[Elecraft] KX3 Computer Interface for digital modes

[Barry LaZar]

Like I said your characterization is a bit off. The built in sound card 
buys you a lot.

Second if frequency is a control is a must, my computer can do it using 
any number of software packages. One of those packages is NaP3. It turns 
your radio into a full bore SDR with computer control. If this isn't 
satisfactory, one of the present PowerSDR packages allows VAC usage. 
Once that is set up, you can do what ever you want with complete 
computer control. It may take a bit of playing around, but it can work. 
However, you will definitely need two sound cards, and a second monitor 
wouldn't hurt either.

All of the dongles I have seen are very simplistic, ergo cheap. This 
approach is a little more expensive, but it allows a greater range of 
possibilities. I still stand by what I said and suggest this approach.


73,
Barry
K3NDM

On 7/27/2012 8:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
> > The SignaLink uses the radio's PTT on the mic connector to switch
> > from rx to tx.
>
> The "PTT" is nothing more than a diode, capacitor and NPN transistor
> that forms a crude VOX circuit and can be added to the $9.99 USB
> audio dongle for about $2.00 by any competent amateur.
>
> That "PTT" does nothing to provide early PTT to switch amplifiers or
> preamplifiers, etc. that the EME folks require (and what W7GJ is
> trying to accomplish).
>
>> So, I'd say your characterization is a bit off.
>
> No, my characterization is dead on the money - overpriced, and under
> performing in many aspects - particularly if one needs serial or USB
> control of K3 or KX3 frequency and positive computer controlled PTT
> for amplifier/preamp switching.
>
> 73,
>
>    ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 7/27/2012 8:10 PM, k3ndm at comcast.net wrote:
>> Joe,
>> The SignaLink uses the radio's PTT on the mic connector to switch 
>> from rx to tx. That is all that is really required. However, it does 
>> have a built in sound card that does work better than the one in my 
>> laptop. All power is taken from the USB connection to the computer. 
>> It's a complete, easy to set up and use package. With the additional 
>> sound card, I can do other things. So, I'd say your characterization 
>> is a bit off.
>>
>> 73,
>> Barry
>> K3NDM
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <lists at subich.com>
>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Sent: Friday, July 27, 2012 4:32:59 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Computer Interface for digital modes
>>
>>
>> Signalink USB is nothing more than a repackaged $10 USB audio dongle.
>> It does not provide any USB to serial functions and no access to TxD,
>> RxD, DTR, RTS. Lance specifically needed TxD and RxD for computer
>> logging and RTS for advanced PTT.
>>
>> The alternative to the WestMountain Radio Nomic is a Buxcomm Rascal
>> with a custom serial cable that splits RxD/TxD to the rig and DTR/RTS
>> to the Rascal then to the rig.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 7/27/2012 4:05 PM, Barry LaZar wrote:
>>> Tigertronics is peddling the SignaLink. I've been using it for a long
>>> time on my TS-50 with the idea to use it on my KX3. I checked last 
>>> night
>>> and found that they have the cables and the KX3 jumper plug. I've 
>>> really
>>> been happy with this unit and suggest that you have a look. I paid $100
>>> which included the cable I needed.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Barry
>>> K3NDM
>>>
>>> On 7/27/2012 2:57 PM, Lance Collister, W7GJ wrote:
>>>> Knowing that there are a number of KX3 owners who are interested in 
>>>> an computer
>>>> interface that does not rely on VOX mode to transmit CW or digital 
>>>> modes from the
>>>> computer, I have outlined the interface that I am using here:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/KX3.htm
>>>>
>>>> Good luck and happy DXing! VY 73, Lance
>>>>
>>>
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>