[Elecraft] PSK31 neophyte needs help please!

[Larry Royster]

Hi from Julie KT4JR, writing from the address of my husband K4MWE because this computer is hooked to our K3.
We have never done PSK31 and I have studied the archive to get started.
We first tried DM780 but it was complex for starters, so now I am trying digipan, figuring we can go more complex later once I catch on to this...  Don Wilhelm kindly answered some earlier questions but now I have more.

We have a SignaLink installed between K3 and computer (windows 7) with line in and line out connected but the PTT not connected since we have a footpedal inserted there.  
The elecraft cable connects the K3 to computer’s COM4.  If using HRD this works fine.  I am thinking that if we do NOT open HRD then Digipan can use this same cable for PTT
I have followed the instructions for setting the K3 PTT to RTS-OFF and the same in Digipan.
In test mode of the K3 if I click the RX/TX button in Digipan I have the correct 4 bars ALC with 5th blinking, so I guess the transmit is working?

I am confused about archive posts discussing VOX for PTT.  Can I ignore that?  Is that a different option or is that necessary?

We do not seem to be decoding any signals but I don’t know how to tell if that is because I have done something wrong or there are no signals strong enough to receive.  I have tried several bands.

The K3 is set to Data A, but Digipan does not know about data mode...  It has band-by-band settings for frequency, then 3 choices of tone, USB, or LSB.  I have tried each with no difference that I can perceive.  Which am I supposed to choose?  Maybe something more basic is wrong?

THANKS to anyone with enough patience to assist!!!

If it is foolish to use Digipan because fldigi is lots better, then tell me that too!
73, KT4JR 
Julie in Raleigh NC, wife of K4MWE Larry