[K3S] WSJT-X v1.80rc1 FT8 Even/Odd Noise Difference?

[MaverickNH]

On my K3S/100 using WSJT-X set up as per http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X with v1.80rc1 on FT8 I adjust my RF knob to a 30dB noise level. I often see ~10dB difference between even/odd 15sec cycles with no visible difference in background noise on the waterfall. That is, at 28-32dB on even I might see ~40db on odd. Is this just faint signals on one 15sec cycle not apparent on the waterfall on the other 15sec cycle? But if I hunt around for open waterfall areas I seem to always see that ~10dB difference. Hmmm...

Bret/N4SRN

[Don Wilhelm]

Bret,

I am not certain why that document says to choose the Microphone and
Speaker.
Normal DATA A modes will use LINE IN instead of microphone and LINE OUT
instead of speaker.

In other words, you may be overdriving the input to the soundcard which
will give you a 'funny' waterfall display as well as being varied by the
AF Gain control.  The LINE IN gain on the K3/K3S is controlled by the
LINE IN menu setting, and once set will remain fixed.  You can also use
the computer soundcard slider to adjust the volume.

Similarly, the microphone level when microphone is selected for the
K3/K3S input may prove to be difficult to adjust for the required 4 bars
on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing.  It should be better to use
the LINE IN setting.  The MIC GAIN is used to control the LINE IN level
when LINE IN is selected.

Remember with Elecraft gear to set the audio as described - 4 bars on
the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing is the NO ALC point for the
K3/K3S/KX3/KX2.  Do not attempt to control the power with the audio
level, set the audio as indicated and control the power with the POWER
knob.  Yes, Elecraft controls power differently than other amateur
transceivers.

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/26/2017 10:29 AM, MaverickNH wrote:
> On my K3S/100 using WSJT-X set up as per http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X with
> v1.80rc1 on FT8 I adjust my RF knob to a 30dB noise level. I often see ~10dB
> difference between even/odd 15sec cycles with no visible difference in
> background noise on the waterfall. That is, at 28-32dB on even I might see
> ~40db on odd. Is this just faint signals on one 15sec cycle not apparent on
> the waterfall on the other 15sec cycle? But if I hunt around for open
> waterfall areas I seem to always see that ~10dB difference. Hmmm...
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[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

I'll be glad to make and supply screen shots of my WSJT-X and K3S set-up
if anyone wishes.   I find all works correct with the values and
settings I use.   I do use DATA A mode thus only one USB cable from the
radio to the computer.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 8/26/2017 10:05 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Bret,
>
> I am not certain why that document says to choose the Microphone and
> Speaker.
> Normal DATA A modes will use LINE IN instead of microphone and LINE
> OUT instead of speaker.
>
> In other words, you may be overdriving the input to the soundcard
> which will give you a 'funny' waterfall display as well as being
> varied by the AF Gain control.  The LINE IN gain on the K3/K3S is
> controlled by the LINE IN menu setting, and once set will remain
> fixed.  You can also use the computer soundcard slider to adjust the
> volume.
>
> Similarly, the microphone level when microphone is selected for the
> K3/K3S input may prove to be difficult to adjust for the required 4
> bars on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing.  It should be better
> to use the LINE IN setting.  The MIC GAIN is used to control the LINE
> IN level when LINE IN is selected.
>
> Remember with Elecraft gear to set the audio as described - 4 bars on
> the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing is the NO ALC point for the
> K3/K3S/KX3/KX2.  Do not attempt to control the power with the audio
> level, set the audio as indicated and control the power with the POWER
> knob.  Yes, Elecraft controls power differently than other amateur
> transceivers.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 8/26/2017 10:29 AM, MaverickNH wrote:
>> On my K3S/100 using WSJT-X set up as per http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X with
>> v1.80rc1 on FT8 I adjust my RF knob to a 30dB noise level. I often
>> see ~10dB
>> difference between even/odd 15sec cycles with no visible difference in
>> background noise on the waterfall. That is, at 28-32dB on even I
>> might see
>> ~40db on odd. Is this just faint signals on one 15sec cycle not
>> apparent on
>> the waterfall on the other 15sec cycle? But if I hunt around for open
>> waterfall areas I seem to always see that ~10dB difference. Hmmm...
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Don Wilhelm]

CORRECTION:

In the 2nd paragraph, That should be LINE OUT instead of LINE IN (rather
than the Speaker level).

73,
Don W3FPR

Bret,

I am not certain why that document says to choose the Microphone and
Speaker.
Normal DATA A modes will use LINE IN instead of microphone and LINE OUT
instead of speaker.

In other words, you may be overdriving the input to the soundcard which
will give you a 'funny' waterfall display as well as being varied by the
AF Gain control.  The LINE IN gain on the K3/K3S is controlled by the
LINE IN menu setting, and once set will remain fixed.  You can also use
the computer soundcard slider to adjust the volume.

Similarly, the microphone level when microphone is selected for the
K3/K3S input may prove to be difficult to adjust for the required 4 bars
on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing.  It should be better to use
the LINE IN setting.  The MIC GAIN is used to control the LINE IN level
when LINE IN is selected.

Remember with Elecraft gear to set the audio as described - 4 bars on
the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing is the NO ALC point for the
K3/K3S/KX3/KX2.  Do not attempt to control the power with the audio
level, set the audio as indicated and control the power with the POWER
knob.  Yes, Elecraft controls power differently than other amateur
transceivers.

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/26/2017 10:29 AM, MaverickNH wrote:
> On my K3S/100 using WSJT-X set up as per http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X with
> v1.80rc1 on FT8 I adjust my RF knob to a 30dB noise level. I often see ~10dB
> difference between even/odd 15sec cycles with no visible difference in
> background noise on the waterfall. That is, at 28-32dB on even I might see
> ~40db on odd. Is this just faint signals on one 15sec cycle not apparent on
> the waterfall on the other 15sec cycle? But if I hunt around for open
> waterfall areas I seem to always see that ~10dB difference. Hmmm...
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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