[Elecraft] [K3 / KX3] USB-to-Serial Adapter

[Joel Black]

In late 2012, I bought an iMac. I really like the iMac except for one 
glaring "feature" - it is quite limited in the number of ports available 
for communication to various rigs. Several months ago, I read about a 
GearMo 4-port USB-to-serial adapter. Last week I purchased one and it 
arrived Tuesday.

My first question was answered as I looked at the DB9 connectors - 
they're labeled 1, 2, 3, 4.

I just plugged it into the back of my iMac and connected to my K3, my 
FT-847 (VHF/UHF/satellite rig), and the serial cable for my KX3 (with 
one port left over that I coiled up and put behind my desk. Using the 
latest KX3 Utility, I was able to upgrade the F/W from 1.61 (I think?) 
to the latest available. I have been using RUMlog with both the K3 and 
the KX3 with no issues. I was also able to create a symbolic link when 
using CrossOver and SatPC32 (a satellite tracking package written for 
Windows) for the FT-847.

I didn't have to install any drivers - it worked right out of the box. 
Doing an "ls" under /dev from the terminal, I have four new serial ports:

tty.usbserial-FTWU1P3UA
tty.usbserial-FTWU1P3UB
tty.usbserial-FTWU1P3UC
tty.usbserial-FTWU1P3UD

The GearMo adapter uses an FTDI chipset. Doing a little searching, I 
found one for just under $50.

On my VM (Win7 x64), I had to uninstall the old FTDI and install the 
new. I did this by unplugging the GearMo and plugging it back in while 
in my VM. The only problem I have with the VM is that it is not "turning 
on" upon VM boot. That's a settings issue that I'll fix later.

The usual disclaimer holds - I have no affiliation with GearMo or any of 
its suppliers, subsidies, or vendors. After 12 hours, I'm just a happy 
customer.

73,
Joel - W4JBB