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what am I doing wrong?

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KC6CNN

what am I doing wrong?

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Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: what am I doing wrong?

What rig type?

--Ian

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA EM74ua
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team

On 4/23/2012 7:58 PM, KC6CNN wrote:

> I have been trying to make a contact in psk31 mode for two weeks. I have not
> had any luck. Settings are good on software. Signalink works had a CW
> contact with it. But call CQ and answer cq's and both luck on 20 , 30, or 40
> meters.
> Is there anyone who experienced this and located a problem. I'm stumped.
>
> --
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Matt Zilmer

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

Are you using PSK31 "normal" frequencies? You can find these at
http://www.podxs070.com/common-psk31-operating-frequencies.
There is a good explanation about why these common frequencies are
best to use for trying to make PSK31 contacts.

If you can't get anyone else by CQing, drop me a line at this email
address and we'll set up a sked.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:58:26 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:

>I have been trying to make a contact in psk31 mode for two weeks. I have not
>had any luck. Settings are good on software. Signalink works had a CW
>contact with it. But call CQ and answer cq's and both luck on 20 , 30, or 40
>meters.
>Is there anyone who experienced this and located a problem. I'm stumped.
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KC6CNN

Re: what am I doing wrong?

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Jim Dunstan

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by Matt Zilmer

At 05:30 PM 4/23/2012 -0700, you wrote:

Hi

First thing is to listen in to PSK conversations. I assume you have no
problem hearing PSK signals.

Jim, VE3CI

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KC6CNN

Re: what am I doing wrong?

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Greg - AB7R

Re: what am I doing wrong?

Gerald,

Are you using a digital mode program or trying to use psk direct from the
radio? If software, what program?

73
Greg
AB7R
On Apr 23, 2012 6:08 PM, "Gerald Manthey" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> No problem and I decode them fine.
> On Apr 23, 2012 8:07 PM, "Jim Dunstan" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > At 05:30 PM 4/23/2012 -0700, you wrote:
> >
> > Hi
> >
> > First thing is to listen in to PSK conversations. I assume you have no
> > problem hearing PSK signals.
> >
> > Jim, VE3CI
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
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> >
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Ian Kahn, KM4IK

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

OK. You're using the K3 set to DATA - DATA A mode. So far so good.
How is the rig connected to your computer? Directly or through an
interface? How are you keying the rig? This sounds like the big
question here. Are you using VOX, DTR/RTS, or direct COM port keying?
What software are you using?

We need a bit more information so we can help you out.

73,

--Ian

Ian Kahn, KM4IK
Roswell, GA EM74ua
[hidden email]
K3 #281, P3 #688
HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team

On 4/23/2012 9:07 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote:

> No problem and I decode them fine.
> On Apr 23, 2012 8:07 PM, "Jim Dunstan"<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> At 05:30 PM 4/23/2012 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> First thing is to listen in to PSK conversations. I assume you have no
>> problem hearing PSK signals.
>>
>> Jim, VE3CI
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>>
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>>
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

Data A is the proper sub-mode for PSK31.

Do you have your audio level set correctly? Compression should be zero, but
Increase the audio until you see 4 bars illuminated with the 5th bar
flickering on the ALC scale.
Use the power knob to set the desired power level.
With the K2, K3 and KX3, ignore the setup information that you often see
on the web - the way Elecraft controls power is different.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/23/2012 8:53 PM, Gerald Manthey wrote:

> Using K3. I'm using data a for mode. Is that maybe the problem?
> On Apr 23, 2012 7:30 PM, "Matt Zilmer"<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Are you using PSK31 "normal" frequencies? You can find these at
>> http://www.podxs070.com/common-psk31-operating-frequencies.
>> There is a good explanation about why these common frequencies are
>> best to use for trying to make PSK31 contacts.
>>
>> If you can't get anyone else by CQing, drop me a line at this email
>> address and we'll set up a sked.
>>
>>

KC6CNN

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: what am I doing wrong?

