[Elecraft] USB interface

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> SignaLink (Tigertronics) is quite popular and works well. Instead of
>  replacing the internal jumper set (wired for my TS-940) and paying
> an extra $25, I made up my own interface cable (already had the
> connectors) to the K3 so I can switch back and forth if needed by
> leaving the interface attached to each radio and moving the
> SignaLink.

Is absolutely useless for radio control (frequency) and CW which is
what the question was about - not a sound card replacement.

Any simple USB to serial converter will do the job ...  you can set
the K3 CONFIG: PTT-KEY to rts - dtr for compatibility with the CW
and PTT outputs of Writelog or other similar logging software that
puts CAT, CW and PTT on a single serial port.

The only pitfall to avoid is to find a USB to serial converter based
on an FTDI chip as the Prolific based converters sometimes have
driver issues with software written in certain languages or compiled
with certain Microsoft compilers using the Microsoft serial comm
library.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV



On 11/1/2011 10:32 PM, Rick Bates wrote:
> Dave,
>
> SignaLink (Tigertronics) is quite popular and works well.  Instead of
> replacing the internal jumper set (wired for my TS-940) and paying an extra
> $25, I made up my own interface cable (already had the connectors) to the K3
> so I can switch back and forth if needed by leaving the interface attached
> to each radio and moving the SignaLink.
>
> It plugs into (and is powered by) a USB port and is a self contained sound
> card so your OS sounds can go out the computer while the radio noises go
> to/from the radio.  No oops, I just transmitted the boot up audio ("Good
> morning Mr Phelps") on 14.07 MHz.
>
> The SignaLink USB contains a VOX created PTT output which works great for CW
> (the actual PTT comes from HRD or K3 VOX on).  Just for grins, I've run it
> at high speed CW and it works great (which for me isn't very fast, but the
> computer can do it better and FAST).
>
> It works under MultiPSK (with the K3 VOX on) for JT65 too.
>
> Rick WA6NHC
>
> Disclaimer:  I don't work for anybody anymore.  I'm retired and feeling MUCH
> better now.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dave LaBat
>
> Well the old laptop computer with the serial interface is probably on its
> last legs.. gee W98 held out pretty good! Writelog never seemed to mind and
> generated CW as well as rig control on a single COM port. So I think I am
> switching to a new laptop and adding to what the rig can do. Still I need a
> USB interface.
>
> What has been the experience with the Timewave HamLink USB? Any other
> contenders out there that will allow CW generation on the same COM?
>
> Thanks
>
> Dave NT6AA
>
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