[Elecraft] W2 and use with computer

[D Joyce]

GA:  Perhaps someone here can clarify something regarding the serial computer interface with the W2.

I want to use the W2 in a remote station installation to sense output power and tell me whether or not the KPA500 has been turned On.  To do this I plan to run the serial line from the W2 thru the Com1 transparent serial channel in a pair of RemoteRig RRC-1258MkIIs units.  The computer at the control site will be running the W2 Ver 1.1.9.6 software.  (There is no computer at the remote site where the K3 & KPA500 are located.)  Momentary switch closures to turn the K3 and KPA-500 ON will be provided by the remote switch capability of the MicroBit 1216H Web switch units.  Confirmation of the K3 being ON is provided by receive audio, but I need a power sensor to confirm that the KPA-500 has been turned ON and is actually transmitting.

Could someone provide confirmation that the power output level is automatically displayed by the W2 software anytime power output is displayed on the LEDs of the W2 unit itself.  What got me concerned is the explanation in the top paragraph of the Elecraft W2 Serial Interface Commands document Rev D.  It says in part "The W2 responds to commands for data supplied by the external system.  Nothing is sent until a command is received by the W2." 

I've had a LP-100A for a couple of years and tried to use it but it requires a serial line bit rate of 115,200 baud whereas the RRC unit can only go up to 57,600.  It looks like the W2 will be the answer since its bit rate is only 9600 baud.

Please excuse the bandwidth.

73

Doug  VE3MV