[Elecraft] K-Line system integration questions

[Rick Tavan N6XI]

Nice setup, Lu.

You need a separate serial port from your computer to the KPA500. This lets
KPA500 Utility talk to the amplifier to load new firmware revisions and
display operating parameters on screen. And more. It's optional until you
need to load a new rev, but I recommend dedicating a port to the purpose.
It can be implemented with a USB-to-Serial adapter, either from Elecraft or
Brand X. It has no integration relationship with the K3, P3, N1MM, RS232
switch and microKeyer. You do not and can not chain it with K3/P3.

I'm not sure why you're using the RS232 switch. I find it more convenient
to dedicate additional COM ports to specific uses even if they aren't all
in use at the same time. Maybe it's a requirement of the microKeyer, with
which I'm not familiar.

I don't know what your microKeyer gets from the K3 ACC connector but
assuming it's important then, yes, you will need an all-15 pin Y splitter
on the K3 ACC connector. Be careful selecting this part because many parts
designed for computer displays are not all-15 pin straight through. One
branch of the splitter goes to the KPA500 with band data and more. Yes, use
the interrupter so the amp keying goes from K3 to KPA500 through RCA cables
via your auto-tuner. The other branch of the Y will feed whatever it is
that the microKeyer wants.

Have fun!

/Rick N6XI

On Sun, Nov 25, 2012 at 3:23 PM, Lu Romero <lromero at ij.net> wrote:

> Hello All:
>
> I now have the "complete" K-Line and Im wondering how others
> here have hooked up their system.  Although I dont mind
> researching and doing the integration myself, so as not to
> reinvent the wheel and save time, how have others on this
> reflector dealt with these issues?
>
> Here is what I have:
>
> - K3
> - P3
> - KPA500
> - microHAM microKEYER 2
> - N1MM Logger/Logger 32
> - 2x1 RS232 manual switch
>
> I use a microHAM microKEYER2 for rig control and DVK.  I
> have a manual RS232 switch that either delegates the MK2's
> Serial output *OR* a direct feed from my computer's COM port
> to the Elecraft system's input, currently the P3's serial
> port.  When updating rig and panadaptor software, I always
> use the direct feed from the computer serial port, and NOT
> through the microKEYER.
>
> My question now becomes:  Where do I insert the KPA500 in
> this chain of serial devices, or do I need to at all?  The
> KPA500 manual specifically states that you cannot "Daisy
> Chain" through the amplifier's serial ports.  I have always
> been successful daisy chaining through the P3, so if I have
> to chain them together for control, who is "first" in line
> (nearest to the computer)?  Or do I now need a SEPARATE
> serial port for the KPA500?
>
> Also, I use N1MM Logger and Logger32.  These software
> packages read and control the rig via the microKEYER 2's CAT
> interface via USB and microHAM uRouter.  The cable for the
> microKEYER2 has a plug that mates to the AUX port on the K3.
>  This port on the K3 will now need to go to the KPA500 via
> the KPAK3AUX cable. I use a MFJ 998 autotuner, therefore, I
> will have to put the interruptor in line with this cable,
> and will have to use the RCA PA Key cable as well, through
> the MFJ998 and then to the KPA500 for amp PTT control during
> tuning or High SWR events.  Do I now need a "Y" cable at the
> K3's AUX port as well to handle the comms to the amplifier
> and the microKEYER Aux port needs?  Can I assume that this Y
> cable has to be a "straight thru" DB-15 cable with the pins
> paralelled to the two outputs, or is there yet another
> special cable that is needed to make all of this work
> together?
>
> Anybody have a similar configuration out there that works
> well that can get me started down this integration process?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Lu Romero - W4LT
> K3/KRX3/P3/KPA500 and K1
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-- 
Rick Tavan N6XI
Truckee, CA