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KX3 And SignaLink USB

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Dale LeDoux

KX3 And SignaLink USB

I read five months of archives looking for an answer.

I must be missing something.

I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.

I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.

I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.

I’d like to get the SignaLink working.

I’m open for help here.

tnx
Dale
KG5GQM
ex -KD5QI

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David Ahrendts

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

Hey Dale, I’m successfully using FLDigi on a Mac Mini, the SignaLink USB device and the KX3/PX3. Use the RED TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) mini-plug (or any similarly wired cable) and plug one end (the straight plug is my preference) into the SPKR output of the SignaLink device, and the other end (right angle mini-plug) into EARPHONE plug on the KX3 — this is receive line. For the transmit line, you may have to home build, but it is easy as pie. In my case, I have an RJ-76 out of the SignaLink device into an adapter that connects to a right angle TRS mini-plug which plugs into the KX3 MIC plug — this is the transmit line.
I prefer using the SignaLink device because it does a wonderful job of isolating the KX3 from the Mac Mini (I think that’s important), and it regulates input and output levels really well. I do place a cheap external speaker on the SignaLink box, AUX output, so I can simply hear the digi-data back and forth in the background at a really low level.
Happy to provide any guidance off list including photos, etc. The home brew transmit cable cost six-bucks, a modified MIC cable.

David A., KC0XT, Los Angeles

> On Apr 24, 2015, at 5:19 PM, Dale LeDoux <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I read five months of archives looking for an answer.
>
> I must be missing something.
>
> I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.
>
> I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.
>
> I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.
>
> I’d like to get the SignaLink working.
>
> I’m open for help here.
>
> tnx
> Dale
> KG5GQM
> ex -KD5QI
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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David Ahrendts [hidden email]

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Barry K3NDM

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

In reply to this post by Dale LeDoux

Dale,
I have a KX3 and a Signalink USB. They work great together. To make it work, you need to use software like Fldigi and make sure that you point the software to the external CODC, both input and output. Run the headphones out of the KX3 to the speaker input on the Signalink and the audio out of the Signalink to the mic input of the KX3. VOX is not needed as the Signalink will key the KX3, if you have the correct cable and have set the internal jumpers correctly. Use the knobs on the Signalink and the volume control and mic gain on the KX3 to set your levels properly.

A useful hint is to leave the headphones connected to the Signalink and use the aux to connect to an external powered speaker. That way you will only need to swap the mic for the Signalink cable when going from digital to phone or back.

73,
Barry
K3NDM
To: "elecraft" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2015 8:19:41 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 And SignaLink USB

I read five months of archives looking for an answer.

I must be missing something.

I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.

I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.

I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.

I’d like to get the SignaLink working.

I’m open for help here.

tnx
Dale
KG5GQM
ex -KD5QI

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Dale LeDoux

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

Thanks to all the fine folk who replied.

I got it working. I see the need for external speaker now.

dale

KG5GQM

> On Apr 24, 2015, at 8:04 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> Dale,
> I have a KX3 and a Signalink USB. They work great together. To make it work, you need to use software like Fldigi and make sure that you point the software to the external CODC, both input and output. Run the headphones out of the KX3 to the speaker input on the Signalink and the audio out of the Signalink to the mic input of the KX3. VOX is not needed as the Signalink will key the KX3, if you have the correct cable and have set the internal jumpers correctly. Use the knobs on the Signalink and the volume control and mic gain on the KX3 to set your levels properly.
>
> A useful hint is to leave the headphones connected to the Signalink and use the aux to connect to an external powered speaker. That way you will only need to swap the mic for the Signalink cable when going from digital to phone or back.
>
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
> To: "elecraft" <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Friday, April 24, 2015 8:19:41 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 And SignaLink USB
>
> I read five months of archives looking for an answer.
>
> I must be missing something.
>
> I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.
>
> I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.
>
> I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.
>
> I’d like to get the SignaLink working.
>
> I’m open for help here.
>
> tnx
> Dale
> KG5GQM
> ex -KD5QI
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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David Ahrendts

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

Quite welcome, Dale. I got a little XBoom speaker meant for your iPod on Amazon. About the same size as the SignalLink box. Charges USB. More than enough just to monitor in the background. Best with everything and 73s.

