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OT - WSJT-X & K3s

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Luther Phillips

OT - WSJT-X & K3s

My software setup with a K3S, LP-Pan, and Asus U5 is as follows:

LP-Bridge creating virtual ports for:

NaP3
CW Skimmer
Ham Radio Deluxe (last free version, 5.0 Build 2893, using the Logbook as my
main log)
N1MM or WriteLog for contests

Note that HRD versions newer than about 6.2 will not work with LP-Bridge.

I am able to run WSJT-X V1.8 rc2 & JT Alert by selecting Ham Radio Deluxe
as the radio in WSJT-X, which connects it to the HRD server port. Sometimes
changing bands from WSJT-X takes two tries, but otherwise it works fine,
even in split TX mode. I'm also using the USB sound card in the K3S for the
audio in to WSJT-X. Works great, I've seen decodes down to -26 to -28 in
JT65 & JT9.

JT Alert automatically sends the info for each contact to HRD Logbook when
the 73 message is sent, or you can send it manually.

If you haven't upgraded WSJT-X to the new 1.8 rc2 version, you should do so
if you are using it for FT8. There are a number of significant FT8
improvements in rc2.

There is a WSJT-X user group on Yahoo.

Win4K3 also provides virtual ports and a HRD server port, maybe WSJT-X would
connect to its HRD server. I have not tried that method.

Hope this is of some help.

73,
Luther N4UW

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Wes Stewart-2

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

I asked about this on the Yahoo WSJT-X group:

From one of the developers,

"Hi Wes,

we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are
unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single device
without arbitration. If you get it working then that's fine but don't expect it
to stay working.

What is your logging program and SDR console? There might be a better solution.

73
Bill
G4WJS."

On 9/3/2017 5:32 PM, Luther Phillips wrote:

> My software setup with a K3S, LP-Pan, and Asus U5 is as follows:
>
> LP-Bridge creating virtual ports for:
>
> NaP3
> CW Skimmer
> Ham Radio Deluxe (last free version, 5.0 Build 2893, using the Logbook as my
> main log)
> N1MM or WriteLog for contests
>
> Note that HRD versions newer than about 6.2 will not work with LP-Bridge.
>
> I am able to run WSJT-X V1.8 rc2 & JT Alert by selecting Ham Radio Deluxe as
> the radio in WSJT-X, which connects it to the HRD server port. Sometimes
> changing bands from WSJT-X takes two tries, but otherwise it works fine, even
> in split TX mode. I'm also using the USB sound card in the K3S for the audio
> in to WSJT-X. Works great, I've seen decodes down to -26 to -28 in JT65 & JT9.
>
> JT Alert automatically sends the info for each contact to HRD Logbook when the
> 73 message is sent, or you can send it manually.
>
> If you haven't upgraded WSJT-X to the new 1.8 rc2 version, you should do so if
> you are using it for FT8. There are a number of significant FT8 improvements
> in rc2.
>
> There is a WSJT-X user group on Yahoo.
>
> Win4K3 also provides virtual ports and a HRD server port, maybe WSJT-X would
> connect to its HRD server. I have not tried that method.
>
> Hope this is of some help.
>
> 73,
> Luther N4UW
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

Wes, Bill, et al:

I think the first suggestion I made was to connect the radio direct to
the computer USB port. Hummmm, wonder why I said that???

More gadgets and helicopters are much alike..........too dang many parts
to be reliable.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 9/4/2017 1:36 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:

> I asked about this on the Yahoo WSJT-X group:
>
> From one of the developers,
>
> "Hi Wes,
>
> we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are
> unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single
> device without arbitration. If you get it working then that's fine but
> don't expect it to stay working.
>
> What is your logging program and SDR console? There might be a better
> solution.
>
> 73
> Bill
> G4WJS."

