[Elecraft] K3 Digital modes

[Frank Precissi]

Hi Greg,

I do a ton of digital with my (new) K3 so I figure I could chime in with
what my setup is since yours will probably be really close.

I have a Griffin iMic USB sound-card dongle.  They are cheap, supported by
everyone (Generic USB Audio) and its small/lightweight.  From that, I have
the Line In and Line Out on the iMic go directly to the Line Out and Line
In on the back of my K3.  For keying, I use CAT keying.  The really nice
thing about the K3 is:

1. Transformer isolated line in/out (no ground loops/buzzing).
2. Constant audio level line in and out.  The front volume control has no
effect on the line output.  I like the sounds of the JT65 angels, my XYL
does not.
3. All connections are on the back, nothing is in the front (at all).  The
K3 can be left hooked up to your soundcard permanently since those jacks
(in my opinion) are there -just- for soundcard digital modes.

Keying can be accomplished by either on-rig VOX or CAT/RTS/DTR.  VOX is the
only one that doesnt require a connection from the K3 to the computer via a
USB/Serial cable.

If you are thinking of buying a K3, i'll add my opinion since I was in your
boat a few months ago.  Buy a K3.  Start with a K3/100 with the ATU and
just add-on as the budget allows.  Seriously, I've done digital since 2001
and this rig was designed with soundcard-based digital modes in mind (the
built-in transformer isolated line in/out shows that).  I absolutely love
this rig and you wont find more knowledgeable and helpful people than the
Elecraft staff and the people on this list.

If you want more help/explanation/pictures of my setup dont hesitate to
drop me a line, and I hope I work you someday on JT65.

73

Frank
KG6EYC

On Thu, Sep 26, 2013 at 6:19 PM, Greg KA2COP <k3elecraft at gmail.com> wrote:

> I've been toying with the idea of outfitting my KAT-500 with a new K3!  The
> KAT-500 being the only Elecraft product I own right now is getting lonely
> and needs a "playmate."
>
> All humor aside, my search of this group hasn't found what I'm looking to
> find out.  I occasionally use PSK31 but I use JT65 very often, almost
> daily.  I'm trying to piece together what I have learned so far regarding
> JT65.
>
> It appears the audio part of the digital interface between the K3 and the
> computer is fairly straight forward.  The rear panel "mic" and "mono out"
> seem to be the logical point to connect to the computers sound card.
>
> As far as keying the transmit or PTT I'm not quite sure how this is
> accomplished.  I see there is a KUSB cable to connect the K3 to the
> computer with FTDI chipset and drivers.  Can PTT be handled by the USB
> cable?
>
> I'm not very interested in options which include using the front microphone
> or headphone jacks or placing the mic near the speaker.
>
> Thank you
>
> Greg
>
> KA2COP
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