[Elecraft] K3: Driving Data Modes Using Dell Dimension 8400

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > Snag is, the Dell's integral SoundMax, although it has Line In
 > that receives well from the K3 Line Out, doesn't seem to have
 > any provision of Line Out that I can see.  Just teeing off the
 > line to the usual amplified speakers seems a bit crude and
 > adding an outboard sound card is expensive and rather negates
 > the K3's advantage.

I don't know that adding an outboard (USB) soundcard is necessarily
expensive and there are some significant advantages in a separate
soundcard connected to the radio.  If all you need is the sound
card (that is you don't want additional functions like rig control
or voice keyer, etc.) you can get a pure USB soundcard for less
that $25:

For "digital mode" use only, a C-Media based  "dongle" with combined
line/mic in and stereo line out is less that $20:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829128002

If you want separate mic and line in for use with contest software
like WriteLog or N1MM Logger, a suitable device is the GWC AA 1500
for $22 or Encore ENMAB-8CM for $25:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829126101
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829180006

Neither device is a "high end" soundcard and will not compete with
the e-mu and m-Audio devices used with LP-Pan or Softrock for
panadapter operation but they are solid mid-performance devices
that provide more than adequate performance for amateur audio based
digital modes (e.g. Line in/Line Out operation).


73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

On 4/27/2010 1:03 PM, ALAN GARD wrote:
> Hi to the Group.
>
> Sorry if this is a bit OT, but here goes.
>
> I'm just getting back into data modes (first time on K3), particularly WSPR.  It's great that the K3 provides Lines In&  Out obviating the need for terminal units and such.
>
> Snag is, the Dell's integral SoundMax, although it has Line In that receives well from the K3 Line Out, doesn't seem to have any provision of Line Out that I can see.  Just teeing off the line to the usual amplified speakers seems a bit crude and adding an outboard sound card is expensive and rather negates the K3's advantage.
>
> I'd be interested if anyone has found a more elegant way of using this particular computer.
>
> 73 de Alan G4LWA
>
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