[SEDXC] K3 ADDITIONS

[Mike Greenway]

Recently I have tried to move into the 21st century by adding some items to my K3.  These all apply to other rigs also but I am familiar with the K3 layout. 

I use DX4WIN for logging and rig control via serial port.

I installed a W3YY interface board the provides CW Keying, FSK RTTY and PTT from my logging and contesting programs via a single serial port. http://w3yy.com/fsk.htm I use MMTTY for RTTY and FLDIGI for PSK and other modes.  The FSK connection is more elegant for RTTY than AFSK.  I can quickly operate any mode with this enhancement.  This is more for the builder type as you have to come up with all the connectors and do the wiring to suit your set up but the board is only $28 with shipping.

In that serial line there is “Y” cable that feeds the SteppIR controller and the K3.  The SteppIR is in the listening mode only so it can see what band the K3 is on and switches the SteppIR to the proper band segment.  You can put the controller back to manual with a few switch movements on the controller if you feel the need.  If you are just tuning around the band the Stepp controller will make minor adjustments to the antenna as you just see a quick flash on the movement LED.  This cable can be built or purchased from SteppIR.  I have found this addition very helpful.

I built up a band decoder board from Unified Microsystems http://www.unifiedmicro.com/ that is fed by the K3 to provide band information switch my DX Engineering antenna switch to select the proper antenna.  Again you will need to provide your own housing and wiring.  

One last piece I plan to install, Idiom Press http://www.idiompress.com/ sells a board that will install inside your rotor control and use info from your logging program via serial port to move the rotator to the correct heading.  

Years ago I laughed at these items but recently doing a lot of chasing LOTW countries, doing a lot of mode/band changing rapidly, this stuff saves a lot of wrong antenna on the wrong band, wrong freq for the SteppIR, etc errors and allows me to concentrate on working the guy quickly or contesting.. Okay bring on the naysayers or if you have any questions let me know. 

.... 73 Mike K4PI