Using K3 KIO3B USB with Writelog

[Ken Widelitz]

What Port Settings would I use in Writelog to grab the frequency from the
Elecraft K3 using the new KIO3B USB connection?

 

Also, how would I set up the KIO3B USB computer audio out to the K3 mic in
with a SO2R configuration? Currently, the stereo audio out from the computer
goes to a mic splitter box with isolation transformers to a mono left and
mono right output that goes to each K3's mic connector. My thought is I need
to specify separate sound cards in the Writelog Sound Board Mixer and bypass
the mic splitter box. How important would the isolation transformers be with
the KIO3B sound card for mic input? I haven't plugged the KIO3B in to the
computer yet so I'm not sure how I designate which K3 USB Sound Card is
which. I just got the K3's back from being upgraded and wanted to make sure
everything was working with my old RS-232/computer sound card configuration
first.

 

BTW, as to my new Elecraft P3 upgrades, the PVGA is amazingly cool. Haven't
gotten to the TXMON functions yet.

 

Excuse the dual posting to the Elecraft  and Writelog reflectors, but my
inquiries cover both.

 

73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT

 

 

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[Ed Muns]

The WriteLog Ports settings are the same as before.  The Com port number
needs to be the same in WriteLog as in the K3 USB port on your PC.

There are no isolation transformers because the audio in and out of the K3
is digital via USB.  Your PC will now list an additional sound card which is
the K3.  Select that sound card for your mic input.

When you first connect the USB cable between the PC and K3, Windows will
find the USB and Codec drivers and install them.  Wait for that standard
Windows process to complete.  Then you will have an additional Port device
called USB something in Device Manager.  Under Soundcards, there will be a
new Codec which is the K3.

If you are using one PC for SO2R with two K3s, then the PC will show two new
soundcards, one for each K3.  The PC will also show two new Ports, one for
each K3.  As far as knowing which soundcard and port go with which K3, only
plug one USB cable in at first and note which Com port it installs with.
Change that Com port number if you wish, but remember what it is for that
specific K3.  Go into the Soundcard section of Device Manager and rename the
K3 soundcard to something like "K3-right".  Then, plug in the second K3 and
repeat.  If you ever get confused, just unplug one of them and see what
remains.

No splitters or isolation transformers are needed.  That is the whole point
of the KIO3B.   ;>)

Ed W0YK

-----Original Message-----
From: WriteLog [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ken
Widelitz
Sent: 24 December, 2015 21:21
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: [WriteLog] Using K3 KIO3B USB with Writelog

What Port Settings would I use in Writelog to grab the frequency from the
Elecraft K3 using the new KIO3B USB connection?

 

Also, how would I set up the KIO3B USB computer audio out to the K3 mic in
with a SO2R configuration? Currently, the stereo audio out from the computer
goes to a mic splitter box with isolation transformers to a mono left and
mono right output that goes to each K3's mic connector. My thought is I need
to specify separate sound cards in the Writelog Sound Board Mixer and bypass
the mic splitter box. How important would the isolation transformers be with
the KIO3B sound card for mic input? I haven't plugged the KIO3B in to the
computer yet so I'm not sure how I designate which K3 USB Sound Card is
which. I just got the K3's back from being upgraded and wanted to make sure
everything was working with my old RS-232/computer sound card configuration
first.

 

BTW, as to my new Elecraft P3 upgrades, the PVGA is amazingly cool. Haven't
gotten to the TXMON functions yet.

 

Excuse the dual posting to the Elecraft  and Writelog reflectors, but my
inquiries cover both.

 

73, Ken, K6LA / VY2TT

 

 

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[Jim Brown-10]

On Fri,12/25/2015 6:39 AM, Ed Muns wrote:
> No splitters or isolation transformers are needed.  That is the whole point
> of the KIO3B.

WRONG! The need for isolation transformers is a total fallacy. No
isolation transformers are needed with ANY radio if proper, simple
chassis-to-chassis bonding of all interconnected equipment is done in
the shack. It's easy and cheap -- all it takes is short lengths of
plain, ordinary copper wire.

Study http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf

The tutorial is a bit long because I have to bust the "ground loop" myths.

