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

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Lance,

I apologize, but that information is incorrect. The KXSER uses a sealed 
molded connector for the RS-232 connector. It can not be opened.

There are a number of simple RS-232 male-female break our boards onthe 
net. You might want to try one of those. Or just make a simple short 
RS-232 cable that breaks out the desired lines.

73,

Eric
---
www.elecraft.com


On 3/5/2012 7:54 PM, Lance Collister, W7GJ wrote:
> 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
>>>>
>>
>