[Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
I finally am going to get on the digital modes. Never did any of the digital stuff before so I am asking advice from you digital mavens. At Dayton I would like to pick up the hardware I need. I have my K3 on order. For now I would be using my K2. Figured I would look especially at the Microham and Navigator offerings. I like the idea that I wouldn't need to use an audio card in the PC. I have a RIGblaster that has never been out of the box. Maybe that works fine for digital modes? Do I need more than this? What does more than this buy me? What advice can you give me as to what to look for, what to recommend for hardware to use on my K2 and forthcoming K3 so that it would be easy to switch from CW, SSB and any of the popular digital modes? Tnx for your advice. N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
Tony, As I understand the K3 you won't even need the RigBlaster, it can connect directly to the computer (only cables and plugs needed) - even does RTTY/PSK31 without the computer at all if you want. For the K2, you should provide some isolation between the computer and the K2 - transformers in the audio-out and mic-in do that job and a voltage divider is needed in the mic input because the soundcard output is much greater than the mic input level. The RigBlaster should provide that isolation. Then if you want automatic transmit/receive, you need a transistor keying switch to turn transmit on (PTT) from the digital computer application - easily accomplished with a simple transistor switch to drive the PTT line - Google on PSK31 and you will find a lot of information about how to hook things up. Of course, your RigBlaster includes many of these things, so you may just want to unpack it. If you want a fixed audio output level from the K2, I have a few boards left (no kits) - you can take a look at my website article about it at http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com 73, Don W3FPR N2TK, Tony wrote: I finally am going to get on the digital modes. Never did any of the digital stuff before so I am asking advice from you digital mavens. At Dayton I would like to pick up the hardware I need. I have my K3 on order. For now I would be using my K2. Figured I would look especially at the Microham and Navigator offerings. I like the idea that I wouldn't need to use an audio card in the PC. I have a RIGblaster that has never been out of the box. Maybe that works fine for digital modes? Do I need more than this? What does more than this buy me? What advice can you give me as to what to look for, what to recommend for hardware to use on my K2 and forthcoming K3 so that it would be easy to switch from CW, SSB and any of the popular digital modes? Tnx for your advice. N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
Tnx Don for the feedback. I got one of those boards from you so I am set with that. Well that will be neat that I don't have to buy any other hardware for the K3 to operate Digital. So I would only need a program for the PC? And sounds like my Rigblaster will do what I need for the K2. Do I get any advantages by upgrading to something like the Navigator or RigExpert for either the K2 or K3 as an interface? 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 7:02 PM To: N2TK, Tony Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tony, As I understand the K3 you won't even need the RigBlaster, it can connect directly to the computer (only cables and plugs needed) - even does RTTY/PSK31 without the computer at all if you want. For the K2, you should provide some isolation between the computer and the K2 - transformers in the audio-out and mic-in do that job and a voltage divider is needed in the mic input because the soundcard output is much greater than the mic input level. The RigBlaster should provide that isolation. Then if you want automatic transmit/receive, you need a transistor keying switch to turn transmit on (PTT) from the digital computer application - easily accomplished with a simple transistor switch to drive the PTT line - Google on PSK31 and you will find a lot of information about how to hook things up. Of course, your RigBlaster includes many of these things, so you may just want to unpack it. If you want a fixed audio output level from the K2, I have a few boards left (no kits) - you can take a look at my website article about it at http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com 73, Don W3FPR N2TK, Tony wrote: I finally am going to get on the digital modes. Never did any of the digital stuff before so I am asking advice from you digital mavens. At Dayton I would like to pick up the hardware I need. I have my K3 on order. For now I would be using my K2. Figured I would look especially at the Microham and Navigator offerings. I like the idea that I wouldn't need to use an audio card in the PC. I have a RIGblaster that has never been out of the box. Maybe that works fine for digital modes? Do I need more than this? What does more than this buy me? What advice can you give me as to what to look for, what to recommend for hardware to use on my K2 and forthcoming K3 so that it would be easy to switch from CW, SSB and any of the popular digital modes? Tnx for your advice. N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
Tony, I'm using a RigExpert S/D with my K2/100. Currently with just the SPKR and MIC connections for audio (which is messy), and hopefully using the MiniDIN on the BLQ interface as of sometime this week (thanks Doug !) - just to make for simpler cabling. The RE is nice, small, and USB-based. That's good for laptops that no longer have a (real) serial port. It also implements its own sound card, _and_ it presents a CAT serial port to the various HAM programs. Meaning: - one cable between that box and the K2 for audio/ptt (MiniDIN, or the MIC/SPK setup) - one cable between them for CAT (to the RS-232 port on the K2) - one cable between the box and the PC (USB) That is all. I use it with HAM Radio Deluxe, MixW2 and EchoLink. Cheers, Fred PA4YBR/KA4YBR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of N2TK, Tony Sent: maandag 7 mei 2007 1:14 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: 'Elecraft' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tnx Don for the feedback. I got one of those boards from you so I am set with that. Well that will be neat that I don't have to buy any other hardware for the K3 to operate Digital. So I would only need a program for the PC? And sounds like my Rigblaster will do what I need for the K2. Do I get any advantages by upgrading to something like the Navigator or RigExpert for either the K2 or K3 as an interface? 