[Elecraft] KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Mon Jun 24 08:41:28 EDT 2013

Thanks again for your excellent and comprehensive response.

Brian

*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 8:36 AM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> 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<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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