[Elecraft] How does one connect a KX3 to a PC to view PSK-31or any other digital modes

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

There is no one answer that is entirely correct, and that is why the KX3 
manual cannot be more specific.

One simplistic way is to not use PTT - either use VOX or let the 
computer PSK31 application set the KX3 into transmit (some programs do 
it, others do not without additional aiding applications - example: 
flrig or hamlib or rigcat used with FLDIGI).
The only way to "wire the plug to activate the PTT line on transmit" is 
to build your own cable.  And you would have to use a serial port output 
on the computer and a 'one transistor keying interface' to control the 
KX3 PTT input line.  It is easier to either use VOX or set the software 
application to key the transmitter by a CAT command.

You will need 3 connections between the computer (or interface box) to 
the KX3
-- KX3 headphone output to the line-in (or mic in) on the computer
-- Computer headphone output to the KX3 microphone input.
-- The KUSB cable from a computer USB port to the KX3 ACC1 jack for 
software control of the KX3.

You may find the KX3-PCKT Cable Set would be a helpful addition.  It 
does contain a PTT input in the cable to the ACC2 jack, but requires 
setting the ACC IO menu parameter to the correct setting for your 
application.

If you find hum or data corruption problems exist, they can be addressed 
with the methods in K9YC's RFI Tutorial for bonding your gear together, 
or use audio transformers to isolate the KX3 audio from the computer 
soundcard.

I hope I have helped with some of your choices.  It is not really 
complex, but with the number of choices available (dictated primarily by 
the choice of the PSK software and its settings), I have had to touch on 
several of those choices, and you will have to select one and try it 
out.  Some study of FLDIGI help files may be in order.  It is really not 
'computer geek' stuff, but there is a bit of a learning curve if you are 
just starting.  Actually, I think it may be easier than connecting a GPS 
to the aviation navigation system.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/10/2014 4:11 PM, Michael Lozano wrote:
> The KX3 Manual states:
>
> Connect your computer’s audio output (Headset Jack) to the MIC jack. (You can either wire the plug to activate the PTT line on transmit, or use VOX.) Connect the KX3’s PHONES jack to your computer’s audio input (MIKE Jack). High-quality shielded cables should be used. You may need an attenuator if the drive levels are too high.
>
> 1. How does one "wire the plug to activate the PTT line on transmit", as stated above? Is this menu driven using the software program in use (FLDIGI or other digital software) or ???.
>
> 2. Am I correct denoting that the computer's "audio output" is the "(Headset Jack)" and that the computer's "audio input" is the "(Headset Jack)", as noted above
>
> Hey...I'm a pilot, not a computer geek! It would be bad if I was asking you how to use the GPS and how to couple it to the aircraft's navigation system, but I'm not!
>
> But thanks for the help!
>
> Mike
> KF4UPO
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