[Elecraft] Remote KAT500

[Jim Bolit]

Any need to optically isolate control lines et. Al., with simple
opto-couplers (6 pin DIP's)?

Jim
W6AIM



-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Fred
Jensen
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 2:44 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Remote KAT500

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
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