[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Wes]

Hi Don,

The radio I was thinking about is a TS-890 which by using their control program 
over Ethernet, can drive an external monitor displaying the band scope with 
point and click tuning.  This leaves the USB ports available for other apps.

Others obviously have different experiences, but I'm finding that your point 
about total control is well-taken.

Wes

   On 6/11/2019 12:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> 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?
>