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Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

The SignaLink is only handling audio. You need a separate cable between
the radio and computer for CAT control.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 7/22/2017 11:18 AM, Tommy wrote:

> Hi Tim,
>
> Thanks for responding! I keep getting a "rig control error, do you
> want to reconfigure the radio interface?" when I key the radio. I've
> tried seemingly everything so far to no avail. I have the 2 signalink
> cables in the right ports and no matter what options I try in rig
> control I get the error. I HAVE ordered one of those USB sound cards
> but this signalink should work. I AM receiving signals and decoding
> them. Are you using the KXUSB with your set up and if so, whick port
> on the KX2 is it in? Right now I've got mine in the acc. jack. Like I
> said, I'm trying everything with no luck.
>
> Tom - KB2SMS
>
>
> On 07/22/2017 11:00 AM, KA9EAK wrote:
>> Tom:
>>
>> I just recently got FT8 going with my KX2. I also have a SignaLink
>> USB but
>> chose not to haul it along for portable operation. I purchased a
>> $6.49 USB
>> soundcard and it works great! If you are looking for a more portable
>> alternative I have the details of my configuration posted on my blog:
>> https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/fasten-your-seat-belts-for-ft8-camp/
>>
>> <https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/fasten-your-seat-belts-for-ft8-camp/>
>>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Tim
>> KA9EAK
>> https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/
>> <https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632631.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Tommy

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

Bob,

I have the appropriate cables for the Signalink to radio. Everything
is hooked up per instructions. I've even got my KXUSB cable connected
and I'm only able to receive and decode. Transmitting is now my problem.

SO frustrating.

Tom

On 07/22/2017 01:26 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

> The SignaLink is only handling audio. You need a separate cable
> between the radio and computer for CAT control.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 7/22/2017 11:18 AM, Tommy wrote:
>> Hi Tim,
>>
>> Thanks for responding! I keep getting a "rig control error, do
>> you want to reconfigure the radio interface?" when I key the radio.
>> I've tried seemingly everything so far to no avail. I have the 2
>> signalink cables in the right ports and no matter what options I try
>> in rig control I get the error. I HAVE ordered one of those USB sound
>> cards but this signalink should work. I AM receiving signals and
>> decoding them. Are you using the KXUSB with your set up and if so,
>> whick port on the KX2 is it in? Right now I've got mine in the acc.
>> jack. Like I said, I'm trying everything with no luck.
>>
>> Tom - KB2SMS
>>
>>
>> On 07/22/2017 11:00 AM, KA9EAK wrote:
>>> Tom:
>>>
>>> I just recently got FT8 going with my KX2. I also have a SignaLink
>>> USB but
>>> chose not to haul it along for portable operation. I purchased a
>>> $6.49 USB
>>> soundcard and it works great! If you are looking for a more portable
>>> alternative I have the details of my configuration posted on my blog:
>>> https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/fasten-your-seat-belts-for-ft8-camp/
>>>
>>> <https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/2017/07/21/fasten-your-seat-belts-for-ft8-camp/>
>>>
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Tim
>>> KA9EAK
>>> https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/
>>> <https://outbackofbeyond.wordpress.com/>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> View this message in context:
>>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632631.html
>>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
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>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
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>
>
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Tommy

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by KA9EAK

Tim,

My KX2 utility is not running. I unplugged the signalink USB cable
and replugged it in and the "Test cat" turns green. However, when I hit
that button it turns white then after a few seconds turns green again
but the radio does NOT key.

In my device manager I see a com3 and this shows up in WSJT-X but when
selected it still doesn't work.

This is insane. I'm receiving and decoding fine now, it's just the
transmit now that's my problem.

