[Elecraft] N3FJP FD Logger

[Jim Brown]

On Tue, 12 May 2009 11:00:46 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>FJP's software will not allow CW, PTT and rig control on one 
>port.  To do CW, PTT and Rig control requires three ports with 
>FJP software. 

To expand on Joe's answer, Writelog and N1MM Logger both DO 
support CW, PTT, and rig control on the same serial port. The K3 
can be set to take CW and PTT from the serial cable with no 
adapter. All you need is a cable with pins 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 wired 
straight through, set the logging software to send CW and/or PTT 
on serial, and follow the instructions in the K3 manual for 
RTS/DTR settings. 

Writelog and N1MM are much more powerful contest loggers, have 
lots of slick features, and take a bit longer to learn. But they 
are WELL worth the effort. N1MM is FREE. Writelog is not. I 
started with Writelog, used it for 2-3 years, switched to N1MM a 
few years ago and like it better. 

For improved RFI immunity, see instructions on my website for 
building a better serial cable using CAT5. This only matters in 
extreme situations, when the antenna is VERY close to the rig. 

I've never used FJP's package. Many folks like it as a "starter" 
program, but limitations like this one can make it more trouble 
than it's worth. 

I suggest that you download and install N1MM, study the "Quick 
Start Guide (excellent, by N4ZR) then use it for several hours in 
one or more contests between now and Field Day. By the time Field 
Day comes, you'll be pretty comfortable with it. 

73,

Jim K9YC