[Elecraft] [QRP-L] RIGblaster Advantage for Serious Digital Modes with KX3?

[CRAIG W BEHRENS]

Thanks for the feedback and advice, Don.
I have the Elecraft cables and figured that it would be worth buying an external interface unit that has a built-in sound card capability that I know will work, vs. take a chance with the MS Surface Pro computer. (The unit is reasonably compact and light.)
The optical isolation circuits in the interface unit may be even more important at the St. Lucia sites, especially considering the various power sources that will be used. (I too am a believer re. having isolation circuits.)
Also, the Surface only has 1 USB3 port on it and it would be good to not have to use an external port expander unit to accommodate more cables, etc.
So far--it sounds as if I can get there OK with this path.
Thanks again.

72/73 & DX,
Craig W. Behrens -- NM4T

> Date: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:17:50 -0400
> From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com
> To: craigb44 at msn.com
> CC: qrp-l at mailman.qth.net; elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [QRP-L] RIGblaster Advantage for Serious Digital Modes with KX3?
> 
> Craig,
> 
> The easy way is to obtain the KX3-PCKT cable set from Elecraft. That 
> will allow connection between the KX3 and a soundcard.  For computer 
> control and frequency readout from the digital application, you can use 
> the KX3USB cable that was supplied with your KX3.
> Yes, the Elecraft cable set has a cable for the RX I/Q and the ACC2 
> cable that are excess for your purposes, but the audio cables have right 
> angle plugs on the K3 end which keeps the cables out of the way.  You 
> could just use a couple of regular audio cables with 3.5mm stereo plugs 
> instead.
> 
> If you find excessive noise on the audio between the soundcard and KX3, 
> you might have to add isolation transformers - that would be your 
> "interface unit".  You can obtain suitable transformers from Radio Shack 
> and many other places.  I have used the transformers salvaged from old 
> computer modem cards with success (see my website www.w3fpr.com).
> 
> I don't know the provisions you have on that computer for soundcard and 
> USB, but you will need line level input and output on the left channel 
> (tip) as a minimum.  The right channel is not used for digital modes.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 9/17/2013 9:40 AM, CRAIG W BEHRENS wrote:
> > I'm looking at different approaches for a compact interface unit to use with my KX3 and MicroSoft Surface Pro Tablet PC.
> > The KX3 has some neat built in features for light field use, but I need to be set-up for serious DXpedition use with the digital (and other) modes.
> > Anyone have any experience in this area that could help me pull such a system (or similar approach) together?
> >
> >
>