On 6/11/2019 2:48 PM, Wes wrote:
> Agree with Andy.

I don't, especially for an EE of Wes's background and experience.
There's detailed advice in several places on my website for how to set
audio drive levels from a computer sound card to the mic or line input
of a ham rig. If those don't work for someone, he or she needs to turn
in their boxtop license!

> Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.

No, it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if
WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!

73, Jim K9YC

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ANDY DURBIN

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

Jim - what specifically did you disagree with:

That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?
That some people not using split mode produce horrible harmonics?
Something else?

"There's detailed advice in several places on my website for how to set
audio drive levels from a computer sound card to the mic or line input
of a ham rig. If those don't work for someone, he or she needs to turn
in their boxtop license!"

Not everyone knows of your website or reads it. Not everyone feeds audio to their rig using line or mic inputs. However, It is a fact that more than a few ops using WSJT-X mode generate huge audio harmonics because they don't use "split" and don't set up the audio drive correctly.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Gary Smith-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

With the K3 & the K3s, I found getting
WSJT-X to play nice was an oddity; 5% of
the time it would work and 95% of the time
it did not (The % is relative to my
experience, not exact %). All Ham programs
used LP-Bridge with no issue except
WSJT-X.

I finally was directed to Win4K3suite as
Tom just mentioned. It resolved all the
issues I had and I was totally happy with
his software. I was not happy with several
things regarding WSJT-X and I could see
people asking for the same things on the
email forum but these changes didn't come.

A VE friend suggested I try JTDX and
though it does not do some things I like,
like MSK for 6M, I found it to do
everything I liked and it has much the
same interface as WSJT-X. It is also a
free program and now that I am using it, I
no longer use WSJT-X, for me, there's no
need to.

http://jtdx.tech/en/videos-guides

Look to the bottom of the downloads column
on the right & the latest version for
windows is JTDX v2.0.1-rc137_6

My 2 pence & 73,

Gary
KA1J

> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be
> found elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue
> software for a panadapter. These are "connected" to the K3S using
> LPBridge for port sharing. This works well, and provides a clean
> spectrum display with point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if
> desired. I can also connect N1MM and AXTTY (a DXBase specific version
> of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I don't use skimmer, spots or
> any of that other stuff.
>
> Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but
> pragmatism is forcing it on me. As best as I can determine, WSJT-X
> (FT8) requires total hogging of the K3S com port. So to switch over
> I have to close the other programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a
> little time while DXBase updates its database. Going the other way
> takes even more time while LPBridge creates the virtual ports before
> the other programs start. Although I haven't tried it I believe
> there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from WSJT-X.
>
> So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a
> different radio?
>
> Wes N7WS
>
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Wes Stewart-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Tom-4

Tom,

I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why your site
won't let me do it again). Nothing personal, but I just don't like running the
radio from the computer that much. I know that flies in the face of my desire
to tune (sometimes) the frequency with the mouse on the panadapter. Otherwise,
I like the knobs. That said, your mention of Omni-rig got me thinking and I
installed it and at first blush it appears that I can now connect everything to
everything else using LP-Bridge.

I'll call this the beta test stage, but did want to put this out there for the
folks who said it would work.

Wes

On 6/11/2019 4:00 PM, Tom wrote:

> Hi
> 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport at the same time.
> So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities. It has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2. It listens to commands from software products and then delivers results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the other.
> You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook. It also works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners. Here is a video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
> It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually behaves just like a null modem cable. You create a Pair of comports which form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to the other software. It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
> There's a free trial and updates are free. There are numerous videos under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
> In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections. Always use Omni-rig. Much more stable.
> 73 Tom
> Va2fsq.com
>

Rick WA6NHC-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On 6/11/2019 4:19 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>
>> Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.
>
> No, it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if
> WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!
>

At the risk of transmitting harmonics as well as the principle audio...

Plus not all sound card responses are 'flat' so the levels, if outside
the tested range (say 1500 Hz +/- 500 Hz) vary much, it may be too loud
(overdriving) or soft.

A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower tone,
watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher pitched
tone. If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the radio (while
keeping NO ALC), you're fine. If you do have change levels, use the
frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same range.

Sometimes cheap audio, is REALLY cheap audio.

Rick nhc

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Don Wilhelm

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

Rick and all,

You did not mention the "NO ALC" point for Elecraft gear.
The ALC scale on the K3/K3S/KX3/KX2 gives you the ability to adjust the
audio level (the lower bars are NOT an indication of ALC).
ALC begins at the 5th bar.
Those Elecraft radios must be have the audio level adjusted so there are
4 bars solid with the 5th bar flashing. The Elecraft radios must not
use the audio level to control power - other radios may use that method,
but not Elecraft.

