[Elecraft] Signalink and K3

[Edward R Cole]

At the risk of being repetitive:

The K3 with K103 module has both audio line in/out interfaces and 
RS232 interface for running computer soundcard sw.  The Signalink is 
not required and is probably not up to par with just using a *good* soundcard.

My first "soundcard" sw mode was psk-31 back when no body made 
interfaces, so I made my own (circa 1998).
Obviously using the internal computer soundcard spkr and mic 
connections to connect to my FT-847 (which nicely provided an audio 
and PTT DATA port).  My interface had 600-ohm 1:1 transformers and a 
NPN transistor for keying the radio from the DTR or RTS in the RS232 cable.
http://www.kl7uw.com/Radio-Computer%20IF.jpg

It was not long and several companies jumped into the soundcard 
interface business.

On 2003 a new digital mode for eme was introduced (JT44) and I jumped 
on installing and running it.  It morphed into JT65 in a couple years 
and about 3-4 years ago MAP65 emerged.  I have run them all.
http://www.kl7uw.com/MAP65.htm

I was thrilled to find that Elecraft had the forethought to include 
the necessary interfaces for running soundcard digital modes without 
any extra "stuff".

Now some other things I am involved in (I bought a LP-Pan) required 
better soundcard modems so I bought the (then) recommended emu-0202 
external soundcard and later a four channel M-Audio Delta44.  They 
run faster A/D and could support watching up to 190 KHz of spectrum 
with panadaptor sw (and WSJT sw).  I think they also exhibit better linearity.

Ahah!  This is one of the characteristics that appear to help sw 
programs like JT65 "work better"!

I have not studied recent soundcard offerings, but I am sure there 
some experts on that topic on this list who can assist anyone looking 
to *upgrade*.  One thing to consider is OS compatibility 
(drivers).  The other is physical interface (USB, RS232, etc.).  My 
Delta44 has pci mounted pcb; you will be custom-building a computer 
to have a pci-buss these days).

So *bottom line* the K3 does not need a Signalink.

73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com/station%20layout.htm

--------------
I ran JT65 EME for a long time using the computer sound card and had 
mysterious periods of no decodes even on signals I could easily see 
on the waterfall.  This occurred even though I had carefully 
calibrated the clock rates.  Then I bought a Tascam 122 mk II 
external sound card and the vast majority of missed decodes 
vanished.  Plus you get two nice, big knobs to turn.  Just make sure 
you install the latest firmware AND driver from the Tascam 
website--mine would not even work at all out of the box until I did this.

Well worth the money, and as Jim says, you don't need the interface.

73

Eric WD6DBM


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
     "Kits made by KL7UW"
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