Re: [Elecraft] PSK 31

2013-07-27 Thread Stephen M. Shearer
First, I have SignaLink and microHAM as interfaces between rig and computer.
I like microHAM because it also reads the rig mode and frequency without
needing a second USB port.  (I also have older microHAM units that need a
separate sound card port)
I patch direct (now) with my KX3 to the laptop.
I do PSK31 and low level modes like JT65.
Something to think about if you want to do the low level modes is how GOOD
is the sound card.  24 bit and 48K with 100db SNR would be good for JT65
(not required).
Keeping system sounds away from the rig is important.
I just purchased another sound card ~$25 (USB) for the laptop and JT65 so I
CAN also hear (system sounds) the announcements for JT65 Alerts when NEW
countries pop up...  Specs were weak but I am hoping it is 24 bit...
You CAN turn OFF all the system sounds and use a single sound port.  Useful
IF the computer is single use.

73, steve WB3LGC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Rick Bates
Sent: 27 July, 2013 1:36 AM
To: 'william wade'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] PSK 31

First let's explain what Wayne meant:  If you use a secondary sound
card/device, you won't accidentally transmit an operating system sound (many
of which are musical).  You also won't have to constantly twiddle with
levels as you switch from OS to the radio.  And it allows you to have the
computer alert you to DX or whatever you have it set to do, without
transmitting that sound, while you're operating in a digital more (the
computer is quite capable of having two or more sound cards at the same
time).

I use a SignaLink (Tigertronics).  But there are far cheaper and expensive
options, including one I recently saw at another shack that cost a whopping
$5.78 after tax and shipping.  It failed from structural weakness (SMD
connector broke from the board, overstressed) but it did work before that.

So between $5 and whatever the fanciest device costs is what you'll pay.
They all work, but you'll likely want a little more quality than the
cheapest.

Jim Brown has done a study of several models and can list some potential
watchouts (poor bonding, pin one issues etc) so maybe he'll chime in here.

The bottom line (to me) is that you have a serious radio, you're building a
serious station, why diddle around with being cheap on a critical part, the
sound card by trying to multiuse the computer sound card.  That's like
putting retread tires on a sports car.  ;o)

73,

Rick wa6nhc

-Original Message-
From: william wade

Hello all: Getting ready to set up PSK31 on my K3  following the operating
tips outlined by Wayne. He states: It is usually best to use a second sound
card for...digital modes. Is he referring to something like Tigertronics?


73

Bill, Ai4PF

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[Elecraft] KX3 and JT65 (aka digital modes) ALC problem

2013-07-19 Thread Stephen M. Shearer
I am not new to JT65.
I have an ALC “issue” in that I have no ALC, but I can change the computer 
drive and watch the RF power change from zero to 3 watts (power setting – but 
not over 3w) AND I am making contacts (and with similar signal strength both 
paths)…  
I am working Europe and I am heard in eastern Europe (5300 mi) via “reporter” – 
SO, it “is” working.
BTW, I have tried different mike settings all the way to full drive.
I am connected direct from the PC to the KX3 via the optional cable set.
I also took the time to flatten the RX and TX EQ settings. 
Didn’t help the ALC “issue” but the flatter RX can be seen by the JT65 
waterfall – as it is flatter as expected

I “guess” if it works, don’t fix it…
I will try RTTY or PSK, too and see what it does to ALC.
What do others see who are running JT65 on your KX3?
Does JT65 have a “voice” that the DSP/ALC doesn’t “see”?

After I wrote the above and posted to the KX3 group, (with no reply)... Today I 
tried PSK using WinWarbler and found:
Same problem, until - for some reason -  I lowered the mike drive (earphone 
output) from 60 to 6 and ALC appeared!  
I guess I didn't change the computer drive enough.
It appears that ALC goes to zero when over driven?  Feature or problem?
Things still seem to work as I made a 20M 4W PSK31 QSO (poor copy on other 
end - running 20W).
And a couple of JT65 contacts...

Question, does DATA mode use the TX/RX EQ?   It would be nice to leave the EQ's 
set for SSB and have things flat for digital modes.  
I guess I need to do some more reading.

73, Steve WB3LGC 


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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Boost Buck 13.8 V Regulator

2013-07-01 Thread Stephen M. Shearer
Another source
http://www.goodluckbuy.com/-dc-dc-converter-qs-1212ccba-80w-power-supply-aut
o-boost-buck-80w-cc-cv-charger.html 
Cheaper,
Shipping is from Shenzhen, China {free} but took about 3 weeks.
It should be very useful to boost a 12V battery to 13.8V to charge my KX3 or
as a regulator for my solar panel to do the same..
73, Steve WB3LGC
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jon Moody
Sent: 15 May, 2013 2:41 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Boost Buck 13.8 V Regulator

Hi Glenn,

I have purchased both of these DC-DC power converters and have been very
happy with them.  They both have an adjustable output set voltage and seem
to have very good regulation.  The only issue is with RFI that they
generate.  The good news is that they are pretty well shielded in aluminum
cases.   But their is stil some leakage from the power connections but I
have found that attaching good quality ferrite beads on the power connectors
to pretty much eliminate this as well.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Low-Ripple-CC-CV-Car-Power-Supply-Module-LED-Driver-
DC-DC-8-30V-to-2-16V-80W-/251112762798?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item3a777c
adae

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-DC-150W-Non-Isolated-Booster-Voltage-Converter-6V
-32V-Step-Down-to-0-8V-28V-/260968513486?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item3cc2
ef7fce

YMMV and I am sure that their are many other equally fine Regulators out
there
--
Thanks
Jon
KG6VDW
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Has anyone used a PC microphone?

2013-03-25 Thread Stephen M. Shearer
I am using a PC headset with good results (good reports) with my KX3.
I am using a Cyber Acoustics AC-200 3.5MM Plug Stereo Speech Headset Boom
Mic from Amazon.com ($8.64). (16 left)
This AC-200B Stereo Headset with noise canceling microphone is Voice
Recognition Certified.

Bias OFF
PTT off (use VOX)
CMP on (set 8/9) for 10 db
XMIT EQ:
1 (50) -10
2 (100) -6
3 (200) - 1
4 (400) +3
5 (800) +6
6 (1600) +6
7 (2400) +3
8 (3200) - 6
Mike gain is set to 5 

74, Steve WB3LGC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ignacy
Sent: 25 March, 2013 12:49 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Has anyone used a PC microphone?

HB9PJT and I made lots of tests with KX3 audio. 

We tried a few headsets. The equalizer does not work as well as in K3 and
signals with mediocre microphones were only slightly improved. HB9PJT got
better results with Heil HC5.

It seems that both the equalizer and processor in KX3 are work in progress.
Wayne knows and Lyle will work on both when he has time. 

Ignacy, NO9E





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