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RTTY Questions

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Paul Milward

RTTY Questions

Hello
I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility Program
and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have been using FSK
D /45BPS setting on the K3.
However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a better
software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer control radio
and logging software?
I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions. Admittedly
a very quick search.
73
Paul, NU4C
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Dave Perry N4QS

Re: RTTY Questions

Paul,

I can recommend MMTTY for RTTY software and DX4WIN for logging. The two
work together and both work great with the K3. I use AFSK, but FSK will
work fine as well. There is a little set up involved, but it is actually
pretty simple. I love the way that MMTTY is integrated directly into
DX4WIN. I can double click on a call in the MMTTY window and it will
automatically transfer to the logging window of DX4WIN. Same goes for Name,
QTH and Locator. MMTTY is available as freeware. DX4WIN costs about $80,
but is well worth it. DX4WIN is supported with many additional utilities by
Jim AD1C and interfaces nicely with LOTW and the new online DXCC submission
form.

Dave, N4QS

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Paul Milward
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 12:56 PM
To: elecraft reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Hello
I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility
Program
and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have been using
FSK
D /45BPS setting on the K3.
However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a
better
software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer control
radio
and logging software?
I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions.
Admittedly
a very quick search.
73
Paul, NU4C
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Dave Perry N4QS

Re: RTTY Questions

Paul,

I should also mention that MMTTY also integrates nicely with N1MM contest
logging software. I use MMTTY/DX4WIN for general RTTY contacts and DXing
and I use MMTTY/N1MM for RTTY contesting.

Dave, N4QS

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Dave Perry
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 1:48 PM
To: Paul Milward; elecraft reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Paul,

I can recommend MMTTY for RTTY software and DX4WIN for logging. The two
work together and both work great with the K3. I use AFSK, but FSK will
work fine as well. There is a little set up involved, but it is actually
pretty simple. I love the way that MMTTY is integrated directly into
DX4WIN. I can double click on a call in the MMTTY window and it will
automatically transfer to the logging window of DX4WIN. Same goes for Name,
QTH and Locator. MMTTY is available as freeware. DX4WIN costs about $80,
but is well worth it. DX4WIN is supported with many additional utilities by
Jim AD1C and interfaces nicely with LOTW and the new online DXCC submission
form.

Dave, N4QS

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of Paul Milward
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 12:56 PM
To: elecraft reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Hello
I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility
Program
and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have been using
FSK
D /45BPS setting on the K3.
However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a
better
software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer control
radio
and logging software?
I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions.
Admittedly
a very quick search.
73
Paul, NU4C
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David Bunte

Re: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Paul Milward

Paul - I am also very new to RTTY. I am using MMTTY via the DXLab suite of programs for logging etc. I am using AFSK, but plan to switch to FSK if I decide to do very much RTTY. Many friends tell me FSK is best, a few say AFSK is "good enough". Everyone I know who uses a MicroHam interface for FSK with DXLab and a K3 loves that combo.

Very 73,
Dave - K9FN

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on AT&T

Paul Milward <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Hello
>I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility Program
>and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have been using FSK
>D /45BPS setting on the K3.
>However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a better
>software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer control radio
>and logging software?
>I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
>I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions. Admittedly
>a very quick search.
>73
>Paul, NU4C
>______________________________________________________________
>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

Paul Milward

Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Paul Milward

Thanks for the replies.
I will check out MMTTY. Is it good only for AFSK or does it also support FSK?
On FSK D the interface cable USB/RS232 that came with the K3 works very well
with the K3 Utility software.
Should I run the rig at reduced power like I do with PSK or is 100 watts oiu
OK?
73 de
NU4C Paul

________________________________
From: Tony McClenny <[hidden email]>
To: Paul Milward <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wed, April 18, 2012 3:03:55 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Paul,

Suggest you review the K3 / MTTY document on my website - I do a lot or RTTY
and with a K3 it is very easy.

- Tony, N3ME -

118 Ashwood Street
Bethany Beach, DE 19930-9699
(302) 539-5638
Grid: FM28lm
http://www.n3me.net
Elecraft K3 # 2462

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Paul Milward
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2012 17:56 PM
To: elecraft reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Hello
I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility
Program and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have
been using FSK D /45BPS setting on the K3.
However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a
better software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer
control radio and logging software?
I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions.
Admittedly a very quick search.
73
Paul, NU4C
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John Shaw

Re: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by David Bunte

If I may, a few general comments about operating RTTY.

