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SignalLink USB

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cheng076

SignalLink USB

Joe, W4TV,

You mentioned getting better performance out of a SLUSB by doing some modifications. I am wondering if you did anything different than is called out in the several web pages on Modifying the Signal Link USB?

PJH, N7PXY
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: SignalLink USB

In general the modifications documented on the several web pages
are sufficient. However, improving the power supply bypassing
and decoupling noise sources will also help the noise floor.

The big problem that none of the modifications address is the need
to run the Windows (digital) output at 100% in order for the VOX
to trigger properly. Unfortunately, the PCM29xx series USB CODEC
gets a little dirty at max output and with the unstable reference
to the op amps, the transmit distortion is only compounded *before*
the TX level control.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-07-04 2:54 PM, P.J.Hicks wrote:

> Joe, W4TV,
>
> You mentioned getting better performance out of a SLUSB by doing some
> modifications. I am wondering if you did anything different than is
> called out in the several web pages on Modifying the Signal Link
> USB?
>
> PJH, N7PXY
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list Home:
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: SignalLink USB

The "solution" is to run the SignaLink soundcard levels at a lower
output level so you do not encounter distortion.
With that being done, the SignaLink will likely not produce its PTT
output reliably.

With the K3, use VOX to initiate transmit rather than the SignaLink PTT
- it will work just fine provided you set the VOX gain level correctly.

For those who have doubts about my 'solution', consider that the
SignaLink uses the audio level to determine whether to activate its PTT
output. That is nothing more than a simplified VOX. The K3 VOX is much
better at detecting a particular audio level and activating transmit
than the SignaLink because the K3 VOX level is adjustable. So ignore the
SignaLink PTT output and use the K3 VOX instead to initiate transmit -
it will work much better.

The alternative is to use the data mode software to put the K3 into
transmit rather than depending on the SignaLink PTT output. Most data
mode applications have the capability to put the K3 into transmit via an
RS-232 command if you set the software up to do that.

In other words, do not fight the SignaLink limitations, use it as an
external soundcard only and ignore its other functions.
BUT then, a better quality external soundcard can be had at less than
half the price of a SignaLink and will do a better job.

Yes, the SignaLink with its cables specific for the radio you have makes
it easy for a beginner to get started, but that simplicity has its
limitations, and those limitations have already been expressed in this
thread.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/4/2015 7:40 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
>
> In general the modifications documented on the several web pages
> are sufficient. However, improving the power supply bypassing
> and decoupling noise sources will also help the noise floor.
>
> The big problem that none of the modifications address is the need
> to run the Windows (digital) output at 100% in order for the VOX
> to trigger properly. Unfortunately, the PCM29xx series USB CODEC
> gets a little dirty at max output and with the unstable reference
> to the op amps, the transmit distortion is only compounded *before*
> the TX level control.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: SignalLink USB

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

On Sat,7/4/2015 4:40 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> The big problem that none of the modifications address is the need
> to run the Windows (digital) output at 100% in order for the VOX
> to trigger properly. Unfortunately, the PCM29xx series USB CODEC
> gets a little dirty at max output and with the unstable reference
> to the op amps, the transmit distortion is only compounded *before*
> the TX level control.

And it's only a single channel USB interface. For $70, you can get an
ASUS Xonar U5, which is stereo and has great specs out of the box! There
are many situations in which having that stereo interface can be a very
good thing.

73, Jim K9YC
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jeff stai-2

Re: SignalLink USB

On Sat, Jul 4, 2015 at 6:47 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> And it's only a single channel USB interface. For $70, you can get an ASUS
> Xonar U5, which is stereo and has great specs out of the box! There are
> many situations in which having that stereo interface can be a very good
> thing.
>

Not the least of which is making full use of your KRX3 in RTTY contests and
DX pileups... 73 jeff wk6i

--
Jeff Stai ~ [hidden email]
Twisted Oak Winery ~ http://www.twistedoak.com/
Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/twistedoak
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k6dgw

Re: SignalLink USB

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Is the LINE OUT from the K3 2-channel if you have the KRX3? I'd look in
my Cady book except it's packed in a box and at the new house in NV. :-)

73,

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

On 7/4/2015 6:47 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> And it's only a single channel USB interface. For $70, you can get an
> ASUS Xonar U5, which is stereo and has great specs out of the box! There
> are many situations in which having that stereo interface can be a very
> good thing.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

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Lyle Johnson

Re: SignalLink USB

Yes

Lyle KK7P

Sent from my iPad

> On Jul 4, 2015, at 7:54 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Is the LINE OUT from the K3 2-channel if you have the KRX3? I'd look in my Cady book except it's packed in a box and at the new house in NV. :-)
>
> 73,
>
> Fred K6DGW
> - Northern California Contest Club
> - CU in the 50th Running of the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
> - www.cqp.org
>
>> On 7/4/2015 6:47 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>
>> And it's only a single channel USB interface. For $70, you can get an
>> ASUS Xonar U5, which is stereo and has great specs out of the box! There
>> are many situations in which having that stereo interface can be a very
>> good thing.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
> 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]

Jim Brown-10

Re: SignalLink USB

In reply to this post by k6dgw

On Sat,7/4/2015 7:54 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:
> Is the LINE OUT from the K3 2-channel if you have the KRX3?

Yes, with the right menu settings.

73, Jim K9YC
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k6dgw

Re: SignalLink USB

In reply to this post by Lyle Johnson

Thanks.

73,

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

On 7/4/2015 8:04 PM, Lyle wrote:

> Yes
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jul 4, 2015, at 7:54 PM, Fred Jensen <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Is the LINE OUT from the K3 2-channel if you have the KRX3? I'd
>> look in my Cady book except it's packed in a box and at the new
>> house in NV. :-)
>>