[Elecraft] KX-3

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I use the aux out on my SignaLink USB to go to my powered speakers. I
> can hear simultaneously what I'm decoding using the built in sound
> card. I found this is the easiest to do and requires nothing other
> than invoking the digital software I use, no cable changes.

Yes, you can use a "splitter" and amplified speakers to connect both
the sound card and headphones while maintaining separate audio levels
but that should not be necessary.

Similarly, one can connect the microphone to the computer (sound card)
and use the sound card's mute/select switches and analog monitor (if
available) to switch between mic and line sources but again it should
not be necessary.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 5/31/2016 3:26 PM, Barry LaZar wrote:
> Joe,
>     I use the aux out on my SignaLink USB to go to my powered speakers.
> I can hear simultaneously what I'm decoding using the built in sound
> card. I found this is the easiest to do and requires nothing other than
> invoking the digital software I use, no cable changes. There is one
> exception, the mic input is used for input from the SignaLink. This very
> same path is used for non-digital modes.
>
>     If I go voice contesting I can switch over to my Heil Pro headset
> with mic and use a foot switch. I would do the same whether I used a
> KX2, KX3, or K3. In fact, I did the same when I used my Orion II.
>
>     I use my KX3  for contesting, both as a base with the matching
> KXPA100 or QRP on Field Day. I find that the radio is as competitive and
> as any radio used for SOAB; the limitations in my scoring is operator
> and not radio.
>
>     My experience in contesting, seriously, is not the KX3, but some of
> the really poor signals and poor operation of the other stations. For
> instance, the key clicks from Yeasu rigs are a real pain if the station
> is strong. And, our local power company is the other limitation.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <lists at subich.com>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: 5/31/2016 2:41:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX-3
>
>>
>>> If I could get rid of the pauses, I could use the K3s built-in USB
>>> sound card. The KX3 doesn't have one, so I'd need an external audio
>>> interface or sound card if I wanted total voice automation with that
>>> rig.
>>
>> Unfortunately, since the KX3 (and KX2) lack dedicated Line In/Ln Out
>> jacks, interfacing headphones and a mic at the same time as a sound
>> card for DVK and/or RTTY/PSK is nearly impossible.  That significantly
>> limits the suitability of the KX3 (and KX2) as a serious contest rig
>> even if one discounts the 20 dB *higher* transmit phase noise of the
>> KX3 (comparison of composite noise test data of K3/100 [Feb 2009 >
>> 1 KHz.] vs. KX3 [Dec 2012]) or nearly double the keying bandwidth at
>> 60 WPM of the KX3 vs. K3 (same two product reviews).
>>
>> The K3 is cleaner at 1 KW than the barefoot KX3.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>    ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 5/31/2016 11:58 AM, Mike Dodd wrote:
>>> On 5/31/2016 11:40 AM, Mike Kasrich wrote:
>>>> Has anyone put together a KX-3 kit. Is any more or less involved that
>>>> putting together a K-3?
>>>
>>> I assembled both. The K3 is more involved than the KX3, but both were
>>> straightforward. The instructions and parts lists are top-notch for both
>>> rigs.
>>>
>>>> Anyone use a KX-3 in a contest and interfaced
>>>> with N1MM+? Any quirks/tips?
>>>
>>> Yes to both. Both play very well with N1MM+. I haven't noticed any
>>> quirks. On SSB contests with non-variable exchanges (i.e., no serial
>>> number), I recorded messages in the KX3's two DVR memories. This allowed
>>> me to operate in one mode (e.g., S&P or run), but I needed more DVR
>>> memories to record messages for the opposite mode. The K3s has more DVR
>>> memories, so I expect to be able to use four of them.
>>>
>>> I did NOT record .wav files and play them through the rig for total
>>> voice automation. I don't like the typical pause between spoken letters
>>> and numerals. W....1....A....W   FIVE NINE
>>> NUMBER....THREE....SEVEN....TWO
>>>
>>> If I could get rid of the pauses, I could use the K3s built-in USB sound
>>> card. The KX3 doesn't have one, so I'd need an external audio interface
>>> or sound card if I wanted total voice automation with that rig.
>>>
>>> My KX3 currently is in storage, and is not for sale.
>>>
>>> Hope this helps.
>>>
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