[Elecraft] K-Line system integration questions

[Dick Dievendorff]

Hi, Lu!  Nice station!

Your RS-232 switch is just what the doctor ordered for K3 and P3 firmware
updates.

The KPA500 serial port is not daisy chained with the K3 and P3.  The KPA500
uses a separate RS-232 port to the PC, and its "other" 9-pin back panel
connector is intended for Kenwood transceivers.

I have been very happy with a Gearmo 4-port USB to serial adapter that uses
the FTDI chip set:

http://www.amazon.com/FT4232HL-Professional-Retention-Certified-Microsoft/dp
/B004ETDC8K

The four ports go to a P3 (daisy chained to a K3), a KPA500, a KAT500
(adding a KXSER cable for DB-9 to 3.5mm TRS plug) and another with KXSER for
KX3 or XG3 or W2.

This enables me to use my logging program (N1MM) and the KPA and KAT500
Utilities concurrently, and I don't have to fiddle with cables or change COM
port numbers on programs.

Your assumptions on the Y cable are correct.

My configuration is slightly different in that I don't use a microKeyer
right now (mine worked great, no complaints), but in a temporary station I
found that I could key the radio acceptably with the N1MM CW keying through
the same serial port it uses for CAT control (through the Gearmo USB to
Serial adapter) and therefore don't need the Y on the K3.

73 de Dick, K6KR





-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lu Romero
Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2012 3:23 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K-Line system integration questions

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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