[PVRCNC] Re: The smell of solder fumes in the morning... was Re: K3

[Jim Jordan, K4QPL]

Will, you've really got something on that solder fumes replacement. 
Definitely will check that out on a noncontest weekend--maybe at the 
picnic?? Bruce and Laurie??

I'm pleased to report that after tracking down a few bugs and some circuit 
mods, the homebrew "K4QPL Altoids Curiously Strong SO2R Box" performed 
flawlessly, including cw computer sending and switched external paddle keyer 
throughout FD using a laptop running N1MM logger and again this weekend in 
IARU using my home desktop.

For IARU I added an automagic audio switch module, driven by the PTT circuit 
in the aforementioned box, which, upon proper switch selection, helps SO2R 
as during transmits it momentarily and automatically kills the audio 
including computer cw sidetone from the opposite radio (mostly your run 
radio cq's) but at the same time allows you to hear the cw from your cw 
paddle source and QSK when doing fills.

It also has an optional jack for either a 3-switch office surplus dictaphone 
foot pedal (grab one from one of the secretaries in your office when she 
isn't looking--but also be careful not to get slapped in the face if you try 
that when she's sitting at her desk!!). You can also make your own with 
common ratshack footswitches, designated "Left Audio full"  "Right Audio 
Full" and center "Footswitch" which can be programmed in MM to do anything 
including "swap radios", "Enter", "Fn xx", PTT or whatever you need.

I estimate less than $50 for all parts for both modules, excluding the 
footswitches and possibly parallel card. Your mileage may vary. Also 
excludes injuries/potential legal fees/damages/job loss if you fail to 
follow above advice about rummaging around on the floor near a work station 
occupied by someone of female persuasion wearing a skirt.

The PIEXX is an option to try and get "true" LPT results although I'm 
concerned about latency if they are converting to parallel from USB. Latency 
is intolerable for cw. Everyone says latency in USB goes with the territory 
and can only be avoided in cw if you shell out to buy or build a WINKEY 
module which creates the morse from an ASCII stream. Another option for 
laptops which don't have a parallel port is to get a plug in microcard which 
outputs a "true" LPT1 parallel. Much cheaper than PIEXX, but I haven't tried 
one yet. My 4 yr old Toshiba has a true parallel port which works fine as 
does the desktop.

Better still, have a dedicated desktop in your hamshack with true parallel 
ports and any cheap multi-monitor card. Additional real estate for N1MM is 
really cool and especially if you are playing with SO2R. Put the primary 
windows for both radios on one with supporting stuff on the second monitor.

Needless to say, having a setup for $50 that works perfectly does not 
encourage me to support DX Doubler or the Czechs (or whoever makes the 
Microham stuff) anytime soon.  And when you build your own there's personal 
satisfaction and LOTS of genuine solder fumes!!

Now that I've got it working properly, I'll try to find time to draw a 
schematic for anyone so inclined.

While on the advice page, if you use a USB-Serial converter for one or both 
of your radios, notwithstanding the recommendations in N1MM about 
handshaking when configuring ports for the radio (Kenwood), I eliminated all 
loss of contact by changing both DTR and the other one (can't remember) from 
"handshaking" to "Always On". Never dropped out in 24 + hours.

73,

Jim, K4QPL

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roberts, Will" <will.roberts at pgnmail.com>
To: <pvrcnc at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Monday, July 14, 2008 11:18 AM
Subject: [PVRCNC] Re: The smell of solder fumes in the morning... was Re: K3


We now know the current gestation period of a K3 is exactly 5 months
(February to July). I guess that plain looking box from Elecraft is a
K3. I have not even had time to open it up yet!



Since we will not have solder fumes to keep us happy, I think that
tequila will work. Every time the assembly instructions say something
like "connect the iludium Q238 space modulator to the frenulum flux
capacitor per illustration 4F", take a shot. I'm sure after 8-12 hours
of K3 building, the results would be similar to inhaling those lovely
rosin core fumes! I will conduct this experiment soon and report back my
results  :>)



For some slightly useful info, I found out that the Top Ten Yaesu type
band selector boxes will work with the K3. There is a different cable
($25 from Top Ten) that will be needed however. Also, for those using
Top Ten DX Doublers (or a similar LPT port type controller) Piexx is
making a USB to LPT converter for those wishing to use these devices
with a USB port. It's about $135 fully assembled or $85 in kit form.
This will give you full SO2R automation with most popular logging
software for a lot less $ than the Microham SO2R USB controllers. It's
called a SO2RXLat. Check the Piexx.com site for more info. I'd publish
the full link, but then this e-mail would be kicked back from the
reflector. I would guess that the K4QPL style homebrew SO2R mini box may
also work with this as he uses similar switching logic. What say Jim?
This combo would make a very compact, low cost SO2R rig for home or
travel with a small laptop with a USB port.



Hope everyone had fun in the IARU. I had to miss it due to a full
weekend band schedule. We look forward to seeing everyone next weekend
at the club picnic.



73,



Will AA4NC



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