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

Tue Jun 29 06:29:36 EDT 2010

> > 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.
>
> Unfortunately, Expert will only eavesdrop at up to 9600 bps.  For
> those who use higher speeds, particularly 38.400 to avoid issues
> with autobaud routines,  Expert is a problem.

Joe, can you enlighten me on why one would need more then 9600 bps for radio 
control? I use to use 1200 (which is a default baud rate) on Icom and I use 
4800 on my K3. I never felt the need to speed up baud rate even in the 
fastest contests. It usually takes me 20 seconds to move the station to 
another band and work him there. And I am usually the first to get back and 
forth ;)

>
> > 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.
>
> CI-V output is only available from microKEYER II, MK2R/MK2R+ or
> Station Master (and now DigiKeyer II).  All of those devices have
> their uses but they are probably not justified just as a translator
> for band switching an amplifier.
I use my microkeyerII as winkey, sound card and sequencer. CI-V is redundant 
in my installation. Anyway it is very nice feature and  could be additional 
reason for someone to purchase MKII

73, Igor UA9CDC

> 73,
>
>    ... Joe Subich, W4TV
>        microHAM America, LLC.
>        http://www.microHAM-USA.com
>        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
>
>
> On 6/29/2010 12:49 AM, Igor Sokolov wrote:
>> 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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