[Elecraft] K2, FD, and N1MM

[Robert G Strickland]

My previous attempts to key either rig using the DTR/RTS lines direct 
from N1MM [with appropriate cables] never worked for me. So, I went with 
the microHAM CW keyer to interface computer and radio via the microHAM 
Router port emulation software and supplied cables. Works flawlessly.

My K2 has the 100w addition with its DB9 jack. For FD, the club uses the 
N3FJP logging program. Using the CW Keyer, all connections are the same 
as the with K3/N1MM, and it too works flawlessly.

The CW Keyer came with a CAT cable [1/8" plug to DB9 connecter] 
appropriate for the K2 [built and in use before the K3]. The same cable 
works with the K3.

So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is probably 
preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD.

...robert

On 07/08/2016 02:24, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
> One N1MM/MM+ thing doable on a K3/3S you cannot do with a K2 is to use DTR
> or RTS to the transceiver for logging program driven internal CW keying.
> It's not in the K2 firmware, and the leads are not in the K2's DB9 jack.
> You have to break out the keying and provide *some* external device to key
> the K2.
>
> I use a Microham "CW Keyer" box (very small) to drive my K2 in contests,
> and it works seamlessly. Splits out everything I need. I have a cable which
> pulls off TXD, RXD and signal ground from the K2's DB9 connector on one end
> and uses mini-phone-plug tip ring and sleeve to the CW Keyer. Another cord
> to the K2 key jack, another for power to the CW Keyer, and a single USB
> cord from the CW Keyer as the only connection to the computer. The
> Microham driver software for the CW Keyer serves everything up to N1MM as
> virtual serial ports. Paddle connects to the CW Keyer.
>
> The integration of the K2 with a KPA100 is seamless, even in a separate
> enclosure, and PTT is not needed.
>
> N1MM+ is flawless with the K2 with my Microham CW Keyer setup.
>
> 73, Guy K2AV
>
> On Thursday, July 7, 2016, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','donwilh at embarqmail.com');>> wrote:
>
>> The K3 can use a standard serial cable, the the K2 *cannot*. The only
>> connections for the K2 from the computer is pins 2, 3 and 5 in the cable -
>> those are TXD, RXD and Signal Ground.
>>
>> All other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is *not* an RS-232
>> connector and is not labeled as such) are internal K2 signals to operate
>> external Elecraft devices such as the KAT100, XV transverters and the KRC2.
>>
>> The use of a standard PC serial cable between the K2 and the computer can
>> damage both the K2 and the computer serial port.
>>
>> If you have no special computer connection cable with your K2, then build
>> the cable described in the KIO2 or KPA100 manual or if you have the KAT100,
>> build the cable shown in that manual.
>>
>> N1MM fully supports the K2 unless something has changed quite recently.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 7/7/2016 7:31 PM, Nr4c wrote:
>>
>>> In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought
>>> the K2 cable was different.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> ...nr4c. bill
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER <pgraitc at me.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used
>>>> the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>>>>
>>>> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little
>>>> unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t
>>>> send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>>>>
>>>> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM,
>>>> probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
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>
>
>

-- 
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
rcrgs at verizon.net.usa
Syracuse, New York, USA