[Elecraft] KAT500 remote

[Barry Baines]

Gordon:

> On Oct 10, 2020, at 12:56 PM, Gordon LaPoint <gordon.lapoint at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Barry,
>      Thanks for the comments and hints.  I'm using the KAT500-Remote Version 1.0.15.0 software over the internet to a remote system in a different town.
> This is NOT the utility software, it allows for hosting a KAT500 over the internet for control by multiple clients,  a different program.  The client end does not have a clear indication of the power status of the remote KAT500.

I can’t help you with the KAT500-Remote Software because I don’t use it.  If you’re not satisfied with how KAT500-Remote is working for you, then I suggest taking a look at the KAT500 Utility software (v.1.19.18.5).  As I explained, simply log into the ham shack computer with VNC Client, TeamViewer, etc.  to manage the KAT500 utility and you’re good to go.  One advantage of this approach is that you don’t have to install the Elecraft software on every ‘client’ computer to be able to access the KAT500 and you’re not limited to a PC as other devices that can run VPN Client TeamViewer, etc.  (iPhone, iPad, Linux, Windows, Android, Google Chrome, etc.) can access the local computer running KAT500.  It also doesn't require port forwarding configuration to gain access to the shack’s PC.

Another approach with the KAT500 Utility is to use a Lantronix EDS4100 (or similar) Serial-to-Ethernet Device Server which provides a ComPort connection between a device (such as the KAT500) and the PC where you’re located.  Connect the KAT500 RS232 port to an open port on the Device Server, install the Lantronix ComPort software on the PC of interest, configure the EDS Device Server with the RS232 settings needed, and now you can connect directly to the KAT500 using the Elecraft Utility Software from wherever you are.  The Lantronix ComPort software configures the PC to accept an ethernet connection and convert the connection to reflect a ComPort.  Windows Manager sees it as a ComPort, and you specify that ComPort in the KAT500 setup (I used Com9 set to 38400 baud).  You’ll will need to setup port forwarding at the hamshack to gain access to the Lantronix brower-based configuration setup and/or run the Lantroix utility software to manage the Device Server.  You can install the Lantronix ComPort software on multiple PCs and they can all access a given ComPort (one connection at a time) for the KAT500. 

I've used the EDS4100 for a number of years to access my KAT500 remotely using the Elecraft Utility running on Win10 on my MacBook Pro running Parallels to create a Win10 Virtual Machine.  I also installed it on the shack PC.   I also used the EDS4100 (which can support four physical ComPort connections) with my KPA500 before I switched to the Remote Rig RC-1216H.   Again, that change was done so that I  could access the KPA500 with a web browser.

In summary if it turns out that you’re not satisfied with your current approach, I heartily recommend using the KAT500 Utility software to manage the KAT500 as I’ve outlined.  You'll have access to the same front panel controls as you would sitting in front of the Tuner:  Power, Tune, Memorize, Mode (Automatic, Manual, Bypass), Antenna (1-2-3).  You’ll also have   “Other” options (Caps on Ant Side, Bypassed, Attenuator, Amp Key Interrupt) and the software  shows you the "Last Observed” Frequency, VFWD, VRFL, SWR, ByPass SWR, Band, and Tune State. It also displays the capacitance (pF) and Inductance (nH) of the tuned ’solution’.  

FWIW,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW/1

> Thanks,
> Gordon - N1MGO
> 
> On 10/10/2020 11:19 AM, Barry Baines wrote:
>> Gordon:
>> 
>> I know you’ve received several e-mails pertaining to your query.  Hopefully, my comments below will be helpful...
>> 
>>> On Oct 9, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Gordon LaPoint <gordon.lapoint at gmail.com <mailto:gordon.lapoint at gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I use the KAT500 remote software and it works great. I have only one problem with it, I can not tell if the power is on or off. This matters because when the remote site looses power the state of the KAT500 is unknown and the program does not indicate if the power is ON or OFF.  Is there a way to tell?
>>> 
>>> I can keep trying the POWER button then the TUNE button until it works, but it would be much better for a positive indication of the power state by button color or some other indication in the application.
>>> 
>>> I have set the "Initial Power" in the KAT500 utility to be "Power On" when DC  is applied, but not sure this is always observed.  I have no other way to see the remote site when this happens.
>> 
>> That is the key step.  With “Initial Power set to Power On” when DC is applied, the KAT500 will indeed always be on when power is applied.  The question is what happens if power is removed and recognizing that the KAT500 is without power.  
>> 
>> The Elecraft Utility tests for a Com Port connection when it opens.  If the KAT500 is not on, the utility will not see the KAT500’s com port and it will be unable to connect.  If the KAT500 is on, the connection to the PC will established (assuming your RS232 cable is connected to a PC).  You can see the results in one of two ways:
>> 
>> 1.  Under the Port Tab, selecting that and you’ll see a box open reporting the connection and the serial speed of that connection, or
>> 
>> 2.  Under the Firmware Tab, there is an activity log that shows the sequence of events to open the Com Port and establish a connection.
>> 
>> If the KAT500 does not have power, these tests will fail.  Under the Firmware->Activity Log you’ll see entries stating (for example):
>> 
>> 10:56:02 Attempting to contact KAT500 on port COM2 at 38400 bit/s
>> 
>> as it scrolls through different baud rates attempting to connect.  If you see this, the KAT500 is not getting power.
>> 
>> Presumably you have a way to remotely turn on the power supply connection to the KAT500. When power is restored you’ll see confirmation in the activity log:
>> 
>> 10:59:39 KAT500 version 01.75. Serial port speed 38400 bit/s
>> 
>> 
>> I use a West Mountain Radio R40051 which is a web-based device that has five power ports (Anderson Power Poles) where one provides power to the K3, a second port provides power to the KAT500, a third port provides power to the Remote Rig, and a fourth port provides power to the Antenna Genius 8x2.  Thus, I can shutdown/recycle these devices remotely. I shutdown the equipment when severe storms are expected, or it appears that there may be a glitch that a reboot might resolve.  Given that I’m currently 1,280 miles from the shack, redundancy in the form of being able to power down/power up equipment is a nice feature.
>> 
>> I can also remotely shutdown and restart the power supply that powers my Elecraft equipment  (except the KPA500 which is on 240VAC) by using an AC-PWR module from WMR that allows the R40051 to power on/off the power supply through a different port on the same R40051.  I use a 3A power supply to power the R4005i (it is always on) and second 30A power supply to power the K3-KAT500-Remote Rig-Antenna Genius.  
>> 
>> The KPA500 is controlled separately through a Remote Rig RC-1216H that provides a web-based screen mimicking the KPA500 front panel where I can power on/off and set standby/operate through the interface as well as see the LED meters,  As I use Remote Rig with the K3, the K3/0-mini activates the K3 when the Mini is powered on.  I also use a second RC-1216H to control my Green Heron rotor controller.
>> 
>> BTW, I did a copy/paste of the Activity Log remotely to provide this information to you  as I use a PC in the shack to control the KAT500 and connect via VNC Client from my MacBook Pro.  I accessed the R4005i directly through a web browser to be able to turn on/off the KAT500 with a MacBook Pro.  Thus, I don’t need a PC at my location to control my station as I can use an iPhone or iPad to do it as well.  The station is in Southeast Georgia and I’m currently in Rosllndale (Boston), MA.
>> 
>> Hope this helps,
>> 
>> Barry, WD4ASW/1
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> 
>>> Any suggestions?
>>> 
>>> Gordon - N1MGO
>>> 
>> 
>