[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 151, Issue 22

[Dave B]

On 29/11/16 21:07, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> From: Doug Bender
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Rig Control using Rigblaster Advantage COM
> 	port
>
> I posted this note to the KX3 Yahoo group but with no answers.  So thought
> I would try to larger group here...
>
> I am trying to free up a USB port on my laptop and thought, why not use my
> Rigblaster Advantage to control both the KX3 and send CW?
>
> First off ? I have already verified that the USB to KX3 cable, that came
> with the radio, works correctly with my KX3 using the KX3 Utility software
> and also works with N1MM+.  (On my computer it is assigned COM3.)
>
> So now I unplug the KX3USB cable and connect a KXSer-a cable from the RS232
> on the back of the Rigblaster to the KX3.  The Rigblaster port has been
> assigned to COM4 and verified using Device Manager.  Note:  this serial
> cable is one that I purchased from Elecraft, not a homebrew cable.)
>
> However, when I fire up the KX3 Utility and select COM4, it just cycles
> through the baud rates.
>
> I?m confident that the RigBlaster, using COM4, works because I can connect
> my old Yaesu FT-1000MP and have rig control using it with N1MM+.
>
> I?ve tried setting the Properties of COM4 under the Device Manager to slow
> (4800) and fast (38400) settings to no avail.  I've tried setting Stop Bits
> from 1 to 2, etc... no luck.
>
> Any thoughts or other RigBlaster users using it to control the KX3?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Doug WW6D
TXD and RXD crossed over?

Have you checked the continuity of the cable is correct, in regards to
the data lines and serial port on the back of the RigBlaster?   Does the
cable work the KX3 if used with a regular PC com port (or regular
USB<>serial adapter?)

NEVER assume that because something else worked, everything will.  Check
those data lines are correctly wired, and if needed also any loopbacks
to fake a good handshake condition for the RB.

Also, check for wrong voltage levels, not all serial ports are equal. 
You'll probably need a 'scope to do that on the fly.

73

Dave G0WBX.