[Elecraft] Just Starting in Digital Modes

[Mark Tosiello]

Hi,

As a ham since 2006, I've been working pretty much straight phone and
hand-keyed (paddled) CW. I've recently been bitten by the DXing/Contesting
bug, and this has led me not only to work very hard on my CW skills (a mode
I really, really like but which I'm still a novice at), but to take an
interest in exploring the digital modes.

I've recently built both the KX3 and PX3 kits with ATU and Roofing Filter,
and I'm blown away by the quality of this little radio and its visual
sibling. I DO have the cable kit.

I'd like to ask for both recommendations on Windows or Mac software to
begin working with (fPSK, RTTY and CW at least), and for fairly entry-level
step by step instructions (a link is fine) as to how to get the entire mess
cabled.

Currently, I've got the KX3 and PX3 connected in standard fashion, a Heil
Headset/Mic attached to the phones/mic jacks, and one of several keys (K8RA
paddles, J-38 key, Begali Camelback, Vibroplex Original Chrome Deluxe)
connected to the Key jack. Acc1 from the PX3 is connected via KX3 USB cable
to my laptop.  I have a Win 7 laptop (which I MAY upgrade to 10, it's an
old Core 2 Duo) with headphone in and out and lots of USB ports and an
early Mac Pro Tower (1.1 2006 model) running Lion. My understanding is that
the stereo cables from my cable set connect KX3 mic in with Laptop
Headphones Out, and Laptop Mic in with KX3 headphones out. One thing I
wonder is if there is another way to listen to the signal (CW or other)
while still seeing the decode/waterfall on the computer.

I do have Fldigi and the Free version of HRD. My contesting (logging)
software is N3FJP. I have no problems with Rig Control via USB, but I'm
having trouble getting connected to any sort of software which supports
digital mode or CW deode and getting other than gibberish.  I know I'm
doing something wrong.....LOL

Thanks all, and all help and digital "Elmering" will be appreciated! I did
purchase Fred Cady's wonderful KX Line book, which is where I started.

73, Mark