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What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

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What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3, Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm Doctrine." "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1, Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked. Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires" when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then try to return?
TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
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Don Wilhelm

Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Steve,

I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
SignaLink itself is producing audio.

It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.

If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
Are you using VOX in the K3?
Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
Something else?

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
>
> Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3, Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm Doctrine." "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1, Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked. Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
> My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires" when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then try to return?
> TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
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Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

TNX for prompt reply.
As per "Wilhelm Doctrine," VOX is on in software. VOX is off in K3.

73 de W3UEC (Steve)

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 9:20 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Steve,

I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
SignaLink itself is producing audio.

It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.

If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
Are you using VOX in the K3?
Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
Something else?

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
>
> Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3, Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm Doctrine." "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1, Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked. Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
> My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires" when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then try to return?
> TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
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Don Wilhelm

Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Steve,

I believe setting VOX on in the software will not work unless you have
VOX turned on in the K3.
You can use PTT via CAT command in the software and leave VOX turned off
in the K3.
Alternately, turn VOX on in the K3 and tell the software that you are
using VOX in the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 10:00 AM, Stephen Dubin wrote:

> TNX for prompt reply.
> As per "Wilhelm Doctrine," VOX is on in software. VOX is off in K3.
>
> 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 9:20 am
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3,
> Signalink)
>
> Steve,
>
> I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
> Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
> SignaLink itself is producing audio.
>
> It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.
>
> If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
> is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
> or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
> Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
> Are you using VOX in the K3?
> Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
> Something else?
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
> >
> > Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3,
> Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had
> trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go
> back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed
> said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before
> -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm
> Doctrine." "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX
> on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many
> CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on
> WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will
> not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't
> help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1,
> Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked.
> Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
> > My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires"
> when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps
> should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did
> before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then
> try to return?
> > TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Here is a link to the instructions from Signalink:
http://www.tigertronics.com/pgmsetup.htm#WSJT-X

Part of that file says:
WSJT-X

    Click File, then click Settings.
    In the new window that opens, click the General tab and enter your call in the My Call text box.
** Click the Radio tab and select "None" in the Rig drop-down menu. Select "Vox" as the PTT Method. Note that your radio's VOX setting should be OFF. This setting simply allows the SignaLink USB to control PTT
    Click the Audio tab and select "USB Audio Codec" for both the Input and Output sound card. If using Windows Vista/7/8.x/10, then you'll need to select "Microphone - USB Audio Codec" for "Input" and "Speakers - USB Audio Codec" for "Output".
    Click the OK button to close the Settings window.
    Set the "PWR" slider on the WSJT-X main window (right-hand side of screen) to the second notch from the top (roughly -5.1db). Note that if you lower this slider too much the SignaLink USB will NOT switch into transmit! See details below.
    WSJT-X is a complex program so please take some time to read the WSJT-X users guide!

That is why I set VOX on in the Software, and off on my K3. Pretty much anything else generates an error box. What is confusing to me is that it worked OK this way before and only fails when my daughter is watching :-{

73 de W3UEC (Steve, the mystified)

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 11:01 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Steve,

I believe setting VOX on in the software will not work unless you have
VOX turned on in the K3.
You can use PTT via CAT command in the software and leave VOX turned off
in the K3.
Alternately, turn VOX on in the K3 and tell the software that you are
using VOX in the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 10:00 AM, Stephen Dubin wrote:

Don Wilhelm

Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

Steve,

The K3 still has to go into transmit via either PTT or VOX.
That can happen if you are using the Signalink cable to the 8 pin mic
jack --
However, if you are using the Signalink LINE IN/LINE OUT connections to
the K3 rear panel, you also need to connect the Signalink PTT output to
the K3 PTT input.

Alternately, you can set VOX to ON in the K3 - it works fine.

Unfortunately, those Signalink instructions do not cover all cases.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 1:09 PM, Stephen Dubin wrote:

