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PSK-31 Help

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Ron Midwin

PSK-31 Help

Gentlemen:

I have a K-3, S/N 1997 and have tried using it on PSK 31 on several
occasions. I've tried using it with Ham Radio Deluxe, which did work OK,
but HRD seems too Microsoftish for my tastes and takes too much time to set
up so I'd like to use something simpler.

I've also used DigiPan, but seem to have trouble getting all the settings
correct. A friend recommends MultiPsk, which is next on my list of things
to try.

I know that I can set up the K-3 to copy PSK31 direct, and do have the
radio interfaced with my laptop using a USB to serial adapter. I don't use
Rigblaster as it isn't needed.

I'd like to use my computer to send and receive so I'd like to hear from
some PSK31 Guru's and see what setup you like to use. My laptop is a year
old HP running Vista. It has a built in sound card, and I also have an
auxiliary USB soundcard, which is a Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Amigo which
has a mic in and headphone out, and a manual gain adjust wheel which might
be useful for setting up the PSK signal levels.

I know I can send PSK direct using the CW key, but don't want to go that way
either.

Any inputs would be appreciated.

73

Ron

AE6RH

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: PSK-31 Help

Ron,

I would recommend you continue with HRD/DM780. It handles many more
digital modes than just PSK31 - and HRD handles the Transmit function
through commands through the serial port connected to the K3 with no
problem. As you gain more experience with digital modes, you may want
to try something other than PSK31 (like RTTY, SSTV, etc.). Besides, you
said it works for you.

Could it be that the problem when using the other applications is that
they fail to put the K3 into transmit for you?
If so, you can usually set both the K3 and the application to use DTR or
RTS for the PTT function (over the serial port connection to the K3).
That has two potential problems: 1) when the K3 is powered up, if there
is an active signal on the RTS or DTR signal lines, the K3 will respond
with a ERR KEY message until the condition is cleared, or 2) If on
bootup (or any other time) the computer activates the DTR or RTS signals
(many do), it will key the K3 at unexpected times.
If you can work around those two potential problems, then keying via RTS
or DTR can work just fine.
You can also use VOX and not bother with the PTT input to the K3.

Bottom line -- since you can use HDR/DM780 successfully, the audio
channels are functioning, and I suspect that your problem is in getting
the K3 into transmit state from the software application.

There could also be a problem if your application is not setting up the
soundcard correctly. If you are connecting to a dedicated soundcard
(your USB soundcard) for PSK31 operation, make certain that the
application is using the correct soundcard.

The advantage for using a soundcard different than the Windows default
soundcard is that the Windows beeps and sounds are not transmitted on
the PSK portion of the hambands.

Other than those general guidelines, I cannot help much more because
each computer is different.

73,
Don W3FPR

Ron Midwin wrote:

> Gentlemen:
>
>
>
> I have a K-3, S/N 1997 and have tried using it on PSK 31 on several
> occasions. I've tried using it with Ham Radio Deluxe, which did work OK,
> but HRD seems too Microsoftish for my tastes and takes too much time to set
> up so I'd like to use something simpler.
>
>
>
> I've also used DigiPan, but seem to have trouble getting all the settings
> correct. A friend recommends MultiPsk, which is next on my list of things
> to try.
>
>
>
> I know that I can set up the K-3 to copy PSK31 direct, and do have the
> radio interfaced with my laptop using a USB to serial adapter. I don't use
> Rigblaster as it isn't needed.
>
>
>
> I'd like to use my computer to send and receive so I'd like to hear from
> some PSK31 Guru's and see what setup you like to use. My laptop is a year
> old HP running Vista. It has a built in sound card, and I also have an
> auxiliary USB soundcard, which is a Turtle Beach Audio Advantage Amigo which
> has a mic in and headphone out, and a manual gain adjust wheel which might
> be useful for setting up the PSK signal levels.
>
>
>

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Julian, G4ILO

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Ron Midwin

Hi Ron.

It looks as if your reasons for not liking HRD are the same as mine. I wouldn't recommend MultiPSK. It does support a great many modes but it has the user interface from hell and I can't bear even looking at it.

I would recommend that you try Fldigi. It has a nice clean interface, supports a lot of digital modes and works very well. Some people have found it a bit of a challenge setting it up, particularly if they use a USB serial adapter, but one of the developers is on this list so you shouldn't be stuck for help if you need it.

Finally, and particularly if it is just PSK31 you are interested in, I could suggest that you try my own program KComm. It is a logging program for Elecraft radios only, and supports direct keying of the K2 and K3 for CW. It also has built in support for PSK31/63/125 using the AE4JY's PSK engine, and can work with Fldigi as well. Again, the developer (me in this case) is here to help if you need it.

Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

hank_stamper

Re: PSK-31 Help

On Mar 2, 2010, at 1:56 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote:

>
> Hi Ron.
>
> It looks as if your reasons for not liking HRD are the same as mine. I
> wouldn't recommend MultiPSK. It does support a great many modes but
> it has
> the user interface from hell and I can't bear even looking at it.

As a graphic designer, I agree that the default Graphical User
Interface in Digital Master 780 is a disaster. I think someone told
me that Simon is color blind and the GUI looks like it. This was
enough to keep me from using it for a year or so. However I saw some
screen shots from people who had customized the GUI and was intrigued
enough to give HRD+DM780 another try. I am *very* glad I did. After
a few weeks of tweaking I got the interface to where I really like
it. The program is blessed with a wealth of user control over the
GUI. Once I started using DM 780 I found the application is *deep* —
very deep. I have really come to love the application and cannot
imagine going back to MixW or Digipan.

Another country heard from.

73 de Eric, KG6MZS
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: PSK-31 Help

> As a graphic designer, I agree that the default Graphical User
> Interface in Digital Master 780 is a disaster. I think someone told
> me that Simon is color blind and the GUI looks like it. This was
> enough to keep me from using it for a year or so.

My problem with HRD/DM-780 isn't so much the graphical interface,
as its resource consumption. HRD tries to be all things to all
users ... the rig control and logging interface take up the entire
screen as does DM-780. On top of that, HRD polls the transceiver
for so much data so rapidly that the serial interface is used to
nearly 100% even at high data rates.

I agree with other recommendations to look at fldigi - particularly
for PSK31 and other "esoteric" data modes. Fldigi will not allow
the user to run two copies - one of the left and one on the right
audio channels - for listening to both the main and sub receiver
at the same time (unlike MMTTY or MMVAR) but that's the only issue
I have with it.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Eric Fitzgerald
> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:22 AM
> To: Julian, G4ILO
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK-31 Help
>
>
>
> On Mar 2, 2010, at 1:56 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote:
>
> >
> > Hi Ron.
> >
> > It looks as if your reasons for not liking HRD are the same
> as mine. I
> > wouldn't recommend MultiPSK. It does support a great many modes but
> > it has
> > the user interface from hell and I can't bear even looking at it.
>
> As a graphic designer, I agree that the default Graphical User
> Interface in Digital Master 780 is a disaster. I think someone told
> me that Simon is color blind and the GUI looks like it. This was
> enough to keep me from using it for a year or so. However I
> saw some
> screen shots from people who had customized the GUI and was
> intrigued
> enough to give HRD+DM780 another try. I am *very* glad I
> did. After
> a few weeks of tweaking I got the interface to where I really like
> it. The program is blessed with a wealth of user control over the
> GUI. Once I started using DM 780 I found the application is
> *deep* —
> very deep. I have really come to love the application and cannot
> imagine going back to MixW or Digipan.
>
> Another country heard from.
>
> 73 de Eric, KG6MZS
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

David Christ

Re: PSK-31 Help

Will it work with a dual display set up?

David K0LUM

At 10:40 AM -0500 3/2/10, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
>
>My problem with HRD/DM-780 isn't so much the graphical interface,
>as its resource consumption. HRD tries to be all things to all
>users ... the rig control and logging interface take up the entire
>screen as does DM-780.
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KK7P

Re: PSK-31 Help

I've used it with a triple display, so a dual should be no problem.
> Will it work with a dual display set up?
>

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Mike Reublin

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I looked at fldigi, and could not get rid of a "Rig not specified"
message just above the freq display. I'm using a USB to serial adapter,
which works FB with any other software. Any suggestions?

73, Mike NF4L

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> I agree with other recommendations to look at fldigi - particularly
> for PSK31 and other "esoteric" data modes. Fldigi will not allow
> the user to run two copies - one of the left and one on the right
> audio channels - for listening to both the main and sub receiver
> at the same time (unlike MMTTY or MMVAR) but that's the only issue
> I have with it.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Joe,

I don't understand - both HRD and DM780 can be re-sized. It is more
practical to re-size HRD than it is for DM780 because DM780 has the
waterfall display and the decoded text areas. In fact, I like HRD for
control of the K3. Sometimes it is convenient to use the mouse or
keyboard and other times it is nice to just use the radio controls - HRD
follows the radio nicely.
At other times, I use HRD with PowerSDR/IF stage too, and both HDR and
PowerSDR fit on my 22 inch widescreen display. I do not use DM780 and
PowerSDR at the same time.
In all cases, the Logger can run in a background window.

