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Upgrade to KIO3B?

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K4KGG

Upgrade to KIO3B?

Group -

I'm wondering whether an upgrade to KIO3B would be a step
forward or a step backward for me. My current setup, which works FB,
uses two outboard USB sound cards. One outboard sound card runs CW
Skimmer using a Softrock SDR, K3IF out, and one laptop USB port. The
second sound card does digital modes and, having left and right
channels, allows me to work RTTY SO2V in N1MM+. It uses the K3 line in
and line out ports and a second laptop USB port. A third laptop USB
connects the laptop to the K3 RS232 port for radio control and logging.
LP Bridge creates the virtual com ports that make the K3 logging
software and sound cards work together. I use DXLab for routine logging,
N1MM+ for contest logging.

My reading of the available info about the KIO3B is that when
the USB port in the KIO3B is connected to a radio, the line in, line out
ports will be disabled. How would I make my setup work with the KIO3B?

K4KGG, Larry
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

Larry,

To work with the KIO3B you would eliminate the soundcard that is
currently being used for the linein and lineout - it would also
eliminate one USB to serial adapter, but yes, you would have to
eliminate the Linein to the K3 (lineout can still work).

Since you already have your system running, and you already have the
investment in the soundcard and USB to serial adapter, I would suggest
that you not upgrade until those devices fail for you.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/26/2015 11:42 AM, Larry Libsch wrote:

> Group -
>
> I'm wondering whether an upgrade to KIO3B would be a step
> forward or a step backward for me. My current setup, which works FB,
> uses two outboard USB sound cards. One outboard sound card runs CW
> Skimmer using a Softrock SDR, K3IF out, and one laptop USB port. The
> second sound card does digital modes and, having left and right
> channels, allows me to work RTTY SO2V in N1MM+. It uses the K3 line in
> and line out ports and a second laptop USB port. A third laptop USB
> connects the laptop to the K3 RS232 port for radio control and
> logging. LP Bridge creates the virtual com ports that make the K3
> logging software and sound cards work together. I use DXLab for
> routine logging, N1MM+ for contest logging.
>
> My reading of the available info about the KIO3B is that when
> the USB port in the KIO3B is connected to a radio, the line in, line
> out ports will be disabled. How would I make my setup work with the
> KIO3B?
>

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

In reply to this post by K4KGG

> My reading of the available info about the KIO3B is that when the USB
> port in the KIO3B is connected to a radio, the line in, line out
> ports will be disabled. How would I make my setup work with the
> KIO3B?

That is not correct. The K3S analog "Line Out" audio goes to both the
input of the USB CODEC and the Line Out jack at all times. Connecting
a plug to the Line In jack *disconnects* the output of the USB CODEC
and uses analog audio instead of the audio from the internal USB sound
card (USB CODEC).

The USB "serial port" can be used independently of the USB sound card
by making the appropriate selections in the configuration menu.

You could eliminate one USB sound card (for digital modes) and the USB
to serial converter in your SO2V configuration by using the KIO3B but I
doubt that you will see any increase in performance if the USB sound
card is of reasonable quality.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/26/2015 11:42 AM, Larry Libsch wrote:

> Group -
>
> I'm wondering whether an upgrade to KIO3B would be a step
> forward or a step backward for me. My current setup, which works FB,
> uses two outboard USB sound cards. One outboard sound card runs CW
> Skimmer using a Softrock SDR, K3IF out, and one laptop USB port. The
> second sound card does digital modes and, having left and right
> channels, allows me to work RTTY SO2V in N1MM+. It uses the K3 line in
> and line out ports and a second laptop USB port. A third laptop USB
> connects the laptop to the K3 RS232 port for radio control and logging.
> LP Bridge creates the virtual com ports that make the K3 logging
> software and sound cards work together. I use DXLab for routine logging,
> N1MM+ for contest logging.
>
> My reading of the available info about the KIO3B is that when
> the USB port in the KIO3B is connected to a radio, the line in, line out
> ports will be disabled. How would I make my setup work with the KIO3B?
>
> K4KGG, Larry
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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>

K4KGG

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

In reply to this post by K4KGG

Don, Joe,

Thanks for your replies. I'll stick with my USB sound cards for
now.

