[Elecraft] K3 to arrive soon...what do I need ...???

[Dave G4AON]

George, I wouldn't rush out and buy anything just yet. The K3 will 
connect via an off the shelf 9 way RS232 serial lead to a PC. The K3 end 
needs a male connection.

N1MM will drive the K3 directly from the serial lead for CW keying. I 
also have a K1EL Winkey, but find my PC seems to key the K3 just fine 
via the serial lead without a Winkey. Programs such as Ham Radio Deluxe 
will also directly drive the K3 via the serial lead for TX/RX control, 
just add a pair of  audio leads to your PC, I used an off the shelf 
3.5mm stereo to stereo lead which I appreciate isn't quite correct as 
the K3 input is mono, but it works fine via the line in/out on the K3. 
The chances are you will have these items knocking around...

I have made an MMTTY hardware (single transistor from the "help files" 
in MMTTY) interface in the shell of a 15 way D plug, but only used it a 
couple of times as I use audio in/out with HRD for the most part. HRD 
has the advantage of displaying the real frequency of the RTTY or data 
tones on the waterfall display, not just audio frequencies.

So bottom line is, you don't need much to connect your K3 and computer 
together.

Microphones seem to not be an issue either, a Kenwood MC-43S works fine 
as a low cost fist mic, alternatively anything from a $1 computer 
headset from eBay to a Heil headset sound just fine. You don't need 
exotic microphones, listen to the monitor audio on headphones and adjust 
the mic level, compression and the TX equaliser.

My web site has a few hints and tips that might be useful too...

73 Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80
http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I recently sold an Icom 756 Pro II to make way for my K3. When it
arrives I would like to be able to control the K3 from N1MM and
Logger32. Up to now I have used a RigBlaster Pro between the computer
and the radio. I would also like to generate my cw using a microham
Winkeyer. Finally I also need to generate RTTY (fsk) from N1MM and
Logger32 to feed to the K3. While I might find using the built-in RTTY
facility appealing for ragchewing, I know that I would want to generate
the FSK externally from N1MM when contesting. From what I have read I
think I would no longer need the RigBlaster but would just use a direct
sound card connection. How do I control the radio via the PC?? Do I
just use the RS-232 connector or the ACC connector?? I'm trying to
determine whether I need to buy or make cables.... 73, K4GM George