[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Maybe the collective wisdom of this group has an answer not to be found elsewhere.

Currently, I use DXBase for logging and an SDR-IQ running SpectraVue software 
for a panadapter.  These are "connected" to the K3S using LPBridge for port 
sharing.  This works well, and provides a clean spectrum display with 
point-and-click and mouse wheel tuning, if desired. I can also connect N1MM and 
AXTTY (a DXBase specific version of MMTTY) via port sharing if necessary. I 
don't use skimmer, spots or any of that other stuff.

Enter FT8, which for philosophical reasons I'm not fond of, but pragmatism is 
forcing it on me.  As best as I can determine, WSJT-X (FT8) requires total 
hogging of the K3S com port.  So to switch over I have to close the other 
programs and start WSJT-X. This takes a little time while DXBase updates its 
database.  Going the other way takes even more time while LPBridge creates the 
virtual ports before the other programs start.  Although I haven't tried it I 
believe there is a bridge from WSJT-X to DXBase, which then gets frequency from 
WSJT-X.

So, the question is, is there a solution to this other than buying a different 
radio?

Wes  N7WS