[Elecraft] K3: USB port

[Matt Zilmer]

The PC- or MAC-K3/P3 interconnect uses RS232, daisy-chained through
the P3 to the K3.  Both the KIO3 and the P3's I/O board are small and
probably not ridiculously expensive, so replacing them could be an
option.  However, putting a USB hub on the P3 doesn't seem to be in
the cards (embedded hubs *ought to* go through USB certification).
It's more likely that an external hub would be required - or multiple
ports on the PC or MAC would be used.

Using the USB logo requires membership in the USB-SIG.  It's not
expensive.  Attending all the plugfests might be.  Many companies do
niether one and skip the logo.  Elecraft's not like that, IMHO.

There are also RFI issues with USB.  Some hams on this list have come
across this, but it's not a general issue AFAIK.  I've only had one
such, but replacing the manufacturer-supplied "cable" with a properly
shielded one solved the problem.

The original idea (if memory serves) was that many hams use downrev
computer equipment, most of which support RS232 ports; any HW that
doesn't can use the KUSB or an equivalent adapter.

One way to approach this issue is for someone to come up with a
replacement I/O board for the K3 and another for the P3 [, and someday
with whatever else might be daisy-chained beyond the K3].  I've
actually done a cheap-and-sleazy mockup of this and it works, but
produces too much RFI to be usable.  A design with some money behind
it would likely not have this problem.

Don't have any inside info, but USB probably isn't a high priority.
Just look at the newest Elecraft products being brought to market....

matt W6NIA

On Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:06:18 -0800, you wrote:

>Count down to thread closure...
>
>USB is Serial comms by definition (Universal SERIAL Bus).  Coding for USB is
>not a huge hassle for software developers, at all.  If it was, it never
>would have been adopted as a standard in 1996 (almost 15 years ago).
>Drivers aren't really a big issue, either, especially if you're just
>starting out using it as a serial DB9 replacement.  I've voiced my vote for
>a USB port before.  It opens up many other possibilities for use besides
>just serial comms.  I realize there are other priorities, but if the other
>rig manufacturers can do it, I have no doubt that Elecraft can.  My guess
>it's just a matter of "when"
>
>
>
>On Thu, Nov 18, 2010 at 4:50 PM, Mike <nf4l at nf4l.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm not sure how you envision moving the audio to USB.
>>
>> I think putting the USB port in the K3 would open a Pandora's box re:
>> drivers.
>>
>> If you're asking to just move the serial to USB adapter into the rig, there
>> is NO gain.
>>
>> If you're asking to do away with serial port comms entirely and go to USB
>> only,
>> you're creating a huge hassle for the software authors, as well as opening
>> a
>> Pandora's box re: drivers for it.
>>
>> 73, Mike NF4L
>>
>> On 11/18/2010 7:31 PM, James Sarte (K2QI) wrote:
>> > Hello group,
>> >
>> > I know Wayne has mentioned several times in the past that they had
>> > considered all possibilities when it comes to PC interfaces for the K3,
>> > including USB.  In fact, he says the following on 16 June, 2009:
>> >
>> > "The KIO3's digital I/O module could be replaced with one that has USB
>> > rather than RS232 -- or better yet, both. We planned for this.
>> >
>> > The reason we went with RS232 initially is that many hams are still
>> > using PCs that have only RS232 ports. Those who prefer to use USB can
>> > use an inexpensive USB-to-RS232 adapter. There is no difference in I/O
>> > performance between the two methods. "
>> >
>> > Just wanted to revisit this topic and find out if anyone has heard
>> anything
>> > more regarding a possible USB interface for the K3.  I know it's not for
>> > everyone, but for myself and perhaps others out there, the ability to
>> carry
>> > all data, including audio on a single cable would be convenient.  Right
>> now,
>> > I'm using a Keyspan USB to RS232 adapter for data, along with two
>> separate
>> > stereo cables for audio.  I don't have any real complaints with that
>> setup,
>> > but could be problematic when transferring the rig around from computer
>> to
>> > computer.
>> >
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html