[Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5

[Don Wilhelm]

  Larry,

We had a similar problem yesterday too.

Put the K3 into TX TEST and check the audio input level.  Are you 
getting at least 4 bars indicated on the ALC meter with the 5th bar 
flashing occasionally?  If not, the audio level is not high enough.

The RigExpert manual only addresses using microphone input to the 
transceiver, but there is a jumper to insert or remove a 10 dB 
attenuator - try it in the non-attenuated position and see if the level 
becomes high enough.  See Appendix A of the Rigexpert manual, the proper 
jumper is labeled "OUT", but unfortunately the manual does not state how 
the jumper should be configured to remove the attenuator.

The level required by the K3 is the normal Line level available from a 
computer soundcard.  Several ham type digital interfaces apparently do 
not produce a line level because the manufacturer provides only 
microphone levels - mic level is down in the millivolt range while line 
level in in the low volts range.

You *could* use the microphone input to the K3 if worse comes to worse, 
but the TX EQ is in line with the microphone input and you would want to 
set all bands of the TX EQ to zero for digital use.

With the K3, no digital interface is required - just a computer 
soundcard.  Connect the soundcard Line Out to the K3 Line In, and the K3 
Line Out to the soundcard Line In using a pair of stereo cables with 
3.5mm stereo jacks and you can run DATA A or AFSK A (for RTTY) using 
VOX.  If your application can key the K3 using RS-232 commands, so much 
the better, and the K3 provides for DTR or RTS keying as well.  The K3 
has everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/9/2011 2:48 PM, Larry Boekeloo wrote:
> Good afternoon everyone....
>
> I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3.  I've installed it as directed and I get the K3 to transmit using MXWin software, I can get the frequency/mode to change on the K3 but not much else.
>
> I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work.  Anyone else have the RigExpert and the K3 that could point me to a configuration I might be missing on the K3?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Larry, KN8N
>