[Elecraft] external soundcards for digimodes

[Don Wilhelm]

Chris,

Typically, the more bits in the Soundcard A-D conversion, the better the 
dynamic range.  There is also the noise floor of the soundcard to consider.

Most internal soundcards are 16 bit while the upgrades are typically 24 
bits for the A-D.

The Soundblaster Live or Soundblaster Audiogy are good alternatives 
IMHO, are available in USB connected external versions as well as 
internal cards and will do a good job overall.  They are a bit more 
noisy than the Delta-44, but not a pricey.  Depending on your 
applications and your OS, there may be some differences in the drivers 
available - check the various forums to get a feeling for any 
troublespots - the SDR forums are a good resource for that information.

I doubt that you will notice a great difference with the better cards 
for most data modes, although your receiving noise floor could be 
improved with a good 24 bit card.  If you have interest in Software 
Defined Radio, go for the best you can find that fits within your budget.

73,
Don W3FPR

Chris Gibson wrote:
> My own interest in the K3 is principally (but not exclusively) the
> digimodes. For that reason I was interested in the suggestion of Simon,
> HB9DRV that there might be an operational gain in using a "better" sound
> card than that on the PC motherboard. I don't know enough about computing to
> make judgements, and it would help me (and others in my position) if more
> knowledgeable and experienced folk on the list could offer advice on the
> following questions.
>
>