[Elecraft] External sound card advice needed to attach to K3

[Rick Bates, NK7I]

If it's insisted to use the OS sound card; one should make sure that the 
audio driver (slightly harder to access in Win 10) does not allow local 
microphone (web cam or often built into a laptop) to be accessed EVER 
(by disabling it AND reducing the level to zero), lest it find a path 
into the transmitter.  Checking after each update is required; levels 
and setting CAN change then (check 'listen' tabs  to deny as well).

That is the same issue as those who choose a mic input for (computer 
audio) digital TX, yet fail to disconnect the mic during digital 
transmitting, so both go live and unintended station sounds are 
transmitted with the wanted digital tones.  (head slap!)

Again, a rig costs hundreds plus, a computer (except Pi) does also; yet 
there is resistance to adding a $20 item to make legality simpler to 
meet... not a significant price.

Phil, you're correct in that it merits a question on the test; it's that 
common an error.  (No, I won't poke the bear, except to get a better 
photo, hi  and only from a safe distance).

HNY,
Rick NK7I

On 1/1/2021 5:47 PM, Phil Kane wrote:
> On 1/1/2021 5:11 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>
>> Just make sure your OS does not set the external soundcard as 
>> default. Windows often does that when you first install it - check 
>> the soundcard settings.
>
> The Winlink VARA setup instructions make this very clear, although I 
> have never experienced a Win 10 update turning my OS sound selection 
> on after I have turned it to "No Sounds".
>
> 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
> Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402