[Elecraft] K3<-->KPA500 Request

[Jim Sheldon]

The KPA500 does not communicate with the K3 via the serial port, only through the K3's AuxBus so that data is not available to external devices.  Don't know if the programmers could make it available or not.

The RS-232 port on the KPA500 is used only for programming the firmware in the amp

> I am also a MacLoggerDX user...
>
> If the KPA500 knows the output power well enough to make it
> available on its own serial port then why can't it send that info
> back to the K3 through the K3-KPA500 interface.  I think the
> original request is a one with good technical merit that could be
> implemented -- maybe without too much hassle by the Elecraft
> programmer(s).
>
> 73, phil, K7PEH
>
>
> On Feb 29, 2012, at 11:04 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
>
>> Jim;
>>
>> The KPA does not send its output power information to the K3, so
>> the K3 would just be guessing. The measured output power _is_
>> available from the KPA500's serial port, so it would be much
>> better if MacLoggerDX were to get this information directly from
>> the amplifier. Make a request to the author to get him to add
>> KPA500 control to the program. I'll even volunteer to help Don if
>> he needs it (doubtful - he is good).
>>
>> Jack Brindle, W6FB
>>
>>
>> On Feb 29, 2012, at 10:17 PM, Jim Bennett wrote:
>>
>>> I use MacLoggerDX (MLDX) for QSO logging, among other tasks. It
>>> interfaces very nicely between my K3 and the MacBook Air
>>> laptop. The K3 passes a lot of data (including power output
>>> level) to MLDX and it winds up in my log. However, when I'm
>>> using the KPA500, the K3 only sends the driving power that it
>>> outputs to the amp. What I wind up with in my log is incorrect.
>>> For example, if the KPA500 is in OPERATE mode and I log a QSO,
>>> it'll get reported as a QSO made using 25 watts or power,
>>> instead of the 450 - 500 that the amp is putting out. Since the
>>> K3 and the KPA500 "speak the same language" and talk to each
>>> other, can the firmware be changed so that the K3 sends
>>> corrected Power Out level to the output data port when the
>>> KPA500 is engaged? As it is now, I have to go back into MLDX
>>> after every QRO contact and change the power field to reflect
>>> the actual power and not the K3's driving power.
>>>
>>> Regards, Jim / W6JHB
>>> Folsom, CA
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