[Elecraft] K3 SignaLink & FT8 Question

[Edward R Cole]

Paul (and Bob, etal):

I quite agree.  No signal link device is needed to do digital modes 
with either K3 or K3s.

I have a K3 (SN 4340) which has the RS232 control port.  I bought the 
USB/RS232 conversion cable from Elecraft.  I run JT65 just fine with 
two RS audio cables to my computer.

In later eme modifications to use MAP65 in dual-polarity diversity 
RX, I've added two LP-Pan which provide Rx audio and run both MAP65 
and another program that controls K3 frequency.  That mod required 
controlling the K3 from two comports so I made a RS232 splitter to 
separate RTS/DTV lines and RXD/TXD lines to separate 9-pin connectors 
(RS232). http://www.kl7uw.com/station%20layout.htm

But simple JT65 and FT8 don't need that complication.  Just run audio 
cables from the K3 transverter I/F to your computer and run the 
RS232/USB cable.

I do not have a K3s so may even be simpler with straight USB to USB connection.

I simply wonder why folks with the K3/K3s buy a signal link?  Not 
needed and merely adds confusion (unneeded expense).  I'm also told 
the signal link soundcard is inferior.

I don't run all the fancy HF logging/control sw which I think is also 
providing control issues for a lot of you wanting to do FT8 (with 
WSJT-X).  I can offer you no help with them (obvious there are 
experts on this list for that advice).

GL, 73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2019 08:54:07 -0700
From: Paul Gacek <w6png at yahoo.com>
To: Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcgraw at blomand.net>
Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 SignaLink & FT8 Question
Message-ID: <FC88542F-5396-403A-83F7-7524BAFF637B at yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;       charset=utf-8

I don?t use a Signalink or any external device beyond the PC to 
operate FT8 on my K3s.

Maybe it's a K3s option (I just can?t remember if it was included or 
not) but the K3s USB I have enables rig control and also presents the 
K3s  internal sound card to my PC.

Just configure WSJT-X to use those two USB devices ?..no SIgnalink needed.

Paul
W6PNG/M0SNA
www.nomadic.com


73, Ed - KL7UW
   http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
   dubususa at gmail.com