[Elecraft] KUSB vs K2

[Toby Deinhardt]

Hallo,

>> Does anyone know conclusively if the KUSB USB to serial adapter
>> listed on the Electaft website will work with a K2 and Vista?  
> 
> Regarding USB adapters: there are several variables, including the 
> hardware and software of the computer, plus of course the adapter and 
> its drivers, etc. So the answer has to be a resounding MAYBE.

As far as Vista is concerned, I don't know. I've used various USB to 
Serial adapters for my K2 with Windows 200 & Windows XP for years now 
and they have worked very well, and the KUSB is nothing more than an USB 
to Serial adapter, using afaik a widespread solution (chip) by Prolific 
<http://www.prolific.com.tw/eng/support.asp>.

That said, shortly before my K3 arrived, my old Sony laptop decided it 
was time to go to the big bit bucket in the sky. My new computer is an 
Apple MacBook Pro, which allows me to run MacOS and, with Boot Camp, I 
can also run Windows XP Professional as a "native" OS. The KUSB mostly 
works with the Boot Camp/Windows combination and my K3. Unfortunately 
only mostly, because the Win-Test logger is occasionally confused by the 
data coming from the adapter, and some versions of the K3 firmware 
loader were not able to switch the baud rate as needed. These issues 
almost certainly have to do with the USB/Serial drivers running on my 
slightly unusual combination of hard- and software. I'll be doing some 
more testing this weekend.

Bottom line: If the KUSB works correctly with Vista, it will work with 
your K2 and there is a very good chance that the KUSB will work well 
with Vista running on a "standard" hardware surrounding.


> One thing for sure, be VERY careful to use a cable between the K2 and 
> the adapter that only connects the RS232 signals and not the K2-specific 
> lines that appear on the connector on the K2. See the K2 manual for 
> details.

*** THIS IS IMPORTANT! DO NOT CONNECT THE KUSB DIRECTLY TO YOUR K2! ***

You will need an adapter from standard RS-232 (KUSB) pinning to the K2 
pinning.


vy 73 de toby