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[KD9DOG]

To do FT8 and WSJT etc I keep seeing this word Sound Card, is this an item I need to add to my computer I am going to buy either a IC7300 (preferred) or an FT991A.
I want to make sure I am ready to go, the last time I tried I had a miserable time making it work

[AE9DX]

If you are running a computer with windows, it's already in the computer. Go in to "my computer" or system and it should be listed there. The setup for your digital programs will explain how to set it up. Sometimes it can be a bit confusing and require a bit of tweaking to get it to sync, but once you get it, it's there. Also be SURE that the clock in the radio and the computer agree and that both are right, or you WILL have problems.

[KE6SLS]

I know the 7300 is digital ready and only requires a single USB cable from radio to computer.  You will have to read up on all the radio settings but eZpZ

Reminder, don't be a LID, activate the ALC meter and mind it while on digital modes.

Have FUN!

73

[AA6YQ]

To do FT8 and WSJT etc I keep seeing this word Sound Card, is this an item I need to add to my computer I am going to buy either a IC7300 (preferred) or an FT991A.
I want to make sure I am ready to go, the last time I tried I had a miserable time making it work

A "sound card" is a device that contains

1. a D/A converter that enables an application to generate audio output (to be connected to a speaker, headphones, or an audio input)

2. an A/D converter that digitizes the output of an external microphone or audio output and makes the results available to an application

A sound card is what enables your computer to generate and record/process audio. Originally, sound cards were packaged on a printed circuit board that could be plugged in to your computer's motherboard. These days, most motherboards include sound card functionality.

Back in the early 2000s, amateur radio software developers began to create software that exploited the D/A and A/D converters in a "sound card" to generate and decode digital modes like RTTY and PSK by connecting them to a transceiver's audio input and output, respectively.  This marked the beginning of an explosion of new digital modes. Modes like VARA, FT4, and FT8 are relatively recent examples.

Radio manufactures have taken note, and incorporated sound card functionality into their transceivers. When you connect an IC7300 to a Windows computer by way of a standard USB A-B cable, Windows creates a "virtual soundcard". Applications like MMTTY, FLDigi, WinWarbler, and WSJT-X can utilize a "virtual sound card" just as they would the sound card functionality in your computer's motherboard. Using a virtual soundcard dedicated to amateur radio digital mode applications eliminates the inadvertent transmission of "Windows sounds" (like a "new email" chime) on amateur radio frequencies.

To configure your IC-7300 to accept audio from its virtual, decide whether your digital mode operation will employ Data MOD or not. Then open the transceiver's SET MODE menu and

 * set the DATA OFF MOD or DATA MOD to USB, as shown on page 12-8 of the IC-7300 Advanced Instruction Manual

 * set the USB MOD Level to 50% (you can increase or decrease this later to adjust the audio drive level)

 * set the ACC/USB AF Output Level to 33% (a level higher than that might overload the radio's virtual sound card)

[KD9DOG]

wow,that is a lot of information and yes I will be purchasing a 7300 seems to be the only path. thank you and God Bless
Jim KD9DOG

[W9IQ]

The 7300 is a very good choice if you are interested in digital modes. It can run non-stop full power without overheating. Just make certain your power supply is up to the task.

- Glenn W9IQ

[VE3TMT]

And be sure to turn off your Windows system sounds if using the computer sound card. Those who don't create a lot of unnecessary QRM.

[N6YWU]

To do FT8 and WSJT etc I keep seeing this word Sound Card ...

Once upon a time in ancient history (the dawn of personal computers), home computers did not have any audio input (nor USB, which wasn't invented yet).  On the Apple II and the IBM PC, the audio output was a 1-bit digital IO connected to a speaker.  Then Creative Labs came out with the Sound Blaster, a *card* that plugged into one of the ISA slots for *sound* input and output.

Generic copies of the Sound Blaster were called sound cards.  The name stuck.

On most current PCs, there are no slots, but the USB adapter or internal audio IO is still called a "Sound Card" by people who like ancient archaic methods of connecting things.  The term just means one is using the nearly obsolete method of connecting SDR software to a radio by using analog audio cables or digitized audio over USB, rather that using a data protocol to transfer digitized RF samples, as more modern network SDR radios can do.

