[Elecraft] KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Mon Jun 24 08:36:54 EDT 2013

Brian,

Yes, the Y-cable supplied by Elecraft will work.  The KPAK3AUX cable set 
contains that Y-cable.  They are also available from other sources with 
all 15 pins wired straight through - the more commonly available VGA 
Y-cables will NOT work.
I think the instructions for the KPAK3ACC reveal a lot of information 
about that cable set.  See 
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740160%20KPAK3AUX%20Cable%20Set%20Instructions%20Rev1c.pdf

I have not used the Navigator, but from my perusal of the webpage, it 
connects only to the ACC connector, but if it lives up to its 
advertizing, it should co-exist with the KRC2 on the ACC connector 
(using the Y-cable).

The P3 uses the RS-232 connection, and but not the ACC connector, so no 
conflict there.
I can't answer for any potential conflicts between RemoteRig and the 
Navigator.

Changing from KRC2ACC to KRC2 firmware will modify the behavior of the 
buttons on the KRC2, and there will be no audible responses from the 
KRC2.  Whether that is suitable for your proposed operation is your 
decision - each operators goals are different.

Note that the P3 and the K3 communication wants the RS-232 rate set to 
38400 baud - the KRC2 limit is 19200 baud, so that may give some 
difficulty in the K3 to P3 communications path.  The controller IC in 
the KRC2 is the limiting factor and significant re-design (different 
controller) would be required to boost the rate to 38400.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/24/2013 7:45 AM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
> Don, does the "Y" connector Elecraft sells work for this?  I have on order
> a KAT500 and a KPA500.  I can't quite figure out what the KPAK3AUX does,
> but will that address the problem?
>
> Here is the long-term plan.  I want to operate this station (in Maryland)
> remotely from our home in Key West.  I will get a K3/0  when the mini comes
> out, and the RemoteRig gear.  I will not need the P3 hooked up for that, so
> maybe that frees up the needed pathway.  But while I am in MD, I do need
> the P3.  I want the KRC2 only for antenna switching.  However, the audible
> feedback was the way I was going to be sure the antennas actually switched
> --- by monitoring the station remotely (including the readout of the rotor)
> using a webcam and mike.  .  If that is the only reason to keep a PC
> running, I can give that up.  Of course, I can probably give up the
> Navigator (only when operating remotely) if I am getting audio in/out using
> RemoteRig.
>
> So my questions are:
>
> Other than the audible cues, what do I give up by loading the KRC2 firmware
> vice the KRCACC firmware?  I really only must have antenna switching.
>
> Will the Y cable from Elecraft work with a KRC2 (not ACC) and a P3 and a
> Navigator?
>
> What does the KPAK3AUX do for my eventual station (full remotely controlled
> K-Line)?  Does the Y cable that comes with that fit my needs?
>
> Thanks so much for your help.
>
> 73 de Brian W3BW
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>
> *70 is the new 40.*
> *
> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
> eFax  305.768.0278
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Brian,
>>
>> The recommended K3 to KRC2 communication is to use the AUXBUS signalling
>> for band signalling.  The AUXBUS signal is on pin 2 of the K3 ACC connector
>> with the return path at pin 5 (ground).  You can get a "Y" connector to
>> bring the ACC signals out to both the Navigator and the KRC2ACC.  Make
>> certain the "Y" cable has all pins connected and no pins connected together
>> - a VGA "Y" cable will NOT work.
>>
>> Please not that the solution above will only provide band selection in the
>> KRC2ACC - other functions will not work.
>>
>> One cannot use a "Y" connector on the RS-232 signals unless one device
>> only listens to the RS-232 data traffic.  Both the P3 and the KRC2ACC have
>> drivers on the RS-232 connection and that will cause much chaos and failure
>> of communications for both the KRC2ACC and the P3.
>>
>> In other words, I do not have a workable solution for you.  Perhaps Jack
>> Brindle can make some suggestions, but from my knowledge of the RS-232
>> signalling, they will not work together.
>>
>> My suggestion is to load the KRC2 firmware and forget about the ACC
>> option, then you can use the KRC2 for control of your antenna relays with
>> the connection to the K3 ACC connector (with the "Y" cable).
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 6/23/2013 4:44 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built the
>>> special cable for use with my K3.  Now  am stumped again, so I am hoping
>>> someone can "baby-talk" me through this.
>>>
>>> I use a Navigator interface for digital modes.  That occupies the ACC jack
>>> of the K3.  I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
>>> port of the K3.  The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3.  There is no
>>> place left to connect the KRC2ACC.
>>>
>>> The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
>>> with the K2, not the K3.  So I am stuck again.
>>>
>>> Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>> Brian W3BW
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>>>
>>> *70 is the new 40.*
>>> *
>>> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
>>> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
>>> eFax  305.768.0278
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