[Elecraft] KIO2 "Virtual Keying" and WriteLog

[Don Wilhelm]

JT,

You are correct, not many applications support the K2 "virtual keying". 
  I do wish that would change, and perhaps it will now that Elecraft has 
gotten more attention with the K3 (well, wishful thinking sometimes 
produces results <G>).

I can only believe that it is not supported because the applications 
attempt to support multiple transceivers with the same code - the K2 is 
unique in this function (as far as I know), and the programmers would 
have to branch off into routines that are specific for the K2 - that 
means more code in their programs.

Perhaps one of the application authors could respond and provide his 
reasons, but for the time being, it is prudent to use whatever 
conversion hardware is necessary to activate the K2 key line.

73,
Don W3FPR

John Tobias Croteau wrote:
> 
> ""Virtual" keying, using computer commands sent to the KIO2's serial
> port: In this case, no
> connection to the key or mic jacks is required for keying the K2. In
> SSB mode, the computer sends the K2 "TX" and "RX" commands, which the
> K2 responds to by turning PTT on and off internally. In CW mode, the
> computer sends typed characters to the K2 using a "KY" command, and
> the K2 converts the characters to dots and dashes internally. This
> method of keying is supported by only a few remote control
> applications, including RCP570 and Elecraft's K2REMOTE program. (For
> details on the TX, RX, and KY commands, refer to the KIO2 Programmer's
> Reference.)"
> 
> 
> However, it doesn't look like many third party programs support it at
> this time so I will most likely have to split off a line and use PTT
> through the KEY jack like you suggest.
>