AFSK vers FSK. AFSK set up correctly works just fine and if it is only a
causal venture into RTTY from already been setup for the likes of PSK then
it is just an easy way to do it as long as you are happy keeping the audio
levels correct from the computer and not overdriving the audio input to the
radio. The big advantage of FSK is you are only sending switching signals
to the radio and so it is much easier to control the power levels and
quality of transmittions. It does require some extra connections to send
the frequency shift signals from the computer to the radio that you do not
need for other audio derived digital modes. IMHO it is worth the effort if
you are going to do much RTTY at all.

Power. Operating RTTY is pretty much like putting a brick on your key for
the duration of the transmittion regardless to if you are doing it using
AFSK or FSK makes no difference so with that in mind reducing your power
output from maximum is probably wise.

I use MMTTY myself, always as a RTTY engine with another logging program.
There are many that will work with it and some have very clever features
that make picking calls etc especially in contest very easy and quick to do.

Interfacing. From build it yourself to cheapies, then MicroHAM your choice.
I have used MicroHAM for several years now and yes I know people have nits
about them too but for my money and importing them into ZL makes them pricy.
I would not consider any other, just a well thought out and well made piece
of gear. I have forgotten what I paid for mine but I still enjoy using it
every day.

73 John ZL1BYZ.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dave
Sent: Thursday, 19 April 2012 07:03
To: Paul Milward; elecraft reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RTTY Questions

Paul - I am also very new to RTTY. I am using MMTTY via the DXLab suite of
programs for logging etc. I am using AFSK, but plan to switch to FSK if I
decide to do very much RTTY. Many friends tell me FSK is best, a few say
AFSK is "good enough". Everyone I know who uses a MicroHam interface for
FSK with DXLab and a K3 loves that combo.

Very 73,
Dave - K9FN

Sent from my Samsung smartphone on AT&T

Paul Milward <[hidden email]> wrote:

>Hello
>I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility
>Program and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I
>have been using FSK D /45BPS setting on the K3.
>However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is
>a better software program? And is there one that works with a K3
>computer control radio and logging software?
>I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
>I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions.
>Admittedly a very quick search.
>73
>Paul, NU4C
>______________________________________________________________
>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

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k6dgw

Re: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by David Bunte

In an SDR radio such as the K3, the SSB signal is "perfect", in that
there is no suppressed carrier leakage because there never was a carrier
in the first place. Properly adjusted, the audio distortion in the SSB
signal is negligible. As a result, there is essentially NO difference
between AFSK and FSK in terms of transmitted signal. No one listening
to your signal can tell that you are AFSK or FSK and "good enough" is
meaningless.

There are some possible local advantages to AFSK if your hearing
resembles mine. I use a pair of stereo cables from Radio Shack [$3.99
each if I remember right] between the line in/out on the K3 and line
out/in on my laptop, K3 in AFSK mode. I run N1MM in contests with
MMTTY, but other loggers interface to the MMTTY engine fine. I can't
hear anything at all around 2 KHz even though my digital hearing aids
are running at afterburner-roar at those frequencies. The K3 lets me
choose from four pitch frequencies, I use the lowest at 915 Hz, and just
have to make sure that's where MMTTY is set. People who can hear 2 KHz
tell me that it's really tiring and they prefer lower tones as well.

With the P3, I've found I *almost* don't have to listen to any tones. :-)

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org

On 4/18/2012 12:03 PM, Dave wrote:

>I am using AFSK, but plan to
> switch to FSK if I decide to do very much RTTY. Many friends tell me
> FSK is best, a few say AFSK is "good enough".

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Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Paul Milward

Paul,

Ham Radio Deluxe is also a good application to use. It is a suite of
integrated applications that consist of rig interface/control, a
logbook, digital mode software (DM780), rotator control and much more.
The current available version is 5.20, with 5.21 coming out soon.
Current versions are free, but beginning with v6.0 it will cost $79.95.
Version 6 comes out for Dayton. Version 6 will include support for both
FSK and AFSK. DM780 integrates very nicely and directly with the
logbook portion of the application. A simple command in some of the
macros automatically logs the QSO for you.

Disclaimer - While I don't have financial interest in HRD, and I am a
paid customer, I am also a member of the alpha/beta test team. You can
check out the software at http://www.hrdsoftwarellc.com.

As far as interfaces are concerned, I use, and love, the SignaLink USB.
You buy it and the K3 module and cable for about $100. You plug it in,
and it works. No configuration necessary.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your software search.

