[Elecraft] AGC Setting for PSK-31

[Don Wilhelm]

Those of you who have a desktop computer with an available PCI slot and 
are looking for an alternative soundcard at a lesser price, you might 
want to find a SoundBlaster Live 24 as an add-on.  It is a 24 bit 
soundcard that can operate duplex and has a decent dynamic range and 
good S/N ratio.

I have mine configured as the default soundcard because I like to listen 
to good music and do recordings.  I will also use it for the receiving 
end of my Z10000/Softrock panadapter when that project is finsihed.

I then use the stock on-board computer soundcard (not the default card) 
for digital modes since I can see little difference in the *usable* 
dynamic range - (my computer uses a SoundMAX) - it is not the greatest, 
but it does OK for me in digital modes.

The net result is that Windows sounds can occur 'on-top' of my music or 
panadapter output, but I will not be transmitting those sounds because I 
do not use this default card for data modes.

If you are using a laptop for the shack computer, then you best choice 
is an external USB soundcard.  I prefer to use a desktop computer in the 
hamshack.

73,
Don W3FPR

Adam Koczarski wrote:
>   
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Joe Subich, W4TV [mailto:lists at subich.com]
>> Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2009 4:27 PM
>> To: 'Adam Koczarski'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] AGC Setting for PSK-31
>>
>> That's fine if no other program (or Windows) decides to send
>> something to the sound card while you are transmitting.  It
>> also works if you don't run anything else while running DM780.
>> However, there are reasons for a second sound card ... and a
>> need for other station control/interfacing capabilities in
>> some of the "purpose built" interfaces.
>>
>> If you are comfortable with the capabilities of your built-in
>> soundcard, congratulations.
>>
>>     
> You're absolutely correct. That dawned on me after I sent the message. I'm
> using a laptop with only a few radio related programs installed on it for
> use with my K3. I guess disabling the Windows sounds would be the best
> solution if you don't have enough sound cards to run the apps you're using.
> I already have two, one for the LP-PAN and the internal card I'm using for
> data transmissions, so I guess I'd need a third sound card.
>
>   
>