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

[W4CCS]

I have used the MicroHam Station Master for many months without issues. 
It does exactly what I wanted it to do. It interfaced with my Array 
Solutions 6-Pak switch very well. That being said, It is not plug and 
play. You will need to setup lots of parameters within the USB device 
router software, But, once it is setup, no need for further action.

W4CCS


On 5/20/2012 5:23 PM, N4QS wrote:
> 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
>>
>> --
>> View this message in context:
>> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/RCS-12-or-Station-Master-for-K3-tp7556171.html
>> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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