> Here is a link to the instructions from Signalink:
> http://www.tigertronics.com/pgmsetup.htm#WSJT-X
>
> Part of that file says:
> WSJT-X
>
>     Click File, then click Settings.
>     In the new window that opens, click the General tab and enter your
> call in the My Call text box.
> ** *Click the Radio tab and select "None" in the Rig drop-down menu.
> Select "Vox" as the PTT Method. Note that your radio's VOX setting
> should be OFF. This setting simply allows the SignaLink USB to
> control PTT*
>     Click the Audio tab and select "USB Audio Codec" for both the
> Input and Output sound card. If using Windows Vista/7/8.x/10, then
> you'll need to select "Microphone - USB Audio Codec" for "Input" and
> "Speakers - USB Audio Codec" for "Output".
>     Click the OK button to close the Settings window.
>     Set the "PWR" slider on the WSJT-X main window (right-hand side of
> screen) to the second notch from the top (roughly -5.1db). Note that
> if you lower this slider too much the SignaLink USB will NOT switch
> into transmit! See details below.
>     WSJT-X is a complex program so please take some time to read the
> WSJT-X users guide!
>
> That is why I set VOX on in the Software, and off on my K3. Pretty
> much anything else generates an error box. What is confusing to me is
> that it worked OK this way before and only fails when my daughter is
> watching :-{
>
> 73 de W3UEC (Steve, the mystified)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 11:01 am
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3,
> Signalink)
>
> Steve,
>
> I believe setting VOX on in the software will not work unless you have
> VOX turned on in the K3.
> You can use PTT via CAT command in the software and leave VOX turned off
> in the K3.
> Alternately, turn VOX on in the K3 and tell the software that you are
> using VOX in the K3.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 6/5/2018 10:00 AM, Stephen Dubin wrote:
> > TNX for prompt reply.
> > As per "Wilhelm Doctrine," VOX is on in software. VOX is off in K3.
> >
> > 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>>
> > To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>;
> Elecraft <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
> > Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 9:20 am
> > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3,
> > Signalink)
> >
> > Steve,
> >
> > I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
> > Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
> > SignaLink itself is producing audio.
> >
> > It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.
> >
> > If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
> > is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
> > or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
> > Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
> > Are you using VOX in the K3?
> > Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
> > Something else?
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> >
> > On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
> > >
> > > Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3,
> > Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had
> > trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go
> > back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed
> > said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before
> > -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm
> > Doctrine."   "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX
> > on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many
> > CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on
> > WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will
> > not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't
> > help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1,
> > Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked.
> > Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
> > > My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires"
> > when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps
> > should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did
> > before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then
> > try to return?
> > > TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
>

Neil Zampella

Re: What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

So you're saying that if you select K3 as the rig, and PTT to use CAT,
you get error messages?

FWIW .. FT8 mode DEFINITELY needs CAT control, especially if you're
going to be chasing any DXpeditions as they will be using the Fox &
Hounds mode. It also makes sure that when you send spots to PSK
Reporter, Hamspots or any other spotting location you have the correct band.

Neil, KN3ILZ

On 6/5/2018 1:09 PM, Stephen Dubin wrote:

> Here is a link to the instructions from Signalink:
> http://www.tigertronics.com/pgmsetup.htm#WSJT-X
>
> Part of that file says:
> WSJT-X
>
>      Click File, then click Settings.
>      In the new window that opens, click the General tab and enter your call in the My Call text box.
> ** Click the Radio tab and select "None" in the Rig drop-down menu. Select "Vox" as the PTT Method. Note that your radio's VOX setting should be OFF. This setting simply allows the SignaLink USB to control PTT
>      Click the Audio tab and select "USB Audio Codec" for both the Input and Output sound card. If using Windows Vista/7/8.x/10, then you'll need to select "Microphone - USB Audio Codec" for "Input" and "Speakers - USB Audio Codec" for "Output".
>      Click the OK button to close the Settings window.
>      Set the "PWR" slider on the WSJT-X main window (right-hand side of screen) to the second notch from the top (roughly -5.1db). Note that if you lower this slider too much the SignaLink USB will NOT switch into transmit! See details below.
>      WSJT-X is a complex program so please take some time to read the WSJT-X users guide!
>
> That is why I set VOX on in the Software, and off on my K3. Pretty much anything else generates an error box. What is confusing to me is that it worked OK this way before and only fails when my daughter is watching :-{
>
> 73 de W3UEC (Steve, the mystified)
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
> Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 11:01 am
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)
>
>
> Steve,
>
> I believe setting VOX on in the software will not work unless you have
> VOX turned on in the K3.
> You can use PTT via CAT command in the software and leave VOX turned off
> in the K3.
> Alternately, turn VOX on in the K3 and tell the software that you are
> using VOX in the K3.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 6/5/2018 10:00 AM, Stephen Dubin wrote:
>> TNX for prompt reply.
>> As per "Wilhelm Doctrine," VOX is on in software. VOX is off in K3.
>>
>> 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
>> To: Stephen Dubin <[hidden email]>; Elecraft <[hidden email]>
>> Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 9:20 am
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3,
>> Signalink)
>>
>> Steve,
>>
>> I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
>> Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
>> SignaLink itself is producing audio.
>>
>> It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.
>>
>> If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
>> is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
>> or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
>> Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
>> Are you using VOX in the K3?
>> Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
>> Something else?
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
>>> Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3,
>> Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had
>> trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go
>> back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed
>> said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8." I used same settings as before
>> -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm
>> Doctrine."   "Time,is" says my system time is good. Software has VOX
>> on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many
>> CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on
>> WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will
>> not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't
>> help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1,
>> Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked.
>> Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
>>> My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires"
>> when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps
>> should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did
>> before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then
>> try to return?
>>> TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
>