[Elecraft] Fldigi & K3S USB, Windows 10 setup

[Don Wilhelm]

Howard,

Let me try to help simplify things for you.  I cannot tell you exactly 
how to run your computer, but I can tell you about the K3S part of it.  
Take it one step at a time.

First, yes, the built-in CODEC in the K3S can be used as the soundcard 
for digital applications such as Fldigi.
The first requirement is that the computer install the driver for that 
soundcard which allows it to show up as the available soundcards in Fldigi.
If you do not see that soundcard listed on your computer, that is a 
problem that must be addressed first - likely a bad driver installation.

Once you have the soundcard installed properly on the computer, then you 
should be able to receive and send data modes from Fldigi.
Use DATA A - and you will probably want to widen the DSP filter width 
because it defaults to a narrow width to allow tuning to a single signal 
with VFO A.  For use with a waterfall display such as Fldigi provides, 
you will want a filter width similar to the SSB filter width (2.7 or 2.8 
kHz).

Adjustment of the LINE OUT level on the K3S (a CONFIG Menu setting) 
should allow Fldigi to decode whichever data mode you select in Fldigi.
Adjust the level (and possibly the soundcard slider) to give you the 
proper background color and signal color in the Fldigi waterfall.
Be aware that the default sideband for DATA A is USB.  If you are using 
an Fldigi data mode that requires LSB, you can use ALT to switch 
sidebands on the K3S.

Once you have Fldigi receiving and decoding properly, you can move on to 
transmit.
With the K3S, you can make adjustments in TX TEST mode - everything 
works the same as in transmit mode, but no RF is transmitted.
You can set VOX on but if you choose not to do that, you will have to 
use some sort of PTT.  The K3 has a KEY-PTT config menu item that you 
can set to either RTS or DTR for PTT - make certain that Fldigi and 
whatever you are using for rig PTT is set to use the same signal as you 
have set for PTT in the K3S.

Make certain you do not have anything plugged into the LINE IN jack on 
the back of the K3S - that takes precedence over the K3S internal 
soundcard "line in".

Adjust the soundcard slider for 75% to 100% and then set the K3S LINE IN 
level to produce 4 bars on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flickering.  
That is the correct audio level.

Take the K3S out of TX TEST and you should be able to transmit. Adjust 
the power level with the K3S power knob - do not attempt to control the 
power with the audio level - that may appear to work, but will work badly.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/11/2016 12:19 PM, Silverwater wrote:
> Need setup information of Fldigi in order to receive and transmit with
> Hellschreiber (Feld Hell). I am asking about CW too, just to have that
> option.
> Anyhow, I'm currently a CW (80%) and SSB operator, I enjoy antenna
> design/construction… but I need help with understanding the computer
> interface with rigs. (I have had success with digital setups with other rigs
> (not Elecraft). I just followed instruction posted by others… but a deep
> understanding I didn't have.
> I have the K3s since last November 2015 and have successfully connected/used
> the K3 Utility program and now want to use Fldigi with the K3s.
> My first question: Is the USB connection, the only cable needed to interface
> my computer to the K3s using Fldigi?
> Other related questions:
> Does the USB connection supply the audio received from the K3s to the
> computer AND supply the audio out from the computer to the K3s?
> If I'm using the K3s USB cable, does the Fldigi use ONLY the K3s's built in
> sound card or a combination with the computer's soundcard?
> Should I use Hamlib from the Fdigi configuration, and which check boxes
> settings: Audio, DTR, CTS, XON, XOFF, recommended baud rates, stop bits…?
> For Hellschreiber and CW modes should I be on DATA A digital mode while
> using Fldigi?
> If "USB cable ONLY" option is valid, what settings on the K3s need to be
> changed for Fldigi?
>
> Additional Notes: My computer OS: Windows 10. I have chosen for both the
> recording/playback : USB Audio CODEC… also the proper COM was chosen.
> I have read many previous posts… and tried to understand them in search of
> answers to the above questions… but still confused… need more info.  Thank
> you for your valuable time!
> 73, 4x1zz Howard Silverwater
>