Barry K3NDM

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

Bob, Wes, Bill, et al,

I have run JT-65 successfully using Win4K3 and com0com for port
sharing and replication. All WSJT should want is a defined com port that
it can use to control the radio. I haven't run JT-65 in a year, but as I
recall I used VOX to initiate transmit. I will also say that I had some
intermittent problems with LP-Bridge; I haven't seen any problems with
my present set up in over a few years.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: "Bob McGraw K4TAX" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 9/4/2017 2:45:26 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

>Wes, Bill, et al:
>
>I think the first suggestion I made was to connect the radio direct to
>the computer USB port. Hummmm, wonder why I said that???
>
>More gadgets and helicopters are much alike..........too dang many
>parts to be reliable.
>
>73
>
>Bob, K4TAX
>
>
>On 9/4/2017 1:36 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:
>>I asked about this on the Yahoo WSJT-X group:
>>
>>From one of the developers,
>>
>>"Hi Wes,
>>
>>we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are
>>unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single
>>device without arbitration. If you get it working then that's fine but
>>don't expect it to stay working.
>>
>>What is your logging program and SDR console? There might be a better
>>solution.
>>
>>73
>>Bill
>>G4WJS."
>
>
>______________________________________________________________
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Larry (K8UT)

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Wes Stewart-2

>we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single device without arbitration
I certainly do not blame the WSJT-x developers for not supporting serial port splitting products – they can be a nightmare. Their very reasonable policy is “if you can get it working by yourself, good for you. But don’t come to us looking for help.”

However, I respectfully disagree that there is no reliable solution. There have been no shortage of issues with Virtual Serial Ports on Windows with their dependence upon interrupt and event timing. I took a different route, developing a shared serial port that “outsources” serial port management to a Raspberry Pi. This avoids all of the issues in Windows, provides better performance due to caching, and presents less load on the K3 than from multiple individual devices.

-larry (K8UT)
-----Original Message-----
From: Wes Stewart
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2017 2:36 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

I asked about this on the Yahoo WSJT-X group:

From one of the developers,

"Hi Wes,

we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are
unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single device
without arbitration. If you get it working then that's fine but don't expect it
to stay working.

What is your logging program and SDR console? There might be a better solution.

73
Bill
G4WJS."

On 9/3/2017 5:32 PM, Luther Phillips wrote:

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Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

If I was on the WSJT development team, I'd say exactly what the
developer said: they haven't tested everything, can't keep up with
updates, don't recommend using port-sharing software.

LP-Pan sounds kinda awesome, but the first thing I would do (as someone
who has been coding for a few decades) is to start with the absolute
minimum necessary.

Won't WSJT work in VOX mode with no serial connection at all?

Start with the minimum possible, then add things one at a time.

73 -- Lynn

On 9/4/2017 12:01 PM, Barry wrote:
>
> I have run JT-65 successfully using Win4K3 and com0com for port
> sharing and replication. All WSJT should want is a defined com port that
> it can use to control the radio. I haven't run JT-65 in a year, but as I
> recall I used VOX to initiate transmit. I will also say that I had some
> intermittent problems with LP-Bridge; I haven't seen any problems with
> my present set up in over a few years.
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Jim Brown-10

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

On 9/4/2017 12:32 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:
> Won't WSJT work in VOX mode with no serial connection at all?

Yep! The serial connection is needed only for frequency control, and
WSJT-X works just fine without it. I don't do any port sharing, giving
WSJT-X the port by itself, and log manually in DXKeeper.

WSJT--X does its best to idiot-proof the setting of drive levels by
shifting TX frequency and audio frequency in opposite directions so that
harmonics are always out of the passband of the sideband filter. WSJT-X
can be set to use it or not, to do it by setting the radio for split
mode, or by simply shifting the VFO.

If you're not an idiot, you can take reasonable care in setting levels
for the audio between computer and rig and for audio gain in the rig. :)
Easy to follow guidelines are in the last page or so of
http://k9yc.com/USB_Interfaces.pdf

73, Jim K9YC

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tomb18

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Luther Phillips

Hi,
I'm the author of Win4K3 and what they say "without arbitration" is true.
On the other hand having a well designed "arbitrator" works wonders.
The only way that "serial port splitting" products work properly supporting
all possible commands is with "virtual radios" as in Win4K3.

