[Elecraft] Signalink and K3 (you do not need need a Signal Link)

[Edward R Cole]

Dick,

Yep!  Its that simple.  I have two RS audio cables to interconnect K3 
line-in and line-out to my soundcard and my Elecraft USB/RS232 
adapter cable to provide keying.  For my applications I have PTT-KEY: 
DTR-RTS so that DTR keys PTT and RTS provides CW keying.  This 
probably differs by the digital sw you use.

Soundcard set up is much simpler since I use the emu-0202 which has 
HI-Z line-in jacks with manual level controls to set proper receive 
audio for the computer.   I read the manual for the emu-0202 and set 
up the soundcard.  You guys do read your manuals don't you?

I use the headphone jack on the emu-0202 for connection to the K3 
line-in (Tx) because it has audio level knob.  That is easy as you go 
into your sw and key up with a test tone* while adjusting level and 
monitoring the K3 ALC meter = 4 steady bars with 5th flickering.

*This is available on WSJT which is my main sw used.  For other sw 
just set the K3 into TEST mode and key up with the sw to adjust level 
on the K3.

I have LINE=10 on my K3 (press MIC knob to display LINE and set).

I have no issue with computer sounds because the emu-0202 is not my 
main soundcard.  Also easy enough to turn them off.

I avoid keying the K3 when I boot-up my computer by always turning on 
the computer first and waiting for it to launch its applications.

I am mainly running WSJT10, WSPR2, MAP65v2, and FL-digi.  So there 
may be some "gotcha's" if you run other ham sw.  I'd guess they have 
set up and operating manuals?

73, Ed - KL7UW
PS:  If you are not running a K3 an interface "may" be necessary.
--------------------
From: RIchard Williams via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Signalink and K3 (you do not need need a
         Signal Link)


Jorge,
Interesting enough, at a recent club meeting, the presentation was on 
using the SignalLink as an interface between your radio and computer 
to operate Winmore using RMS Express. ? Until reading all the threads 
the last couple of days, I was contemplating purchasing a SignalLink; 
?however, last night I tried hooking my K3 directly to my computer.
All I did was connect the line out on the K3 to the mic in on the 
computer (using a stereo cable) and the line in on the K3 to the 
headphone jack on the computer. ? Only thing missing was a way to key 
the K3. ? This is easily solved by using the RS-232 port on the K3; 
?hook the K3 RS-232 port to your computer (since my computer does not 
have a RS-232 port, I used a RS-232 to USB dongle). ?First go to the 
config menu in the K3 and find "PTT -- Key"; ?set either DTS or RTS 
above "PTT" to on. ? Now open RMS express; in the setup there is a 
"PTT Port (optional) setup. ?Just selected the correct serial port 
(found in control panel/device manager), baud rate you selected in 
the K3 config menu, and use either RTS or DTS for keying (the same as 
you set in the K3 config "PTT --Key" setting).
Fired everything up, set the Line out gain (I found 3 to work fine), 
then go to menu and select "Line In" and set the mic gain to an 
appropriate level (4 worked for me); that was it, and I was able to 
establish Winmor connections on 80 and 40 meters.
Dick, ?K8ZTT


73, Ed - KL7UW
http://www.kl7uw.com
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