Tom

On 07/22/2017 01:09 PM, KA9EAK wrote:

> Tom:
>
> Yes, I am using the KX2 USB cable and it shows up on COM7 in my PC and yes,
> the 3.5mm plug is in the ACC jack on the radio.
>
> I was re-reading the thread and noticed that earlier in the thread KN3ILZ
> outlined the steps to configure. Your response of only USB in the Serial
> Port drop-down indicates that WSJT-X doesn't see the KX2 USB cable. I had
> this happen to me until I realized that I still had the KX2 utility app
> running. It had the com port. Once I shut that down the com port was freed
> and COM7 showed up in the Serial Port drop-down in WSJT-X. Is the KX2
> utility app still running on your PC?
>
> On the File\Settings\Radio tab I have selected the rig as Elecraft K3/KX3
> the serial port as COM7 and my PTT Method is CAT, not VOX.
>
> As KN3ILZ said, click the Test CAT button and if it turns green it's
> configured properly.
>
> I have the jumpers and cables for the SignaLink USB to KX2 as well. I've
> just never used them. If this hasn't solved the problem I can try it out
> with my SignaLink USB when I get home.
>
> 73,
>
> Tim
> KA9EAK
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632633.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
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KA9EAK

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

Sorry, yes, I shouldn't have added in the SignaLink comment in my reply as
that's not the problem.

In the PTT Method portion of the Radio dialog box is the PTT Method set to
"CAT" instead of "VOX"?

To clarify, the Port drop-down in the PTT Method portion of the Radio
settings tab is only enabled when you select DTR or RTS.

If I select either of these and select COM7 for my KX2 cable I can
successfully "Test CAT" but "Test PTT" does not key the radio.

If I select VOX "Test CAT" will work but "Test PTT" is greyed out (not an
option.)

If I select CAT both "Test CAT" functions and "Test PTT" keys the radio.

My settings for CAT Control are:

Serial Port: COM7
Baud rate: 38400 (matches the radio)
Data bits: 8
Stop bits: 2
Handshake: None
Force Contol Lines: DTR and RTS are blank

73,

Tim
KA9EAK

On Sat, Jul 22, 2017 at 12:44 PM, Tommy <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Tim,
>
> My KX2 utility is not running. I unplugged the signalink USB cable and
> replugged it in and the "Test cat" turns green. However, when I hit that
> button it turns white then after a few seconds turns green again but the
> radio does NOT key.
>
> In my device manager I see a com3 and this shows up in WSJT-X but when
> selected it still doesn't work.
>
> This is insane. I'm receiving and decoding fine now, it's just the
> transmit now that's my problem.
>
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
> On 07/22/2017 01:09 PM, KA9EAK wrote:
>
>> Tom:
>>
>> Yes, I am using the KX2 USB cable and it shows up on COM7 in my PC and
>> yes,
>> the 3.5mm plug is in the ACC jack on the radio.
>>
>> I was re-reading the thread and noticed that earlier in the thread KN3ILZ
>> outlined the steps to configure. Your response of only USB in the Serial
>> Port drop-down indicates that WSJT-X doesn't see the KX2 USB cable. I had
>> this happen to me until I realized that I still had the KX2 utility app
>> running. It had the com port. Once I shut that down the com port was freed
>> and COM7 showed up in the Serial Port drop-down in WSJT-X. Is the KX2
>> utility app still running on your PC?
>>
>> On the File\Settings\Radio tab I have selected the rig as Elecraft K3/KX3
>> the serial port as COM7 and my PTT Method is CAT, not VOX.
>>
>> As KN3ILZ said, click the Test CAT button and if it turns green it's
>> configured properly.
>>
>> I have the jumpers and cables for the SignaLink USB to KX2 as well. I've
>> just never used them. If this hasn't solved the problem I can try it out
>> with my SignaLink USB when I get home.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Tim
>> KA9EAK
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabb
>> le.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632633.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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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> 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]
>

Tommy

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

I have tried every way possible to this point. When I have CAT
selected I get a green test cat button, pushing it does nothing but turn
it white then after a few seconds it goes to green. Pushing test PTT
keys the rig, the button turns RED and I see no signal going out of the
radio. Choosing the VOX setting does nothing apparently. PTT is grayed
out and the test button does nothing and stays white. My CAT controls
are set like yours are.