David A., KC0XT, LA

> On Apr 24, 2015, at 6:07 PM, Dale LeDoux <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks to all the fine folk who replied.
>
> I got it working. I see the need for external speaker now.
>
> dale
>
> KG5GQM
>> On Apr 24, 2015, at 8:04 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>> Dale,
>> I have a KX3 and a Signalink USB. They work great together. To make it work, you need to use software like Fldigi and make sure that you point the software to the external CODC, both input and output. Run the headphones out of the KX3 to the speaker input on the Signalink and the audio out of the Signalink to the mic input of the KX3. VOX is not needed as the Signalink will key the KX3, if you have the correct cable and have set the internal jumpers correctly. Use the knobs on the Signalink and the volume control and mic gain on the KX3 to set your levels properly.
>>
>> A useful hint is to leave the headphones connected to the Signalink and use the aux to connect to an external powered speaker. That way you will only need to swap the mic for the Signalink cable when going from digital to phone or back.
>>
>>
>> 73,
>> Barry
>> K3NDM
>> To: "elecraft" <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Friday, April 24, 2015 8:19:41 PM
>> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 And SignaLink USB
>>
>> I read five months of archives looking for an answer.
>>
>> I must be missing something.
>>
>> I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.
>>
>> I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.
>>
>> I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.
>>
>> I’d like to get the SignaLink working.
>>
>> I’m open for help here.
>>
>> tnx
>> Dale
>> KG5GQM
>> ex -KD5QI
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

In reply to this post by Dale LeDoux

Dale,

Maybe I am late on this, but the SignaLink audio cables must plug into
the MIC and PHONES jacks on the KX3.
The ACC1 jack is for the RS-232 TXD and RXD signals - there is no audio
on the ACC1 jack.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/24/2015 8:19 PM, Dale LeDoux wrote:

> I read five months of archives looking for an answer.
>
> I must be missing something.
>
> I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.
>
> I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.
>
> I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.
>
> I’d like to get the SignaLink working.
>
> I’m open for help here.
>
> tnx
> Dale
> KG5GQM
> ex -KD5QI
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Dale LeDoux

Re: KX3 And SignaLink USB

Don-

Yep! I finally got that part right.

The brand-specific instructions were printed on the back side of a 2x3” yellow paper. the other side showed where to put the jumpers.

Guess which side I didn’t read.

dale KG5GQM

> On Apr 25, 2015, at 7:32 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Dale,
>
> Maybe I am late on this, but the SignaLink audio cables must plug into the MIC and PHONES jacks on the KX3.
> The ACC1 jack is for the RS-232 TXD and RXD signals - there is no audio on the ACC1 jack.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/24/2015 8:19 PM, Dale LeDoux wrote:
>> I read five months of archives looking for an answer.
>>
>> I must be missing something.
>>
>> I have a new KX3 and SignaLink USB adapter. I can’t seem to make them work together.
>>
>> I’m using the KX3cable supplied by TigerTronics. I have tried plugging it into the Mic port and the ACC port. neither of them seem to get anything into my computer.
>>
>> I’ve tried both FlDigi and Digipan. They work if I skip the SignaLink and cable direct from the MIC and ACC1 on the KX3 to the laptop’s mic and phone jacks.
>>
>> I’d like to get the SignaLink working.
>>
>> I’m open for help here.
>>
>> tnx
>> Dale
>> KG5GQM
>> ex -KD5QI
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>

Frank Krozel

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

Curious if anyone has been experimenting with a KX3 and an Alexloop.

I have been using mine for about 6 months - love it.

Don’t use the tuner in the KX3 though as the manual says...

Wondering if anyone has made the loop larger to cover 60 meters?

Frank KG9H

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k6dgw

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

I don't have a KX3 but don't know how that would matter. I do have an
AlexLoop, replaced a BuddiePole [about the same price], and it works
super with my K2. KAT2 has to be bypassed because the loop *must* be
exactly resonant, but I really like the loop. It's on the edge of too
small on 40 and the tuning is quite touchy, but 10 MHz and up it's a snap.

http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/small_tx_loop_calc.aspx has a
calculator for octagonal mag loops. You might need to adjust the size
of the coupling loop if you make the resonant loop bigger.

BP weighed in at 17 lbs, AL is 1.6 lbs. Don't know exactly how many "dB
advantage" that is, but it's a lot if I'm hiking uphill. AL sets up in
about 5 min.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 4/25/2015 7:33 AM, Frank Krozel wrote:

>
> Curious if anyone has been experimenting with a KX3 and an Alexloop.
>
> I have been using mine for about 6 months - love it.
>
> Don’t use the tuner in the KX3 though as the manual says...
>
> Wondering if anyone has made the loop larger to cover 60 meters?
>
> Frank KG9H

Frank Krozel

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

Fred,
Pretty interesting calculator - I have not seen that before.
It is interesting how much better an antenna I can have on 40 meters if I go from 9’ to 12’.
Hmmm.
Anyone tried a slightly larger loop for an Alexloop?
Frank KG9H

