[Elecraft] How Do I Get My Elecraft On The Computer?

[Leigh L. Klotz, Jr. WA5ZNU]

Greg,

Using a second sound card is good because you are less likely to send
Windows beeps and boops.  The K3 includes transformers for isolation and
VOX, already so the Signalink USB has more than you need, since it
duplicates the isolation transfomers from the K3.

If you don't have Microsoft Vista, you can save $50 or with a cheaper
option (Griffin iMic or Creative Sound Blaster Play (USB) or similar
USB-based sound card).   With these, just use 1/8" miniature jack shielded
audio cables.

However, if you have Microsoft Vista, the Signalink USB may be your best
option as it is supported there and the company is ham-oriented, so
support will be good.  I believe you'll need their Un-terminated Radio
Cable option, and can just put the 1/8" audio jacks on.  It doesn't like
like they offer a pre-made cable that way already.

In any case, you'll need to key the transmitter. Here are three options:
1. VOX.  On the K3 this works well and will work with any of the above.
2. RS232.  This is my favorite, because it puts the program in charge of
TX and so it doesn't transmit accidentally on sound card noises.  Also,
your digital mode program can read the exact frequency and do other things
such as change filters when you press buttons, so it's very convenient.  
You'll need either an RS232 port on your computer, or a USB device, which
you can buy from Elecraft (though other brands may work).  It will work
with any of the above.
3. The Signalink USB has its own VOX circuit, so you'll need a connector
from it to the PTT IN jack on the K3, which is an RCA phono jack.  This is
more cables than #1 for the same functions, and less features than #2 for
the same cables.  Again, a good feature for hams with less radio than the
K3.

As for software, you can use the simple DigiPan, or step up to DM780, both
free.  fldigi (which I work on) is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac. 
Both are free and both include support for PSK31, MFSK, Olivia, and MT63,
which is a mode I'm told is used in MARS.  Both use data modem software
derived from the same source, so should have fairly similar performance. 
The user interface, though, is quite different, so try both and see which
one you like. Both include some SSTV support as well.

Adjust Line Out gain on your K3 to "3" (it goes higher but don't) and
adjust your sound card gain to get a good signal on RX.  On TX, make sure
you're not clipping the audio out of your sound card (a scope's a help
here, or just use a speaker) and then adjust the K3 mic gain knob when
you're in "DATA A" mode until the ALC meter hits the first big mark, but
no higher.  PSK31 requires a linear transmit chain; some other modes such
as MFSK aren't as sensitive.

73 es GL,
Leigh/WA5ZNU


> Ok, I got this Elecraft K3 a week ago. I want to see the radio on my
> monitor
> along with a scope. Anyone have their Elecraft on the screen? All I have
> is
> the USB cable that updates my K3 from the computer. Is this the cable I
> need
> and what kind of software? I am from "old school" so please step it down a
> notch so I can understand. I also want to use different digital modes on
> MARS like Olivia and Easy Pal and don't have a clue. Some say I need a
> external box like Signal Link so I don't burn up the sound card with too
> much audio. Anyone using digital modes on HF and also having the radio up
> on
> the screen.
>
> This is Signal Link's information. Do I need another cable than the USB
> one
> that is hooked to the radio for updates?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
>
>
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>