[Elecraft] USB vs RS232 for K3/P3

[Don Wilhelm]

Steve,

The USB connection will allow you to eliminate your external soundcard 
and the cables to the LINE IN/OUT jacks.
It will also eliminate any need for a USB to SERIAL adapter if you are 
currently using one.

You will need to use the CBLP3Y cable between the K3 and P3 instead of 
the RS-232 cables you are currently using - you said you have the 
cables, but just checking to be sure you have that "Y" cable.

So you end up with only the USB cable, and the "Y" cable between the K3 
and P3.

Your internal soundcard will identify as USB Audio CODEC, and the 
internal USB to serial adapter will be assigned a COM port number by 
your computer (much the same as a USB to Serial adapter would be).

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/25/2019 4:35 PM, Steve, K4FJ via Elecraft wrote:
> I have K3 radios which have been updated with most K3S add-on's, including KIO3B, but I am not currently usingthe USB capability.  I use RS232 instead.
> What am I missing that is worth making the change to USB?  I have the cables to do it, but the current configuration surely works.
> I have a passing interest in digital modes FT4/FT8, but I have not gotten that function connected properly.
> Would changing to USB eliminate any need for Line IN/OUT connections to solve the digi problem?