[Elecraft] KPA500 Firmware Update and USB-Serial Cable ?

[Phil Hystad]

Thanks Don (and, Anthony who also replied),

I will order a separate KPA500 cable.  Even though I could share the K3 cable for those more rare updates, the hassle of disconnecting and connecting is not worth the extra dollars.  I just wish my shack were larger so I could actually walk behind my equipment.  They have so many cables on them with the full K-line plus KAT500 with its many cables it is really messy to fool with.

73, phil, K7PEH


On Dec 16, 2012, at 3:30 PM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> Phil,
> 
> The serial cable for the KPA500 is the same as the one for the K3. You can either change it temporarily to the KPA500 or use one of those DE-9 RS-232 A/B switch boxes to change it from the K3 to the KPA500 - or you can use another cable dedicated to the KPA500.
> That cable does not automatically come with the KPA500, you must order it separately.
> 
> Yes, the KAT500 cable is different, and is the same cable that is used with the XG3, the KX3 and the XV144.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> On 12/16/2012 5:54 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>> Gang,
>> 
>> OK, I was going to update the firmware with the latest (1.18 I think) version for the KPA500 and realized that I did not have a PC USB to KPA500 Serial (DB9) cable for this.
>> 
>> My first question:  was one supposed to come with the KPA500?  If so, I will need to look around better.  If not, I am wondering how I missed ordering that.
>> 
>> Second question:  is the USB to Serial cable needed by the KPA500 the same as used with the K3.  I mean, on the order page, under the K3 category do you order that particular cable or is there something listed for each rig component (e.g. KPA500).  I know the KAT500 is different, using the little 3.5 mm connector I think on the KAT500 side.
>> 
>> Thanks for clarification.
>> 
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
>> 
>