[Elecraft] Elecraft KX3 Owner's Manual now available (*preliminary*)

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Thanks for all the suggestions!  I called Elecraft Tech Support and they confirmed 
that the optional "KXSER" cable had a DB9 back that could be opened, providing access 
to all the serial lines that came in on my USB to serial converter cable (I will just 
use the one that I have been using on K3 when operating portable).  I will then 
install a transistor switch in that connector and add a line out of that DB9 
connector to the mic jack to key the rig ;-)

So, I added that change to my KX3 order and I THINK the problem is solved!  I just 
need to order one of those special mic plugs and wire it with jacks for the mic and 
PTT and I am in business!  TNX for all the help!  VY

On 3/5/2012 5:43 PM, Lance Collister, W7GJ wrote:
> Hi Don,
>
> MNI TNX.  That is what I was afraid of.  I have been requesting the WJST option to be
> able to turn the XMTR on and off with TXD and RXD line commands for years, but I
> guess it just has not risen high enough on the list :-(  This is the first time that
> it is actually ME who needs it though - in the past it is all the ICOM users who
> would benefit from having that option available.
>
> Looks like I will have to get a second USB cable for the KX3, and build some sort of
> interface that will plug into the KX3's custom mic jack to trigger the PTT.
>
> VY 73, Lance
>
> On 3/5/2012 5:15 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Lance,
>>
>> There are only 2 conductors in the ACC1 jack, so no RTS input - only TXD and RXD.
>> Your application will have to put the KX3 into transmit via the TX command (HRD can
>> do that, I don't know about others), then use RX to get back to receive.
>>
>> You can build the "one transistor keying circuit" that is published in so many of the
>> digital application help files and use that output to drive PTT. Unfortunately, that
>> solution rules out using the KXUSB cable - you would need to use a USB to serial
>> adapter or a real serial port to have the RTS (or DTR) signal available.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 3/5/2012 11:51 AM, W7GJ, Lance wrote:
>>> Anybody know if the KX3 can be set into XMIT mode via the RTS serial line from the
>>> computer going into ACC1? I looked in the manual, but I could not find it. I know
>>> many people with barefoot rigs or modern QSK amplifiers don't care if they are
>>> running digital modes in VOX mode, but all my amplifiers use mechanical relays and
>>> when I run WSJT modes (such as FSK441 and JT65), I need to take advantage of the
>>> built-in delay afforded through that software to turn on everything to XMIT well
>>> BEFORE the tones are started.
>>>
>>> If there is no way to do this with the ACC1 jack, it appears I will have to build a
>>> separate transistor switch to interface with my USB to Serial port converter cable so
>>> I can turn on the PTT somewhere else....possibly via a special Mic connector or
>>> something. Just more stuff to haul around on DXpeditions....
>>>
>>> Any guidance would be appreciated! MNI TNX and VY 73, Lance
>>>
>>
>
>


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Lance Collister, W7GJ
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