ARRRRRG!

I REALLY appreciate everyone's help and patiences so far.

Tom - KB2SMS

On 07/22/2017 02:02 PM, Tim Boppre wrote:

> Sorry, yes, I shouldn't have added in the SignaLink comment in my
> reply as that's not the problem.
>
> In the PTT Method portion of the Radio dialog box is the PTT Method
> set to "CAT" instead of "VOX"?
>
> To clarify, the Port drop-down in the PTT Method portion of the Radio
> settings tab is only enabled when you select DTR or RTS.
>
> If I select either of these and select COM7 for my KX2 cable I can
> successfully "Test CAT" but "Test PTT" does not key the radio.
>
> If I select VOX "Test CAT" will work but "Test PTT" is greyed out (not
> an option.)
>
> If I select CAT both "Test CAT" functions and "Test PTT" keys the radio.
>
>
> My settings for CAT Control are:
>
> Serial Port: COM7
> Baud rate: 38400 (matches the radio)
> Data bits: 8
> Stop bits: 2
> Handshake: None
> Force Contol Lines: DTR and RTS are blank
>
>
> 73,
>
> Tim
> KA9EAK
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Sat, Jul 22, 2017 at 12:44 PM, Tommy <[hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> Tim,
>
> My KX2 utility is not running. I unplugged the signalink USB
> cable and replugged it in and the "Test cat" turns green. However,
> when I hit that button it turns white then after a few seconds
> turns green again but the radio does NOT key.
>
> In my device manager I see a com3 and this shows up in WSJT-X but
> when selected it still doesn't work.
>
> This is insane. I'm receiving and decoding fine now, it's just the
> transmit now that's my problem.
>
>
> Tom
>
>
>
>
> On 07/22/2017 01:09 PM, KA9EAK wrote:
>
> Tom:
>
> Yes, I am using the KX2 USB cable and it shows up on COM7 in
> my PC and yes,
> the 3.5mm plug is in the ACC jack on the radio.
>
> I was re-reading the thread and noticed that earlier in the
> thread KN3ILZ
> outlined the steps to configure. Your response of only USB in
> the Serial
> Port drop-down indicates that WSJT-X doesn't see the KX2 USB
> cable. I had
> this happen to me until I realized that I still had the KX2
> utility app
> running. It had the com port. Once I shut that down the com
> port was freed
> and COM7 showed up in the Serial Port drop-down in WSJT-X. Is
> the KX2
> utility app still running on your PC?
>
> On the File\Settings\Radio tab I have selected the rig as
> Elecraft K3/KX3
> the serial port as COM7 and my PTT Method is CAT, not VOX.
>
> As KN3ILZ said, click the Test CAT button and if it turns
> green it's
> configured properly.
>
> I have the jumpers and cables for the SignaLink USB to KX2 as
> well. I've
> just never used them. If this hasn't solved the problem I can
> try it out
> with my SignaLink USB when I get home.
>
> 73,
>
> Tim
> KA9EAK
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632633.html
> <http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Trying-to-get-on-FT-8-with-my-KX2-tp7632589p7632633.html>
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list:
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> <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
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>
>

Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

Speaking as someone who has run digital modes going back far enough to
have used a physical teletype machine with an ST-6....

I wouldn't bother with PTT. Sure, it seems right, but unless you're
trying to run AMTOR (which has an extremely short TX time), I'd just run
VOX. It works fine.

The audio signal from the soundcard, generated by the program is the PTT.

73 -- Lynn

On 7/22/2017 11:30 AM, Tommy wrote:
> I have tried every way possible to this point. When I have CAT
> selected I get a green test cat button, pushing it does nothing but turn
> it white then after a few seconds it goes to green. Pushing test PTT
> keys the rig, the button turns RED and I see no signal going out of the
> radio. Choosing the VOX setting does nothing apparently. PTT is grayed
> out and the test button does nothing and stays white. My CAT controls
> are set like yours are.
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Tommy

Tom,

If the TX LED on the KX2 turns on, the KX2 is going into transmit.
Put a dummy load on the KX2 so you don't clutter up the airways.

