[Elecraft] [K3} Setting K3 and WSJT-X levels?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 11/24/2016 1:34 AM, Don Putnick wrote:
> What I've yet to find anywhere is a discussion on whether to favor
> the sound card output or the mic gain. In other words, is it better
> to have a lower sound card output and a higher mic gain, or vice
> versa, or does it matter? And why?

In general, one would preset the sound card output to between 50 and
75% of maximum and leave it there while adjusting the modulation level
with the LINE IN (mic gain in DATA modes).

Most sound cards start to show some distortion above 75 - 80% of full
output and have a fixed level of output noise that is more noticeable
as the output level decreases.

Adjusting to 50 - 75% of maximum output also generally puts the sound
card level in the "sweet spot" (where rig's the mic/line gain is
between 9:00 and 3:00 or 25-75%) for the K3 and many other rigs.

Except for rigs like the K2, KX2, KX3 that fail to provide a "Line In"
(Patch in), never connect a sound card output directly to the mic jack.
Use the Line/Patch in and always disable the mic input when operating
any audio based data mode.  If you *must* use the mic jack, connect the
sound card to the mic jack through a 20 dB attenuator (for example,
4.7K resistor from the sound card line out to the mic and 470 Ohm
resistor from the transceiver mic input to mic return).

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

On 11/24/2016 1:34 AM, Don Putnick wrote:
> I know about how to use the S-meter to set transmit audio level (4 bars).
> What I've yet to find anywhere is a discussion on whether to favor the
> sound card output or the mic gain. In other words, is it better to have a
> lower sound card output and a higher mic gain, or vice versa, or does it
> matter? And why?
> 73 and Happy Thanksgiving!
> Don NA6Z
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