[Elecraft] K3 Data Modes using SignaLink USB

[Don Wilhelm]

One thing that I failed to point out is that if the audio drive is not 
set properly, the K3 will "power hunt" and you will find the SSB or data 
modes power to be unpredictable.  Use the instructions in he K3 manual 
for data modes and the problems will go away.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/12/2012 11:58 PM, N5GE wrote:
>
>
>
> Don speaks with knowledge.
>
> I have my SignaLink setup exactly as he describes, which is exactly
> the way the manual instructs you to set up for sound card operation.
>
> Amateur Radio Operator N5GE
> ARRL Lifetime Member
> QCWA Lifetime Member
>
> On Fri, 12 Oct 2012 23:00:59 -0400, Don Wilhelm
> <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>
>> David.
>>
>> I would like to point out that the K3 "ALC" indicator is also a level
>> indicator.  The onset of ALC begins at the 5ht bar, and bars 1 through 4
>> do not indicate any ALC action at all.  They are more like a VU meter
>> provided to allow you some metering to help you adjust the audio level.
>>
>> 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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