[WT-support] Win-Test & 4O3A Interface Genius

[Steve Maki]

On 08/26/18 11:42 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV wrote:

>     I'm still using my 30 year old FT1000D. I assume your scripts access
>     a radio's built in keyer and voice memories (if available). I don't
>     have the Yaesu DVK unit.

> The FT-1000D provides no software commands to control the radio's 
> keyer.  So in this case, a WinKey would be the way to go, though I think 
> you'd be much happier if you can find a way to upgrade to a modern 
> transceiver.  Radio technology has advanced immensely in 30 years.  
> According to careful measurements made by Rob Sherwood, NC0B, the 
> FT-1000D close-spaced (2 kHz) dynamic range is only 69 dB, which means 
> you're going to hear much more QRM while using an FT-1000D in a contest 
> than you are going to hear with a modern radio.  See:
> 
>     http://www.sherweng.com/table.html

Oh yeah I've visited his site many times over the years. Thought for 
sure I'd have a loaded K3s by now, but now seem to be at a fork in the 
road with Flex SDR looking attractive, and can't seem to pull the trigger.

>     I've tried the sound card alone method, but have not succeeded in
>     getting Win-Test to mute the mic during message playback.

> Yup, Windows changed the audio programming interface, so the Win-Test 
> "mute the mic" feature no longer works, unless you're using Windows XP.  
> My Icom sound card scripts simulate this behavior by switching the audio 
> input back and forth between the mic. and the internal sound card of the 
> radio with each message.  But using voice memories works even better, 
> and Win-Test scripts can support those too.  Another option is to use 
> the PTT signal from Win-Test to open a small relay, muting your mic.

I think that relay makes the most sense to keep the FT1000 working a 
little longer so I can agonize over radios for a while. The audio 
quality in and out of my sound card (which has NO 3.5mm connectors I'll 
add) is great. I hate fiddling with all those mickey mouse connectors on 
the 1275.

Just had another thought - the 1275 should be able to be used as-is as a 
PTT controlled mic disconnect, without routing any other audio thru it. 
Should have tried that already. Will only need to provide an adapter to 
go from the 8 pin connector to an XLR.

Thanks Bob,

-Steve K8LX