[Elecraft] K3 RTTY - PSK D

[Richard Ferch]

Arie,

I assume you are asking whether it is possible to use the RS232 port to 
send FSK RTTY in FSK D. If so, the answer is yes. Below are three 
theoretically possible methods - only the third one works, and only from 
a limited selection of software, but it is possible.

The K3 does not accept direct ITA2 (Baudot RTTY) FSK keying on DTR or 
RTS, and even if it did, there is no software that I know of that would 
be capable of sending FSK using the same serial port as is used for 
radio control.

The K3 can accept Morse code input and convert the Morse code to ITA2 
RTTY in FSK D, but only from its internal keyer (either from paddles or 
from one of the memory keys on the front panel). The CW-to-DATA 
converter does not accept CW from an external straight key input, from 
an external keyer such as a Winkeyer, or from DTR or RTS on the RS232 port.

However, there is a software command that you can use to send ASCII text 
to the K3 to be transmitted in FSK D. It's the KY command (see the 
Programmer's Reference). I believe that the K3 Utility and G4ILO's KCOMM 
software can use this command, but most other RTTY software (such as 
MMTTY) cannot.

So, by using KCOMM or the K3 Utility you can send FSK RTTY from the K3 
without an FSK keying circuit connected to the AUX connector.

73,
Rich VE3KI

PA3A wrote:

> I can control the K3 over the rs232 cable. No problem.
>
> CW en PTT also works over the same cable with the PTT-KEY settings on.
> VERY NICE!!!  Keeping the winkey as a backup now.
>
>
> Now the question: Is it possible to run RTTY  in FSK D over the rs232
> cable directly into the K3 just like the CW keying?