[Elecraft] New K3 KIO3 Line In/Out problem

[Rick Bates]

Neoklis,

Congratulations on the new K3.  I've had mine a couple months now and love
it.

The K3 easily passes enough audio from the line in/out ports to drive a
sound card.  The problem for my shack computer system is too much audio, I
have to keep the levels set low, almost off.  

Have you tried plugging some amplified computer speakers to the line out and
adjust the line out level from the front panel?  That would confirm that the
line out is working.  I left mine set at the default '10' and adjusted the
sound card control to bring it down to the appropriate level.  I don't use
the =PHONES which allows me to listen (or not) to the digital modes without
bothering the settings on the line in/out.

Some of the linux audio control programs work, um, differently than
expected.  It sounds like you're working at levels that would indicate
leakage between ports rather than setting the correct audio port level.
Perhaps try adjusting other controls in case line in is actually listed as
something else?

I use CentOS and alsamix to set levels for my IRLP nodes.  While it works,
the controls have different labels from aumix and required some
experimentation to get them to appropriate levels.

73,

Rick WA6NHC

-----Original Message-----
From: Neoklis Kyriazis

Hi

I am trying to set up my newly completed K3 s/n 5750 to work on digital
modes with my desktop computer and my own Linux software (PSK31 and 
Hell). I am having problems with the Line Out and Line In connections
of the KIO3 unit.

The output from the Line Out socket is of very low amplitude and the
only way to get anything on the waterfal is to set the LIN OUT config
to =PHONES and turn up the volume very high. Also I need to connect to
the sound card's Mic input instead of Line, and use full Mic boost and
Mic volume at the same time.

The Line In connection requires full volume for the sound card's
output and full Line gain (60) in the K3 to get any power output in
SSB mode. I have set the main menu to LIN IN for the microphone input.

Another thing that worries me a little is that changing the LIN OUT
from =PHONES to NOR makes no difference. The output from the Line Out
remains unchanged by the setting of NORM, down to 000 indication.

I feel that there is something wrong in the KIO3 card, although I have
tested all other connections, including the RS232 remote control, and
they work. Only Line Out and Line In are apparently faulty.

Please tell me it isn't! That I have gotten something wrong in the
configuration or setup of the rig. It will be difficult for me to remove
the KIO3 and try to fix it or replace -:(

 
Regards

Neoklis - Ham Radio Call 5B4AZ
QTH Locator KM64KR
Website: http://www.qsl.net/5b4az/