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 7:02 PM To: N2TK, Tony Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tony, As I understand the K3 you won't even need the RigBlaster, it can connect directly to the computer (only cables and plugs needed) - even does RTTY/PSK31 without the computer at all if you want. For the K2, you should provide some isolation between the computer and the K2 - transformers in the audio-out and mic-in do that job and a voltage divider is needed in the mic input because the soundcard output is much greater than the mic input level. The RigBlaster should provide that isolation. Then if you want automatic transmit/receive, you need a transistor keying switch to turn transmit on (PTT) from the digital computer application - easily accomplished with a simple transistor switch to drive the PTT line - Google on PSK31 and you will find a lot of information about how to hook things up. Of course, your RigBlaster includes many of these things, so you may just want to unpack it. If you want a fixed audio output level from the K2, I have a few boards left (no kits) - you can take a look at my website article about it at http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com 73, Don W3FPR N2TK, Tony wrote: I finally am going to get on the digital modes. Never did any of the digital stuff before so I am asking advice from you digital mavens. At Dayton I would like to pick up the hardware I need. I have my K3 on order. For now I would be using my K2. Figured I would look especially at the Microham and Navigator offerings. I like the idea that I wouldn't need to use an audio card in the PC. I have a RIGblaster that has never been out of the box. Maybe that works fine for digital modes? Do I need more than this? What does more than this buy me? What advice can you give me as to what to look for, what to recommend for hardware to use on my K2 and forthcoming K3 so that it would be easy to switch from CW, SSB and any of the popular digital modes? Tnx for your advice. N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
Tnx Fred for the feedback. Good info. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Fred N. van Kempen [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 7:25 PM To: N2TK, Tony; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tony, I'm using a RigExpert S/D with my K2/100. Currently with just the SPKR and MIC connections for audio (which is messy), and hopefully using the MiniDIN on the BLQ interface as of sometime this week (thanks Doug !) - just to make for simpler cabling. The RE is nice, small, and USB-based. That's good for laptops that no longer have a (real) serial port. It also implements its own sound card, _and_ it presents a CAT serial port to the various HAM programs. Meaning: - one cable between that box and the K2 for audio/ptt (MiniDIN, or the MIC/SPK setup) - one cable between them for CAT (to the RS-232 port on the K2) - one cable between the box and the PC (USB) That is all. I use it with HAM Radio Deluxe, MixW2 and EchoLink. Cheers, Fred PA4YBR/KA4YBR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of N2TK, Tony Sent: maandag 7 mei 2007 1:14 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: 'Elecraft' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tnx Don for the feedback. I got one of those boards from you so I am set with that. Well that will be neat that I don't have to buy any other hardware for the K3 to operate Digital. So I would only need a program for the PC? And sounds like my Rigblaster will do what I need for the K2. Do I get any advantages by upgrading to something like the Navigator or RigExpert for either the K2 or K3 as an interface? 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 7:02 PM To: N2TK, Tony Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3 Tony, As I understand the K3 you won't even need the RigBlaster, it can connect directly to the computer (only cables and plugs needed) - even does RTTY/PSK31 without the computer at all if you want. For the K2, you should provide some isolation between the computer and the K2 - transformers in the audio-out and mic-in do that job and a voltage divider is needed in the mic input because the soundcard output is much greater than the mic input level. The RigBlaster should provide that isolation. Then if you want automatic transmit/receive, you need a transistor keying switch to turn transmit on (PTT) from the digital computer application - easily accomplished with a simple transistor switch to drive the PTT line - Google on PSK31 and you will find a lot of information about how to hook things up. Of course, your RigBlaster includes many of these things, so you may just want to unpack it. If you want a fixed audio output level from the K2, I have a few boards left (no kits) - you can take a look at my website article about it at http://w3fpr.qrpradio.com 73, Don W3FPR N2TK, Tony wrote: I finally am going to get on the digital modes. Never did any of the digital stuff before so I am asking advice from you digital mavens. At Dayton I would like to pick up the hardware I need. I have my K3 on order. For now I would be using my K2. Figured I would look especially at the Microham and Navigator offerings. I like the idea that I wouldn't need to use an audio card in the PC. I have a RIGblaster that has never been out of the box. Maybe that works fine for digital modes? Do I need more than this? What does more than this buy me? What advice can you give me as to what to look for, what to recommend for hardware to use on my K2 and forthcoming K3 so that it would be easy to switch from CW, SSB and any of the popular digital modes? Tnx for your advice. N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Digital advice sought for K2 and K3
You might consider getting the RS232 K2IO interface and using it for keying, instead of using PTT. With the K2IO, you can use rig control via RS232 commands with many digimode programs, which can also use the RS232 to bring frequency, modes, filters, etc. settings to your computer. Having an accurate frequency display (VFO +/- AF, depending on sideband) helps. 73, Leigh/WA5ZNU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