Nonetheless, the issue here is not necessarily related. The first step is
to get it working without any software in the way. If this can not be
achieved then there are fundamental issues that need to be corrected first.

Here are one set of settings:
Rig: Elecraft K3/ KX3
Serial port: Connected to your radio.
Baud rate, the same on both radio and WSJT-X
Handshake: None
Force control lines - all off
PTT method, VOX or CAT
Mode: Data/PKT
Split: Rig

These are the settings needed to start. If it doesn't work like this, start
looking at the hub or the serial connection. If you run everything off a
hub including a SDR and sound card or SDRPlay then this is probably the
reason. Some computers just can't handle this.
Now this being said, WSJT-X has a few issues when it uses CAT control. For
example, it will change mode before it changes band. It will go in split
before it changes band. The consequence is you have to do it twice at times.

Hope this helps.
73 Tom
va2fsq.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Wes Stewart
Sent: Monday, September 4, 2017 2:36 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

I asked about this on the Yahoo WSJT-X group:

From one of the developers,

"Hi Wes,

we do not support serial port splitting products with WSJT-X, they are
unreliable as there is no acceptable way to divide control of a single
device
without arbitration. If you get it working then that's fine but don't expect
it
to stay working.

What is your logging program and SDR console? There might be a better
solution.

73
Bill
G4WJS."

On 9/3/2017 5:32 PM, Luther Phillips wrote:

> My software setup with a K3S, LP-Pan, and Asus U5 is as follows:
>
> LP-Bridge creating virtual ports for:
>
> NaP3
> CW Skimmer
> Ham Radio Deluxe (last free version, 5.0 Build 2893, using the Logbook as
> my main log)
> N1MM or WriteLog for contests
>
> Note that HRD versions newer than about 6.2 will not work with LP-Bridge.
>
> I am able to run WSJT-X V1.8 rc2 & JT Alert by selecting Ham Radio Deluxe
> as the radio in WSJT-X, which connects it to the HRD server port.
> Sometimes changing bands from WSJT-X takes two tries, but otherwise it
> works fine, even in split TX mode. I'm also using the USB sound card in
> the K3S for the audio in to WSJT-X. Works great, I've seen decodes down
> to -26 to -28 in JT65 & JT9.
>
> JT Alert automatically sends the info for each contact to HRD Logbook when
> the 73 message is sent, or you can send it manually.
>
> If you haven't upgraded WSJT-X to the new 1.8 rc2 version, you should do
> so if you are using it for FT8. There are a number of significant FT8
> improvements in rc2.
>
> There is a WSJT-X user group on Yahoo.
>
> Win4K3 also provides virtual ports and a HRD server port, maybe WSJT-X
> would connect to its HRD server. I have not tried that method.
>
> Hope this is of some help.
>
> 73,
> Luther N4UW
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

The reason I asked is that it seems that there is a bunch of wonderful
software out there, that it's all pretty awesome.

Brand new users struggle mightily with things like serial ports when
they aren't strictly needed.

So, start with just the sound card (and VOX). Then add the serial port.
Then try adding port sharing.

... and remember, the first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save all
the parts.

73 -- Lynn, WB6UUT

On 9/4/2017 1:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> Yep! The serial connection is needed only for frequency control, and
> WSJT-X works just fine without it. I don't do any port sharing, giving
> WSJT-X the port by itself, and log manually in DXKeeper.
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Barry K3NDM

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Lyn,
I guess I can understand the developers position. However, I can
tell you I have had no problem using com0com which appears to be very
well behaved. I will also say that I have had my problems with
LP-Bridge. LP-Pan is not software. It's an IF to baseband with two
outputs piece of hardware, in phase and quadrature phased streams. These
run into a stereo sound card and those data are used for spectrum
display, usually NaP3. LP-Bridge is software used for port sharing.

I take it that you are using a KX3. That means you do not need an
LP-Pan as Elecraft had the foresight to give you I&Q base band data
already. You just need to obtain a good stereo sound card and go.

