[Elecraft] K3 Edgeport Adapter with K3 and SteppIR

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Do you have an application (the K3 Utility) that can send a 
command to the K3 and determine if the K3 is responding (e.g., 
changes mode in response to the MD0;/MD1; commands)? 

My guess is that the SteppIR controller loads the data line 
from the K3 to the Edgeport.  That loading is most likely 
too much pull-up current which prevents the K3 from pulling 
the output data line below -3V as required by the RS-232 
standard.  

It is likely that the "consumer grade" Prolific converter 
worked when the data line went below 1V.  The Edgeport 
interfaces are widely used in industrial control applications 
where the noise margin is critical so they adhere much more 
closely to the +/-3V minimum signal level standards.   

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 

 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Bud Governale, W3LL [mailto:w3ll at arrl.net] 
> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 5:19 PM
> To: Joe Subich, W4TV
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Edgeport Adapter with K3 and SteppIR
> 
> 
> Yes, when I disconnect the leg of the "Y" cable that attaches to 
> the SteppIR control box and leave the "Y" cable in place 
> the K3 begins to respond.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Bud W3LL
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <lists at subich.com>
> To: "'Bud Governale, W3LL'" <w3ll at arrl.net>; 
> <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 5:04 PM
> Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Edgeport Adapter with K3 and SteppIR
> 
> 
> 
> Have you checked the "Y" cable to make sure it is appropriate 
> for the new hardware?  
> 
> If you disconnect the leg of the "Y" cable that attaches to 
> the SteppIR control box but leave the Y cable in place does 
> the K3 begin to respond?  
> 
> 73, 
> 
>    ... Joe, W4TV 
>  
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> > [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bud 
> > Governale, W3LL
> > Sent: Monday, March 29, 2010 1:31 PM
> > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Edgeport Adapter with K3 and SteppIR
> > 
> > 
> > I have my K3 and SteppIR controller talking perfectly thru
> > the computer logging program and "Y" cable using a Prolific 
> > USB to Serial converter cable.
> > 
> > I purchased an "Edgeport 8" USB to Serial converter and
> > removed all the Prolific cables to existing devices and 
> > connected all
> > directly to the Edgeport. All three devices work perfectly. 
> > However the K3 no longer responds to computer control. It's 
> > not recognized by the software.
> > 
> > I discovered that the K3 is recognized and controlled by the
> > software (both DX4win and N1MM) when I remove the "Y" cable 
> > connection to the SteppIR.
> > 
> > If I reconnect the SteppIR controller then the K3 is no
> > longer controlled by software. If I go back to the Prolific 
> > USB to Serial cable all works well again.
> > 
> > Anyone know or care to guess why the K3 to SteppIR
> > combination won't work thru the Edgeport 8 port adapter or 
> > any other of its 7 other ports?
> > 
> > 73,
> > 
> > Bud W3LL
> > w3ll at arrl.net
> > 
> > 
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