[Elecraft] Remote Rig RC-1216H use with KPA500

Tue Jan 27 15:55:11 EST 2015

Eric:

Thanks for the suggestion.  Some of the software options are certainly worthy of a closer look.

Since my primary use of the K3 is through remote access, I'm looking for simple, reliable equipment connections that allow as much flexibility  as possible with minimal "fuss."  Here are some thoughts for your consideration:

1.  While the use of a PC at the radio site is certainly an option, it also introduces an additional failure point as well as extra cost as the PC is up and running all the time.  It also adds to complexity by having to setup, learn and run two different software packages, one on the PC at the radio site and another on the laptop at the operator's location.

2.  The RC-1215H approach is far simpler to install as it is a stand alone box with a RS-232 connection to connect the KPA500.  All it requires is an ethernet connection. No special software is needed, only an internet browser as the "smarts" in the device interfaces with the RS-232 data coming/going to the amplifier.  Any OS can be used on the connecting computer (Mac, Linux, Windows, even a tablet such as an iPAD through WiFi) as it is "cloud computing" with no special software. 

3.  The RC-1216H complements the Remote Rig with K3/0-Mini as it makes possible full control of the KPA500 and the Remote Rig setup allows full control of the K3.  

4.  As the popularity of Remoting increases, operators will be looking for simplified solutions to gaining full control of their ham stations.  What sold me on the K3 was the K3/0-Mini, allowing full front panel control of the K3 and good audio connections between station and remote location.  I had some initial "hiccups" due to my network configuration, but once those problems were resolved, it has been fun to use.  I do have the ability to remote turn my rotator and use the WN-2 through a USB-to-Ethernet device from Digi International called Anywhere/USB2.  However, this approach requires the use of Windows as Digi International only provides drivers for Windows.  

5.  I don't currently have a good way to control the KPA500 without using a PC at the shack and for the reasons above would like to avoid it.  FWIW, in using a Lantronix serial-to-ethernet device in order to avoid the PC at the shack, I'm able to remotely connect to the KAT500 from the "control" PC from my remote location and thus avoid the need for the PC at the shack, but this approach still requires Windows on my local PC (e.g. MacBook running Parallels/Win7 Pro or run Bootcamp w/Win7 Pro) due to Lantronix and Digi International only offer Windows software utilities for a personal computer to create the serial ports for their devices to work with.   So far, I have been unable to get the KPA500 connection using a Lantronix serial-to-ethernet device as the interface.  

Given Elecraft's apparent interest in creating relatively painless solutions for remote operations, I would encourage the company to consider future offerings for full complementing of remote operations, including amplifier, tuner, and rotator control.  Stocking the RC-1216H and offering the unit as part of the Remote Rig package through Elecraft is one option. Developing your own "box" that can handle the KPA500 and KAT500 through ethernet interface and web browser interface is another option.  Looking at key station accessories, such as rotors, and offering an integrated package that includes these components is a third option. In each case, the ability to connect seamlessly through a browser offers real advantages since the user can then use whatever platform (Windows, Mac OSX, Linux) they prefer.  That said, there is the question of how to interface the rotor so that reporting of antenna position and commanding rotor positioning can be accomplished while running logging and other programs.

Food for thought,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Westborough, MA
Folkston, GA

> On Jan 27, 2015, at 8:47 AM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <eric at elecraft.com> wrote:
> 
> We also have free full remote control software for the KPA500 and KAT500 on our K3 Software page.
> 
> http://www.elecraft.com/k2_remote.htm#k3remote
> 
> I use these with my remote station. 
> 
> These windows programs include both the host and client programs and they provide complete access to the KPA500 and KAT500.
> 
> Also of interest is the free remote software from remotehams.com .  (The author, Brandon, works in our engineering group and we are a sponsor of his web page. ) It includes embedded Voip and control of the K3, KPA500 and antenna rotors that support the high gain serial protocol. This is the s/w I also use for my remote operation.
> 
> Eric
> elecraft.com
> _..._
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jan 26, 2015, at 9:54 PM, Barry Baines <bbaines at mac.com> wrote:
>> 
>> I’m wondering if anyone has an experience with Remote Rig’s RC-1216H, a web-based device to control the KPA500 (among other things).  See:  
>> http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=1010#tabs-3 <http://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=1010#tabs-3>
>> 
>> The potential benefit is being able to remotely access the KPA500’s controls as well as view forward power and SWR, but being able to do so remotely using the RC-1216H through a web browser.  
>> 
>> Ham Radio Outlet carries the Remote Rig product line, but they don’t carry this particular product.  Consequently, I’m also wondering what the best approach might be to obtaining one in the US.   Is there anyone in the US that carries it, or is my only option to order it directly from Sweden?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> 
>> Barry Baines, WD4ASW
>> Folkston, GA
>> Westborough, MA
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