[Elecraft] kx3 and sdr software

[Edward R. Cole]

For simple receive-only SDR sw this will work as most have a 
soundcard interface option, but I still see a problem controlling the 
KX3 VFO, mode changing, and transmitter Keying without sw dependent 
drivers for the KX3.  This is definitely out of my expertise but 
based on getting new hardware to work with certain SDR programs.

I'm not saying it can't be done; I am saying a computer programmer 
will have make a KX3 driver for some SDR sw out there.  LP-Pan is the 
most simple of SDR and is not tuned and is receive-only.  Spectravue 
controls the frequency in the SDR-IQ via USB.  I can use Spectravue 
for the LP-Pan because the only connection needed is the soundcard 
(which Spectravue supports).  But without a driver I still don't see 
how Spectravue can control the KX3.  You say CAT (that's not a 
universal standard, is it?).

I'm sure, in time, that sw programmers will support interfacing to 
the KX3 from many of the SDR programs out there.  Initially, many do 
support soundcard input as long as the KX3 VFO manually tuned and 
transmitter manually keyed.

An example is JT-65 which probably will work if the KX3 support use 
of RTS or DTR for keying PTT as modulation is via the soundcard and 
reception is via a soundcard.  Probably most of the psk and rtty 
programs will work for the same reason.

Linrad is complicated.  It will work for receive-only but when 
combined with MAP-65 there is rig-control and I am uncertain that 
will work with out a specific driver being added for MAP-65.

I have not used PowerSDR so cannot speculate on it.

Like I already said this is outside my expertise, so just a guess.

73, Ed - KL7UW
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Message: 5
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2011 19:02:26 -0600
From: Tony Estep <esteptony at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] kx3 and sdr software
To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net

If I understand it correctly, the KX3 puts out I-Q audio that can go
directly into a sound card, and has an RS232 port that can go directly to a
CAT connection on a computer.

Some SDR hardware receivers or transceivers interface with SDR programs via
USB to control frequency. An example is the Softrock Ensemble, which uses a
Si570 chip to generate the local oscillator frequency. The Si570 is tuned
via a USB connection which in turn is linked to a program like Rocky by a
driver. The Softrock does not have CAT control, and Rocky will not send CAT
commands.

But for the KX3, none of this is relevant. No drivers are needed. It will
be exactly like hooking up LP-Pan, which just needs a sound card and a
serial connection.

Tony KT0NY


73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
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