Once you have that, the next step is to set the audio level correctly.
You have 2 controls to manipulate - the KX2 MIC GAIN and the Line Out
setting for the soundcard in the computer.
You want to have a mid-range setting for the KX2 MIC Gain, so set that
first, then go to the computer and make a trial adjustment of the LINE
OUT (or Speaker) setting for the soundcard - about 50% is usually a good
starting point.

Then use your digital mode software to do a transmit.
Look at the KX2 ALC meter - you need to adjust the audio levels so you
have 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flickering.

Once you have achieved that condition, you should be ready to transmit
for real. Adjust the power with the KX2 power knob.
Ignore the internet (an possibly the software instructions) to adjust
the power level by changing the audio level. Those instructions are for
other transceivers, the Elecraft gear controls power differently. Set
the audio level correctly as indicated in the Elecraft manual and use
the power knob to adjust the output power.

On 7/22/2017 2:30 PM, Tommy wrote:

> I have tried every way possible to this point. When I have CAT
> selected I get a green test cat button, pushing it does nothing but turn
> it white then after a few seconds it goes to green. Pushing test PTT
> keys the rig, the button turns RED and I see no signal going out of the
> radio. Choosing the VOX setting does nothing apparently. PTT is grayed
> out and the test button does nothing and stays white. My CAT controls
> are set like yours are.
>
> ARRRRRG!
>
> I REALLY appreciate everyone's help and patiences so far.

Tommy

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

On 07/22/2017 03:06 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Tom,
>
> If the TX LED on the KX2 turns on, the KX2 is going into transmit.
> Put a dummy load on the KX2 so you don't clutter up the airways.

Dummy load being used.

> Once you have that, the next step is to set the audio level correctly.
> You have 2 controls to manipulate - the KX2 MIC GAIN and the Line Out
> setting for the soundcard in the computer.
> You want to have a mid-range setting for the KX2 MIC Gain, so set that
> first, then go to the computer and make a trial adjustment of the LINE
> OUT (or Speaker) setting for the soundcard - about 50% is usually a
> good starting point.

Already done.

> Then use your digital mode software to do a transmit.
> Look at the KX2 ALC meter - you need to adjust the audio levels so you
> have 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flickering.

While in transmit there is NO SIGNAL leaving the radio. NO power bars
show. Turning the mic gain does nothing.

Tom

>
> On 7/22/2017 2:30 PM, Tommy wrote:
>> I have tried every way possible to this point. When I have CAT
>> selected I get a green test cat button, pushing it does nothing but
>> turn it white then after a few seconds it goes to green. Pushing test
>> PTT keys the rig, the button turns RED and I see no signal going out
>> of the radio. Choosing the VOX setting does nothing apparently. PTT
>> is grayed out and the test button does nothing and stays white. My
>> CAT controls are set like yours are.
>>
>> ARRRRRG!
>>
>> I REALLY appreciate everyone's help and patiences so far.
>

Neil Zampella

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by KA9EAK

OK ... see below

On 7/22/2017 2:02 PM, Tim Boppre wrote:
> Sorry, yes, I shouldn't have added in the SignaLink comment in my reply as
> that's not the problem.
>
> In the PTT Method portion of the Radio dialog box is the PTT Method set to
> "CAT" instead of "VOX"?

Good ..

>
> To clarify, the Port drop-down in the PTT Method portion of the Radio
> settings tab is only enabled when you select DTR or RTS.
>
> If I select either of these and select COM7 for my KX2 cable I can
> successfully "Test CAT" but "Test PTT" does not key the radio.
>
> If I select VOX "Test CAT" will work but "Test PTT" is greyed out (not an
> option.)
>
> If I select CAT both "Test CAT" functions and "Test PTT" keys the radio.

