[Elecraft] K3 - KDVR

[Lu Romero]

Gents:

Im trying to understand the need to even *consider* a KDVR
module.

I use N1MMLogger, and have for over 4 years now.  I can
record, not only messages, but numbers and letters and
phrases into the computer (pre-air processor, using my air
mic) and off air audio, up to the limiting amount of storage
that my computer's hard drive has (zillions and zillions of
messages, hours and hours of QSO's!).

The Logger software can parse the letters and numbers.  It
sends, not only pre-canned signal reports, but dynamic
callsigns and serial numbers live.  If I choose to, I dont
even have to talk at all in a SSB contest (ever work Jamie,
NS3T?  You worked a DVK!).

Not only this, but with the "Enter Sends Message" feature of
Logger, I input the callsign and hit the enter key, and the
software sequences the correct function key for the QSO step
automatically.  It even logs the Q when done and sends QRZ
for the next one.  

In multioperator situations, I can have all the operators
using the station record the messages and when they take
their shift, they press CTRL-O, put in their callsigns, and
the software will load the Logger's DVK with their own
personal voice message files automatically.

Although I use a MicroKeyer 2, K3 makes interfacing to the
computer as simple as plugging in the soundcard line out
into line in on the back of the radio and plugging the
soundcard in (not really needed, but useful if I set Logger
to record each QSO) into the line out of the K3.  So, worst
case, you need a USB to serial adaptor for CAT and two 1/8
inch stereo cables for audio I/O.

If I ever want to go portable or operate at another station
with my K3, I take my MicorKeyer 2 and the K3 interface
cable with me.  Then, one single USB cable is all that is
needed to interface the computer to the MicroKeyer 2 for
full DVK, CAT and all other feature functionality in SSB,
CW, RTTY and PSK, along with any other soundcard based mode
I desire to use (The MicroKeyer 2 has its own built in sound
card). 

By the way, N1MM Logger is Freeware.

I own lots of options for my K3, but KDVR is not one of
them.  Is there any compelling reason to even *own* this
accessory, other than having a computer-less environment
which, in today's contesting environment, is not going to be
very competitive (unless your QTH is P5, Mt. Athos or
something exotic)?

Lu Romero - W4LT
K3 S# 3192
 



Message: 8
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:22:23 -0700
From: "Andrew Faber" <andrewfaber at ymail.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - KDVR
To: "Brett Howard" <brett at livecomputers.com>,    "Barry
Pfeil"
    <barrypfeil at sbcglobal.net>
Cc: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>,    Fred
Jensen
    <k6dgw at foothill.net>
Message-ID: <002701ca4d03$a893f570$f200000a at BC.local>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed;
charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=original

Brett,
  As I see it the advantage is that you can send messages
from the keyboard 
(particularly useful if you have an SO2R setup with the
radios spread 
apart).  Furthermore, you can integrate the message sending
into the normal 
message sending functionality, like message repeating and
hitting ESC to 
stop it.  I do that with my logging program, CQPWIN, and
find it's more 
convenient than continually using the radio buttons. I do
have to have the 
program calibrate the length of each message first, to be
able to do the 
repeating properly.  It works fine.
  73, andy, ae6y
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Brett Howard" <brett at livecomputers.com>
To: "Barry Pfeil" <barrypfeil at sbcglobal.net>
Cc: "Elecraft Reflector" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>; "Fred
Jensen" 
<k6dgw at foothill.net>
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 10:30 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - KDVR


What makes this easier than just using the radio?  Seems to
me that
its just as easy to press M1 as F1...  Also now that VOX can
now stop
tx of a DVR message stopping it is as simple as pressing
nearly any
button or beginning a transmission.  Heck ESC would probably
also work
if you initiated w/ M1 if it works when you press F1.

BTH