The modes in WSJT should work fine in using VOX, but being able to
read out and control the radio's frequency can be very helpful. Here's
something to think about. Use a Signalink USB to connect to your KX3 for
digital modes. It uses a USB connection to your computer and will key
the transmitter when you tell the software to transmit. The Signalink
uses an internal vox to know what to do and an acceptable sound card
that will take the radio's audio and feed it to your digital software.
You can plug a powered speaker into the Signalink's aux out and that
will allow you to change modes without need to do anything that remove
the mic and replace it with Signalink's mike cable. This allow greater
ease in mode changing, and you can continuously monitor you received
audio. Levels are set on the Signalink's front panel.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 9/4/2017 3:32:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

>If I was on the WSJT development team, I'd say exactly what the
>developer said: they haven't tested everything, can't keep up with
>updates, don't recommend using port-sharing software.
>
>LP-Pan sounds kinda awesome, but the first thing I would do (as someone
>who has been coding for a few decades) is to start with the absolute
>minimum necessary.
>
>Won't WSJT work in VOX mode with no serial connection at all?
>
>Start with the minimum possible, then add things one at a time.
>
>73 -- Lynn
>
>On 9/4/2017 12:01 PM, Barry wrote:
>>
>> I have run JT-65 successfully using Win4K3 and com0com for port
>>sharing and replication. All WSJT should want is a defined com port
>>that it can use to control the radio. I haven't run JT-65 in a year,
>>but as I recall I used VOX to initiate transmit. I will also say that
>>I had some intermittent problems with LP-Bridge; I haven't seen any
>>problems with my present set up in over a few years.
>______________________________________________________________
>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]

tomb18

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Luther Phillips

HiCom0com cannot be used alone. It is a bridge between two pieces of software one of which has built in virtual port facilities like Win4k3suite. It is similar to the "virtual cables" that exist in the micro ham products. There the Micro ham router manages the virtual ports also. So you cannot use it alone. 73 Tom

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
-------- Original message --------From: Barry <[hidden email]> Date: 2017-09-04 7:11 PM (GMT-05:00) To: "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]>, [hidden email] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s
Lyn,
     I guess I can understand the developers position. However, I can
tell you I have had no problem using com0com which appears to be very
well behaved. I will also say that I have had my problems with
LP-Bridge. LP-Pan is not software. It's an IF to baseband with two
outputs piece of hardware, in phase and quadrature phased streams. These
run into a stereo sound card and those data are used for spectrum
display, usually NaP3. LP-Bridge is software used for port sharing.

     I take it that you are using a KX3. That means you do not need an
LP-Pan as Elecraft had the foresight to give you I&Q base band data
already. You just need to obtain a good stereo sound card and go.

     The modes in WSJT should work fine in using VOX, but being able to
read out and control the radio's frequency can be very helpful. Here's
something to think about. Use a Signalink USB to connect to your KX3 for
digital modes. It uses a USB connection to your computer and will key
the transmitter when you tell the software to transmit. The Signalink
uses an internal vox to know what to do and an acceptable sound card
that will take the radio's audio and feed it to your digital software.
You can plug a powered speaker into the Signalink's aux out and that
will allow you to change modes without need to do anything that remove
the mic and replace it with Signalink's mike cable. This allow greater
ease in mode changing, and you can continuously monitor you received
audio. Levels are set on the Signalink's front panel.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 9/4/2017 3:32:04 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

Barry K3NDM

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Lynn,
You are correct there is a lot of gee whiz software out there. And,
the usual connection is serial port, even when that port is created by a
USB connection. I have a hard time understanding why there is so much
angst over serial ports. Windows has a window call device manger. In it,
you can see what ports are being defined. If you use a USB connection,
you can watch the port announce itself. Just for clarification, I AM NOT
a computer scientist and need my spell checker to get it spelled
correctly. However, I did learn about device manager and have been happy
ever since.

