[Elecraft] New ham and the KX3

[Fred Jensen]

Yep.  I operate RTTY/PSK/JT65 in DATA A/AFSK mode with my K3 using 2 $5 
stereo cables from Radio Shack, and N1MM, MixW, or WSJT.  I did it for 
quite awhile with my K2 -- headphone jack to soundcard LINE IN and 
soundcard LINE OUT to the mic connector through a little T-pad I built 
into the cable with 3 resistors and some shrink wrap.

Sometime back, there was an increase in the number of posts to this list 
with digital problems and issues.  I started counting [sorry, math major 
here :-)] and over 90% involved problems with some an external interface 
box, creation of virtual serial ports and sometimes a combination of 
external devices and software.

Since the K3/KX3 generates the ultimate FSK in computer code in the DSP, 
there is exactly zero difference between AFSK and direct FSK in the RF 
output.  AFSK is quite a bit simpler to connect up however.  PTT issues 
also come up fairly frequently ... DATA A/AFSK [in the K3] allows you to 
just use VOX -- totally painless.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014
- www.cqp.org

On 2/27/2014 6:50 AM, AD0ES wrote:
> Sean,
>
> You don't even need a computer interface with the kx3.  Buy the $19
> cable set elecraft sells for this purpose and your ready to rock.  I
> am using my new kx3 with nothing more than audio in/out to my laptop
> and the included USB cable for control via HRD.  Works great.  I
> managed a 5 watt FeldHELL contact from CO to IL on 20m with a simple
> dipole tossed out my office second story window.
>
> Steve AD0ES