[Elecraft] RCS-12 or Station Master for K3?

[N4QS]

Ignacy,

I ordered and attempted to install the RCS-12 last summer.  It did not 
interface well with the K3/KPA500.  I was going to have to build an 
interface box to get it work with the K3.  I also had problems with the type 
of socket they were using for connecting the cable going to my remote 
switch.  Only five of eight positions worked at all, and they were 
intermittent creating open circuits which weres causing my KPA500 solid 
state amp to suddenly see very high SWR while transmitting.  After a month 
of trial and error and two replacement cable connectors from Ameritron, I 
asked for my money back and to their credit they let me ship the unit back 
for a full refund.  So I would not recommend the RCS-12 based on my personal 
experience.

I have not used or tried any Microham products.  But I just recently 
purchased the Elecraft KRC2 automatic band decoder.  This is a very high 
quality product and it was very easy to wire for my remote RC8S switch.  It 
interfaces very nicely to the K3/KPA500 when I use a Y cable coming out of 
the Auxilliary Port on the K3.  The Y cable splits in two -- one cable goes 
to the KPA500 amp and the other connects to the KRC2.  The KRC2 follows the 
K3 automatically and switches between four antennas.  It works really well 
and I would highly recommend it.  It even works on 6 meters.

Dave, N4QS


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ignacy" <no9e at arrl.net>
To: <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2012 3:46 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] RCS-12 or Station Master for K3?


>I have a few switches and would like to automate band changes. There are 
>two
> choices:
> 1. Ameritron RCS-12. About $320 with the relay box. Very simple but one
> needs to use tricks to use two relay boxes.
> 2. Microham Station Master. Much more elaborate but more complicated,
> relying on computer, and needs additional relay boxes.
>
> I don't consider the ELecraft box because its software has neither the
> simplicity of RCS-12 nor the flexibility of Station Master. Only firmware
> problems.
>
> Looking for experiences, not opinions.
>
> Ignacy, NO9E
>
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