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K3 port sharing and FT-8

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Jim Brown-10

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

On 6/11/2019 5:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
> 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.

Rick,

You (or at least your test) are (is) blaming the computer sound card for
what may also be the response of the TX bandpass filter. I would be VERY
surprised if the response of a sound card varied more than a few dB from
200-3,000 Hz. If audio levels between the computer and the radio are
reasonably set, a few dB is not going push the system into distortion.

It's common for RF, digital, and video engineers, whose signals are at
generally fixed levels, to fail to understand that analog audio is
NOTHING like that. Indeed, the level of ordinary voice signals varies
over a range of at least 30 dB. In analog systems, levels are set so
that peaks always stay comfortably below clip, where distortion rises
sharply.

My recommended methods of setting the output levels of sound cards all
boil down to one principle -- set the output of the sound card at least
6dB below where it starts to sound distorted. Very easy to do, at least
three ways.

1) Use your ears -- plug headphones into the computer output, activate
"Tune," start with the Power slider fairly low and increase it until the
tone starts to sound harsh. THAT'S distortion. Now, back off the Power
slider until it sounds half as loud. That will bring it 7-10 dB lower.
Run the sound card there. (This works because humans perceive 7-10 dB
"half as loud" or "twice as loud."

2) Use a scope to find clip by seeing flat-topping of the sinewave, then
back down to at least half the voltage, or maybe slightly more.

3) Use a voltmeter to find where the voltage stops increasing with the
Power slider, then it down so that the voltage is half or less of the
max value.

Once you've done this, the sound card should safely drive a line level
input without overload, and audio transmit level can be set just like
you would with speech. If the radio has no line level input, you simply
build a 20 dB voltage divider, (470 ohms in series between computer and
rig, 47 ohms in parallel with the mic input). or 1K and 100 ohms.

This is all very simple, it's stuff that we demonstrated that we learned
when we passed our license exams.

73, Jim K9YC

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Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Going back to the original question, then LP_Bridge in combination with
DXLabs Commander allows one to use and control both WSJT-X, a logging
program, and a contest program with port sharing at the same time. I wrote
it up here: http://la3za.blogspot.com/2019/06/port-sharing-for-wsjt-x.html

-----
Sverre, LA3ZA

K2 #2198, K3 #3391,
LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com,
LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Sverre, LA3ZA

K2 #2198, K3 #3391,
LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com,
LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html

Dave Fugleberg

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by ng7m

I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the
shack, but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept
works extremely well.
As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
switched to using a winkeyer.
I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
out there in case it matters to your use case.

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>

W0FK

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

Wes Stewart-2 wrote
> Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found
> elsewhere.
>
> Currently, I use DXBase for logging.... Although I haven't tried it I
> believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency
> from WSJT...

Wes, I don’t run the other programs you’re using with FT8 (I use JTDX, but
it interfaces the same WSJT-X), but with LPBridge connected I’ve had no
issues communicating with my K3S and other programs. If you haven’t tried
them yet, download Joe’s (WA6AXA) WSJT-X and JTDX bridge interfaces. I
discovered the bridge will load the last FT8 QSO into DXBase even when
DXBase isn’t connected to my K3S. So your FT8 program can be a port hog but
you can still log QSO’s into DXBase.

73

Lou, W0FK

-----
St. Louis, MO

"The difference between stupidity and genius is that
genius has its limits." Albert Einstein

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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St. Louis, MO

"The difference between stupidity and genius is that
genius has its limits." Albert Einstein

ANDY DURBIN

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

"> 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."

I see no conflict or anything to disagree with. I did not say that WSJT-X cannot be used without CAT and I did not say that operating as Fox requires CAT.
What I said was that the use of WSJT-X "split" mode ( a specific mode of operation selectable from settings/radio/spit operation) requires CAT.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

I run WSJT-X V2.xxx with my K3S and have no issues with other applications, port sharing as such. Only use one USB cable between the radio and computer.

I've found the more applications one runs, then one WILL have more problems. Thus the question "has one made their system overly complex?" Seems so.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jun 12, 2019, at 8:40 AM, Andy Durbin <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> "> 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."
>
>
> I see no conflict or anything to disagree with. I did not say that WSJT-X cannot be used without CAT and I did not say that operating as Fox requires CAT.
> What I said was that the use of WSJT-X "split" mode ( a specific mode of operation selectable from settings/radio/spit operation) requires CAT.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>

Rick WA6NHC-2

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Thank you Jim and Don,

I based my comments on the experiences I've had with the K3.

When I was running AFSK, I would use the standard tones 2125/2295, set
the levels on the K3 with 4 bars showing, the 5th flickering (no ALC).
But if I tapped the display (in HRD) to center on another station
(changing tones to say 1000/1170) I often noticed that the bar display
was often very different, either pegging the 5th bar or not even
reaching the 4th bar. Adjusting the Mic gain was the simple fix, but it
was something that had to be watched for each click of the mouse.

Based on the assumption that it wasn't the K3 as the cause, that leaves
the computer (no equalizer in play, so not likely) or the sound card (in
this case a SignaLink).

It's not scientific research but there you are. I don't have the
training or tools (scopes) to make refined repeatable lab quality
observations of audio. It also stops the K3 from power hunting if you
watch the audio levels (rarely saw that, even with 3 bars showing, even
the amp stayed at full power).

