[Elecraft] K3 with Expert 1K-FA, RS232 connections question?

[Igor Sokolov]

Glen, since your tuner is only set correctly when you TX, that means that you loose in RX at times. When you jump on a new frequensy (band map spot) your tuner is set incorrectly. Another point is that when you start transmit on the frequency where tuner is set incorrectly, the relays in the tuner are somewhat hot switching which does not make them better at all.
Expert does not need to occupy the only RS232 port on K3. Expert only eavesdrop what is going on between the K3 and logging program.
Besides you can always use devices like Microham Microkeyer if you want  to isolate Expert from K3   RS232. Microkeyer can translate K3 -logging program "conversation" into CI-V and one can use that CI-V to control Expert.
Just MHO....

73, Igor UA9CDC

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: GLEN BROWN 
  To: Igor Sokolov 
  Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 2:42 AM
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 with Expert 1K-FA, RS232 connections question?


  I use an Expert with my K3 and made up a cable with both serial and band data connections.  I ended up using only the band data, with the Expert set to expect a Yaesu connection.  When you switch bands, the amp selects the appropriate antenna(s).  The first time you key the amp sees the freq and sets the tuner without any delay at all.


  Otherwise the amp takes up the only serial port available from the K3 and it is limited to 9600 baud.


  I am totally happy with this setup.


  73,
  Glen W6GJB





  On Sun, Jun 27, 2010 at 6:46 AM, Igor Sokolov <ua9cdc at gmail.com> wrote:

    I use CAT data from my K3 to control 1k-FA. I think CAT control has a
    distinct advantage in case of 1K-FA because the internal antenna tuner in
    Expert usually has several settings per band. That is especially important
    on wide bands like 160 or 80 meters. With CAT control these tuner settings
    are correctly chosen in RX mode. That improves receiving as well as avoids
    tuner relays switching at the beginning of the transmission.

    73, Igor UA9CDC




    >
    > Andy,
    >
    > If you are using computer control of the K3, you will probably
    > have better results if you use the DB15HD connection (BCD Band
    > Data) to control the Expert 1K-FA than trying to parallel the
    > RS-232 (CAT) connections.  With the "Band Data" connection the
    > 1K-FA operates as if it were connected to a Yaesu transceiver.
    >
    > I will send you separately an old drawing by the former Expert
    > distributor showing both (Band Data and CAT) connections.
    >
    > 73,
    >
    >    ... Joe, W4TV
    >
    > On 6/27/2010 8:22 AM, GD0TEP wrote:
    >> Hello to the group again,
    >>
    >> I want to connect my K3 to my 1K-FA amplifier, the amplifier manual
    >> isn't to clear (to me anyway) on the connections that need to be
    >> used.
    >>
    >> On the amplifier 15pin plug, I use pins 1, 9&  14, yes it's that
    >> simple.
    >>
    >> On the K3 RS232 I connect the amplifier pin 1 to K3 pin 3 (I think, I
    >> may have these two crossed) On the K3 RS232 I connect the amplifier
    >> pin 9 to K3 pin 2 (I think, I may have these two crossed)
    >>
    >> And
    >>
    >> On the K3 RS232 I connect the amplifier pin 9 to K3 pin 5 as ground
    >>
    >> Within the K3 RS232 I need to link the RST and CTS together, well RTS
    >> is pin 7 on the K3, but what pin is the CTS????
    >>
    >> Advice would be greatly appreciated.
    >>
    >> 73, Andy http://gd0tep.com
    >>
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