[Elecraft] iPad/iPhone control app

[David Fleming]

On Thu, 8/25/11, Phil Hystad wrote:

> As far as browsing memories idea mentioned below, one way
> to do this is to do a full page sweep by flicking a page
> aside and bringing up a new page.  Each page is the
> same basic interface for the KX3 but each new page is a
> different setup with memories, modes, and so on.

Now THAT is an excellent idea. Imagine flipping through any number of "virtual" KX3's (or K3's) like pages in a book. One for CW, one for SSB, one for RTTY, etc.. Each with it's own custom memories, macros, eq, agc, filters, etc. Wow! That would be très cool! 

I received a couple of emails asking how the app would connect to the radio. There are several options. WiFi/Serial and Ethernet/Serial adapters are available that could provide the serial communication with the rig. Either of these would allow the app to connect over the local network (or internet) without having a computer attached. The downside is the cost. These adapters are relatively expensive. It could also be done with a helper app. I have developed a small "serial server" that runs on a PC or Mac connected to the radio. The iPad app connects to the helper app over the network. The helper app simply forwards commands from the iPad app to the radio, and forwards responses from the radio to the app. It works well and costs nothing. Since most folks already have computers attached to their rigs, this would be the most popular option - I expect. :) A google search shows there are other options out there. Most appear to be "hacks" and involve
 jailbreaking the device. 

David, W4SMT