Since you're getting a GREEN cat button when you click on Test CAT, the
Computer is connected to the rig properly. Since you're getting a RED
button on the Test PTT, you're good to go.

Make sure that the MODE is setup in WSJT-X as Data/PKT, as for split,
set it to RIG, this works great.

> My settings for CAT Control are:
>
> Serial Port: COM7
> Baud rate: 38400 (matches the radio)
> Data bits: 8
> Stop bits: 2
> Handshake: None
> Force Contol Lines: DTR and RTS are blank
>

Settings are good or you wouldn't get the GREEN button.

Now you say you're not transmitting. What is the MIC setting on the
rig?? If you're using the Signalink to control the audio to the RIG, you
should have the MIC set up around 20 to 25 for now. The WINDOWS
speaker setting for the Signalink should be at 100%, again since you're
controlling the audio to the rig via the signalink. You should then set
the Tx POWER out on the KX2 to what you want to use. Unlike other
radios, the KX-series (and I believe the K series) Tx power out is set
on the rig.

FInally, you want to bring up your ALC meter. Then find an empty
frequency, then click the tune button on WSJT-X. Now adjust the audio
TO THE RIG so that 4 SOLID bars are appearing on the ALC meter. You
can have a flickery 5th bar, but I don't.

Hope this helps.

Neil, KN3ILZ
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Tommy

Tom,

Sorry you are having so much trouble.
There is likely something that you are not relating to us because you
have not discovered it yet.

Do you have the KX2 set to DATA A mode? PSK D and FSK D do not respond
to audio input.

Do you have the jumpers in the SignaLink set correctly? See the
SignaLink software CD or contact their Technical Support folks.

Are you still using the Signalink or did you switch to an external USB
soundcard.
If the Signalink, set the TX gain control on it to about mid-scale and
try again.
There is a setting for the soundcard output level for the Signalink in
your computer as well.

Do you have an audio amplifier of some sort? Like an amp for an MP3
Player? or amplified computer speakers? or headphones? If so, connect
it to the Signalink rear panel "Monitor" jack to see if you hear audio.
If no audio there, you will have to work with the Signalink and computer
until you obtain audio. Remember that the Signalink is a one channel
soundcard - only the left channel will have audio. Once you have audio
out of the SignaLink, you should be able to obtain an indication on the
ALC meter. But take things one step at a time.

You might simplify the problem by switching to a plain USB external
soundcard.

If your KX2 works with a microphone, I the KX2 should also work with
audio from the soundcard.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/22/2017 4:24 PM, Tommy wrote:
>
>> Then use your digital mode software to do a transmit.
>> Look at the KX2 ALC meter - you need to adjust the audio levels so
>> you have 4 bars solid on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flickering.
>
> While in transmit there is NO SIGNAL leaving the radio. NO power bars
> show. Turning the mic gain does nothing.

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Bill Frantz

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Neil Zampella

If Tommy is using a SignaLink, he will also have to set the
transmit and receive level pots on the SignaLink. I have always
set mine fully clockwise -- full on.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 7/22/17 at 1:38 PM, [hidden email] (Neil Zampella) wrote:

>Now you say you're not transmitting. What is the MIC setting
>on the rig?? If you're using the Signalink to control the audio
>to the RIG, you should have the MIC set up around 20 to 25 for
>now. The WINDOWS speaker setting for the Signalink should be
>at 100%, again since you're controlling the audio to the rig
>via the signalink. You should then set the Tx POWER out on the
>KX2 to what you want to use. Unlike other radios, the
>KX-series (and I believe the K series) Tx power out is set on
>the rig.

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by KA9EAK

Tim and all,

The COM7 is the port that your particular computer has assigned to the
KXUSB cable's USB to serial adapter. Everyone else will have to
discover which COM port is assigned to their cable. It should be
briefly displayed on a Windows computer near the clock when it is
plugged in - or look in Device Manager to see which port is assigned.
Furthermore, if the USB port that the KXUSB is plugged into changes, the
COM port assigned can also change.

