[Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, Signalink)

[Don Wilhelm]

Steve,

I believe setting VOX on in the software will not work unless you have 
VOX turned on in the K3.
You can use PTT via CAT command in the software and leave VOX turned off 
in the K3.
Alternately, turn VOX on in the K3 and tell the software that you are 
using VOX in the K3.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/5/2018 10:00 AM, Stephen Dubin wrote:
> TNX for prompt reply.
> As per "Wilhelm Doctrine,"  VOX is on in software. VOX is off in K3.
>
> 73 de W3UEC (Steve)
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com>
> To: Stephen Dubin <dubinse at aol.com>; Elecraft <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Tue, Jun 5, 2018 9:20 am
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] What to check when FT8 won't transmit (K3, 
> Signalink)
>
> Steve,
>
> I don't have a quick answer for you, BUT ---
> Understand that the TX light on the SignaLink only says that the
> SignaLink itself is producing audio.
>
> It detects the audio stream in the box itself and sets its TX light on.
>
> If the K3 TX light does not turn on, then investigate the station setup
> is initiating transmit. There are several possible ways (use only one
> or the K3 may get locked in transmit).
> Are you using PTT from the Signalink?
> Are you using VOX in the K3?
> Are you using PTT via CAT command from the software?
> Something else?
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 6/5/2018 8:57 AM, Stephen Dubin via Elecraft wrote:
> >
> > Just to see whether I like it (I didn't), I set up for FT8 with K3, 
> Signalink and WSJT on Windows 10. I installed Meinberg when I had 
> trouble receiving. I made a shipload of contacts and decided to go 
> back to CW. Recently my daughter (KM4UDF) who is recently licensed 
> said, "Aw C'mon Daddy, show me FT8."  I used same settings as before 
> -- as well as I can remember. I double checked using the "Wilhelm 
> Doctrine."   "Time,is"  says my system time is good. Software has VOX 
> on and K3 has VOX off. Receiving (on 40 meters) went well with many 
> CQ's and QSO's reported on the program. When I hit the "TUNE" tab on 
> WSJT, the red "TX" light will light on the Signalink box, but K3 will 
> not transmit. Changing position of "POWER" slider on software doesn't 
> help. Changing MIC on K3 made no difference.Antenna SWR reads 1.1:1, 
> Signalink has not been unplugged from K3 since time everything worked. 
> Other modes (CW, Sideband) work fine.
> > My main question is, "If receiving works OK and Signalink "fires" 
> when TUNE button on software is hit, what (hopefully systematic) steps 
> should I take to see why K3 does not transmit now; although it did 
> before. Is this a special curse on folks who swear off FT8 and then 
> try to return?
> > TNX for guidance to the perplexed. 73 de W3UEC (Steve)