[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Don Wilhelm]

Wes,

You are asking about the limitations of the computer software 
applications, particularly those providing virtual ports.  So I don't 
think a different radio will change things.

You might try Com0Com - have not used it, but I know it is different 
than LP-Bridge.

I think your problem is with LP-Bridge, which buffers K2 information to 
take the load off the K3 serial communication.

Yes, WSJT-X wants to have total control of the radio.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/11/2019 2:47 PM, Wes wrote:
> 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?