[Elecraft] K2 - KPA100 RS232 interface repair

[Phil Wheeler]

Most of us built our K2/KPA100/KAT100 way back; 
that was the only way you could buy them, not 
factory-built nor factory-assembled. That did 
require that we apply the "fine tooth comb" 
approach to the manual, since we soldered every 
connection to every part. As a result I'm still, 
12 years or so after building my KPA100, aware of 
the issue.

73, Phil W7OX

On 8/22/15 5:17 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.