[Elecraft] RS232 cable source

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill and Paul,

Yes, all that is true.  The K2 9 pin connector is labeled "AUX I/O" - 
and that does *not* mean RS-232.  It does contain 2 RS-232 level signals 
(RXD and TXD), but also contains internal K2 signal lines.  Using a 
standard computer serial cable on the K2 will cause damage to your K2.

OTOH, you will find the K3 9 pin connector *is* labeled as RS-232, and 
one can safely connect a standard computer serial cable to the K3 - 
although the special cable made for a K2 will work to provide 
communications and firmware download with the K3.

In general - the DB/DE series of connectors are just that - they are 
connectors - they do not imply serail interfaces, parallel interfaces or 
anything like that.  Just because it looks like the serial connector on 
a computer does not mean that it is a serial connection.  Many pieces of 
equipment use these connectors for a variety of uses.  Know and 
understand your equipment, and do not make any assumptions based on 
'what the connector looks like' - doing so may be a very costly mistake.

73,
Don W3FPR

k7nhb wrote:
> Bill,
> Just a word of Caution - though the K3 can take a standard Serial cable -
> I've read that the K2 CANNOT. If you plug a standard serial cable into a K2
> you will Blow the I/O board. I mention that because when you mentioned your
> K2 was at the lake cabin, it sounded like you thought the cables were
> interchangeable. The K3 may work with the special K2 cable - I don't know
> about that. But again, It's been posted that plugging an "off the shelf"
> serial cable into a K2 (turned on of course) will destroy the I/O board.
> Paul
> 
> 
> 
> NZ0T wrote:
>> In anticipation of my K3 arriving next week I'm tying to find the RS232
>> interface cable.  I'm going to be out of town a lot and pressed for
>> shopping time so I hope nobody minds my asking a dumb question.  Where can
>> I get the needed cable - Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart?  My K2 will now
>> be at the lake cabin so that cable goes with it.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Bill NZ0T
>>
>