[Elecraft] KX3 PSK help needed

[Mark Petiford]

Julie,

First of all, I assume you are trying to use the KX3 with a soundcard application like FLDIGI with the KX3 in Data A mode???  Operating in the KX3 PSK mode (PSK-D) is a bit different, and only certain software packages support it.


Re:  "The other day I succeeded in setting Mic Btn to OFF but today when I go to the menu the only choices for Mic Btn are PTT and NR..."

I assume you mean "NA" rather than "NR".  The menus are mode sensitive meaning if you are in a mode where that menu selection doesn't apply, it doesn't allow you to select it and usually says "NA".  I think mine gives me NA when I am in Data A mode.  I am sure it does when in CW mode.

Re: "Has anyone succeeded in using a LAPTOP with KX3 without an iMic or a signalink for PSK?"

Yes.  I use the internal soundcard on all my computers.  IF you are trying to decode the IQ output at the same time, you will need a second soundcard, but don't worry about that yet.  I go directly into the computer's mic input and take sound out of the phones output.  Setting up the internal computer settings is the hard part.  Every operating system is different.  I normally use an i-Mic because it is inexpensive and works well, even on my Windows machines, and avoids transmitting system sounds.  I do not see any need for Signalink, attenuators, etc. All of that just makes life more difficult.

Re:  "Would Don Wilhelm's comments about attenuators being needed between computer soundcard and KX3 apply to laptops as well? How would I know? What could I measure?"

I have tried them, but find that they just confuse the issue.  They create another variable that you have to deal with.  I just use the Elecraft cables and connect directly.  On RX, the soundcard volume (and the KX3's volume control) affect the waterfall intensity.  If either of them are too low, you won't see anything on the waterfall...to high, and you will only see very bright colors.  For Transmitt, the soundcard volume affects the ALC setting.  You don't want to get into ALC since it is a non-linear process.  See the KX3 manual and your software docs for setting soundcard volume (and ALC).


Re:  "I had a waterfall the other day but could not get TX to light up..."

What software package are you using?  The setup varies for different software packages.  In addition, sometimes the soundcard gets put on mute.  Other times, software (other than your ham radio software) will change the volume settings.  You may need to go to the operating system's soundcard settings  and adjust them every time you start up you ham radio software.  That is why a lot of hams will use a dedicated computer(s) for their operations.

Not much help here.  Just trying to give you encouragement.

Mark
KE6BB


________________________________
 From: Julie Royster <jsdroyster at bellsouth.net>
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net 
Sent: Saturday, August 24, 2013 8:28 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 PSK help needed
 

Hello all,
I have studied the prior posts about KX3 and PSK31 but I am still not
getting it.

1.     The other day I succeeded in setting Mic Btn to OFF but today when
I go to the menu the only choices for Mic Btn are PTT and NR - OFF no longer
shows up as a choice!  Where did I go wrong?
2.    Has anyone succeeded in using a LAPTOP with KX3 without an iMic or a
signalink for PSK?  A lot of the prior posts refer to desktops that have a
line in connection (laptop does not) or to setups using iMic or Signalink.
3.    Would Don Wilhelm's comments about attenuators being needed between
computer soundcard and KX3 apply to laptops as well? How would I know? What
could I measure?
4.    I had a waterfall the other day but could not get TX to light up on
the KX3.  I am using the cables sold by Elecraft.
Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!
Julie KT4JR 
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