[Elecraft] Need help with getting WSJT X to continue working with my KX3

[James Bennett]

Hi Jim,

I’ve got the KX3 (and a K3) and had run WSJT-X 1.6.0 for a long time. I installed 1.7.0 rc1 and now use 1.7.0 rc3. There is no magical stuff required to change from one band to another. What DOES work when you change to another band? Are you certain that it is sending RF? The red TX light goes on / you can see the ALC bars (number 5 just flashing) on the KX3 meter?

I run my KX3 connected to a Raspberry Pi computer; the K3 is running with an Apple iMac on OS X. Neither of them have any sort of “secondary” time sync service. 

What happens when you go to another band? Are you seeing a “normal” number of decodes? And if so, what are you seeing under the “DT” column? If the numbers are around the 1, 0, -1, or -2 mark then your time sync is not the problem. 

One thing to consider… if you are running the KX3 barefoot (12-15 watts), you are competing with guys running well over that level. I had one op tell me that he consistently runs 50 watts on JT65, day or night. That kind of power, coupled with a directional yagi, will put you at a big disadvantage, especially if you are using a wire antenna, like I do. The vast majority of JT operators see a CQ, double click on the CQ’ers call and answer him/her. That puts you on the caller’s frequency. Consider if there are five or six people answering the CQ’er what must be happening! The high power, directional antenna guy “usually" gets the QSO. In version 1.7.0 the decoding engine has been improved quite a bit and multiple stations on the same frequency get decoded much more successfully. I liken this to our Fox Hunts, and why the foxii want us hounds to go “UP” and not all on his frequency.

Soooooo…. It may just be circumstances causing you to not get a QSO, and nothing to do with your software or rig. As I said, nothing magical about changing bands.

73, Jim / W6JHB
Folsom, CA


> On Dec 29, 2016, at 6:17 AM, James Rodenkirch <Rodenkirch_LLC at msn.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Problem: I   can turn on the KX3, start WSJT X 1.6 and commence decoding and making QSOs.
> 
> However, if I change to a different band, I can't make QSOs on that band or go back to the original band and  make Qs.
> 
> Adjusting ALC on the new band works...power out is the same, etc.
> 
> Is there some magical "order of events" I'm not following?
> 
> I use Dimension 4 time sync.
> 
> Thoughts?? If you are knowledgeable on JT ops and system setup, we can take the conversation  off line...
> 
> Thank you, in advance for any assistance....72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV
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