If you plan on having your logging software know where you are and
band you're on and track other activities, you really don't get much
choice; you must be able to share the data to/from the radio. The best
thing, best behaved, is Win4K3 for the Elecraft users, regardless of
whether you are a KX3 or K3 user. I am being told the KX2 is also fine
and my K3s works great. The one thing I have found here and 1 other
station is having forgotten which ports I was using for what; I now have
that written down and life is sweet.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: 9/4/2017 4:33:00 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

>The reason I asked is that it seems that there is a bunch of wonderful
>software out there, that it's all pretty awesome.
>
>Brand new users struggle mightily with things like serial ports when
>they aren't strictly needed.
>
>So, start with just the sound card (and VOX). Then add the serial
>port. Then try adding port sharing.
>
>... and remember, the first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save
>all the parts.
>
>73 -- Lynn, WB6UUT
>
>On 9/4/2017 1:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>Yep! The serial connection is needed only for frequency control, and
>>WSJT-X works just fine without it. I don't do any port sharing, giving
>>WSJT-X the port by itself, and log manually in DXKeeper.
>______________________________________________________________
>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]

Don Wilhelm

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

Barry,

I would disagree with you on your SignaLink recommendation.
The SignaLink is a single channel soundcard, and its sound quality is
"just OK" for digital modes. Yes, there are connecting cables for
several transceivers available from SignaLink that make connection to
the transceiver easy and straightforward - but those are the only
advantages.

There are external soundcards that will do a much better job for a lot
less money. Especially if you are planning to use the RX I/Q outputs on
the KX3 or the outputs of LP-Pan for the K3/K3S for a panadapter
display. A good panadapter display wants to use a soundcard with a
192kHz rating and typically 24 bits.
You must have a stereo soundcard for the panadapter function, and the
SignaLink has only the left channel present.
As for the SignaLink VOX, it is generated in the SignaLink from the
audio stream. The KX3, K3/K3S VOX will work just as well as the "PTT"
from the SignaLink. Due to the single channel implementation in the
SignaLink, it cannot be used for panadapter applications.

So if you want a soundcard that can be used for both soundcard data
modes and a panadapter display, get a good external soundcard (look for
192kHz/24 bits). It will likely have a lower noise floor than the
SignaLink as well.

Soundcards that have been tested for Panadapter use are listed on the
www.telepostinc.com website. There are some there that are 96kHz/24 bit
which will not allow the full 192kHz width of the panadapter
applications, but that is usable if you only want to display up to 96kHz
of the band.

Of course, it you want a superior panadapter display, consider the P3
(for the K3/K3S) or the PX3 for the KX3.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/4/2017 7:11 PM, Barry wrote:
Use a Signalink USB to connect to your KX3 for
> digital modes. It uses a USB connection to your computer and will key
> the transmitter when you tell the software to transmit. The Signalink
> uses an internal vox to know what to do and an acceptable sound card
> that will take the radio's audio and feed it to your digital software.
> You can plug a powered speaker into the Signalink's aux out and that
> will allow you to change modes without need to do anything that remove
> the mic and replace it with Signalink's mike cable. This allow greater
> ease in mode changing, and you can continuously monitor you received
> audio. Levels are set on the Signalink's front panel.
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Barry K3NDM

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

Don,
I agree with you. I may not have been sufficiently clear. You do
need a good stereo card for the spectrum display and another card,
typically, for digital modes. I use and usually recommend the Signalink
USB for use with digital modes for 2 reasons, they are inexpensive and
they can key your transmitter directly. There has been a lot of
discussion on what card to use for the spectrum display and a good
source of data on cards is available on the LP-Pan site. I won't get
into what I do and card I use as I don't want to start another branch in
this discussion. Having said that, I am using a good professional level
card for spectrum and CW Skimmer.

