[Elecraft] KX3- laptops for I/Q

[Don Wilhelm]

Brian,

My view of the operation on the gazebo or deck, etc. does not mesh in my 
mind with use of the I/Q KX3 output.  I think the primary use would be 
to support CWskimmer, but could also be used to support a panadapter 
function.  While a panadapter may be nice in the gazebo, I anticipate 
that the uses of the I/Q outputs will be better related to the home 
station with greater than casual operating situations.

Those tools are used in serious operating situations rather than the 
more casual operation that I envision will be done in the backyard, 
gazebo or deck.  OK, that is my opinion, others may differ.

The problem with many laptops is that they do not provide stereo line-in 
inputs.  If indeed that is the situation with your laptop, you will have 
to use an external soundcard to make good use of the KX3 I/Q output.  If 
your laptop has stereo line-level inputs, then you will only need the 
application software.
This is NOT a KX3 consideration - the KX3 is providing the I/Q output, 
this is a laptop computer problem in that stereo inputs are not 
available in many laptops.

The solution that works is to use an external USB soundcard - but then 
again, that is an extra piece of gear to cart around to the backyard, 
gazebo or deck.  In my mind that reinforces my statement that such 
operation is better planned for the home station rather than portable or 
semi-portable operation away from the tools and resources of the home 
station.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/31/2012 5:22 PM, Brian Pepperdine wrote:
> I realize we are all still waiting for the KX3... somewhat patiently.In advance of that.. I know there has been some discussion already on soundcards to make use of the I/Q output.
> But... I did want to raise the ugly spectre of the 'laptop' computer.I solved my soundcard issue on my home tower computer (real one with slots for a COMM card, sound card, etc) for LP-PAN by using an internal PCIe card chosen from Larry's list of approved cards.
> However....
>
> With laptops I believe that it seems there is a real lack of quality in built-in / motherboard integrated soundcards these days. Am I correct? I wonder if anyone is able to suggest what sort of machines would be up to the task? Is there something in the specs that we can be on the look-out for?
> I see the KX3 .... with the I/Q lending a hand on the laptop on the gazebo deck (ah, summer).Or... I guess I can start haunting the computer re-builders for an oldie with the guts and a slot and PCMCIA soundcard I want and hope to keep it going.
> BrienVE3VAW
>