[WriteLog] Interfacing WL to Elecraft K3

[W8AV--- via WriteLog]

Yes, you can send computer generated CW to a K3 without an external  
device.  I do it here.  I simply set the K3 menu to use an external  keyer instead 
of the internal one and use a Y connector to plug the keyer and  the keying 
line from the computer into the radio.  I am still using XP here  so I can 
use an LPT port to generate the CW with the USERPORT utility that is a  free 
download (this frees up a serial port for other things). Alternatively, you 
 can also send the CW to the rig through a serial port as well.  Have not  
played with Win 7 or 8.1 here but I am pretty sure you can do it with a  
USB-serial interface from the computer to the homebrew serial port CW interface 
 described in the WL documentation.
 
You need to set the option in the WL port setup for "computer  generates" 
to send CW to the radio.
 
73........de Goose, W8AV
 
 
In a message dated 12/4/2014 9:26:06 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
john at kk9a.com writes:

Can an  Elecraft K3 send computer generated CW without an external device
such as a  MicroHam USB CW keyer?

John KK9A


To:     <writelog at contesting.com>
Subject:    [WriteLog]  Interfacing WL to Elecraft K3
From:    "Bruce Sawyer"  <aquariusds at sbcglobal.net>
Date:    Wed, 3 Dec 2014  14:45:39 -0800
List-post:

I have a new Elecraft K3 and I am new to  WriteLog, so I'm certain the
problems I'm having interfacing the two  involve doing something very dumb.
Nevertheless, I've gone around and  around and cannot get WL to send CW to
the K3.



When I first  got WL a few weeks ago, I set it up and after playing around
some got it to  work.  So I know it can be done!  But I've messed up
something in  the interim and now I cannot get WL to key the rig.



In the  past, I always used a big desktop computer, built up my own cable to
key  the rig from a parallel port, and never had any problems.  Now  I'm
trying to use a laptop with only a USB port, so this is another area of  new
ground for me.



For starters, I am using the Elecraft  KIO3 module along with the USB cable
that came with it.  I have set  the rig to 38400 Baud (CONFIG:  RS232 38400
b) and set CONFIG:   PTT-KEY to OFF-OFF.  In WL, using the Setup | Ports
menu, I set COM5  for CW, Rig Type K3, Baud Rate 38400, Poll selected, and 
NO
for Comm  PTT.  The "CW keyer type" I set to "PC generates".  With this,  
the
radio and WL communicate just fine.  I get an accurate frequency  readout in
WL, can change the frequency on the rig, etc.  I just can't  send any CW.  
As
I mentioned earlier, I think this worked for me a few  weeks ago.  But I
can't get it to work now.  I know the cable is  functioning correctly 
because
I can start up the K3 Utility and use it to  send CW to the rig without any
problem.



So what am I doing  wrong?  I had a friend tell me I really should get 
K1EL's
WinKeyer3  and then have the K3 send ascii strings to it rather than 
generate
the  CW.  I understand his reasoning, but I'm not doing SO2R, don't have  a
packet interface, etc.  Thus I really think I should be able to have  WL
generate the CW.



Bruce,  N6NT

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