[Elecraft] [K3] GPIO input to switch output power with external amplifier on?

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

I apologize, but we -strongly- ask that people do not try to send their own auxbus signals to the K3. This is a critical proprietary timing component of internal K3 operation and improper use will cause serious problems for the K3, including possible damage of internal components during disturbed T/R timing. Its is not a simple serial interface. 

Also, additional non-Elecraft products loading down this bus may cause serious timing errors inside the K3. This will cause all sorts of strange and intermittent problems. 

This is one area of modification that will void the warranty when problems arise. We are not set up to support any user questions or problems in this area when non-Elecraft equipment is hooked up to the auxbus pin.

73,
Eric
www.elecraft.com
_..._

On Sep 4, 2012, at 7:44 AM, Thomas Horsten <thomas at horsten.com> wrote:

> First off I'm pretty sure Elecraft wouldn't mind if we built this. In fact
> I'm guessing if they had a "cleaned up for publishing" document with the
> protocol specification, Wayne would post it here. I'm guessing they don't,
> and it would be a lot of work to get it into a clean, publishable version -
> and the engineers are quite busy with KX3, KAT500, and other things.
> 
>> From a legal standpoint, there is nothing wrong with reverse engineering
> such a protocol and publishing the result, as long as there wasn't any
> misappropriation of trade secrets (e.g. using an unauthorized, leaked
> Elecraft document as a starting point). But monitoring the communications
> on the bus and from there working out the protocol, and implementing your
> own version, is a perfectly legal thing to do, and is in fact a protected
> right. The only exception would be DMCA-related, where you are not allowed
> to reverse engineer a protocol that's specifically designed to protect
> copyright - many do not like that law one bit, and it does not apply
> everywhere, but in any case a case like this falls way outside the scope of
> the DMCA.
> 
> So it's perfectly legal to do :)
> 
> 73, Thomas M0TRN
> 
> On 4 September 2012 15:10, Stewart <stewart at twinwood.me> wrote:
> 
>> Raises some interesting questions...
>> 
>> Can a unique protocol be protected ?
>> 
>> If so, if it is publicised has an offence been committed ?
>> 
>> If it is used only by an individual and not commercially, has an offence
>> been committed ?
>> 
>> 73
>> Stewart G3RXQ
>> 
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