[Elecraft] Using N1MM to Key a K3 with no outboard keyer

[Don Wilhelm]

Ted and all,

I believe you do need the CATA1ASC to send ASCII strings to the 
transceiver for keying (not PTT) for CW keying.

The K3 with VOX set ON will key (and transmit CW) without asserting PTT.
It is like "touch the key to transmit".

Yes, other methods such as keying via DTR or RTS are possible as well.

Using multiple methods of PTT can cause the K3 to lock in transmit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/1/2018 8:35 PM, Ted Bryant wrote:
> You do not need the "CATA1ASC " commands to key the K3/K3s via the CAT
> control link.
> 
> Look here:
> <http://n1mmplus.hamdocs.com/tiki-index.php?page=Supported+Radios&structure=
> N1MM+Logger+Documentation#K3_and_K3S>
> 
> The K3 can accept PTT switching from several sources, including: a keying
> circuit from a serial or parallel port to the K3's PTT IN; PTT from a
> Winkeyer; RTS (pin 7) on the radio control RS232 port; using "Radio PTT via
> command"; or VOX
> It is better not to use multiple methods of PTT control in parallel; in some
> cases, and depending on which version of firmware is installed, doing so can
> leave a K3 stuck in transmit at the end of function-key messages. You should
> not check "Radio PTT via command" if you are using RTS on the radio control
> port, or any other hardware PTT connection, to control PTT
> ** Procedure for configuring RTS on the radio control RS232 port: Starting
> with the K3's CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to OFF-OFF, check the CW/Other box beside
> the radio control port in the Configurer and configure N1MM+ to control PTT
> from RTS on the radio control port (Port setup), and then set the K3's
> CONFIG:PTT-KEY to RTS-OFF (or RTS-DTR if you are also using CW via DTR)
> Warning: leaving RTS set to Always on with the K3's CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to
> RTS-OFF or RTS-DTR will cause the K3 to be permanently in transmit
> 
> The K3 accepts CW keying on DTR (pin 4) of the same COM port you're using to
> control the K3. This method can be used when other methods (e.g. Winkeyer or
> a keying circuit on a separate COM or LPT port) are not available
> CW and radio control on the same COM port do NOT work in SO2R mode
> CW on DTR does NOT work with some USB-to-serial adapters (e.g. Prolific
> chipset - may depend on the driver version)
> CW on DTR may be missing some capabilities and may have other undesired side
> effects - use at your own risk
> ** Procedure: Starting with the K3's CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to OFF-OFF, check
> the CW/Other box beside the radio control port in the Configurer and
> configure N1MM+ to use DTR for CW on that port; set the K3's CONFIG:PTT-KEY
> to OFF-DTR (or RTS-DTR if you are also using PTT via RTS)
> Warning: leaving DTR set to Always on with the K3's CONFIG:PTT-KEY set to
> OFF-DTR or RTS-DTR will cause a permanent "key-down" condition