73,

--Ian

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688

On 4/18/2012 1:56 PM, Paul Milward wrote:

> Hello
> I am brand new to RTTY after 12 years a Ham. I am using the K3 Utility Program
> and so far it seems to work OK. I am successful making Qs. I have been using FSK
> D /45BPS setting on the K3.
> However, I am wondering what the consensus is on RTTY Software. What is a better
> software program? And is there one that works with a K3 computer control radio
> and logging software?
> I l like FSK D but is AFSK a better way to go?
> I have waded thru nabble and cannot find answers to these questions. Admittedly
> a very quick search.
> 73
> Paul, NU4C
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Richard Ferch

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Paul Milward

MMTTY will do either FSK or AFSK, but in order to do FSK with MMTTY you
will need additional hardware, namely a keying circuit from a separate
serial port or USB-to-serial adapter (*not* the same serial port or
adapter you are using for radio control) connected to pin 1 of the K3's
ACC connector. Unlike the K3 Utility, MMTTY cannot do FSK on the radio
control serial port.

If your power supply is adequate to the task, you can safely run the K3
at full power in RTTY in either AFSK A or FSK D. The K3's finals can
handle full-power key-down for extended periods. You do still need to
reduce power in PSK with the K3 in order to maintain linearity, but this
is not an issue in RTTY.

73,
Rich VE3KI

NU4C wrote:

> I will check out MMTTY. Is it good only for AFSK or does it also support FSK?
> On FSK D the interface cable USB/RS232 that came with the K3 works very well
> with the K3 Utility software.
> Should I run the rig at reduced power like I do with PSK or is 100 watts oiu
> OK?
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Tony Estep

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

It's worth pointing out that no interface is necessary with the K3. You
don't need a Signalink or Rigblaster or whatever. All interfacing can be
done with cables directly from K3 to PC. This simplest of hookups works
with all digital modes including JT65 and WSPR, and nothing else is
necessary to use your PC for audio record/playback if your software
supports it.

If you are willing to pay for RTTY software, you might check out MixW. It
has logging, many digital modes, band mapping, an excellent spotting
interface, rotator control, and other stuff I'm probably forgetting. It
does true FSK if you feel you need it, as well as CW, and serves as an
audio recorder. I've used it for 8 years and like it.

Tony KT0NY

--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

On 4/18/2012 7:11 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
> It's worth pointing out that no interface is necessary with the K3. You
> don't need a Signalink or Rigblaster or whatever. All interfacing can be
> done with cables directly from K3 to PC.

Right, and I've long promoted that concept. BUT -- I've recently been
comparing several (five so far) outboard A/D converters, four models
that connect to the computer via USB, on that uses Firewire, and I've
found that all of them result in noticeably more reliable decoding of
RTTY and JT65 signals, especially weaker signals.

I use MMTTY with N1MM for RTTY contesting, and MMTTY with DXKeeper for
general operating. I use AFSK and VOX. As K6DGW has observed, as long
as you take reasonable care to get levels right, it's just as clean and
reliable as FSK, and the hook up is really simple.

73, Jim K9YC
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Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

If you don't use some sort of external interface, how do you key the rig?
Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the COM port if you have the
RS-232 cable connected?

Thanks and 73,

Ian
Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA EM74ua
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team

On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 12:54 AM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]>wrote:

> On 4/18/2012 7:11 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
> > It's worth pointing out that no interface is necessary with the K3. You
> > don't need a Signalink or Rigblaster or whatever. All interfacing can be
> > done with cables directly from K3 to PC.
>
> Right, and I've long promoted that concept. BUT -- I've recently been
> comparing several (five so far) outboard A/D converters, four models
> that connect to the computer via USB, on that uses Firewire, and I've
> found that all of them result in noticeably more reliable decoding of
> RTTY and JT65 signals, especially weaker signals.
>
> I use MMTTY with N1MM for RTTY contesting, and MMTTY with DXKeeper for
> general operating. I use AFSK and VOX. As K6DGW has observed, as long
> as you take reasonable care to get levels right, it's just as clean and
> reliable as FSK, and the hook up is really simple.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

--
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Tony Estep

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 8:05 AM, Ian Kahn <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ...how do you key the rig? Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the
> COM port...

=============
Yep, that's the way I do it. Works for digital, CW, and FSK. Don Wilhelm
points out that for digital modes including AFSK you can just key the rig
via Vox, no DTR/RTS required.

As a side note, the KX3 doesn't allow for direct DTR/RTS keying, which led
to some complaining in earlier posts. However it does provide for CW via
macros, which partly solves it; or you can make a special cable that will
key the rig from DTR or RTS.