> On Apr 25, 2015, at 2:58 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I don't have a KX3 but don't know how that would matter. I do have an AlexLoop, replaced a BuddiePole [about the same price], and it works super with my K2. KAT2 has to be bypassed because the loop *must* be exactly resonant, but I really like the loop. It's on the edge of too small on 40 and the tuning is quite touchy, but 10 MHz and up it's a snap.
>
> http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/small_tx_loop_calc.aspx has a calculator for octagonal mag loops. You might need to adjust the size of the coupling loop if you make the resonant loop bigger.
>
> BP weighed in at 17 lbs, AL is 1.6 lbs. Don't know exactly how many "dB advantage" that is, but it's a lot if I'm hiking uphill. AL sets up in about 5 min.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
> - www.cqp.org
>
> On 4/25/2015 7:33 AM, Frank Krozel wrote:
>>
>> Curious if anyone has been experimenting with a KX3 and an Alexloop.
>>
>> I have been using mine for about 6 months - love it.
>>
>> Don’t use the tuner in the KX3 though as the manual says...
>>
>> Wondering if anyone has made the loop larger to cover 60 meters?
>>
>> Frank KG9H
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Robert Sands

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

I am using it with my KX3 in Kona, Hawaii. Works well but not quite as well
as the MFJ 17 foot vertical. Easy to tune but I tune the Alexloop and then
finish with the antenna tuner in the Kx3. I cannot get the SWR down by
using the Alexloop cap alone.
Bob K7VO

On Sat, Apr 25, 2015 at 1:27 PM, Frank Krozel <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Fred,
> Pretty interesting calculator - I have not seen that before.
> It is interesting how much better an antenna I can have on 40 meters if I
> go from 9’ to 12’.
> Hmmm.
> Anyone tried a slightly larger loop for an Alexloop?
> Frank KG9H
>
>
>
> > On Apr 25, 2015, at 2:58 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > I don't have a KX3 but don't know how that would matter. I do have an
> AlexLoop, replaced a BuddiePole [about the same price], and it works super
> with my K2. KAT2 has to be bypassed because the loop *must* be exactly
> resonant, but I really like the loop. It's on the edge of too small on 40
> and the tuning is quite touchy, but 10 MHz and up it's a snap.
> >
> > http://www.66pacific.com/calculators/small_tx_loop_calc.aspx has a
> calculator for octagonal mag loops. You might need to adjust the size of
> the coupling loop if you make the resonant loop bigger.
> >
> > BP weighed in at 17 lbs, AL is 1.6 lbs. Don't know exactly how many "dB
> advantage" that is, but it's a lot if I'm hiking uphill. AL sets up in
> about 5 min.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Fred K6DGW
> > - Northern California Contest Club
> > - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
> > - www.cqp.org
> >
> > On 4/25/2015 7:33 AM, Frank Krozel wrote:
> >>
> >> Curious if anyone has been experimenting with a KX3 and an Alexloop.
> >>
> >> I have been using mine for about 6 months - love it.
> >>
> >> Don’t use the tuner in the KX3 though as the manual says...
> >>
> >> Wondering if anyone has made the loop larger to cover 60 meters?
> >>
> >> Frank KG9H
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
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>
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>

Robert Sands
K7VO
Olympia, WA

k6dgw

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

Hmmm ... if I can believe the SWR indication in my K2, mine goes to
1.0:1 on all bands although it's a bit hard on 40. Maybe I need to put
an outboard bridge in and see if the K2 is right.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org

On 4/25/2015 10:59 PM, Robert Sands wrote:
> I am using it with my KX3 in Kona, Hawaii. Works well but not quite as
> well as the MFJ 17 foot vertical. Easy to tune but I tune the Alexloop
> and then finish with the antenna tuner in the Kx3. I cannot get the SWR
> down by using the Alexloop cap alone.
> Bob K7VO

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Raymond Sills

Re: KX3 And Alexloop?

In reply to this post by Robert Sands

HI Bob:

You should not be using the tuner in the KX3. I also have an
AlexLoop, and I always switch off the tuner when using the AlexLoop.
True, you may be getting the SWR lower by using the tuner, but that
does not mean that the loop is radiating any better. Use the tuning
control on the loop and get the SWR as low as possible... yeah,
sometimes it's darn touchy. But as long as the SWR is minimized, the
loop will be radiating as well as possible. Even if the SWR is 1.5 or
so.

The point of using a loop is that it is a resonant circuit, and when
you feed it with energy at it's resonance point, the loop will
radiate. Practice getting the SWR down on higher bands (it's usually
easier and less fussy there). Then move to lower bands and practice
there.
And, remember... -anything- in the nearby field will affect the tuning
of the loop. Even you.

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211

On Apr 26, 2015, at 1:59 AM, Robert Sands wrote:

> I am using it with my KX3 in Kona, Hawaii. Works well but not quite
> as well
> as the MFJ 17 foot vertical. Easy to tune but I tune the Alexloop
> and then
> finish with the antenna tuner in the Kx3. I cannot get the SWR down by
> using the Alexloop cap alone.
> Bob K7VO
>

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