[KD9DOG]

I have this sound card; type: SOUND CARD · brand: TRUST · model: SC-5100 · p/n: MPB-000153 · c-media model: SC3000D · interface: PCI · external ports: F-OUT, R-OUT, LIN/C LFE, MIC, GAME/MIDI .... It has been refubished with WIN10
Should I put this into my dinasouar Dell T-1600?
I can put this back to Win7 if need be, I did not know how to insert file so I copied the service tag and then used Belarc to look at current Let me know if this computer will work, I really want to do this correctly.
Jim KD9DOG

Detailed below is your device's (Service Tag: 7FP54V1) original configuration and the system specifications it shipped with.
Original Configuration
 Export | Expand All
421-5607 : Windows 7 Professional,No Medi a, 64-bit,Fixed Precision, Eng lish
421-5335 : Dell Client System Update (Upd ates latest Dell Recommended B IOS, Drivers, Firmware and App s),Precision Desktop
421-5095 : Cyberlink Power DVD 9.5.1,Medi a, Dell OptiPlex, Latitude and Precision Workstation
421-5090 : Dell Data Protection Access,Pr ecision Desktop
421-4540 : Roxio Creator Starter,Media, D ell OptiPlex, Latitude and Pre cision Workstation
421-3872 : No Productivity Software,Dell OptiPlex,Precision and Latitud e
421-2262 : Windows 7 XP Mode,Opti/PWS/Lat /Vost
365-1234 : Readyware Installation Fee
342-2636 : C1 All SATA Hard Drives,Non-RA ID for 1 Hard Drive,3.5 Inch,D ell Precision T1600
342-2635 : Enable Low Power Mode for EUP Compliance,Dell Precision Desk top
342-2165 : MT Chassis Conf without 1394 C ard,Dell Precision 1394
342-2164 : 19 in 1,Media Card Reader,Dell Precision T1600
342-2145 : 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s, 7200RPM Ha rd Drive with 8MB DataBurst Ca che,Dell Precision T1600
331-2720 : No Out-of-Band Systems Managem ent,Dell Precision T1600
331-2673 : 1 W ready mode - exceeds FEMP 3W recommendation. Mode can be disabled in BIOS. Dell Pre cision Desktop
331-2477 : Documentation,English and Fren ch,Dell Precision
331-1965 : Dell USB Entry Keyboard,No Hot Keys,English,Precision Deskto p
331-1545 : Display Port to DVI Video Adap ter Converter
331-1189 : Shipping Material for System,D ell Precision T1600
330-9458 : Dell MS111 USB Optical Mouse,O ptiPlex and Fixed Precision
330-5527 : No Quick Reference Guide
330-3157 : Power Cord,125V,2M,C13,Dell Precision
320-1896 : 1GB nVIDIA Quadro 600,Dual Mon itor,1DP and 1DVI,Dell Precisi on T1600
318-0761 : Precision T1600 265W 65% Effic ient Power Supply
318-0614 : 16X DVD+/-RW,Data Only,Dell Pr ecision T1600
317-7284 : 4GB, DDR3 ECC SDRAM Memory 133 3MHz, 2X2GB Dell Precision T16 00
317-6058 : Quad Core Xeon E3-1245, 3.30 G Hz, 8M L3, 2GT, Turbo, Dell Pr ecision T1600
313-2663 : No Speaker option
225-0458 : Dell Precision T1600 Standard Ba


Computer Name:   DESKTOP-8UA9HN2 (in WORKGROUP)
Profile Date:   Wednesday, 21 September, 2022 9:23:06 PM
Advisor Version:   11.5a
Windows Logon:   me
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Personal Home Use Only
Operating System
Windows 10 Professional (x64) Version 21H2 (build 19044.2006)
Install Language: English (United States)
System Locale: English (United States)
Installed: 7/4/2022 11:24:15 AM
Servicing Branch: Current Branch (CB)
Boot Mode: UEFI (Secure Boot likely not supported by this UEFI)
System Model
Dell Inc. Precision T1600 01
System Service Tag: 7FP54V1 (support for this PC)
Chassis Serial Number: 7FP54V1
Enclosure Type: Mini-Tower
Processor a
3.30 gigahertz Intel Xeon E31245
256 kilobyte primary memory cache
1 megabyte secondary memory cache
8 megabyte tertiary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (4 total)
Hyper-threaded (8 total)
Main Circuit Board b
Board: Dell Inc. 06NWYK A01
Serial Number: /7FP54V1/CN7360417F03Z9/
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
UEFI: Dell Inc. A21 07/05/2018
Drives
999.61 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
946.49 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GH82N [Optical drive]

