[Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB

[David Little]

Don,

Thanks for the info.

I will give it a try, and will find out soon enough if the 4 bars of ALC
activity is trashing the signal quality, as anticipated.

>From the other brands I have used and am currently using, the K3 seems to be
the only one that uses this approach, so I am not sure if I understand  your
reference to internet wisdom...

Does the K3 use some other kind of output processing, and just hang an ALC
label on it?

No problem on driving the SignaLink; I can match them to the other gear,
using jumpers or resistors, as well as matching in the software input
config.

Please don't tell me this is the same approach that Microsoft uses when
contemplating changing a light bulb; defining darkness as the new
standard.... :)

David
KD4NUE




-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3fpr at embarqmail.com] 
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2012 10:46 PM
To: dalite01 at bellsouth.net
Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB


David,

Are you following the instructions in the K3 manual, or are you trying 
to follow the "wisdom" supplied on the internet?  The K3 is different 
than the internet wisdom transceivers.

The fact that you say the output is not stable leads me to believe you 
are trying to use the "internet wisdom" that tells you to set the power 
to maximum and use the audio injection to control the power output.  
That is a recipe for problems when using the K3 (K2 as well, but that is 
not the question).

Refer to the K3 manual and adjust the audio drive to give 4 bars on the 
ALC meter solid and the 5th bar flickering - you can do that in TX TEST 
so you do not bother your ham neighbors.

Once you have done that, set the power knob to your desired power level 
and all will be well.

The SignaLink may have to be set for Line Level output - it is plugged 
for mic level by default.  See the manufacturer's documentation to see 
how to set it to line level output.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 10/12/2012 10:19 PM, David Little wrote:
> Got my cable in today to do soundcard data modes on the K3 with a 
> SignaLink USB
>
> Not much chance of getting the cabling incorrect, installation was 
> uber easy.  I used the rear panel inputs and outputs for the 
> additional isolation; allowing me to keep the Mic on the front panel 
> for mixed mode operation requirements.
>
> However, I am not having much luck finding a stable plateau to chance 
> moving it off the dummy load and on the air.
>
> Output power isn't stable, and rises while the rig is in transmit.
>
> If power is changed while in transmit, it drops off, then starts 
> building again.
>
> No power is generated until output level on the interface is high 
> enough to generate ALC action.
>
> Not much chance of anything dependable here....  Where am I going 
> wrong?
>
> I never run any ALC, unless it is an occasional flicker; usually a 
> reference to decrease volume for a purer signal.
>
> Some prefer to run the output power to 25 watts and run 50% ALC, and 
> share the signal up and down the band.
>
> I would prefer to set the power to a higher starting point, set the 
> volume level correctly, then decrease the power, if necessary, 
> maintaining a clean signal throughout.
>
> Anytime the power level on the K3 is changed at all, the output falls 
> down and starts to build again.  Around 30 to 45 seconds into a 
> transmission, it may stabilize.
>
> I  have used the SignaLink USB on a FT-897, FT-817, FTDX-9000MP, 
> TS-2000, IC-756Pro II, IC-7000, IC-706, IC-7200, FT-857, FT-2000, 
> Jupiter, IC-756 Pro, TS-870,  TS-480.... And never experienced any 
> instability of output before.
>
> Currently, I run them in the shack on a FT-897,  FT-817, IC-756 Pro 
> II, TS-2000 and the K3.  The other rigs provide a stable digital 
> platform
>
> When using a protocol where sync is dependent on the start of the 
> transmission, the instability of power cannot be tolerated.
>
> I am a bit beyond RTTY and PSK-31 in the modes I need to run.   The trend
I
> am operating toward now is in the direction of ARQ modes, and require 
> a more refined approach than what I am seeing so far.
>
> I hope I am doing something wrong, and someone can provide some 
> direction.
>
> David
> KD4NUE
>
>
>
>
>
>   
>
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