With other than a widescreen display, things can get a bit cramped if
you want to see the whole of HDR along with either DM780 or PowerSDR,
but with a widescreen, all fits nicely.

73,
Don W3FPR

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>> As a graphic designer, I agree that the default Graphical User
>> Interface in Digital Master 780 is a disaster. I think someone told
>> me that Simon is color blind and the GUI looks like it. This was
>> enough to keep me from using it for a year or so.
>>
>
> My problem with HRD/DM-780 isn't so much the graphical interface,
> as its resource consumption. HRD tries to be all things to all
> users ... the rig control and logging interface take up the entire
> screen as does DM-780. On top of that, HRD polls the transceiver
> for so much data so rapidly that the serial interface is used to
> nearly 100% even at high data rates.
>
> I agree with other recommendations to look at fldigi - particularly
> for PSK31 and other "esoteric" data modes. Fldigi will not allow
> the user to run two copies - one of the left and one on the right
> audio channels - for listening to both the main and sub receiver
> at the same time (unlike MMTTY or MMVAR) but that's the only issue
> I have with it.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>

Craig Smith

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

Mike ...

I'm a digital novice and certainly not good with computers, but I did
succeed in getting Fldigi to recognize my K3. I first tried it using the
"hamlib" method but could not get it to work. Then I tried the "RigCat"
approach with the special downloaded file for the K3, and this did work. I
don't know enough about Fldigi or computers to advise you whether this is
your problem or the serial to USB adapter - I'm using a straight serial
connection.

73 Craig AC0DS

<> I looked at fldigi, and could not get rid of a "Rig not specified"
<> message just above the freq display. I'm using a USB to serial adapter,

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ac0h

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Another vote for FlDigi.
I use it on both Windows and Linux (64 bit) and it works great.
I think it covers every single digital mode DM780 does.
It's small, it's fast, and it's easy to setup and customize.

On 3/2/2010 9:40 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
>> As a graphic designer, I agree that the default Graphical User
>> Interface in Digital Master 780 is a disaster. I think someone told
>> me that Simon is color blind and the GUI looks like it. This was
>> enough to keep me from using it for a year or so.
>>
> My problem with HRD/DM-780 isn't so much the graphical interface,
> as its resource consumption. HRD tries to be all things to all
> users ... the rig control and logging interface take up the entire
> screen as does DM-780. On top of that, HRD polls the transceiver
> for so much data so rapidly that the serial interface is used to
> nearly 100% even at high data rates.
>
> I agree with other recommendations to look at fldigi - particularly
> for PSK31 and other "esoteric" data modes. Fldigi will not allow
> the user to run two copies - one of the left and one on the right
> audio channels - for listening to both the main and sub receiver
> at the same time (unlike MMTTY or MMVAR) but that's the only issue
> I have with it.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>

--
R. Kevin Stover

ACØH

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

Mike,

I used RigCAT for controlling the K3. I'll send you
my XML file but you will need to customize if for your
ports, etc. Configure radio control by:
Configure | Rig Control | RigCAT ....
check the Use RigCAT box, Click Open and select the
K3.XML file. My K3 is on COM4 at 38400 and I use
"toggle RTS for PTT" (set the K3's PTT-Key menu item
to RTS-Off).

My particular version of K3.XML expects the K3 to use
DATA_A for the data modes (it's more generic for non-
RTTY data modes).

It's rather straightforward.

Fldigi can also be used with Logger32 and/or DXLab Suite
with gateway software by N2AMG to replace the need for
RigCAT or HAMLib. A forthcoming update of Fldigi includes
improved interoperation with other logging software and
N2AMG will have updated gateways for several loggers.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 5:51 PM
> To: Joe Subich, W4TV
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK-31 Help
>
>
> I looked at fldigi, and could not get rid of a "Rig not specified"
> message just above the freq display. I'm using a USB to
> serial adapter,
> which works FB with any other software. Any suggestions?
>
> 73, Mike NF4L
>
>
> Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> > I agree with other recommendations to look at fldigi - particularly
> > for PSK31 and other "esoteric" data modes. Fldigi will not allow
> > the user to run two copies - one of the left and one on the right
> > audio channels - for listening to both the main and sub receiver
> > at the same time (unlike MMTTY or MMVAR) but that's the only issue
> > I have with it.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > ... Joe, W4TV
> >
>
>

Mike Reublin

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Craig Smith

Thanks, Craig. Still no joy. Now I'm getting
E: rigCAT_getfreq: Hexout failed
E: rigCAT_init: Xcvr Freq request not answered

The fight continues.....

