[Elecraft] K3/Logger 32 Interface issue

[Denis Jackson]

Hi to all, 
 
In addition to the replies sent via the reflector, Sam, K5OAI sent me some
interesting info on USB power save settings.  I had adjusted some USB power
settings, but some of those in the links he sent were new to me.  The bad
news is that they didn't actually make any difference, but I learned a
little more about Win 7 so worthwhile just for that.

I have though made a little progress.  All the RS232 cables are shielded.
It's something to do with having the SteppIR controller in the mix.  If I
disconnect the RS232 Y cable, from the controller, the problem goes away.  I
put the whole lot back on the old PC and it still works fine, so I'm pretty
sure it's  something about the new PC that's causing the problems.    If I
don't change bands, Logger will quite happily report accurate frequency and
mode as I tune around.  If I change bands a few times, and specifically, if
I change bands using the band switch on the K3, Logger32 will stop reporting
frequency.  Using the RS232 monitor utility in Logger, I can see the If;
polling message going to the K3/SteppIR controller, but nothing being
received.

Anyhow, on the basis that my PC has plenty of spare slots, I've ordered a
Serial card.  I'd quite like to get the USB combination working though, so I
will try the various alternative Prolific drivers, as several folks have
kindly suggested, and then maybe try an FTDI adaptor and see whether that
works.

Thanks for all the help and advice.  Very much appreciated.

73

Denis
 
MW0CBC / GW8OQV

-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Reublin [mailto:nf4l at nf4l.com] 
Sent: 22 November 2013 20:54
To: Denis Jackson
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/Logger 32 Interface issue

Ditch the Prolific adapter and get one with the FTDI chip. And of course the
proper driver.

73, Mike NF4L

On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:31 PM, Denis Jackson <radio at modesgate.com> wrote:

> Just installed a new shack PC, with I7 processor, Haswel chipset,, and 
> WIN 7
> 64 Bit OS.
> 
> 
> 
> Using an older KUSB, with the Prolific chip set.  K3 has a SteppIR 
> controller connected to it, using a Y cable.  This combination works 
> fine, on my old PC, which has a COM port on the motherboard.
> 
> 
> 
> When I first set it up, the K3 communicated with Logger 32 without any 
> problems.  However, after a few miniutes, (or a couple of band-changes 
> on the K3, Logger32 appears to no longer be receiving data from the 
> K3.  I can control the k3 from Logger32, i.e. I can change bands etc, 
> but I have no indication of mode or frequency back from the radio.  
> The only way I can get it working again, is to unplug/re-plug the KUSB and
the PC.
> 
> 
> 
> I don't think that this is a configuration options issue (although 
> would be happy for someone to tell me that it is), and suspect this is 
> just another manifestation of the endless USB/serial adaptor problems 
> that seem to be all too frequent.  I will probably order myself a PCI 
> serial card, but in the meantime, if anyone has any ideas of what I 
> could try, I would be very grateful.  I've already tried disabling the 
> power management features on the internal USB hub, with no luck.
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance
> 
> 
> 
> Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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