[Elecraft] K3 Remote Control...

[Larry Phipps]

You can create a "one plug" by buying a serial device server from 
someone like Lantronix or Digi for the control portion of the link. It 
connects to the K3 serial port, and converts it into an ethernet port, 
which can be plugged into a router/modem. Make sure you get a model that 
fully supports handshaking if you are using a handshaking line for CW 
keying or PTT. You connect to the remote port using a com port 
redirector program, supplied free from Lantronix and others, which 
creates virtual com ports for you to connect to.

If you have a computer at the remote site, you can use an all software 
approach. HRD and TRX-Manager provide remote control options using 
embedded virtual ports. There are also a number of companies that 
provide commercial standalone virtual com port programs. Google "virtual 
com port" for some options.

My upcoming LP-Bridge program will allow connecting a K3 to multiple 
control programs at the same time. To begin with, it will provide 
connecting one real port (the K3) to a number of virtual ports (for 
loggers, PSK programs, CW-Skimmer, etc.), and conditions traffic to/from 
the K3 to prevent collisions and optimize data flow. I plan to provide 
at least one "network" port on the K3 side of the bridge as well. The 
program will be free like my other programs, or very low cost shareware. 
The program will also provide an extensive software bridge to PowerSDR 
to support the LP-PAN panadapter. You can read about LP-Bridge on my 
website, www.telepostinc.com. Click on the LP-PAN link.

73,
Larry N8LP

>
> At 12:52 PM 3/3/2008, STEPHEN W BANKS wrote:
>   
>> >Hi everyone,
>> >
>> >Can any of you tell me what, if any, possibilities exist for remote 
>> >control of the K3?  Seems like there's been some discussion about 
>> >it, but I subscribe to the Digest reflector mode and frequently 
>> >delete a digest forgetting to copy and save a particular post of interest.
>> >
>> >Just wondering how/if anything is planned for the K3 that will be 
>> >similar to the OMNI VII One Plug facility.
>> >
>> >Thanks in advance.
>> >
>> >73,
>> >
>> >Steve Banks
>> >K0PQ
>>