[Elecraft] N1MM config questions

[Dick Dievendorff]

Hi, Steve!

N1MM can activate the PTT and CW keying lines, but you'll need to fashion or
acquire a single-transistor switch (see http://aa5au.com/rttyinterface.html
for examples) for the DTR and/or RTS lines.  I'd create two switches, one
for PTT and another for the CW line.  W3YY also makes a cute little board
for this, http://www.w3yy.com/fsk.htm. The N1MM site also describes this at
http://pages.cthome.net/n1mm/html/English/Interfacing.htm.

If you're using a USB to Serial adapter for your RS-232 keying interface,
there may be some "gotchas" depending on your USB to Serial Adapter. I'm not
up-to-date on this, but plan to spend a little time with your breadboard
version before committing to use this as your only technique.

Some users have reported CW "stuttering" with some computer OS versions,
which is why a WinKey device is so popular with contesters.  Sometimes the
CW stuttering doesn't occur until late into the contest, when there's a lot
of CPU or disk activity when you log a new QSO. Minimizing the disk I/O of
other programs is essential if you're trying to send quality CW from a
computer with a time-sharing OS (e.g., all versions of Windows).  Others
have had no trouble at all.  

Your wife insisted that you acquire a K3?  What a gem she must be!

73 de Dick, K6KR


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Steve Robinson
Sent: Friday, March 05, 2010 12:00 PM
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] N1MM config questions

My lovely bride of almost 32 years has recently insisted that I buy a K3 for
my belated birthday present, so I did (what a woman). I am starting with the
basic kit that includes the 100 watt amp and 2.8Khz and 400Hz Inrad 8 pole
filters. That is it. Building the kit was a lot of fun and #3979 is happily
on the air.

So far I have serial communications with N1MM Logger so I can change
frequencies from the TNC or bandmap window. I am looking for sage advice
with respect to keying and audio. I do have a RIGblaster plus here but can I
key the rig from the serial cable? So far I have N1MM set for the proper
serial port talking to the K3 at 38400-N-8-1-1-DTR and RTS Always On. If I
can key it with this cable, I could toss the RIGblaster aside and try some
of the recent audio hints I have read here in the last day or so, but please
advise on this too if you can.

I know I am still pretty unfamiliar with the rig but I hope to get on any
way this weekend when I can. It¹s nice to be part of this new family. Thanks
for reading this and thanks in advance!
-- 
Steve WU9B
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