If you want full information about that (and the related Elecraft power
control), refer to the article on my website www.w3fpr.com. Scroll to
the last link in the left column and click to open the link.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 8:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:

>
> On 6/11/2019 4:19 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>
>>> Fox and Hound certainly "requires" it.
>>
>> No, it does NOT. The frequency shifting can all be done with audio if
>> WSJT-X is set up for no CAT control!
>>
>
> At the risk of transmitting harmonics as well as the principle audio...
>
> Plus not all sound card responses are 'flat' so the levels, if outside
> the tested range (say 1500 Hz +/- 500 Hz) vary much, it may be too loud
> (overdriving) or soft.
>
> A simple test, into a dummy load, set your audio tone for a lower tone,
> watch the output, repeat with a mid-range tone and a higher pitched
> tone. If you don't have to readjust the audio drive to the radio (while
> keeping NO ALC), you're fine. If you do have change levels, use the
> frequency shifting of WSJT-X to stay within the same range.
>
> Sometimes cheap audio, is REALLY cheap audio.
>
> Rick nhc
>
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> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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ng7m

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

Wes, I wanted to jump in where Tom mentioned my YouTube video of sharing
Virtual K3 CAT feeds with Win4K3Suite
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U>.

I'm just like you, I like to turn the knobs primarily. Don't be confused
by the graphical interface that Win4K3Suite provides as it relates to
sharing your K3/S CAT feed. Early on I purchased the software primarily
for the ability to share full on Virtual CAT Feeds and not the graphical
interface. The CAT sharing is just one aspect of Win4K3Suite. The PAN
Adapter support and graphic interface are simply additional features you
can use if you like. And for remote operation the graphical interface is
excellent as you will learn if you operate remote. Or just minimize
Win4K3Suite and don't use it... twist the knobs on your radio and just use
the CAT sharing via the Virtual K3 CAT feeds it provides.

I would highly recommend that you watch my video. It's very detailed... to
a fault some will say, but you can jump ahead by 10 seconds and back using
the L and J keys and pause with the K key. Or jump ahead 5 seconds and
back with the arrow keys and pause with the space bar.

I too used LP-Bridge many years ago and it did work, but it isn't even in
the same ball park for reliability as Win4K3Suite for sharing CAT Feeds.
Not even close.

The beauty of :Win4K3Suite is that it creates true Virtual K3/S CAT feeds.
The software or hardware you are using has no idea it's not connected
directly to the K3/S CAT port / USB CAT port direct. No funky API's like
Hamlib or Omni-rig that requires software support to use the abstraction
layer required.

If there is hardware or software that expects to be connected directly to a
K3/S CAT port / feed, it will work with Win4K3Suite Virtual K3/S CAT
interfaces.

Watch the video and give Win4K3Suite a try.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbf7BPfcj4U> The com0com port setup trips
most guys up, but you have the same problem with LP-Bridge too. I go into
great detail on com0com in the video. It's not bad once you understand the
concept. You won't go back to LP-Bridge... my two cents. And again, you
are not required to use the graphical interface to the K3 for anything, but
you might just start using it after awhile, for remote control like I did.
Not to mention all the other features... like using it with LP-PAN2 or
SDRPlay. I switched from NaP3 long ago and never looked back. By the way,
i'm a big N8LP fan too... I love the LP-PAN2 setup and LP-700, but NaP3
plays second fiddle to Win4K3Suite's spectrum display and you can now pump
a UDP feed of the spectrum to N1MM too... Have fun.

Max NG7M

Tom,

I've downloaded and tried your program several times (perhaps that why your
site
won't let me do it again).? Nothing personal, but I just don't like running
the
radio from the computer that much.? I know that flies in the face of my
desire
to tune (sometimes) the frequency with the mouse on the panadapter.?
Otherwise,
I like the knobs.? That said, your mention of Omni-rig got me thinking and
I
installed it and at first blush it appears that I can now connect
everything to
everything else using LP-Bridge.

I'll call this the beta test stage, but did want to put this out there for
the
folks who said it would work.

Wes

On 6/11/2019 4:00 PM, Tom wrote:
> Hi
> 7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used
LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all
commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of
collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport
at the same time.
> So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
> It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities. It
has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or
KX2. It listens to commands from software products and then delivers
results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are
synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the
other.
> You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook. It
also works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners. Here is
a video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of
software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
> It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com
actually behaves just like a null modem cable. You create a Pair of
comports which form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3
and the other to the other software. It is 100% reliable and tested with
thousands of users.
> There's a free trial and updates are free. There are numerous videos
under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
> In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections. Always use
Omni-rig. Much more stable.
> 73 Tom
> Va2fsq.com
>

--
M. George
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Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

On 6/11/2019 4:48 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> Jim - what specifically did you disagree with:
>
> That "split" mode can't be used without CAT?

That WSJT-X works just fine without CAT, including the Fox's control of
the Hounds' radios to move them into his protected space.

73, Jim K9YC

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