Generic- Compact Flash USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 2
Generic- MS/MS-Pro USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 4
Generic- SD/MMC USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 1
Generic- SM/xD Picture USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 3
ST1000DM003-1CH162 [Hard drive] (1.00 TB) -- drive 0, s/n S1D70LR6, rev CC44, SMART Status: Healthy
Memory Modules c,d
7.96 Gigabytes Usable Installed Memory

Slot 'ChannelA-DIMM0' is Empty
Slot 'ChannelA-DIMM1' has 4 GB (serial number 956F51EA)
Slot 'ChannelB-DIMM0' is Empty
Slot 'ChannelB-DIMM1' has 4 GB (serial number 956F5238)
Local Drive Volumes
c: (NTFS on drive 0)   999.61 GB   946.49 GB free      
Network Drives
None detected
Users (mouse over user name for details)
local user accounts   last logon
me   9/21/2022 11:19:06 AM   (admin)
local system accounts
X   Administrator   7/4/2022 10:56:24 AM   (admin)
X   DefaultAccount   never   
X   Guest   never   
X   WDAGUtilityAccount   never   
X Marks a disabled account; L Marks a locked account
Printers
EPSON PC-FAX driver   on EP931DD5:WF-2750 SERIES
EPSON WF-2750 Series   on EP931DD5:WF-2750 SERIES
EPSON WF-2750 Series   on WSD port
Controllers
None detected
Display
NVIDIA Quadro 600 [Display adapter]
HKC L23600WHS [Monitor] (23.4"vis, October 2014)
Bus Adapters
Intel Chipset SATA RAID Controller
Microsoft Storage Spaces Controller
Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1C26
Intel(R) 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family USB Enhanced Host Controller - 1C2D
Multimedia
High Definition Audio Device
NVIDIA High Definition Audio (4x)
NVIDIA Virtual Audio Device (Wave Extensible) (WDM)
Virus Protection
Windows Defender Version 4.18.2207.7
    Scan Engine Version 1.1.19600.3
    Virus Definitions Version 9/21/2022 Rev 1.375.781.0
    Last Disk Scan on Saturday, 17 September, 2022 1:40:18 PM
    Realtime File Scanning On
Group Policies
None detected
Communications
↓ Intel(R) 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection
Status:   Cable unplugged
Dhcp Server:   none responded
Physical Address:   14:FE:B5:FC:FA:AB
↓ Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
Status:   Not connected to a network
Dhcp Server:   none responded
Physical Address:   9A:48:27:68:F2:F7
↓ Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter #2
Status:   Not connected to a network
Dhcp Server:   none responded
Physical Address:   98:48:27:68:F2:F7
↑ TP-Link Wireless USB Adapter
primary   Auto IP Address:   192.168.200.98 / 24
Gateway:   192.168.200.1
Dhcp Server:   192.168.200.1
Physical Address:   98:48:27:68:F2:F7
Connection Speed:   72 Mbps
 
Networking Dns Servers:   10.100.0.10
8.8.8.8
8.8.4.4
Other Devices
Speakers (High Definition Audio Device)
DellInstrumentation Device
DBUtilDrv2 Device
[TV] Samsung Q60 Series (75)
USB NetVista Full Width Keyboard
Usb Mouse
NvModuleTracker Device
USB Storage Use in past 30 Days
Device (mouse over for details)   Last Used
Generic- Compact Flash, s/n 058F63626420, rev 1.01   9/17/2022 12:30:49 PM
Generic- MS/MS-Pro, s/n 058F63626420, rev 1.03   9/17/2022 12:30:49 PM
Generic- SD/MMC, s/n 058F63626420, rev 1.00   9/17/2022 12:30:49 PM
Generic- SM/xD Picture, s/n 058F63626420, rev 1.02   9/17/2022 12:30:49 PM
Flash Drive SM_USB20 USB Device, s/n AA04012700014527, rev 1100   8/27/2022 12:37:57 PM
SMI USB MEMORY BAR, rev 1000   8/26/2022 3:22:48 PM
Hosted Virtual Machines
None detected
Personal Home Use Only
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Hotfixes from Windows Update (agent version 10.0.19041.1865) install automatically.
Last install: 9/21/2022 5:51:35 AM, check: 9/21/2022 12:06:19 PM.

