[Elecraft] NEW K3S ACC-1 USE FOR RRC 1258 MKII AND W3YY INTERFACE

[Rick Tavan N6XI]

I have a K3+RRC setup at my remote site which I use both locally and
remotely.

Don't use "VGA" cables of any kind for any purpose other than connecting a
VGA monitor directly to a computer! Use only full 15-pin cables, connectors
and adapters except for the documented "interrupter" that some folks need
when using external sequencers. I have a daisy chain of verified 15 pin Y
adapters hanging on (for dear life) to the K3 ACC connector. It's a very
delicate mechanical monstrosity but so long as I don't wiggle anything back
there it does hold together and it works. They feed the KPA500/KAT500, a
pair of band decoders, and some other stuff. The band decoders drive a pair
of bandpass filters and a jury-rigged diode matrix for antenna switching
via a Six Pak. (The pairs of things are because it's an SO2R station when I
operate locally and I get my choice of two amps when operating remotely.)

I switch the K3 9-pin RS232 connector with a two position rotary switch
designed for serial ports. These switches are readily available from
surplus stores and on-line. In the "Local" position, the K3 connects to the
P3 which connects to the logging computer.  In the "Remote" position, the
K3 connects to the RRC. I also have a SteppIR controller eavesdropping on
the serial communication on the radio side of the switch (center, switched
port). I put it into General (frequency tracking) mode when I leave the
house. I switch it to Ham mode and change bands manually when I'm in the
shack. This arrangement works fine for the serial port except for
extraneous clicks in the SteppIR controller when in General mode which I'm
yet to understand fully. I think there is a significant amount of
extraneous frequency and mode reporting on the K3 serial port. I can't hear
it when I'm 200 miles away, so it doesn't bother me except for the
possibility of wear and tear on the relays.

I parallel the PTT and Key lines from the local external keyer and the RRC.
I parallel the local mic with the mic output of the RRC. I use the PHONES
jack on the KIO3 for local audio out and the SPEAKER jack for the RRC audio
in. I have to remember to keep SPKR+PHONES set to ON for this. I run AFSK
into Line In for local RTTY and so far haven't used RTTY remotely, but
others do that, too. I can receive RTTY locally via K3 Line Out or remotely
by feeding RRC speaker audio into a sound card at the control site.

There's more switching and control logic and support software in there but
it's not relevant to what you seem to be trying to do. It's complicated and
the journey to get it all working was at least as intriguing as operating
the thing. Keep at it.

73,

/Rick N6XI

On Fri, Jul 31, 2015 at 3:34 PM, RUSSELL J. GUIDRY SR <
RJGUIDRYSR at verizon.net> wrote:

> I am just testing now a new K3S (10074) and pair of RRC 1258 MKII.  Main
> issue is ability to run local when on site and fully remote when not. I
> have
> tried a simple VGA "Y" cable, an all pins A/B switch and an all pins VGA
> cable but only one at a time will work.  Seems to only have five pins to
> work with 1-4-5 with W3YY FSK-CW_PTT and 1-5-8 FSK-POWER ON for RRC.  I
> have
> a simple A/B for the RJ45 connections and swap the RS232 38400 remote to
> RRC
> and USB for local Win4suite-HRD Logger and N1MM all ok local.   New "Y"
> cable for the P3 does not like a A/B switch or modem splitter I have found
> as well.
>
> Thanks if any help or migh be asking for too much.  I am ok with the two
> way
> noted in new K3S manual and FAQ handout a s well.
>
> Russ K5OA
>
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-- 
Rick Tavan N6XI
Truckee, CA