[Elecraft] USB Support - K3, K2?

[John Huggins]

I am not sure, but can point to one example that does include a USB 
"chip" in its design that takes care of the conversion from USB to 
serial.  It is the WinKeyUSB interface from K1EL.  It is quite possible 
the purchase of the chip might pay such fees indirectly.  If it does the 
fees must be low as the cost of the kit is under $50.

Richard Kent wrote:

>I thought I heard or read that including an USB controller into a piece of
>equipment requires one to pay a licensing fee to the organization that
>maintains the USB definition. If this is true that could be why many devices
>do not include USB compatibility. The cost may be too much for the number of
>devices to be sold. Anyone know for sure??
>
>Rick Kent WD8AJG
>
>-----Original Message-----
>
>As many posts have mentioned, for various reasons,
>it would be nice to have a USB port into the K3.
>And also a K2 upgrade.   Wonder how hard this would
>be for Elecraft to work up and provide?  Seems
>like RS-232C Serial has been around for decades
>and decades - I think starting in just past
>Fairfield TTY Teletype days in 1959.
>
>I just went thru a failed USB-to-Serial cable
>converter attempt from my Laptop (USB) to a
>Kenwood TH-F6A HT.  Kenwood service knew
>nothing about USB, and very little about their
>freebee HT software program that supports the
>TH-F6A handi-talkee.  I gave up - after many
>many comm link failure difficulties into
>the TH-F6A, from a very very modern 2006
>Compaq laptop, loaded with USB ports.  Sent
>TH-F6A back to HRO.
>
>I hope these jury-rigs aren't required talking
>to a K3?
>
>Thanks, Fred, N3CSY
>
>
>_______________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Post to: Elecraft at 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
>
>  
>