These security updates apply to this computer but are not currently installed (using Advisor definitions version 2022.9.21.3), according to the 09/13/2022 Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary and bulletins from other vendors. Note: Security benchmarks require that Critical and Important severity security updates must be installed.

Hotfix Id   Severity   Description (click to see security bulletin)
EOL-Microsoft   End of Life    Microsoft  .NET 5.0 is vulnerable and no security updates are provided by the vendor
Q5017915   Important    Microsoft security update (KB5017915)
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Microsoft - PowerShell   89383-100-0001260-04309
Microsoft - Windows 10 Professional (x64)   00330-75130-69580-AAOEM (Key: 642TJ-6NMKC-B46GD-74GP6-TJF9F)e
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     i  A Visscher Software - Mega Solitaire version 1, 0, 0, 1
  ıı i  aaa - pCustomCaption version 1.00
   ı i  Belarc - Advisor version 11.5.1
  ıı i  BuTel Software - ARC500 version 2.04.0001
     i  Dell - SOS Installer Tool version 5.5.1.16143
   ı i  Dell - SupportAssist version 3.11.4.29 (64-bit)
  ıı i  Dell - SupportAssist for Home PCs version 3.11.20.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Dell - TechHub Settings version 1.0.23.5-b0e421c (64-bit)
   ı i  Dell Technologies - Data Vault version 7.0.106.1474 (64-bit)
   ı i  Google - Chrome version 105.0.5195.127 (64-bit)
   ı i  Google - Update version 1.3.36.131
     i  Macrovision - InstallShield version 14.0
     i  Microsoft - .NET Framework version 3.0.6920.9141
     i  Microsoft - .NET Framework version 4.0.41210.0 (32/64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - .NET Framework version 4.8.4084.0
     i  Microsoft - Antimalware Service Executable version 4.18.2207.7 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - App Installer version 1.18.2091.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - AV1 Video Extension version 1.1.52074.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Cortana version 4.2204.13303.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Edge version 105.0.1343.42 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Edge version 44.19041.1266.0
   ı i  Microsoft - Edge Update version 1.3.147.37
     i  Microsoft - Feedback Hub version 1.2203.761.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Get Help version 10.2206.2011.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Groove Music version 10.22031.10091.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - HEIF Image Extensions version 1.0.43012.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Internet Explorer version 11.00.19041.1466 (32/64-bit)
  ıı i  Microsoft - Mail and Calendar version 16005.14326.20970.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Microsoft.Microsoft3DViewer version 7.2107.7012.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Microsoft.WindowsCamera version 2021.105.10.0 (64-bit)
  ıı i  Microsoft - Microsoft.XboxApp version 48.89.25001.0 (64-bit)
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     i  Microsoft - Movies & TV version 10.22061.10241.0 (64-bit)
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     i  Microsoft - PCHealthCheck.exe version 3.6.220408001-s2 (64-bit)
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     i  Microsoft - Phone Link version 1.22062.543.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Photos version 2022.30070.26007.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Snip & Sketch version 10.2008.2277.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Store version 22207.1401.1.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Store Experience Host version 12203.44.0.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - VP9 Video Extensions version 1.0.51171.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Webp Image Extensions version 1.0.52351.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Windows Calculator version 10.2103.8.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Windows Clock version 11.2206.27.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Windows Installer - Unicode version 5.0.19041.1 (32/64-bit)        i  Microsoft - Windows Maps version 11.2206.6.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Windows Media Player version 12.0.19041.1 (32/64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Windows Script Host version 5.812.10240.16384 (32/64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft - Windows Search version 7.0.19041.1 (32/64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Windows Voice Recorder version 10.2103.28.0 (64-bit)
