Elecraft

NaP3 and the KX3

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Jim Sheldon

NaP3 and the KX3

I had put out a request for info on interfacing the HDSDR program with the KX3 and didn't get many takers, but one kind gentleman put me on to the program NaP3 (available for free download). It seems to be a really decent program for the PC that gives you rig control (frequency, mode, etc from a PC) and with a good soundcard (my laptop has a RealTek HD) that is capable of true stereo input, and at least 46K sampling rate, you can actually get a spectrum display similar to the P3 but nowhere near the bandwidth. With 46K selected for sampling rate in NaP3 it will actually display 20 KHz either side of center and once I figure out how to set the offsets etc., (I'm really just getting started with the program). NaP3 seems to be much more elegant and has more easily set up features than HDSDR and it (NaP3) has built in CAT control for a K3, KX3 or quite a few other rigs as well so the RS-232 interface is there as well.

Someone had emailed me asking that I pass on the info that was passed to me and for some reason, I missed keeping that person's email when I cleaned up my inbox this morning. Whoever that was, email me again off the list and I'll pass on what I've learned (not much) and see if I can get the person that gave me the info to pass on his super help to you too.

Jim - W0EB
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k7nhb

Re: NaP3 and the KX3

I've been struggling with HDSDR and a Griffin audio device to bring the audio from the the Elecraft RX I/Q cable in via USB. I get a big center spike in the display with two side traces.

Someone else posted they had a similar display anomaly with NaP3. Several posts seem to indicate it is a little better than HDSDR and I'm happy to switch.

Any advice on setup/configuration would be appreciated.

73,
Paul
K7NHB

Richard Gillingham

Re: NaP3 and the KX3

I've posted before about this issue. I've given up trying to get NaP3 to provide any useful information. It's not vital to my operations so I'll do without. I've not tried HDSDR so I can't comment on that.

I too am using the Griffin device as recommended by Eric to me at the Orlando Hamfest in February. I guess the Griffin is doing what it's supposed to be doing, but I see no signals of any kind on any of the various displays provided by NaP3.

I'm having too much fun DXing QRP to worry alot about the bells and whistles.

Sorry I have no encouragement to provide.
73
Gil, W1RG

> Date: Mon, 1 Apr 2013 16:08:58 -0700
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NaP3 and the KX3
>
> I've been struggling with HDSDR and a Griffin audio device to bring the audio
> from the the Elecraft RX I/Q cable in via USB. I get a big center spike in
> the display with two side traces.
>
> Someone else posted they had a similar display anomaly with NaP3. Several
> posts seem to indicate it is a little better than HDSDR and I'm happy to
> switch.
>
> Any advice on setup/configuration would be appreciated.
>
> 73,
> Paul
> K7NHB
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/NaP3-and-the-KX3-tp7564924p7572086.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Lyle Johnson

Re: NaP3 and the KX3

In reply to this post by k7nhb

Paul,

Usually the "big center spike" is due to a so-called ground loop between
the computer_plus_soundcard and the KX3_plus_power source.

The two ways to cure this are:
1) bond everything together with low-resistance, low-inductance straps, or
2) use audio isolation transformers. There have been lots of posts here
about candidate isolation transformers.

I have no idea what the "two side traces" might be. How far apart are
they from the center spike? Are they symmetrical on either side of it?
What is their amplitude? Do they get masked by band noise when you have
a tuned-up antenna attached to the radio?

Apart from the three spikes, is the panadapter otherwise working on your
computer?

73,

Lyle KK7P

> I've been struggling with HDSDR and a Griffin audio device to bring the audio
> from the the Elecraft RX I/Q cable in via USB. I get a big center spike in
> the display with two side traces.

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Barry K3NDM

Re: NaP3 and the KX3

In reply to this post by Richard Gillingham

Gil,
I don't understand what problems you are having. I've been running NaP3 almost as long as I've owned my KX3. The only problem I've run into is ASIO with VAC. Seems that VAC will not accept 24 bits. Other than that, I've been pleased. I've even shown the operation to a few other hams.

Having said that, there are a few idiosyncrasies. First, there is a latency issue just like the Flexradio users have raised. The way around that is to use the NaP3 only as a panadapter during timing sensitive periods; any other periods, just operate like a Flex.

Second, I occasionally need to do a reset of the IF frequency offsets, not a big issue. And lastly, unless you set the 8KHz offset, you will get a spike at 0. You will need to do an 8 KHz. by band, but it is totally transparent when operating without NaP3, meaning set it and forget it. Just one caution: make sure you tell NaP3 you have an 8 KHz IF.

Do try again. It's really a great operation when it's running. I rarely run without it these days.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard Gillingham" <[hidden email]>
To: "k7nhb" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, April 1, 2013 7:52:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NaP3 and the KX3

I've posted before about this issue. I've given up trying to get NaP3 to provide any useful information. It's not vital to my operations so I'll do without. I've not tried HDSDR so I can't comment on that.

I too am using the Griffin device as recommended by Eric to me at the Orlando Hamfest in February. I guess the Griffin is doing what it's supposed to be doing, but I see no signals of any kind on any of the various displays provided by NaP3.

I'm having too much fun DXing QRP to worry alot about the bells and whistles.

Sorry I have no encouragement to provide.
73
Gil, W1RG

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Barry K3NDM

Re: NaP3 and the KX3

In reply to this post by Lyle Johnson

Lyle
I suspect that the spike at zero has to do with the fact that the radio is direct sampling and the IF is zero. Elecraft has built in an at least a partial fix, the 8 KHz. receiver offest. That has helped at my place. The second that added a little bit is a galvanic isolator I picked up at Radio Shack for about $10. It didn't totally remove the "spike", but it did knock it down a bit.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

----- Original Message -----
From: "Lyle Johnson" <[hidden email]>
To: "k7nhb" <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Sent: Monday, April 1, 2013 8:50:35 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] NaP3 and the KX3

Paul,

Usually the "big center spike" is due to a so-called ground loop between
the computer_plus_soundcard and the KX3_plus_power source.

The two ways to cure this are:
1) bond everything together with low-resistance, low-inductance straps, or
2) use audio isolation transformers. There have been lots of posts here
about candidate isolation transformers.

I have no idea what the "two side traces" might be. How far apart are
they from the center spike? Are they symmetrical on either side of it?
What is their amplitude? Do they get masked by band noise when you have
a tuned-up antenna attached to the radio?

Apart from the three spikes, is the panadapter otherwise working on your
computer?

73,

Lyle KK7P

> I've been struggling with HDSDR and a Griffin audio device to bring the audio
> from the the Elecraft RX I/Q cable in via USB. I get a big center spike in
> the display with two side traces.

______________________________________________________________
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