[Elecraft] KX3 Computer Interface for digital modes

[Wes Stewart]

Although I respect the comments from the experts (and Lance and I worked on two-meters thirty years ago) I must say that I use a Signallink on HF RTTY running a K3 and a venerable Drake L-4B without issue.

If I was still on EME then of course I would have the full sequenced keying hardware.  The Signallink is exactly what is described below, and I realize that I can, and have used the K3, with the built-in soundcard on my laptop but I have other uses for that card.  Furthermore, I acquired the Signalink when I was using my prior transceiver so it's on hand.

So despite its alleged failings, the Signalink has some usefulness in some applications.

Wes  N7WS

--- On Fri, 7/27/12, Lance Collister, W7GJ <w7gj at q.com> wrote:


As usual, Joe is RIGHT ON THE MONEY! If I had a dime for every EMEe'r who was had 
troubles created by trying to use a Signalink, I would be sending this email from the 
beach in the Carib!  I NEVER recommend them to anyone who is serious about running 
any kind of power on digital modes because of the cheap and dirty way they try to 
claim that they have PTT control, when all they really have is VOX.   What I was 
talking about, and what most EME'ers and serious VHF'ers require, is an ADVANCE PTT 
command (which is very thoughtfully provided by WSJT programs) so that everything can 
be switched and settled into place BEFORE any signals are generated by the 
transmitter.    If all you do is HF QRP, then the Signalink is probably all you will 
ever need.  If you ever go QRO, it will pay you to do it right the first time and get 
a fully capable interface!   GL and VY 73, Lance

On 7/28/2012 12:10 AM, 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
>

> 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
>>>
>>