A number of the problems that are posted here by guys starting up with RTTY
or digital modes are occasioned by the fact that they bought an interface
and are having problems getting it set up correctly. The K3 was designed to
eliminate the need for an interface.

Tony KT0NY

--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On 4/19/2012 12:54 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>
> Right, and I've long promoted that concept. BUT -- I've recently been
> comparing several (five so far) outboard A/D converters, four models
> that connect to the computer via USB, on that uses Firewire, and I've
> found that all of them result in noticeably more reliable decoding of
> RTTY and JT65 signals, especially weaker signals.

This is because the computer based sound cards - particularly those in
laptops and netbooks - are so bad. The internal power supplies are
typically very noisy and the computer main board designers do not take
care of things like common audio return paths, proper power supply
bypassing, "pin 1" issues, etc.

The external sound cards (A/D converters) are generally powered from
the computer's USB supply which is separate from the digital (bus)
5V supplies and much cleaner. In addition, good external sound card
designs add a significant amount of power supply bypassing, keep the
input and output returns separate from power supply returns to the
extent possible and often provide additional power supply regulation.

Several years ago I measured the noise floor of a couple laptops,
a couple generic PCI add on cards, a typical USB sound card and
the sound card in the original microHAM Digikeyer. The laptops
had the worst noise floors, the PCI add-ons were slightly better,
the USB soundcard (an original Creative SoundBlaster MP3) was 10
dB lower than the laptops and the DigiKeyer was another 3 dB better
than the Creative).

I have not repeated those measurements recently but given the
performance of laptops I've seen since then (and reports from EME
users of current microHAM interfaces) I do not expect there has
been much change in the relative performance.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/19/2012 12:54 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 4/18/2012 7:11 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
>> It's worth pointing out that no interface is necessary with the K3. You
>> don't need a Signalink or Rigblaster or whatever. All interfacing can be
>> done with cables directly from K3 to PC.
>
> Right, and I've long promoted that concept. BUT -- I've recently been
> comparing several (five so far) outboard A/D converters, four models
> that connect to the computer via USB, on that uses Firewire, and I've
> found that all of them result in noticeably more reliable decoding of
> RTTY and JT65 signals, especially weaker signals.
>
> I use MMTTY with N1MM for RTTY contesting, and MMTTY with DXKeeper for
> general operating. I use AFSK and VOX. As K6DGW has observed, as long
> as you take reasonable care to get levels right, it's just as clean and
> reliable as FSK, and the hook up is really simple.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Ian Kahn, KM4IK

On 4/19/2012 9:05 AM, Ian Kahn wrote:
> If you don't use some sort of external interface, how do you key the
> rig? Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the COM port if you
> have the RS-232 cable connected?

You can do that if your logging software allows it (in some cases the
digital software and logging software are separation programs and can
not share the serial port) or you can use VOX to key the transmitter
when the AFSK/PSK tones begin.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 4/19/2012 9:05 AM, Ian Kahn wrote:

> If you don't use some sort of external interface, how do you key the rig?
> Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the COM port if you have the
> RS-232 cable connected?
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Ian
> Ian Kahn, KM4IK
> Roswell, GA EM74ua
> [hidden email]
> K3 #281, P3 #688
> HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team
>
>
> On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 12:54 AM, Jim Brown<[hidden email]>wrote:
>
>> On 4/18/2012 7:11 PM, Tony Estep wrote:
>>> It's worth pointing out that no interface is necessary with the K3. You
>>> don't need a Signalink or Rigblaster or whatever. All interfacing can be
>>> done with cables directly from K3 to PC.
>>
>> Right, and I've long promoted that concept. BUT -- I've recently been
>> comparing several (five so far) outboard A/D converters, four models
>> that connect to the computer via USB, on that uses Firewire, and I've
>> found that all of them result in noticeably more reliable decoding of
>> RTTY and JT65 signals, especially weaker signals.
>>
>> I use MMTTY with N1MM for RTTY contesting, and MMTTY with DXKeeper for
>> general operating. I use AFSK and VOX. As K6DGW has observed, as long
>> as you take reasonable care to get levels right, it's just as clean and
>> reliable as FSK, and the hook up is really simple.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
>
>
> --
> ______________________________________________________________
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Mike Reublin

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Tony Estep

When I first got my K3, I was adamant about using an interface, and FSK.
I've since changed my opinion.