K4KGG, Larry

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Edward R Cole

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

In reply to this post by K4KGG

Larry,

Considering your current configuration is working with the KIO3A,
probably easier to stay with it.

My situation is a bit simpler as I just run digital modes with DATA-A
and the line-in and line-out lines with my USB/RS232 conversion cable
connecting RTS/DTR lines to the K3: "Not broken so why fix it?".

Having direct USB interface for my K3 offers little inducement to
upgrade the KIO3. I have two SYN boards to install which I will use
on 630m very nicely and should possibly improve receive due to lower
phase noise.

So like you, I will defer the upgrade...at least for now.

I am sticking with my old XP32 computer and will soon disconnect it
from the internet, running exclusively ham applications. My
internet/e-mail will be transferred to a laptop which has win10.

If/when my old stuff croaks then upgrades may be in order, but my
soundcards are not supported by win10 and most replacements do not
check out well for my special applications (dual-pol adaptive
reception of eme signals in diversity mode).

73, Ed - KL7UW
busy working on 2M amps

Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2015 13:12:17 -0500
From: Larry Libsch <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Upgrade to KIO3B?
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

Don, Joe,

Thanks for your replies. I'll stick with my USB sound cards for
now.

K4KGG, Larry

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
"Kits made by KL7UW"
Dubus Mag business:
[hidden email]

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Joel Black-2

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

Ed et al.,

I use OS X and have been looking at an upgrade from my E-MU 0204. This device is no longer available from Creative Labs and doesn’t appear to be supported any longer either.

I have been looking at the Focusrite 2i2 and trying to compare specs of it with the E-MU 0204. Without having one (the 2i2) in hand, I cannot do a side-by-side comparison. I am thinking of ordering one and seeing if it is comparable to the E-MU 0204.

From the looks of and reading about the 2i2, it appears that you could hook two radios to it. I’m thinking the K3 w/ second receiver into Line 1 and the I and Q of the KX3 into Line 2. Line 1 and Line 2 are the Neutrik connectors and I *think* stereo (someone please correct me if I’m wrong) which would allow you to hook up the way I’m thinking.

If someone knows about the Focusrite 2i2 (or other product) that is OS X 10.11-capable, please inform the group. I’m looking for something in the $100 - 150 price range. The devices that Jim (K9YC) recommends will work with OS X but not with *all* functionality (i.e. the Sonar U7 will not enable the buttons and volume adjustment in OS X the last I read).

On another note, I’ve still not convinced myself that the K3SYNA upgrades are useful to me and my casual operating. I would have liked to gone with the KIO3B except for the price point (about which I am *not* complaining - it is what it is).

Regards,
Joel - W4JBB

> On Dec 26, 2015, at 7:30 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Larry,
>
> Considering your current configuration is working with the KIO3A, probably easier to stay with it.
>
> My situation is a bit simpler as I just run digital modes with DATA-A and the line-in and line-out lines with my USB/RS232 conversion cable connecting RTS/DTR lines to the K3: "Not broken so why fix it?".
>
> Having direct USB interface for my K3 offers little inducement to upgrade the KIO3. I have two SYN boards to install which I will use on 630m very nicely and should possibly improve receive due to lower phase noise.
>
> So like you, I will defer the upgrade...at least for now.
>
> I am sticking with my old XP32 computer and will soon disconnect it from the internet, running exclusively ham applications. My internet/e-mail will be transferred to a laptop which has win10.
>
> If/when my old stuff croaks then upgrades may be in order, but my soundcards are not supported by win10 and most replacements do not check out well for my special applications (dual-pol adaptive reception of eme signals in diversity mode).
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> busy working on 2M amps
>
> Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2015 13:12:17 -0500
> From: Larry Libsch <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Upgrade to KIO3B?
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> Don, Joe,
>
> Thanks for your replies. I'll stick with my USB sound cards for
> now.
>
> K4KGG, Larry
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

> Line 1 and Line 2 are the Neutrik connectors and I *think* stereo
> (someone please correct me if I’m wrong) which would allow you to
> hook up the way I’m thinking.

