[Elecraft] Serial Port Question...

[David Cole]

I have a question about serial ports and the K3...  first let me set the
stage for the failures...

Setup:
I have a K3, (two RX), and a P3, (SVGA), connected to my Windows
machine, which is running a fully updated and patched version of XP,
using a RS-232 serial cable, and the built in serial card, at 38K.  It
is a Dell machine.

Test Bed:
If I use HRD, latest free version, to move the K3 main tuning dial
around, using the mouse wheel to increment the 100 Hz digit, I have zero
issues, the movement is snappy, and quick, there is no lag between my
end of motion in moving the mouse wheel and the K3 arriving at its end
of motion in changing frequency.  I.e. When I stop moving the mouse
wheel, the K3 is on frequency.  Exactly as it was on my Pro III.  Both
under HRD, AND MixW

Now, if I switch to MixW, again latest version etc., same com port, same
comport speed, in fact same settings as far as I can see for everything,
I get a very discernible lag in the move event concluding.  It acts like
the K3 frequency is rate limited in how fast it can slew in frequency,
only when using MixW, and not when using HRD.  Exact same setup, and no
issues on the Pro III I used to have.

I also have a very minor programming issue where by the the K3 fails to
fully program every channel using the K3 frequency management
software...  I get the failed timeout error now and then...

All of this points directly to a serial port issue...  However...

I have run this computer on many other pieces of hardware, (including a
Pro III, and Pro II), and had zero issues along this line.  I have run
the same hardware, and the same software, configured exactly the same on
the Pro III, and a Pro II, with zero issues.  I.e. I do not have the lag
issue on the Pro III, or Pro II. but do on the K3...  Same hardware,
same configuration, and same software, same cables, etc...

No other issues with serial ports of any kind with the computer...  All
running under stock windows XP fully updated.  

Question:
Why does the K3 feel like the speed with which it changes frequency is
rate limited only under MixW, and not under HRD.

I am at a loss, and looking for suggestions here...

-- 
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info