[Elecraft] KX3 KXUSB vs KXSER interface

[Bruce Beford]

The KX3 will ship with the KXUSB interface cable (USB) unless the buyer
specifies the KXSER (RS232) cable instead.

It has been stated that a module will be developed that will allow the KX3
to work to the P3.

In a fully integrated K3/P3 set, the P3 daisy-chains on the RS232 interface
to the host computer (for firmware updates, utility program use etc).

This raises the following questions:

Is the proposed KX3/P3 interface module going to include a data connection
between the P3 and the KX3? If so, how will this be accomplished? e.g. Will
there be a logic level cable to the KX3, and an RS232 connection to the P3? 

If a KX3 purchaser gets the standard KXUSB cable, perhaps that could plug
into the second USB connector for communications? I would not expect so, as
the second connector is a USB type-b, an adapter would be needed.

I realize a lot is in flux right now. I am trying to determine if there is a
any real reason to get the RS232 type cable over the USB flavor for the KX3
if one is already using USB converters successfully with the K3/PS etc.

Another question from a home-brewer/tinkerer perspective- I already have an
FTDI based USB-TTL converter that terminates in a 3.5mm plug. Is the KXSER
cable a simple RS232/TTL level converter?

Perhaps it's too early to have full answers for these issues, but I thought
tossing them out there for the designers to mull over might help the
process.

73,
Bruce, N1RX