Gerald,

Your SignaLink by default is plugged for Mic level output - and if you
have the SignaLink line out cable connected to the K3 Line-in, you need
to change a jumper to increase the audio out to line level (see the
SignaLink instructions). Currently, you do not have enough audio coming
into the K3.

Whatever the situation with SignaLink and the K3 connections, you need
to see 4 bars solid on the ALC scale with the 5th bar flickering.

Set the K3 into TX TEST (no RF output) while you play with those level
settings. Once you have achieved the correct audio drive levels, all
should be downhill from there - adjust the power knob for the desired RF
output power and make contacts.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/23/2012 11:57 PM, KC6CNN wrote:

> Ok, Let me start again, but this time from the computer.
> I have a Elecraft K3 and it is hooked up to a signalink. Going to my lap top
> which is running a older version of HRD. I decode PSK31 fine business. I am
> putting out about 25 watts and have yet to make a contact. I did name a
> contact on CW, but everything I try in PSK doesnt work.
> I check out what Don had told me and I do not have anything showing on the
> ALC in Data A mode.
> No matter if I turn up the line in gain or the tx knob on the signalink.
> My output meter shows 25 watts, but no alc. The compression is off. and I
> have the center marker set for 1500 on the software.
>
> agc is fast. atu in active, swr on 40 meters is 1.0 - 1 and am using fl1 2.8
> as the transmit filter.
>
> hope this helps explain some, so I can try to figure this out.
> Thanks for all the replies and help. nice to have this reflector and a great
> bunch of hams on here.
>
> any and all ideals are greatly appreciated.
> Gerald - KC6CNN
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/what-am-I-doing-wrong-tp7493647p7494185.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
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>

KC6CNN

Re: what am I doing wrong?

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Joel Black-2

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Gerald,

Make *sure* you follow Tigertronic's setup procedures for the
SignaLink. Pay special attention to the part about audio levels both
input and output.

For my SignaLink, my MIC gain is about 29 and LIN OUT is about 10 (it
may vary from rig to rig). Compression is 0 (or off), but I *think*
compression is "unsettable" in DATA A. Inside the SignaLink, my
transmit jumper is strapped and my receive jumper is un-strapped.

Do what Don said about putting it in test and set the ALC. Once you get
that done, take it out of test. Don't do like me and leave it in test. ;)

73,
Joel - W4JBB

On 4/23/2012 11:13 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> Gerald,
>
> Your SignaLink by default is plugged for Mic level output - and if you
> have the SignaLink line out cable connected to the K3 Line-in, you need
> to change a jumper to increase the audio out to line level (see the
> SignaLink instructions). Currently, you do not have enough audio coming
> into the K3.
>
> Whatever the situation with SignaLink and the K3 connections, you need
> to see 4 bars solid on the ALC scale with the 5th bar flickering.
>
> Set the K3 into TX TEST (no RF output) while you play with those level
> settings. Once you have achieved the correct audio drive levels, all
> should be downhill from there - adjust the power knob for the desired RF
> output power and make contacts.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 4/23/2012 11:57 PM, KC6CNN wrote:
>> Ok, Let me start again, but this time from the computer.
>> I have a Elecraft K3 and it is hooked up to a signalink. Going to my lap top
>> which is running a older version of HRD. I decode PSK31 fine business. I am
>> putting out about 25 watts and have yet to make a contact. I did name a
>> contact on CW, but everything I try in PSK doesnt work.
>> I check out what Don had told me and I do not have anything showing on the
>> ALC in Data A mode.
>> No matter if I turn up the line in gain or the tx knob on the signalink.
>> My output meter shows 25 watts, but no alc. The compression is off. and I
>> have the center marker set for 1500 on the software.
>>
>> agc is fast. atu in active, swr on 40 meters is 1.0 - 1 and am using fl1 2.8
>> as the transmit filter.
>>
>> hope this helps explain some, so I can try to figure this out.
>> Thanks for all the replies and help. nice to have this reflector and a great
>> bunch of hams on here.
>>
>> any and all ideals are greatly appreciated.
>> Gerald - KC6CNN

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

Gerald,

That is great news, have fun and make lots of contacts.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/24/2012 1:17 AM, KC6CNN wrote:

> You Are the Man DON.
> Changed Jumper jp4 and got alc movement.
> Set it to 4 bars solid and the fith just blinking and got alc movement.
>
>
> Now to make a psk contact.
>
> Thank all of you for your help.
>
> Gerald - KC6CNN
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/what-am-I-doing-wrong-tp7493647p7494548.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
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Tony Estep

Re: what am I doing wrong?