73,
Barry
K3NDM

------ Original Message ------
From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
To: "Barry" <[hidden email]>; "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT"
<[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Sent: 9/4/2017 7:55:55 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s

>Barry,
>
>I would disagree with you on your SignaLink recommendation.
>The SignaLink is a single channel soundcard, and its sound quality is
>"just OK" for digital modes. Yes, there are connecting cables for
>several transceivers available from SignaLink that make connection to
>the transceiver easy and straightforward - but those are the only
>advantages.
>
>There are external soundcards that will do a much better job for a lot
>less money. Especially if you are planning to use the RX I/Q outputs
>on the KX3 or the outputs of LP-Pan for the K3/K3S for a panadapter
>display. A good panadapter display wants to use a soundcard with a
>192kHz rating and typically 24 bits.
>You must have a stereo soundcard for the panadapter function, and the
>SignaLink has only the left channel present.
>As for the SignaLink VOX, it is generated in the SignaLink from the
>audio stream. The KX3, K3/K3S VOX will work just as well as the "PTT"
>from the SignaLink. Due to the single channel implementation in the
>SignaLink, it cannot be used for panadapter applications.
>
>So if you want a soundcard that can be used for both soundcard data
>modes and a panadapter display, get a good external soundcard (look for
>192kHz/24 bits). It will likely have a lower noise floor than the
>SignaLink as well.
>
>Soundcards that have been tested for Panadapter use are listed on the
>www.telepostinc.com website. There are some there that are 96kHz/24
>bit which will not allow the full 192kHz width of the panadapter
>applications, but that is usable if you only want to display up to
>96kHz of the band.
>
>Of course, it you want a superior panadapter display, consider the P3
>(for the K3/K3S) or the PX3 for the KX3.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>
>
>On 9/4/2017 7:11 PM, Barry wrote:
>Use a Signalink USB to connect to your KX3 for
>>digital modes. It uses a USB connection to your computer and will key
>>the transmitter when you tell the software to transmit. The Signalink
>>uses an internal vox to know what to do and an acceptable sound card
>>that will take the radio's audio and feed it to your digital software.
>>You can plug a powered speaker into the Signalink's aux out and that
>>will allow you to change modes without need to do anything that remove
>>the mic and replace it with Signalink's mike cable. This allow greater
>>ease in mode changing, and you can continuously monitor you received
>>audio. Levels are set on the Signalink's front panel.

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

Barry,

You missed my point in both of your responses.

Here it is again:

* START SIMPLE *

One thing I've learned as a computer scientist with a few decades
experience is that someone can spend hours trying staring at one part a
problem when the issue is in an entirely different place.

That was the essence of my post.

Start simple doesn't mean *FINISH SIMPLE* -- not by any means.

It's just easier to solve problems when you don't have a ton of moving
parts. Get two working, then add the third, then add the fourth, etc.

73 -- Lynn

On 9/4/2017 4:28 PM, Barry wrote:

> Lynn,
> You are correct there is a lot of gee whiz software out there. And,
> the usual connection is serial port, even when that port is created by a
> USB connection. I have a hard time understanding why there is so much
> angst over serial ports. Windows has a window call device manger. In it,
> you can see what ports are being defined. If you use a USB connection,
> you can watch the port announce itself. Just for clarification, I AM NOT
> a computer scientist and need my spell checker to get it spelled
> correctly. However, I did learn about device manager and have been happy
> ever since.
>
> If you plan on having your logging software know where you are and
> band you're on and track other activities, you really don't get much
> choice; you must be able to share the data to/from the radio. The best
> thing, best behaved, is Win4K3 for the Elecraft users, regardless of
> whether you are a KX3 or K3 user. I am being told the KX2 is also fine
> and my K3s works great. The one thing I have found here and 1 other
> station is having forgotten which ports I was using for what; I now have
> that written down and life is sweet.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: 9/4/2017 4:33:00 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s
>
>> The reason I asked is that it seems that there is a bunch of wonderful
>> software out there, that it's all pretty awesome.
>>
>> Brand new users struggle mightily with things like serial ports when
>> they aren't strictly needed.
>>
>> So, start with just the sound card (and VOX). Then add the serial
>> port. Then try adding port sharing.
>>
>> ... and remember, the first rule of intelligent tinkering is to save
>> all the parts.
>>
>> 73 -- Lynn, WB6UUT
>>
>> On 9/4/2017 1:07 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> Yep! The serial connection is needed only for frequency control, and
>>> WSJT-X works just fine without it. I don't do any port sharing,
>>> giving WSJT-X the port by itself, and log manually in DXKeeper.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

"Helpful" and quite possibly essential after the first few contacts.

