[Elecraft] Remote KAT500

[Fred Jensen]

Again, thanks to all.  To summarize for all who took the time to offer 
information and suggestions:

1.  From an Elecraft engineer [who I happen to know quite well]:  The 
AUX cable is probably not a good choice to extend.  In addition to 
voltage and RFI issues, there are timing constraints on those circuits. 
  I can do what I need with RS-232.

2.  I should be able to make RS-232 work.  I personally know that many 
so-called RS-232 drivers use +/-5 V rather than +/-12 V.  This is a 
problem I can solve.

3.  Universal agreement on no connectors outside.  Almost universal 
agreement on "no connectors penetrating the housing."  Almost universal 
agreement on cable entrance glands of one type or another.

4.  Condensate drain(s) are a must.  There is universal agreement that 
water (and apparently other things) runs downhill. :-)  I learned that 
changes in inside vs outside pressure over the day will also initiate 
condensation [did not understand how that works].

5.  Insectus Multileggus tend to be somewhat limited in our area due to 
hard winter freezes and reduced summer precipitation, but I will need to 
keep them out.  We have small bunnies [not jack rabbits] that abound 
[and chew] around here, it appears that our backyard is immune right now 
but I will protect the cable drip loops anyway.  I will personally 
congratulate any gopher or mole that can dig through our caliche.

6.  Right now, I'm leaning toward a large enough PVC pipe, several 
inches long and open at the bottom [except for critter control] for 
cable entrance, condensate drain, and pressure equalization.  I'll 
probably put a light bulb in the case.  There is universal agreement 
that I need common-mode chokes at the ends and maybe along the cable 
runs inside the conduit.  Fortunately, I know K9YC, I'll consult with 
him on those.

Thanks to all for all the information, advice, ideas, and guidance. 
I'll post occasionally as this plan progresses.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2016
- www.cqp.org