[Elecraft] Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

[Dave]

Another idea is to run a Raspberry Pi on the network running Node Red software.  The nice thing about Node Red is I can monitor and control equipment through any web browser and not have the bandwidth overhead of a remote desktop solution. This is key if anyone is doing this over cellular and is in poor coverage area or does not have unlimited data.

In Node Red I created “flows” which allow me to monitor and control:
KPA1500
rotor (Via PSTRotator AZ IP server)
DLI Web Switch Pro to turn equipment and relays on and off.
Flex 6700 to monitor radio info 

You could have Node Red talk to the KPA500/KAT500 via serial connection and it should support any of the functions listed in the KPA500 programmers reference manual.

I think there is one person on the Flex Community that has written a Node Red flow for the KPA500/KAT500.

Here’s some pics of my Node Red setup. One shows it split screen on my iPad with the Flex IOS software. I only have the controls on screen for functions I wanted readily available. I am planning to add ability to retune the KPA1500 tuner as well. Right now I only use the tuner on 80 meters.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YEXRgQgn12Q6j6Cq8

73
Dave wo2x

Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 27, 2020, at 6:08 AM, Mike - W5JR <w5jr.lists at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Mick, I have a KPA/KAT500 combo connected to my 6600. Both the KPA and KAT are connected to “serial” ports (USB to serial adapters) on the shack computer that runs 24/7. None are connected to the Flex. Elecraft’s excellent remote software is running on the shack computer in Host mode. This has to be started manually, but could be auto started, I’ve just not done so. I can access my shack computer remotely to (re)start the hosting if the computer reboots for any reason. 
> 
> From the laptop, I can connect to the shack hosted software and have full control over both the KPA and the KAT. A quick bump of RF, like the Flex tune mode instantly tunes the KAT, selects an antenna based on the RF. Putting the KPA in Operate mode automatically selects the proper band on the next burst of RF. 
> 
> I use this whether on my local LAN but not in the shack, or hundreds (thousands) of miles away. I’m very pleased with the KPA/KAT functionality for the Flex. 
> 
> 
> tnx
> Mike / W5JR
> Alpharetta GA
> 
> 
>> On Feb 26, 2020, at 18:02, w6mob <w6mob at arrl.net> wrote:
>> 
>> I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.
>> 
>> Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
>> the same time?
>> 
>> I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
>> Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
>> KAT500 at the same time.
>> 
>> As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.
>> 
>> Any suggestions?
>> 
>> Thanks,
>> Mick
>> W6MOB
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> --
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