[Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

Mon May 4 20:35:05 EDT 2020

This is a newer version of the one I have been using for years now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PC4VV4/ref=dp_cerb_2
It has a dedicated line in port so the level is not so touchy.  Actually
with the sound card and Elecraft USB cable it is a very simple setup. Set
the sound out level on computer settings for the USB card to something a
little less than half way, set the input (transmit) level in the software a
little under half way and adjust mic level on radio to get 4 bars of ALC
with the 5th bar just flashing. If the mic control seems too sensitive
decrease one or both of the other levels a bit more. Use the volume control
and rf gain to control the receive level from the radio. You do not want to
saturate the waterfall display but need to have enough level to show
the signals on the band. You can set the power level on the KX3 to 0.0
watts for level setting so you don't QRM anyone. Without an aftermarket
heatsink I believe the recommended power out max is 5 watts, I am
usually running the amp at 30 watts or so because when I use this setup I
am usually on the road in a motel or park with temporary antennas. I don't
like vox for keying, I know it is simple to use but so is telling the
software to key via CAT.

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 2:46 PM Tox <scott.small at gmail.com> wrote:

> I have a signalink I haven't used in years. For my kx3 wsjtx, I use a cheap
> usb sound dongle, and use cheaper 1/8" phono cords than I probably should,
> with small chokes of unknown mix. It works with my mbp.
>
> Scott
> AD6YT
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 12:25 PM rich hurd WC3T <rich at wc3t.us> wrote:
>
> > Just as a point of reference, I bought a SL and later bought "cheapie"
> > sound card dongles.   I never got the dongles to work despite repeated
> > efforts.   The SL worked every time.  I now have two.  One for home use
> and
> > one for mobile.
> >
> > On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 3:13 PM Bill Frantz <frantz at pwpconsult.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > > There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use:
> > > wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK,
> > > Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.
> > >
> > > For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card"
> > > is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I
> > > have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for
> > > about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the
> > > KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.
> > >
> > > For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output
> > > of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a
> > > 47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack
> > > and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K
> > > resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in
> > > a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my
> > > junque box.
> > >
> > >
> > > For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio
> > > from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for
> > > updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x
> > > will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.
> > >
> > > For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the
> > > whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software,
> > > you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your
> > > software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT
> > > commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from
> > > a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.
> > >
> > >
> > > For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the
> > > CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on
> > > the radio.
> > >
> > >
> > > Getting your computer software connected to these hardware
> > > interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which
> > > just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in
> > > the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users
> > > that software updates make it necessary to redo these
> > > connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.
> > >
> > >
> > > Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since
> > > there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound
> > > card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting
> > > everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the
> > > highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your
> > > sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.
> > >
> > > For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of
> > > the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4
> > > bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely
> > > overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so
> > > if you're having problems, start low and work up.
> > >
> > > Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.
> > >
> > > 73 Bill AE6JV
> > >
> > > On 5/4/20 at 12:21 PM, w1srradio at gmail.com (MIKE W1SRR) wrote:
> > >
> > > >so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my
> > call
> > > >sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for
> > > FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.
> > > >
> > > >Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you
> > using
> > > >for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?
> > > >
> > > >If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten
> > the
> > > >load a bit, is that possible?
> > > >
> > > >Thanks in advance
> > > >
> > > >Future KG4MA (in mid june)
> > > >Mike
> > >
> >
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > Bill Frantz        | If you want total security, go to prison.
> > > There you're
> > > 408-348-7900       | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on.
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> > --
> > 72,
> > Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> > Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for
> Scouting
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> Scott Small
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