After tracking down a manual on the 2i2 it looks like Line 1 and
Line 2 are two *mono* channels. You could connect one radio. If
you are looking for a four channel device, the 2i4 may be more in
line with the E-MU 0204 but not in the sub $100 price range.

I have no answer to any of the OS-X related questions - if you can
use two radios at the same time, etc. with the Focusrite boxes. An
alternative is the Presonus AudioBox series - IIRC, they were a
favorite of W7AY with his OS-X systems - although Presonus seems to
be 30 - 50% more expensive than the equivalent Focusrite products.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 12/27/2015 8:53 AM, Joel Black wrote:

> Ed et al.,
>
> I use OS X and have been looking at an upgrade from my E-MU 0204.
> This device is no longer available from Creative Labs and doesn’t
> appear to be supported any longer either.
>
> I have been looking at the Focusrite 2i2 and trying to compare specs
> of it with the E-MU 0204. Without having one (the 2i2) in hand, I
> cannot do a side-by-side comparison. I am thinking of ordering one
> and seeing if it is comparable to the E-MU 0204.
>
> From the looks of and reading about the 2i2, it appears that you
> could hook two radios to it. I’m thinking the K3 w/ second receiver
> into Line 1 and the I and Q of the KX3 into Line 2. Line 1 and Line 2
> are the Neutrik connectors and I *think* stereo (someone please
> correct me if I’m wrong) which would allow you to hook up the way I’m
> thinking.
>
> If someone knows about the Focusrite 2i2 (or other product) that is
> OS X 10.11-capable, please inform the group. I’m looking for
> something in the $100 - 150 price range. The devices that Jim (K9YC)
> recommends will work with OS X but not with *all* functionality (i.e.
> the Sonar U7 will not enable the buttons and volume adjustment in OS
> X the last I read).
>
> On another note, I’ve still not convinced myself that the K3SYNA
> upgrades are useful to me and my casual operating. I would have liked
> to gone with the KIO3B except for the price point (about which I am
> *not* complaining - it is what it is).
>
> Regards, Joel - W4JBB
>
>> On Dec 26, 2015, at 7:30 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Larry,
>>
>> Considering your current configuration is working with the KIO3A,
>> probably easier to stay with it.
>>
>> My situation is a bit simpler as I just run digital modes with
>> DATA-A and the line-in and line-out lines with my USB/RS232
>> conversion cable connecting RTS/DTR lines to the K3: "Not broken so
>> why fix it?".
>>
>> Having direct USB interface for my K3 offers little inducement to
>> upgrade the KIO3. I have two SYN boards to install which I will
>> use on 630m very nicely and should possibly improve receive due to
>> lower phase noise.
>>
>> So like you, I will defer the upgrade...at least for now.
>>
>> I am sticking with my old XP32 computer and will soon disconnect it
>> from the internet, running exclusively ham applications. My
>> internet/e-mail will be transferred to a laptop which has win10.
>>
>> If/when my old stuff croaks then upgrades may be in order, but my
>> soundcards are not supported by win10 and most replacements do not
>> check out well for my special applications (dual-pol adaptive
>> reception of eme signals in diversity mode).
>>
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW busy working on 2M amps
>>
>> Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2015 13:12:17 -0500 From: Larry Libsch
>> <[hidden email]> To: [hidden email] Subject: Re:
>> [Elecraft] Upgrade to KIO3B? Message-ID:
>> <[hidden email]> Content-Type: text/plain;
>> charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>>
>> Don, Joe,
>>
>> Thanks for your replies. I'll stick with my USB sound cards for
>> now.
>>
>> K4KGG, Larry
>>
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag
>> business: [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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> email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to
> [hidden email]
>

Robert Nobis - N7RJN

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

In reply to this post by Joel Black-2

Joel,

I am using the TASCAM US-366 with both my K3 (dual receiver in diversity mode) and KX-3. I am running multiple instances of WSJT-X (rev 1.6). The TASCAM US-322 should work well also. Both are available at Amazon.com. TASCAM provides drivers for OS-X.

I believe newer models of these are the US-2x2 and US-4x4.

