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

[Dick Dievendorff]

For the short term, you can use the same cable you use for installing K3
firmware, just move it over to the KPA500.  A standard serial cable, either
USB to Serial or 9-pin to a "real" RS-232 port is required, just the same
requirement as your K3. I don't believe one came with the KPA500 unless you
specifically ordered it.  We have been sending a USB to Serial Adapter with
our devices that have 3.5mm connectors (KX3, XG3, KAT500), but the more
generic K3 and KPA500 don't come with a cable.  At least that's my
recollection.

I use a four-port Gearmo USB to Serial adapter that uses the FTDI chip set.
I use one port (COM2) for my P3/K3, another (COM3) for a KPA500, another
(COM4) with an Elecraft KXSER cable for a  KAT500 and the last COM5  with
another KXSER cable for the KX3 or XG3, I have to choose between these.  I
use COM1 for an LP-100A.  

<http://www.amazon.com/FT4232HL-Professional-Retention-Certified-Microsoft/d
p/B004ETDC8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355703302&sr=8-2&keywords=4-port+usb+to
+serial+adapter>

The KXSER cable has a 9-pin D shell on one end and a 3.5mm plug on the
other.

I able to use N1MM's logger and one serial port for CW keying and PTT, using
the RTS/DTR lines of the same serial port used for P3 / K3 rig control.

There are certainly other options. This one works for me.  I may eventually
get another one for COM6-COM9.

73 de Dick, K6KR


-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil Hystad
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 2:54 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net List
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Firmware Update and USB-Serial Cable ?

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

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