[Elecraft] Does a K4 need an external sound card for FT8?

[Ed Muns]

There are multiple aspects to this question.  As another K4 field tester,
here's my take, trying to objectively outline the choices for all users.

1. Any of the following soundcard alternatives can be used with the K4:
	a. PC soundcard, either integrated or added, e.g., via USB or
plug-in card to a desktop
	b. USB ham radio "interface" box, e.g., RigBlaster, microHAM
microKeyer or SO2R controller
	c. K4 internal soundcard

In all cases, the Windows Sound Control has level controls for all these
alternatives.  In addition, the b and c alternatives have their own level
controls that can be thought of as logically in "series" with the Windows
level controls.  Generally, the Windows level controls are set to result in
a "reasonable" range of control by the additional level controls of
alternatives b and c.  In the case of alternative b, there are often
physical knobs.  The K4 (alternative c) has on-screen level controls that
can be varied with on-screen up/down arrows or by using the VFO-A knob.

2. All of these alternatives are equally adequate performance-wise.  The
exception might be low-end soundcards in alternative a.  Another exception
might be minimizing A-D and D-A conversions, in which case the K4 soundcard,
c, is ideal.  There are no analog audio cables, or signals, between the
radio's digital audio and the PC application, pure K4 digital audio direct
to the software.

3. Choosing one of the above alternatives is a personal preference we all
get to make.  If you like physical knobs readily available, then the
alternative b is good.  If, like me, you prefer simplicity and seldom touch
the soundcard levels, then the minimalist K4 soundcard solution c is nice.
If you have need for other features, e.g., SO2R control, then you'll have
that alternative b anyway and will use its sound card and user interface.  

Each of us can consider the alternatives and decide which is appealing and
suits our operating needs best.  I suspect it boils down to choosing between
alternatives b and c.

73,
Ed W0YK

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On
Behalf Of Dennis Dinga
Sent: 04 January, 2021 17:11
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Does a K4 need an external sound card for FT8?

This question keeps coming up but, but the answers are either 
incomplete or confusing.  Courtney KD6X asked it again on Jan 3 and 
has not received an answer.

Here's the way I'd like to ask it:  I use a West Mountain RIGblaster 
advantage instead of the sound card in my computer.  Why?  So that I 
have the convenience of adjusting TX and RX levels with physical 
knobs instead of using sliders on a monitor.  So how do you set 
levels with the K4?  Does it require fiddling with menus and going 
through several steps?  And like Courtney asked, is there anything 
else to gained by using an external 24 bit card?

-Dennis N6DD

++++++++++++++++++

Here is the way that Courtney KD6X put it:

"Any value in using a Microkeyer III with a K3S or K4D?

I have a K3... the best radio I've ever owed in my 50+ year ham 
life.  I'm currently using a US Interface Navigator with it for 
digital modes.  This is now sold as the Time Wave Navigator and has 
worked really well for me for many years.

My understanding is that the K3S and now the incoming K4's have sound 
cards built-in via the USB port.  So perhaps I won't need the 
Navigator anymore when my K4 eventually arrives.  But my question is 
whether there is still something to be gained using a newer 
transceiver interface with the K3S or K4?  I've been looking at the 
Microkeyer III with its 24 bit audio processing.  Does anyone have 
any hands-on experience with the Microkeyer III with Elecraft 
radios?  I'm particularly interested if it has a lower noise floor or 
other features that might not be found in the stock K3S or K4.

Thanks for any input or feedback!

   -- Courtney  KD6X"


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