[Elecraft] Serial Connection for K2

[Tom Blahovici]

Hi,
I see ebay has some 8 port Edgeports for $50.
I’m looking to cut down on computer generate noise in my shack.  Currently I have 6 or 7 usb to serial adapters.  I reduced noise quite a bit as shown on the P3 using some ferrite cores but the whole mess is now quite a sore sight.  Not only that you need longer cables to wrap through those cores.
So here’s a few questions: is it better to run one high quality USB cable to a  device such as an edge port and then run serial cables from there or have many usb to serial converters and extensions?
Anyone have a source for properly shielded USB cables?
Thanks

On Nov 5, 2013, at 8:54 PM, Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> Tom,
> 
> Use a USB to serial adapter with an FTDI chipset - the Prolific chipset does not like to run at the slower rate required by the K2.
> 
> I have also had success with a Keyspan adapter.
> If you want to go 'first class', use an Edgeport USB to serial converter - I have a 4 port model that works flawlessly.  Note that this is usually referred to as a 'converter' rather than an 'adapter' - it is often used in commercial environments and is quite robust - those termed 'adapter' are usually intended for the consumer market, and the relative price indicates that fact.  When I bought mine, they were selling on Ebay for a very low price, someone had a big pile of used ones that he was selling off.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 11/5/2013 8:08 PM, Tom Field wrote:
>> I just completed the KPA100 and KIO2 mods for my K2. I have a new Dell
>> desktop running Windows 8. I don't have a serial port on the machine. What
>> is the recommended conversion from serial to USB?
>> 
>> Tom F.
>> KI6NRD
>> Elecraft K2 #7432
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