[Elecraft] JT65HF -- Data Mode A

[k5oai]

John Bohnert wrote
> 
> I recently downloaded JT656HF by W6CQZ and have on several occasions
> monitored 14.076 MHZ with my K3/Signalink USB using this software.  I am
> still in the process of trying to set up the software and gaining an
> understanding of how to use it.  I experience the following:  1) If I set
> my K3 in data mode A, no decoding of JT65 signals occurs during the 12
> second decoding period, but 2) if I set my K3 in the USB mode, decoding of
> the JT65 signals does occur in the 12 second decoding period.  I have not
> tried any transmissions.  I would appreciate any advice/solutions so that
> I can use data mode A with JT65HF.
> 
> I use the K3, Signalink USB and FLDIGI on a regular basis for PSK31 with
> data mode A and have not had any problems.
> 
> N9KW
> John
> 


Hello John,
First of all I would highly recommend you try asking JT65-hf related
questions on the jt65-hf at googlegroups.com list. Their list is totally
dedicated to helping folks with the JT65-hf software.
 
You can join it here:
https://groups.google.com/forum/?hl=en&fromgroups#!forum/jt65-hf


That said, I run my K3 with a SignaLink USB and JT65-hf on Windows 7 
I also bought the SignaLink cable for the K3, so I can use the rear jacks.

I'll address your "12 second" comment first, then give you a few pointers
after that.

I'm assuming when you say "12 second" you are referring to the, 48-60
second, section of a minute. There should be 'NO' signals during that time.
If there are, your computers time sync with NTP is wrong. Anything above 2-3
seconds off 'nothing' decodes 'any' time during the entire 60 seconds.

The only time you should see any signals in the waterfall is between 0-48
seconds, then there is a 12 second quiet time. (good opportunity for setting
the volume levels in JT65-hf so they read 0 in receive)
(top left in the JT65-hf window, where it says Audio Input Levels)

Time syncing you computer is 90% of the problem with bad/no decodes
To much receive signal strength is the other 10% 
(above 4 or 5 it goes into the red to show rx is to hot)

Meinberg is good for setting your clock http://www.meinberg.de/english/sw/
note: the internal Windows time sync is NOT accurate enough for this task!

===
Settings for JT65-hf operations with the K3 and SignaLink USB.
K3 in DATA mode A, (which for the K3 defaults to USB)
Data A also sets the K3 so there is no compression during transmit.
If you use straight USB mode there may/will be distortion on your signals. 

While in DATA A, set the MIC knob (lineout level) to Line 10-20
if this needs to be any higher, you can jumper JP3 in the SignaLink.
"JP3 – This jumper can be installed to increase the SignaLink
USB’s Transmit Audio Signal."

In Receive, under MAIN CONFIG menu, the LIN OUT is set to [nor 010]
If the volume is to low you may need to jumper JP2 in the SignaLink.
"JP2 – This jumper can be installed to increase the Receive
Audio signal going into the SignaLink USB’s built-in sound
card."

the above settings interact with TX & RX controls on the SignaLink
Set the K3 as above, then use the TX & RX knobs to tweak the levels 
needed for JT65-hf to work.

For TX
I set the K3's PWR where I want (say 5w)
MIC knob (lineout level) is set to Line 10-20
then turn the SignaLink TX up til I get the K3's ALC to the 5th bar

For RX
I set the K3
MAIN CONFIG menu the LIN OUT is set to [nor 010]
then the turn the RX on the SignaLink USB up
so the reading for the JT65-hf 'Audio Input Levels' shows   L 0
This is set with no signals being received, like during the time between
48-60 seconds.

In JT65-hf rig control, I use DXLabs Commander.
I set the width of the K3's filter to 2.0khz
and if you have a P3 set it's span to 3khz

In Windows 7 under the 'recording devices' for the SignaLink USB properties
are set to:
Listen to this device NOT checked
Power Management set to 'Continue running under battery power'
Microphone level '37'
1 channel, 16 bit, 44100 HZ (CD Quality)
Exclusive Mode 'both' boxes are checked
 
**
side note, 
I was just trying RMS Express for WinMor and after 3 days figured out
 the SignaLink USB's DLY MUST be set down to off. 
So it could possibly be the cause of some problems, on some other modes
**
 
I have found you can use much less power in TX than you might think.
I have only short verticals (7-9' tall) on 10-20m
I may have to run as high as 20w to get to Russia or S. Africa from Texas. 
But otherwise I make most contacts with 1-5w. Using a 7' tall vertical on
160m and 20w (1.2w ERP) 
I made a QSO with California receiving a -14 report.

GENERAL
Be sure to check out the following url's:

for 'band of the day' info:
http://www.powerlinenoise.com/n0rq/JT65-HF/

for a look at signal reports worldwide:
http://jt65.w6cqz.org/receptions.php

when you get to transmitting be sure to look at the:
"Want to see only your reports? Click here for a filtered listing" link
http://jt65.w6cqz.org/freceptions.html

this site will tell you how much power you are using and how low uou can go:
http://dwestbrook.net/projects/ham/dBCalc/?my_power=5&my_report=-01

shows Spotted stations, you can use settings to show many things
LOTW and eQSL stations, Bands, different modes, etc
http://hamspots.net/wsjt/

and of course the pskreporter.info site
>
http://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html?preset&callsign=ZZZZZ&what=all&mode=JT65&timerange=86400

also check out Ham-Apps JT-Utilities
Useful helper applications for JT65-HF
http://www.ham-apps.com/

===
Hope I didn't bore you and others to tears John, good luck with your JT65
efforts, 
hope to see you in the waterfall soon.
73 & GB
K5OAI 
Sam

p.s. 
we now turn the list back over to other Elecraft chatter <g>


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