... again, people are trying to go from zero to everything in one step,
and speaking as someone with a strong computer background, it's easier
to troubleshoot if you take your time, and do things in small steps.

Start simple. That's all I'm saying.

73 -- Lynn

On 9/4/2017 4:11 PM, Barry wrote:
> The modes in WSJT should work fine in using VOX, but being able to
> read out and control the radio's frequency can be very helpful.
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Neil Zampella

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

HI all ..

As a KX3/PX3/KXPA100 owner, with over 1,000 JT65/JT9/FT8 QSOs in my log,
I can honestly say the only things you need to run WSJT-X on your KX3
are these:

1. Good Soundcard with a 48kHz DVD quality input/output. I use a Sound
Blaster SBx pro USB soundcard picked up from Amazon. There are cheaper
USB sound cards available, but I went with a known producer of quality
sound cards. I've been using Sound Blaster cards since the 1990's.

2. The KXUSB cable. This is used for CAT control from the KX3 to the PC.

3. Two stereo cables for audio input & output. I use the cables that
came in the KX3-PCKT cable kit.   Work like a charm

That's all I need externally. However, I would definitely run the **
KX3 VFO TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION, if you have not done it. You will
need a good signal source. I just picked up the XG50 kit from Elecraft.

As far as WSJT-X settings:

Radio tab:
Rig: Elecraft K3/KX3
Serial Port: you need to check to see what windows lists as the COM
port, should be the same as used by the KX3 Utility
Baud Rate: same as the Utility, 38400
Data Bits: Eight      Stop Bit: 2 (never touched these,probably the
WSJT-X default)
Handshake: None
No need to mess with the Force Control Lines.

PTT Method: CAT
Transmit Audio Source (Should be grayed out)
Mode: Data/PKT
Split: Rig (its what I use as I have the KXLF3 filter installed

Click the Test CAT button, it should turn green. Click the Test PTT, it
should turn RED. Click it again to turn off.

On the AUDIO Tab, you need to select the soundcard you're going to
use.   Its always a good idea NOT to use the internal card, as you have
system sounds going through that too.   Which is why an external
soundcard of some type is recommended.

Input: Line IN on the SBx soundcard (Speaker input on KX3)
Output: Speaker on the SBx soundcard (Mic input on KX3)

Finally, you must make sure you have a good time SYNC program install on
your PC.    Your time must be sync'd to within 1 sec as FT8 is much more
demanding on time sync than other digital modes.

Hope this helps,

Neil, KN3ILZ

KX3/PX3/KXPA100

On 9/4/2017 8:05 PM, Barry wrote:

