[Elecraft] Serial Port Question...

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

What is the command rate of MixW?  Each program has it's own polling or
command rate and they can differ by a substantial amount.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2014-07-06 5:15 PM, David Cole wrote:
> 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...
>