[Elecraft] Next Question: DATA A with K3s and Fldigi

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Kev:

First the ALC indication should be, no.... must be, 4 bars solid and the 
5th bar flickering.    To monitor your signal, use the MON function of 
the K3S.  It should sound VERY clean.  If there is buzz, growl, humm or 
anything besides pure tone, there are issues to be resolved.  Check all 
PL-259 connectors in the signal path to assure they are very tight.  I 
use a pair of 4" Channel lock pliers to snug mine.

As to levels -18 dB is 30% for the SPKR level from the computer. That is 
what I use.  Then the level adjustment {lower right corner} in FLDIGI is 
running -10 dB and the Line Gain on my K3S is running at 30.     Then 
set the PWR value on the radio to the value of your choice, I normally 
run 50 watts without the KPA500. With the KPA500 I run 300 to 350 
watts.   All of these numbers work for WSJT-X /  FT-8 as well.

As to things "looking good", I rely largely on the software and IMD 
reports.    I also have a 2nd receiver and computer where I can monitor 
my own signal if need be.

Seems you just need to tweak levels a bit to get things in a more normal 
and balanced level condition.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 6/17/2019 12:50 AM, Kevin, N4TT wrote:
> My first PSK-31 contact seemed to go very well. I simply adjusted the MIC
> level (Line) until there was 5-7 ALC bars. The adjustment was quite smooth.
>
> Then I went off and did other things and I'm concerned I changed something.
> Now I have to turn the level way way down on the USB Audio CODEC (-16.4
> dB). Then I add another -3 dB using fldigi. Finally, I adjust the Mic to
> Line = 17. The Mic adjustment isn't smooth.
>
> The major change was the addition of the KAT500 and KPA500 (stby) and I'm
> wondering if either I messed up a setting or maybe created an opportunity
> for some RF feedback that's affecting the audio.
>
> At this point, I don't know how to confirm the signal is clean (especially
> PSK-31). I've only had one report of a possible problem and a number of
> reports of "things look good" so I'm calling that a wash.
>
> I found nothing in the instructions that told me to drop the level of the
> USB Audio CODEC and -16.4 dB seems like a big drop. The CODEC is set for 16
> bit, 48000 Hz.
>
> Am I worrying about nothing? Is your setup with fldigi and DATA A using the
> K3s's internal sound card similar?
>
> Thanks for your patience.
>
> 73,
> Kev N4TT
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