In reply to this post by KC6CNN

On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:57 PM, KC6CNN <[hidden email]> wrote:

> ...I have a Elecraft K3 and it is hooked up to a signalink.....

============
Take the Signalink out of the system. It adds nothing and something about
its setup could be the problem.

It's easy to do: just remove it and run the cables that went to the
Signalink directly to the K3. Audio out from the computer goes to Line In,
and Line out goes to the computer's mic in or line in.

Before you try to transmit, do this: temporarily disconnect the cable
coming from the computer's audio out so that sounds coming from the
computer are audible on the computer's speakers. Then try to transmit. The
K3 should go into transmit, but you should hear the warble coming out of
the computer speakers.

Note that the volume of this warble is controlled by the Windows speaker
panel; to bring it up, right-click on the speaker icon at the right edge of
the taskbar. Set it to be pretty loud.

Now you know that the rig will go into transmit and that audio is being
sent to it. This is exactly the same as the setup for SSB, so if you can
talk on your K3, you can transmit PSK on it.

Once you get to this point, just plug the audio cable back into the
computer and tweak the levels as Don has described. Leave the Signalink out
permanently.

73,
Tony KT0NY

--
http://www.isb.edu/faculty/facultydir.aspx?ddlFaculty=352
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N5GE-2

Re: what am I doing wrong?

That is not the right solution, especially if one wants to use their computer's
sound card for it's designated duties.

I have a SignalLink and it was the easiest set up I've done for digital modes.

Features I like that sound cards don't have...

1. Old fashioned Power on/off button
2. LED PTT Indicator
3. Old fashioned TX level adjustment knob.
4. Old fashioned RX level adjustment knob.
5. Old fashioned Delay adjustment knob.

Don't throw your SignaLink away! Once you have it set up you can use the
computer sound card for it's designated purpose(s).

73,
Tom
Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

"Farmers rotate crops to keep their land strong.
Voters can keep THEIR LAND STRONG by rotating
politicians at the ballot box each term."
-- Otis Mukinfus --
http://www.otismukinfus.com

On Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:26:04 -0500, Tony Estep <[hidden email]> wrote:

>On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:57 PM, KC6CNN <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> ...I have a Elecraft K3 and it is hooked up to a signalink.....
>
>============
>Take the Signalink out of the system. It adds nothing and something about
>its setup could be the problem.
>
>It's easy to do: just remove it and run the cables that went to the
>Signalink directly to the K3. Audio out from the computer goes to Line In,
>and Line out goes to the computer's mic in or line in.
>
>Before you try to transmit, do this: temporarily disconnect the cable
>coming from the computer's audio out so that sounds coming from the
>computer are audible on the computer's speakers. Then try to transmit. The
>K3 should go into transmit, but you should hear the warble coming out of
>the computer speakers.
>
>Note that the volume of this warble is controlled by the Windows speaker
>panel; to bring it up, right-click on the speaker icon at the right edge of
>the taskbar. Set it to be pretty loud.
>
>Now you know that the rig will go into transmit and that audio is being
>sent to it. This is exactly the same as the setup for SSB, so if you can
>talk on your K3, you can transmit PSK on it.
>
>Once you get to this point, just plug the audio cable back into the
>computer and tweak the levels as Don has described. Leave the Signalink out
>permanently.
>
>73,
>Tony KT0NY

Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
ARRL Lifetime Member
QCWA Lifetime Member

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