The KX2 and KXUSB cable has no connections for RTS and DTR - the only
valid lines are RXD and TXD. Even though the software supports PTT
using DTR or RTS, it cannot be used with the KX2. PTT via CAT command
or VOX operation are the only possible methods of putting the KX2 into
Transmit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/22/2017 2:02 PM, Tim Boppre wrote:

>
> My settings for CAT Control are:
>
> Serial Port: COM7
> Baud rate: 38400 (matches the radio)
> Data bits: 8
> Stop bits: 2
> Handshake: None
> Force Contol Lines: DTR and RTS are blank
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Tommy

Tom,

Rather than trying to work with FT-8, you might want to initially try
Fldigi - I think it may be easier, and if that works, then the trouble
finger points to the software for FT-8.

Take all the information we have given you about setting audio levels -
they should be the same (or close).

In Fldigi setup, select HamLib and in the rig box, select KX3 (or K3).
Also select "Use Hamlib", and check the "PTT via CAT command" box.
Tell Hamlib which COM port is associated with the KXUSB.

Then in Fldigi, select PSK31. There is a canned message to send CQ.
Click it and the software should go to transmit.
Does the red TX LED light on the KX2? It should.
Set the KX2 to DATA A mode.

Then make adjustments of the KX2 MIC Gain, SignaLink computer output
soundcard slider and the TX gain control on the SignaLink box to achieve
4 bars solid with the 5th bar flickering on the KX2 ALC meter (ignore
the power output for now).

Once you have those settings correct, you will know that the SignaLink
and the KX2 are capable of transmitting.

Go back to your original software and try again. If it does not work
with little or no change in the gain levels, either you have a bad
software installation or there is something wrong in the software settings.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/22/2017 2:30 PM, Tommy wrote:
> I have tried every way possible to this point. When I have CAT
> selected I get a green test cat button, pushing it does nothing but turn
> it white then after a few seconds it goes to green. Pushing test PTT
> keys the rig, the button turns RED and I see no signal going out of the
> radio. Choosing the VOX setting does nothing apparently. PTT is grayed
> out and the test button does nothing and stays white. My CAT controls
> are set like yours are.
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KA9EAK

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Tom:

I just hooked up my SignaLink USB and it works fine and just completed an
FT8 QSO with K7TN as a test.

The radio control settings (File\Settings\Radio tab) are the same as they
were with the USB soundcard as nothing would have caused this to change.

The audio settings did change (File\Settings\Audio tab) as the SignaLink
appears as "USB Audio CODEC" in my PC and that is what is set for input and
output.

As stated by W3FPR, I tried setting the Soundcard Output setting to "Right"
and while the rig was keyed for transmit there was no output. It works with
Left, Both, or Mono. Perhaps take a look at that setting. It's just to the
right of the Soundcard Output drop-down.

My SignaLink TX level is at about 1 o'clock and the RX level is at about 2
o'clock.

The Pwr slider on the far right of the WSJT-X display (next to the macro
section) is set to about 90%. The Windows Audio level for the speaker is
set to 90% as well. Check them both. They aren't the same control.

The Mic Gain on the KX2 is set to 16.

Just for fun I rigged up a female-to-female 3.5mm audio jack. I plugged the
Radio output cable from the SIgnaLink (the one with the RJ45 connector)
that goes to the MIC jack on the KX2 into one jack and a pair of ear buds
in the other jack. I then set WSJT-X to transmit to check for audio output
from the PC. It worked fine. As W3FPR said earlier, it's SSB so if the rig
is keying and there isn't any output perhaps there isn't any audio coming
out of the PC and\or SignaLink. It's worth a check.