Mike

Craig D. Smith wrote:

> Mike ...
>
> I'm a digital novice and certainly not good with computers, but I did
> succeed in getting Fldigi to recognize my K3. I first tried it using the
> "hamlib" method but could not get it to work. Then I tried the "RigCat"
> approach with the special downloaded file for the K3, and this did work. I
> don't know enough about Fldigi or computers to advise you whether this is
> your problem or the serial to USB adapter - I'm using a straight serial
> connection.
>
> 73 Craig AC0DS
>
>
> <> I looked at fldigi, and could not get rid of a "Rig not specified"
> <> message just above the freq display. I'm using a USB to serial adapter,
>
>
>
>

Mike Reublin

Re: PSK-31 Help

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Thanks Joe -
I edited your xml file to change the baud rate, but still no joy. (Rig
not specified). Seems like there's something about my port setup it
doesn't like.
Maybe the USB to serial.......
I'm on COM4 at 9600.
The log sez:
E: rigCAT_getfreq: Hexout failed
E: rigCAT_init: Xcvr Freq request not answered

I'll keep playing with it.
For general logging, I use an app I wrote. It incorporates RTTY and PSK
(gotta get the new PSK stuff into it).

Regards, Mike NF4L

Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> Mike,
>
> I used RigCAT for controlling the K3. I'll send you
> my XML file but you will need to customize if for your
> ports, etc. Configure radio control by:
> Configure | Rig Control | RigCAT ....
> check the Use RigCAT box, Click Open and select the
> K3.XML file. My K3 is on COM4 at 38400 and I use
> "toggle RTS for PTT" (set the K3's PTT-Key menu item
> to RTS-Off).
>
> My particular version of K3.XML expects the K3 to use
> DATA_A for the data modes (it's more generic for non-
> RTTY data modes).
>
> It's rather straightforward.
>
> Fldigi can also be used with Logger32 and/or DXLab Suite
> with gateway software by N2AMG to replace the need for
> RigCAT or HAMLib. A forthcoming update of Fldigi includes
> improved interoperation with other logging software and
> N2AMG will have updated gateways for several loggers.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Mike [mailto:[hidden email]]
>> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 5:51 PM
>> To: Joe Subich, W4TV
>> Cc: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK-31 Help
>>
>>
>> I looked at fldigi, and could not get rid of a "Rig not specified"
>> message just above the freq display. I'm using a USB to
>> serial adapter,
>> which works FB with any other software. Any suggestions?
>>
>> 73, Mike NF4L
>>

Julian, G4ILO

Re: PSK-31 Help

Mike-14 wrote

Thanks Joe -
I edited your xml file to change the baud rate, but still no joy. (Rig
not specified). Seems like there's something about my port setup it
doesn't like.
Maybe the USB to serial.......
I'm on COM4 at 9600.
The log sez:
E: rigCAT_getfreq: Hexout failed
E: rigCAT_init: Xcvr Freq request not answered

I'll keep playing with it.
For general logging, I use an app I wrote. It incorporates RTTY and PSK
(gotta get the new PSK stuff into it).

Regards, Mike NF4L

Hi Mike.

I see you said you edited the XML file to change the baud rate. The latest versions of Fldigi ignore the settings in the XML file and let you set them in the configuration dialog on the RigCat tab.

Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222 KX3 #110
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

Mike Reublin

Re: PSK-31 Help

Julian, G4ILO wrote:

> Mike-14 wrote:
>
>> Thanks Joe -
>> I edited your xml file to change the baud rate, but still no joy. (Rig
>> not specified). Seems like there's something about my port setup it
>> doesn't like.
>> Maybe the USB to serial.......
>> I'm on COM4 at 9600.
>> The log sez:
>> E: rigCAT_getfreq: Hexout failed
>> E: rigCAT_init: Xcvr Freq request not answered
>>
>> I'll keep playing with it.
>> For general logging, I use an app I wrote. It incorporates RTTY and PSK
>> (gotta get the new PSK stuff into it).
>>
>> Regards, Mike NF4L
>>
>>
>>
>
> Hi Mike.
>
> I see you said you edited the XML file to change the baud rate. The latest
> versions of Fldigi ignore the settings in the XML file and let you set them
> in the configuration dialog on the RigCat tab.
>

Hi Julian -

Apparently, it has the choice to use either, by choosing either HamLib
or RigCat. It works now using HamLib. Dunno why it didn't before.

73, Mike NF4L

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