  ıı i  Microsoft - Xbox Game Bar version 5.822.6271.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Xbox Game Bar Plugin version 1.54.4001.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Xbox Game Speech Window version 1.21.13002.0 (64-bit)
     i  Microsoft - Xbox Identity Provider version 12.93.6001.0 (64-bit)
  ıı i  Microsoft - Xbox TCUI version 1.24.10001.0 (64-bit)
   ı i  Microsoft Studios - Solitaire Collection version 4.14.9130.0 (64-bit)
  ıı i  Newyu - LibreViewDeviceDrivers version 3.3.2
   ı i  Newyu - LibreViewMASMonitor version 3.3.2
   ı i  No Company Name - CHIRP
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   ı i  No Company Name - Mahjongg - The Ultimate Collection
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     i  No Company Name - Reel Deal Slots & Video Poker - Windowed
   ı i  No Company Name - ServiceShell version 2.5.1.5
     i  NVIDIA - 3D Vision Photo Viewer version 7.17.13.7783
   ı i  NVIDIA - Container gcomp_dev 29882648 (64-bit)
  ıı i  NVIDIA - Container gs_03_10 0 (64-bit)
     i  NVIDIA - Control Panel version 8.1.962.0 (64-bit)
     i  NVIDIA - FrameView version 1.2.4923.0 (64-bit)
     i  NVIDIA - GeForce 3D Vision version 7.17.13.7783
  ıı i  NVIDIA - GeForce Experience rel_03_23/6986037 (64-bit)
     i  NVIDIA - nView Desktop and Window Manager 148.47 version 6.14.10.14847
   ı i  NVIDIA - WMI Provider version 2.29.0 (64-bit)
     i  Oracle - Java Platform SE 8 version 8.0.3410.10
     i  Oracle - Java Platform SE 8 U341 version 8.0.3410.10
   ı i  Oracle - Java Platform SE Auto Updater version 2.8.341.10
     i  Palladium Interactive - GOTOURL Application version 1, 0, 0, 1
     i  Python Software Foundation - Python version 3.9.12 (32/64-bit)
   ı i  SEIKO EPSON - EEventManager Application version 3.2.0.0
     i  SEIKO EPSON - EProjManager Application version 2, 6, 0, 4
     i  Seiko Epson - Epson Connect Printer Setup version 1, 4, 3, 1100
   ı i  SEIKO EPSON - Epson Customer Research Participation version 1.8.3.1 (64-bit)
     i  SEIKO EPSON - EPSON PC-FAX SOFTWARE version 3,2,5,1
   ı i  Seiko Epson - Epson ReadyInk Agent version 1.0.4.0
     i  SEIKO EPSON - EPSON Scan version 5.0.8.0
  ıı i  SEIKO EPSON - EPSON Scan version 5.1.1.0
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[KA2DDX]

Using the pc's internal sound card is possible, but not desirable.

The following rigs have sound cards built in:

ic7300
ic7200

ft991a
ftdx3000
ftdx101d/101mp/10

ts890
ts990
ts590

there are others with it built in.
Or,
you buy an external sound card like the signalink usb and connect it to your pc with a usb cable.

Lotsa choices,

Larry KA2DDX

[KD9DOG]

Thank You for your wisdom.
Jim KD9DOG

[AF5CC]

The FT991A also has a built in soundcard so you can do the digital modes with a single USB cable, plus it gives you 2m and 70cm FT8 and SSB, something a dualband FM rig won't.  It will take full power on the digital modes as well.

73 John AF5CC

[KD9DOG]

I had a 991A and I could not get it to work proper just would not do it, had hams control my computer to set it up would work for a bit then quit. I was reminded a short while back I had some 400 posts trying to figure it out and I am not going to repeat. I also learned that the dual banding HF/VUHF is not practical for me as I had enough trouble on HF also multitaking is not my tea bag. I have purchased an Alinco DR-610 for the UV/HF Now I am waiting for one more payday and I will have a 7300
Thank you all again and have a great day
JimKD9DOG
PS: How about we let this subject go away again thanks 73's