73,

Tim
KA9EAK

On Sat, Jul 22, 2017 at 4:25 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Tim and all,
>
> The COM7 is the port that your particular computer has assigned to the
> KXUSB cable's USB to serial adapter. Everyone else will have to discover
> which COM port is assigned to their cable. It should be briefly displayed
> on a Windows computer near the clock when it is plugged in - or look in
> Device Manager to see which port is assigned.
> Furthermore, if the USB port that the KXUSB is plugged into changes, the
> COM port assigned can also change.
>
> The KX2 and KXUSB cable has no connections for RTS and DTR - the only
> valid lines are RXD and TXD. Even though the software supports PTT using
> DTR or RTS, it cannot be used with the KX2. PTT via CAT command or VOX
> operation are the only possible methods of putting the KX2 into Transmit.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/22/2017 2:02 PM, Tim Boppre wrote:
>
>
>> My settings for CAT Control are:
>>
>> Serial Port: COM7
>> Baud rate: 38400 (matches the radio)
>> Data bits: 8
>> Stop bits: 2
>> Handshake: None
>> Force Contol Lines: DTR and RTS are blank
>>
>

Neil Zampella

Re: Trying to get on FT-8 with my KX2

In reply to this post by Neil Zampella

See below ..

On 7/22/2017 5:58 PM, Bjorn Pehrson wrote:

> Neil,
>
> Two newbie questions regarding your item 3 below, the two 2.5mm cables:
>
> - My USB audio fob has 3.5mm female contacts, so I need 3.5 mm male
> contacts in that end
>
> - Where to hook up the other ends? In the KX3 I suppose, but both the
> mic and the phone contacts are 3.5mm females, so why 2.5mm, or was
> that just a typo? Do you mean 3.5mm?
>

That was a typo ... its 3.5 mm, sorry ... the Elecraft KX3-PCKT cable
set has these : a 3.5mm stereo right-angle to straight through cable
(green band), a 3.5mm stereo right-angle tostraight through cable (red
band). This is what I use.

> Thanks for clarification
>
> Bjorn, SA0BXI
>
>
> On 2017-07-21 15:14, Neil Zampella wrote:
>> Tom,
>>
>> Why are you using a Signalink ??? Its not needed for WSJT-X, and
>> I'm not sure that its needed for any other digital mode. You can
>> connect the KX to your computer using the steps below.
>>
>> 1. Find yourself a good USB external soundcard that provides a
>> 48,000 Hz DVD quality INPUT and OUTPUT. WSJT-X requires this, you
>> can pick one up at Amazon for less than $30, or get a good one for
>> $70. I'm not sure the Signalink provides that DVD quality out.
>> 2. Use the KUSB cable for CAT control. WSJT-X will use it for PTT
>> and Freq control.
>> 3. Get two 2.5mm cables for the stereo in and out and hook them up
>> to the external soundcard.
>> 4. Set the Windows audio in for the soundcard at 100, and use the
>> AF knob to set the dB in to WSJT-X
>> 5. Use the rig's PWR knob to set the output power, and then when
>> in tx, set the MIC knob to show 4 bars of ALC
>>
>> That's it ... in WSJT-X set the rig for K3/KX3, set the serial port
>> as the same one that the KUSB is assigned to, baud rate at 38400, 8
>> data bits, 2 stop bits, no handshake, PTT at CAT, Mode at Data/Pkt,
>> Split at RIG. Once its setup, the TEST CAT button there should turn
>> green, you can then click the TEST PTT and it will kick the rig in.
>>
>> Hope this helps,
>>
>> Neil, KN3ILZ
>>
>>
>>
>> On 7/21/2017 8:08 AM, Tommy wrote:
>>> Hi folks,
>>>
>>> Trying to get WSJT-X going with FT8 and my new KX2. I keep
>>> getting a "/Hamlib error/: IO /error/ while opening connection to
>>> rig" error. I have the right cables and jumper module in the
>>> signalink, Radio selection is KX3 (it's supposed to work), USB and
>>> VOX is selected and VOX is ON. 8 bits, one stop and handshake NONE.
>>> No matter what I do I still get the error.
>>>
>>> Any ideas please? It's driving me nuts! This shouldn't be this
>>> difficult. Any help appreciated.
>>>
>>> Tom - KB2SMS
>>>
>>>
>>
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>>
>
>
>
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