[Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

[Tom]

Hi
7 years ago, I tried to write some small software projects that used LPBridge to share ports. I quickly found out that it does not pass all commands through the radio. In addition, there were many cases of collisions between software products if they tried to write to the comport at the same time.
So, a long story short, I developed Win4K3Suite.
It is completely different than passive comport sharing utilities.  It has 6 "Virtual radios" that act pretty well identical to the K3, KX3 or KX2.  It listens to commands from software products and then delivers results either from memory or if a write is necessary, then all threads are synchronized and prioritised so that one application cannot clobber the other.
You can run 6 applications simultaneously as well as HRD Logbook.  It also works with hardware devices like SteppIr antennas and tuners.  Here is a video from Max, NG7M who uses it extensively to connect all kinds of software and hardware together. https://youtu.be/zbf7BPfcj4U
It does use com0com, but not as a sharing tool but rather com0com actually behaves just like a null modem cable.  You create a Pair of comports which form a null modem cable and you connect one side to Win4K3 and the other to the other software.  It is 100% reliable and tested with thousands of users.
There's a free trial and updates are free.  There are numerous videos under Documentation, Video Tutorials.
In any case, I would not use HamLib for connections.  Always use Omni-rig.  Much more stable.
73 Tom
Va2fsq.com


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of Wes
Sent: June 11, 2019 2:47 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 port sharing and FT-8

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

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