[Elecraft] K2 - KPA100 RS232 interface repair

[Bob McGraw - K4TAX]

The K3S has a RJ-45 connector for the RS-232 communications.  Now that's 
different!   Of course they supply a cable with a RJ-45 on one end and a 
DB-9F on the other.  And then to keep everybody happy, there is what 
appears to be a 15 pin VGA connector that is the ACC connector to 
provide band data and such.  The manual clearly states "This is not a 
VGA video connector".

Yes it is very important to read and understand the manual before 
plugging or inserting any connector into any hole on any radio today.  
It seems most hams think if it plugs in, then it should work.

73
Bob, K4TAX
K3S s/n 10,163

On 8/22/2015 7:17 PM, Richard W. Solomon wrote:
> It seems to me that using a DB-9 connector for non-RS232 uses is taking the
> Easy way out.
> There are numerous other connectors that could be used to alleviate any
> Misunderstanding.
>
> Not everyone goes through manuals with a fine tooth comb to locate the
> "gotchas".
>
> 73, Dick, W1KSZ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim
> Brown
> Sent: Saturday, August 22, 2015 4:25 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 - KPA100 RS232 interface repair
>
> Hi Floyd,
>
> I've owned and operated a pair of K2s, both of which I bought used.
> Elecraft makes it very clear that the DB9 connector on the K2 is NOT an
> RS232 interface, that it is not RS232 compliant, and that a standard
> RS232 cable should NOT be used. Rather, the DB9 connector provides both
> serial control AND several control functions.
>
> The DB9 connector is a generic part, and can be used for many things besides
> RS232.  It is also well known that while the RS232 Standard defines voltage
> levels, MANY modern products produce far less than those levels.
>
> I've owned a lot of gear in my lifetime, and the first thing I do is open
> the manual, study it, study the wiring of the various connectors, study the
> specs, and study the operating instructions.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>
>
> On Sat,8/22/2015 1:28 PM, Floyd Sense wrote:
>> Hi Don. I'm sure you're aware that the RS232 spec includes the
>> description of voltage levels, and if you're going to refer to an
>> interface as RS232 (as Elecraft does in many places) then you're
>> implying that the normal RS232 signal levels will be used.  A user
>> shouldn't be required to read a one hundred page manual before
>> plugging in a connector when every other such connector works in the
>> conventional way.  Having been a designer using RS232 interfaces 45
>> years ago, I would have been executed had I designed something like this.
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