[Elecraft] K3s and RemoteRig

Mon Aug 14 00:30:23 EDT 2017

It's not nearly as bad as one might think, Jim. I operate my mountain
station both locally and remotely. When I leave that location, I have a
little checklist. Well, it's not completely little, but most of it is stuff
that rarely changes. I don't have to move ANY cables to convert from local
to remote operation. Here's how:

   - The local speaker at the remote site connects to SPKR on the K3. The
   RRC audio in connects to PHONES. The local headset and speaker are in
   parallel but the powered speaker has an Off switch.
   - The local mic and the RRC Mic Out connect to K3 Mic In, in parallel.
   - The local external keyer and the RRC key out line connect to K3 Key
   In, in parallel.
   - The local PTT line and the RRC PTT out line connect to K3 PTT In, in
   parallel.
   - The K3 RS232 connects to a two position rotary DB9 switch. One side
   goes to the P3 for local operation only. The other side goes to the RRC for
   remote operation only. The Go Remote checklist says "Set RS232 Switch to
   Remote." These switches are abundant and cheap online. Mine is called "QVS
   SureGrip Commercial Dataswitch." I think it cost about $10.
   - The checklist reminds me to set K3 AF gains to 9:00. This isn't
   critical but my logger often sends commands to the K3 that cause it to
   reset to the physical position of those knobs. (Yes, that's weird.) If
   they're fully CCW, the audio goes dead until I twiddle the control side K3
   (or K3-0) AF gain control(s).
   - I use N1MM Logger Plus at either end, only one at a time. Operating
   locally, the computer connects to the P3 and is set to the appropriate COM
   port number. At the control site, the computer connects to the control RRC
   and is set to the COM port number corresponding to what the RRC confusingly
   calls its own "COM1."

   - My control site is a K3 which can operate either as a control head for
   the remote K3 or as a local radio. Switching is similar to what I describe
   above, including an RS232 switch, although Mic, Audio, and PTT circuits are
   in the opposite directions.

That's all there is to it except for extra added attractions:

   - Amplifier control is via KPA500 Remote, KAT500 Remote and Alpha
   Remote. The Elecraft apps run in client/server config with the server side
   on a dedicated shack computer ($250) at the remote site. I access Alpha
   Remote via a remote desktop facility to the same server.
   - Antenna switching is automated at the remote site using Top Ten
   decoders, diode matrix, and WX0B Six Pak.
   - A remotely controlled relay board controls which amp to use, which
   band segments are set on my 80M rotary dipole, and whether the SteppIR or
   tribander is in use on the high bands. This is complicated but imminently
   achievable.
   - Rotator control is via PstRotatorAz, running client/server.
   - All 120V AC power is controlled via a remote AC switch box from
   Digital Loggers. Older versions work fine and are reasonably priced at
   closeout stores. I set mine up with two user IDs. The usual ID only
   controls the shack 12VDC PS and the rotor. A special Admin ID can also
   power cycle things that usually stay on like the server computer, cable
   modem, and router.
   - If you choose to use a local server computer like I do, make sure to
   get one that reboots after a power failure! Most laptops don't. Most old,
   surplus machines intended for server use have this as an optional feature.

In total, it's a lot of integration. But I also have a lot of flexibility.
I still don't have remote panadapter display, dang it. But there is some
good work going on with tools like Win4K3Suite, LP-PAN, external SDRs, etc.
that may help here once I make time to learn them.

GL & 73,

/Rick N6XI

On Sun, Aug 13, 2017 at 5:08 PM, Jim Miller <jim at jtmiller.com> wrote:

> I have a K3s, P3 (and someday a KPA1500) and I'm considering a RemoteRig
> and K3/Mini for remote operation.
>
> I realize the P3 access and KPA1500 if any will need to come from some
> other source like Teamviewer or VNC. I need that for controlling the
> rotator and power switching anyway.
>
> I'm told that RR/K3-mini performance is like "being there."
>
> One issue I have is the amount of disconnecting and reconnecting of cables
> when switching from local operation of the K3s to setting up for remote
> operation.
>
> Nothing I've seen in the documentation leads me to believe that this
> reconfiguration of cabling for the K3s is any simpler that what is needed
> for the original K3.
>
> For those of you who have RR and a K3s: did I miss something? Does the
> cleaned up wiring on the K3s via USB for normal local operation offer any
> advantages when it comes to RR configuration?
>
> Thanks
>
> jim ab3cv
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-- 

Rick Tavan
Truckee, CA