> Don,
> I agree with you. I may not have been sufficiently clear. You do
> need a good stereo card for the spectrum display and another card,
> typically, for digital modes. I use and usually recommend the
> Signalink USB for use with digital modes for 2 reasons, they are
> inexpensive and they can key your transmitter directly. There has been
> a lot of discussion on what card to use for the spectrum display and a
> good source of data on cards is available on the LP-Pan site. I won't
> get into what I do and card I use as I don't want to start another
> branch in this discussion. Having said that, I am using a good
> professional level card for spectrum and CW Skimmer.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Don Wilhelm" <[hidden email]>
> To: "Barry" <[hidden email]>; "Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT"
> <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
> Sent: 9/4/2017 7:55:55 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT - WSJT-X & K3s
>
>> Barry,
>>
>> I would disagree with you on your SignaLink recommendation.
>> The SignaLink is a single channel soundcard, and its sound quality is
>> "just OK" for digital modes. Yes, there are connecting cables for
>> several transceivers available from SignaLink that make connection to
>> the transceiver easy and straightforward - but those are the only
>> advantages.
>>
>> There are external soundcards that will do a much better job for a
>> lot less money. Especially if you are planning to use the RX I/Q
>> outputs on the KX3 or the outputs of LP-Pan for the K3/K3S for a
>> panadapter display. A good panadapter display wants to use a
>> soundcard with a 192kHz rating and typically 24 bits.
>> You must have a stereo soundcard for the panadapter function, and the
>> SignaLink has only the left channel present.
>> As for the SignaLink VOX, it is generated in the SignaLink from the
>> audio stream. The KX3, K3/K3S VOX will work just as well as the
>> "PTT" from the SignaLink. Due to the single channel implementation
>> in the SignaLink, it cannot be used for panadapter applications.
>>
>> So if you want a soundcard that can be used for both soundcard data
>> modes and a panadapter display, get a good external soundcard (look
>> for 192kHz/24 bits). It will likely have a lower noise floor than
>> the SignaLink as well.
>>
>> Soundcards that have been tested for Panadapter use are listed on the
>> www.telepostinc.com website. There are some there that are 96kHz/24
>> bit which will not allow the full 192kHz width of the panadapter
>> applications, but that is usable if you only want to display up to
>> 96kHz of the band.
>>
>> Of course, it you want a superior panadapter display, consider the P3
>> (for the K3/K3S) or the PX3 for the KX3.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 9/4/2017 7:11 PM, Barry wrote:
>> Use a Signalink USB to connect to your KX3 for
>>> digital modes. It uses a USB connection to your computer and will
>>> key the transmitter when you tell the software to transmit. The
>>> Signalink uses an internal vox to know what to do and an acceptable
>>> sound card that will take the radio's audio and feed it to your
>>> digital software. You can plug a powered speaker into the
>>> Signalink's aux out and that will allow you to change modes without
>>> need to do anything that remove the mic and replace it with
>>> Signalink's mike cable. This allow greater ease in mode changing,
>>> and you can continuously monitor you received audio. Levels are set
>>> on the Signalink's front panel.
>
>

Bill Frantz

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Don is absolutely right about the usability of the VOX built
into the Elecraft rigs. That's what I use now since, since I
upgraded my K3 to have the internal sound card.

When I was using a SignaLink, i actually built a cable for the
PTT. The reason is that the K3 does not save VOX by mode and I
was always getting VOX on when I switched to voice modes. I have
too many conversations with others in my shack to be able to use VOX.

Now I'm back to having to remember to switch VOX on and off as I
change modes. When I forget I either don't transmit on my first
digital transmission, or I do transmit when I talk near the
microphone. I'm a really slow learner.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 9/4/17 at 4:55 PM, [hidden email] (Don Wilhelm) wrote:

>As for the SignaLink VOX, it is generated in the SignaLink from
>the audio stream. The KX3, K3/K3S VOX will work just as well
>as the "PTT" from the SignaLink. Due to the single channel
>implementation in the SignaLink, it cannot be used for
>panadapter applications.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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(408)356-8506 | because I can get fruits and | 16345
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CA 95032

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Don Wilhelm

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Neil Zampella

All good information, although you may want to check which is your
Default soundcard.
Make certain that it is the internal soundcard.
Windows has a nasty habit of making the most recently installed
soundcard the default.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/4/2017 10:31 PM, Neil Zampella wrote:

> On the AUDIO Tab, you need to select the soundcard you're going to
> use. Its always a good idea NOT to use the internal card, as you have
> system sounds going through that too. Which is why an external
> soundcard of some type is recommended.
>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: OT - WSJT-X & K3s

In reply to this post by Barry K3NDM

On 9/4/2017 5:05 PM, Barry wrote:
> with digital modes for 2 reasons, they are inexpensive and they can
> key your transmitter directly.

The only good reason I can think of for using the SignaLink is if that's
all you have and you can't afford to replace it. It is NOT a good audio
interface. More times than I can count, I've posted a link to my
recommendations for much better audio interfaces that are MUCH cheaper,
AND they're stereo. That means, for example, that with two VFOs or two
receivers, you can have two instances of WSJT-X running either copying
different frequencies or doing diversity reception! In addition to WSJT
modes, I use my stereo sound card to do SO2R SSB and RTTY contesting.

http://k9yc.com/USB_Interfaces.pdf

And as Don has noted, the SignaLink derives PTT from the audio stream by
a process known as VOX. :) Your rig can do that as well.

73, Jim K9YC

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