You might be correct with your statement “Sonar U7 will not enable the buttons and volume adjustment in OS X”. I do not see any drivers for OS-X listed on the ASUS web page for the U7, nor does their manual indicate compatibility with OS X.

73

Bob Nobis - N7RJN
[hidden email]

> On Dec 27, 2015, at 06:53, Joel Black <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Ed et al.,
>
> I use OS X and have been looking at an upgrade from my E-MU 0204. This device is no longer available from Creative Labs and doesn’t appear to be supported any longer either.
>
> I have been looking at the Focusrite 2i2 and trying to compare specs of it with the E-MU 0204. Without having one (the 2i2) in hand, I cannot do a side-by-side comparison. I am thinking of ordering one and seeing if it is comparable to the E-MU 0204.
>
> From the looks of and reading about the 2i2, it appears that you could hook two radios to it. I’m thinking the K3 w/ second receiver into Line 1 and the I and Q of the KX3 into Line 2. Line 1 and Line 2 are the Neutrik connectors and I *think* stereo (someone please correct me if I’m wrong) which would allow you to hook up the way I’m thinking.
>
> If someone knows about the Focusrite 2i2 (or other product) that is OS X 10.11-capable, please inform the group. I’m looking for something in the $100 - 150 price range. The devices that Jim (K9YC) recommends will work with OS X but not with *all* functionality (i.e. the Sonar U7 will not enable the buttons and volume adjustment in OS X the last I read).
>
> On another note, I’ve still not convinced myself that the K3SYNA upgrades are useful to me and my casual operating. I would have liked to gone with the KIO3B except for the price point (about which I am *not* complaining - it is what it is).
>
> Regards,
> Joel - W4JBB
>
>> On Dec 26, 2015, at 7:30 PM, Edward R Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Larry,
>>
>> Considering your current configuration is working with the KIO3A, probably easier to stay with it.
>>
>> My situation is a bit simpler as I just run digital modes with DATA-A and the line-in and line-out lines with my USB/RS232 conversion cable connecting RTS/DTR lines to the K3: "Not broken so why fix it?".
>>
>> Having direct USB interface for my K3 offers little inducement to upgrade the KIO3. I have two SYN boards to install which I will use on 630m very nicely and should possibly improve receive due to lower phase noise.
>>
>> So like you, I will defer the upgrade...at least for now.
>>
>> I am sticking with my old XP32 computer and will soon disconnect it from the internet, running exclusively ham applications. My internet/e-mail will be transferred to a laptop which has win10.
>>
>> If/when my old stuff croaks then upgrades may be in order, but my soundcards are not supported by win10 and most replacements do not check out well for my special applications (dual-pol adaptive reception of eme signals in diversity mode).
>>
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>> busy working on 2M amps
>>
>> Date: Sat, 26 Dec 2015 13:12:17 -0500
>> From: Larry Libsch <[hidden email]>
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Upgrade to KIO3B?
>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>>
>> Don, Joe,
>>
>> Thanks for your replies. I'll stick with my USB sound cards for
>> now.
>>
>> K4KGG, Larry
>>
>> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>> http://www.kl7uw.com
>> "Kits made by KL7UW"
>> Dubus Mag business:
>> [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Upgrade to KIO3B?

I was able to set the levels on my Asus Xonar U5 under El Capitan usingthe Audio MIDI Setup app (found in the 'Other' compartment on the firstpage of the App Launcher). I run the Mac OS X version of WSJT-X nicely,although I do fire up Parallels 11 and Windows 7 Home Premium to run HRD.
There ARE issues with USB in general with Parallels 11, particularly whenusing a USB hub, which have been reported by me and other users, andare being investigated by Parallels Engineering. The workaround is to unplugand replug the USB devices when shifting between Parallels 11 and OS X.(In my particular configuration, this entails the FTDI RS232/USB cable for the K3,and the Asus Xonar U5's cable, going to an early-2015 13" rMBP)
73 de N1HO(@yahoo.com)

Robert Nobis <[hidden email]> wrote:
You might be correct with your statement “Sonar U7 will not enable the buttons and volume adjustment in OS X”. I do not see any drivers for OS-X listed on the ASUS web page for the U7, nor does their manual indicate compatibility with OS X.

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