Otherwise, nothing wrong with Ed's detailed advice. EXCEPT -- Windows
defines a COM port when you plug in a device that is new to it. It
remembers that assignment as long as you plug the same device into the
SAME USB PORT on the computer. But if you plug it into a DIFFERENT USB
port, Windows will think it's a new device, and assign ANOTHER COM port
to it. SO -- be careful to keep notes of which devices (rigs, mice,
etc.) are plugged into which USB ports. It's real easy to end up with a
mess if you don't!  Ask me how I know. :)

73, Jim K9YC
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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> But if you plug it into a DIFFERENT USB port, Windows will think it's
> a new device, and assign ANOTHER COM port to it.

That's true only in so far as the USB device does not have a unique
serial number.  The USB device descriptor in the EEPROM has a place
for a serial number but many manufacturers do not make use of it.
If the device is "numbered", it can be moved from port to port and
the virtual COM number will not change.  Unfortunately, many hardware
manufacturers do not take the time to provide/program a hardware serial
number before shipping their products - they rely on the chip maker's
default device descriptor and drivers.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 12/25/2015 11:56 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Fri,12/25/2015 6:39 AM, Ed Muns wrote:
>> No splitters or isolation transformers are needed.  That is the whole
>> point
>> of the KIO3B.
>
> WRONG! The need for isolation transformers is a total fallacy. No
> isolation transformers are needed with ANY radio if proper, simple
> chassis-to-chassis bonding of all interconnected equipment is done in
> the shack. It's easy and cheap -- all it takes is short lengths of
> plain, ordinary copper wire.
>
> Study http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf
>
> The tutorial is a bit long because I have to bust the "ground loop" myths.
>
> Otherwise, nothing wrong with Ed's detailed advice. EXCEPT -- Windows
> defines a COM port when you plug in a device that is new to it. It
> remembers that assignment as long as you plug the same device into the
> SAME USB PORT on the computer. But if you plug it into a DIFFERENT USB
> port, Windows will think it's a new device, and assign ANOTHER COM port
> to it. SO -- be careful to keep notes of which devices (rigs, mice,
> etc.) are plugged into which USB ports. It's real easy to end up with a
> mess if you don't!  Ask me how I know. :)
>
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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[Rick Tavan-2]

Thanks, Joe! I've wondered about this for years - that some devices' port
numbers wander and others persist. You've solved a conundrum!

73,

Rick N6XI

On Fri, Dec 25, 2015 at 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> But if you plug it into a DIFFERENT USB port, Windows will think it's
>> a new device, and assign ANOTHER COM port to it.
>>
>
> That's true only in so far as the USB device does not have a unique
> serial number.  The USB device descriptor in the EEPROM has a place
> for a serial number but many manufacturers do not make use of it.
> If the device is "numbered", it can be moved from port to port and
> the virtual COM number will not change.  Unfortunately, many hardware
> manufacturers do not take the time to provide/program a hardware serial
> number before shipping their products - they rely on the chip maker's
> default device descriptor and drivers.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 12/25/2015 11:56 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>
>> On Fri,12/25/2015 6:39 AM, Ed Muns wrote:
>>
>>> No splitters or isolation transformers are needed.  That is the whole
>>> point
>>> of the KIO3B.
>>>
>>
>> WRONG! The need for isolation transformers is a total fallacy. No
>> isolation transformers are needed with ANY radio if proper, simple
>> chassis-to-chassis bonding of all interconnected equipment is done in
>> the shack. It's easy and cheap -- all it takes is short lengths of
>> plain, ordinary copper wire.
>>
>> Study http://k9yc.com/GroundingAndAudio.pdf
>>
>> The tutorial is a bit long because I have to bust the "ground loop" myths.
>>
>> Otherwise, nothing wrong with Ed's detailed advice. EXCEPT -- Windows
>> defines a COM port when you plug in a device that is new to it. It
>> remembers that assignment as long as you plug the same device into the
>> SAME USB PORT on the computer. But if you plug it into a DIFFERENT USB
>> port, Windows will think it's a new device, and assign ANOTHER COM port
>> to it. SO -- be careful to keep notes of which devices (rigs, mice,
>> etc.) are plugged into which USB ports. It's real easy to end up with a
>> mess if you don't!  Ask me how I know. :)
>>
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

--

Rick Tavan
Truckee, CA
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