These days I use FSK and manually tune so this is a non-issue for RTTY
but having experienced this before, I watch carefully on FT8 (and it
doesn't seem to be an issue since I use 'fake it' which keeps the actual
tones between 1500-2000 Hz. and I'm unlikely to transmit harmonics of
the audio).

73,
Rick NHC

On 6/11/2019 11:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 6/11/2019 5:42 PM, Rick WA6NHC wrote:
>> 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.
>
> Rick,
>
> You (or at least your test) are (is) blaming the computer sound card
> for what may also be the response of the TX bandpass filter. I would
> be VERY surprised if the response of a sound card varied more than a
> few dB from 200-3,000 Hz. If audio levels between the computer and the
> radio are reasonably set, a few dB is not going push the system into
> distortion.
>
> It's common for RF, digital, and video engineers, whose signals are at
> generally fixed levels, to fail to understand that analog audio is
> NOTHING like that. Indeed, the level of ordinary voice signals varies
> over a range of at least 30 dB. In analog systems, levels are set so
> that peaks always stay comfortably below clip, where distortion rises
> sharply.
>
> My recommended methods of setting the output levels of sound cards all
> boil down to one principle -- set the output of the sound card at
> least 6dB below where it starts to sound distorted. Very easy to do,
> at least three ways.
>
> 1) Use your ears -- plug headphones into the computer output, activate
> "Tune," start with the Power slider fairly low and increase it until
> the tone starts to sound harsh. THAT'S distortion. Now, back off the
> Power slider until it sounds half as loud. That will bring it 7-10 dB
> lower. Run the sound card there. (This works because humans perceive
> 7-10 dB "half as loud" or "twice as loud."
>
> 2) Use a scope to find clip by seeing flat-topping of the sinewave,
> then back down to at least half the voltage, or maybe slightly more.
>
> 3) Use a voltmeter to find where the voltage stops increasing with the
> Power slider, then it down so that the voltage is half or less of the
> max value.
>
> Once you've done this, the sound card should safely drive a line level
> input without overload, and audio transmit level can be set just like
> you would with speech. If the radio has no line level input, you
> simply build a 20 dB voltage divider, (470 ohms in series between
> computer and rig, 47 ohms in parallel with the mic input). or 1K and
> 100 ohms.
>
> This is all very simple, it's stuff that we demonstrated that we
> learned when we passed our license exams.
>
> 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]
>
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Tom-4

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

In reply to this post by ng7m

Managing the DTR and RTS over 6 virtual computers all running in separate
threads and on the radio introduces lots of potential incompatibilities
between applications where one might expect a different signal than the
other and so on. Fortunately, all applications that I am aware of support
software PTT or allow you to use a different comport for PTT. You can make
such an adapter easily with one resistor and a transistor on an RS232 port.
In the case of N1MM+, using DTR to send CW when there are 6 other
applications running is impossible since it relies on precise time for the
dit's and dah's. So the solution is a WinKey for CW. You can buy one for
under $40 these days and well worth it.
73 Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On
Behalf Of Dave Fugleberg
Sent: June 12, 2019 9:08 AM
To: M. George <[hidden email]>
Cc: Elecraft Mailer <[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the shack,
but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept works
extremely well.
As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
switched to using a winkeyer.
I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
out there in case it matters to your use case.

On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Dave Fugleberg

Re: K3 port sharing and FT-8

Yep, that's the best solution. I built a winkeyer clone with an Arduino
Nano, and it works great.
Thanks for a fine piece of software Tom. It is well worth the price of
admission and a key component in my shack.
73 de W0ZF

On Wed, Jun 12, 2019 at 5:09 PM Tom <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Managing the DTR and RTS over 6 virtual computers all running in separate
> threads and on the radio introduces lots of potential incompatibilities
> between applications where one might expect a different signal than the
> other and so on. Fortunately, all applications that I am aware of support
> software PTT or allow you to use a different comport for PTT. You can make
> such an adapter easily with one resistor and a transistor on an RS232 port.
> In the case of N1MM+, using DTR to send CW when there are 6 other
> applications running is impossible since it relies on precise time for the
> dit's and dah's. So the solution is a WinKey for CW. You can buy one for
> under $40 these days and well worth it.
> 73 Tom
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]>
> On
> Behalf Of Dave Fugleberg
> Sent: June 12, 2019 9:08 AM
> To: M. George <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Mailer <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8
>
> I would echo what Max said. I use Win4K3 whenever the K3 is on in the
> shack,
> but seldom use its graphical interface. The virtual radio concept works
> extremely well.
> As he said, software that expects to connect directly to the K3 has no idea
> that Win4K3 is there. I did find one caveat to this while testing it during
> my trial period... I used to send CW from the computer by toggling DTR on
> the K3 serial port. With Win4K3 in the mix, this did not work. Tom told me
> that direct control of those hardware handshake lines was not supported.
> I was so happy with everything else it does that I bought it anyway and
> switched to using a winkeyer.
> I don't know whether that limitation still exists or not...just throwing it
> out there in case it matters to your use case.
>
> On Tue, Jun 11, 2019 at 11:05 PM M. George <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
> > 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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