The only drawback I see to using VOX for the digital modes is that since
they are SSB, VOX for phone is on, and I really dislike that, preferring
a foot switch. Wayne has promised it's on the list.

73, Mike NF4L

On 4/19/12 9:48 AM, Tony Estep wrote:

> On Thu, Apr 19, 2012 at 8:05 AM, Ian Kahn<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> ...how do you key the rig? Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the
>> COM port...
> =============
> Yep, that's the way I do it. Works for digital, CW, and FSK. Don Wilhelm
> points out that for digital modes including AFSK you can just key the rig
> via Vox, no DTR/RTS required.
>
> As a side note, the KX3 doesn't allow for direct DTR/RTS keying, which led
> to some complaining in earlier posts. However it does provide for CW via
> macros, which partly solves it; or you can make a special cable that will
> key the rig from DTR or RTS.
>
> A number of the problems that are posted here by guys starting up with RTTY
> or digital modes are occasioned by the fact that they bought an interface
> and are having problems getting it set up correctly. The K3 was designed to
> eliminate the need for an interface.
>
> Tony KT0NY
>
>
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Ian Kahn, KM4IK

On 4/19/2012 6:05 AM, Ian Kahn wrote:
> If you don't use some sort of external interface, how do you key the
> rig? Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the COM port if you
> have the RS-232 cable connected?

VOX

Jim
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Mike Reublin

On 4/19/2012 7:30 AM, Mike wrote:
> The only drawback I see to using VOX for the digital modes is that since
> they are SSB, VOX for phone is on, and I really dislike that, preferring
> a foot switch. Wayne has promised it's on the list.

There's a simple menu setting to disable the Mic Input and use only the
Line Input of the K3, so there's no chance of accidentally transmitting
mic audio.

I use VOX for SSB too -- I find foot switches very difficult to use,
they're always sliding away from my foot.

73, Jim K9YC
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erehm

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Tony Estep

> > ...how do you key the rig? Just set up your software for DTR/RTS via the COM port...
> Yep, that's the way I do it. Works for digital, CW, and FSK.

Some questions about keying the K3/KX3 for FSK:

1. Can someone post a schematic of what this (second) cable looks like (connectors, wiring) for the K3? Bonus points for describing it also for the KX3, which I have on order... (A PDF could be posted here.)

2. How does the K3 Utility do it with one cable? Via K3 commands? Why don't some of the RTTY programs implement the same thing?

Thanks,

/eric, kj7ae

Richard Ferch

Re: Fw: RTTY Questions

In reply to this post by Tony Estep

KJ7AE wrote:

> Some questions about keying the K3/KX3 for FSK:

Answers interspersed with your questions below.

> Can someone post a schematic of what this (second) cable looks like
> (connectors, wiring) for the K3?

<http://www.aa5au.com/rttyinterface.html> shows the circuit; what is not
shown there are the details of how to connect this circuit to specific
radios. In the case of the K3, the "FSK to radio" (collector of the
transistor) would be connected to pin 1 of the K3's ACC connector, and
the circuit ground (emitter of the transistor) would be connected to pin
5 of the same connector.

> Bonus points for describing it also for
> the KX3, which I have on order...

I believe this is not possible right now. Based on a quick reading of
the KX3 manual (I may have missed something, of course), it looks to me
as if the only place where such a connection would be possible on the
KX3 would be the GPIO (ACC2) connector, and then only if the firmware
supports using this input for FSK keying (ACC2 IO = FSK?). Note that
some means to control TX/RX switching (PTT) is also required; using GPIO
for FSK keying would mean that GPIO was not available for TX/RX control.

> How does the K3 Utility do it with one cable? Via K3 commands?

Exactly; the K3 utility uses the KY and TB commands to send ASCII text
to the K3 and manage the contents of the K3's transmit buffer.

> Why don't some of the RTTY programs implement the same thing?

To the best of my knowledge, the K3 and the KX3 are the only
transceivers available that support the KY command for FSK RTTY (several
radios support KY for CW keying, but not for RTTY). RTTY software that
was written for use with other radios (such as MMTTY) uses the serial
port method, which also works with the K3, so to date there has been no
outright need and relatively little incentive to implement the KY
method, except perhaps in software that is specifically written for the K3.

Implementing this method for RTTY is not a simple matter of just issuing
KY commands for transmitted messages; it also requires polling with the
TB command, both for buffer management and to determine when messages
have been fully transmitted to determine when PTT can be turned off.
Software developers may feel that the benefits to be gained from
implementing this method do not justify the programming effort.

73,
Rich VE3KI
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