[Elecraft] K3 operating tip: RTTY operation without a computer

[wayne burdick]

If you're a CW operator but would like to dabble a bit in RTTY 
(especially easy during a contest), you're in luck: You can use the 
K3's internal keyer to directly transmit RTTY. You can also copy RTTY 
on the K3's text display, making it a self-contained RTTY station -- no 
need to set up computer cables or software.

Just follow the procedure below (all parameters are saved, so you'll 
only need to do the setup one time).

1. Tap either end of MODE to get to DATA, then hold DATA MD and select 
FSK D.

2. Hold PITCH and select a mark tone; I use 915 Hz.

NOTE: No matter what pitch you select for FSK D mode, the K3's VFO will 
always show you your mark frequency. Thus there's no need to do any 
math to convert from an SSB suppressed-carrier frequency to the actual 
data carrier frequency. This makes RTTY operation very similar to CW: 
just tune in a signal and call them using the keyer paddle.

3. Hold TEXT DEC and turn the text decoder. You'll start seeing random 
noise characters on the VFO B display.

4. Tap CWT; the upper half of the S-meter will become an RTTY tuning 
aid. When tuning in signals, try to get the mark and space tones 
balanced in their number of bars on either side of the CWT pointer.

5. Set power to the desired level. The K3 can transmit at full power in 
RTTY mode.

6. Plug in a keyer paddle. Adjust the sidetone volume in CW mode (if 
necessary), then switch back to DATA mode.

7. Send a few characters with the paddle. If you don't hear the FSK 
signal, adjust the MONitor level (hold the CMP/PWR knob in to select 
MON level adjust). Note that you can adjust the levels in TX TEST mode, 
too, without putting out any power. This is a good way to practice with 
CW-to-RTTY.

8. If you pause, the K3 will remain in a data idle state for about 4 
seconds before automatically returning to receive mode. To cut the 4 
second timeout to about 1 second, you can send "..--" (IM prosign, for 
"IMmediately exit").

For further details, see the Owner's Manual, page 32 (revision C).

Have fun!

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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