I load firmware quite often and became weary of repositioning cables. I use what's called a DB-9 "ABCD" switch that switches one serial port to any of four devices. The four ports are connected to one P3 (with a K3 behind it), one K3 (without a P3), one KPA500, and one "serial data cable" that is moved around as needed for a W2, XG3, KX3, and another product in development.
My personal computer is connected to a KUSB, and the DB-9 end of that KUSB connects to a 6' serial "straight through" DB-9 cable to provide enough length to get to the ABCD box. I used Google search for "ABCD switch db9". There are a lot of vendors and prices vary widely from $10 to well over $25. When comparing prices, be sure to consider the cost of shipping. I purchased several one-meter male-male DB-9 "jumper" cables as well. I actually use two more ABCD switches so that I can switch a couple of K3s between the first ABCD switch and a USB SO2R controller. 73 de Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Charles Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2011 1:09 AM To: d...@w3fpr.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Failure to connect with Elecraft server Hi Don, Thanks again for your prompt reply. Not all laptops available today have a card slot. I am using the ACER 5724Z which does not have a card slot. Referring to page 21 of the KPA owner's manual, I am using the KPA/K3 AUX Cable. If I want to upgrade the firmware on all three units (K3, P3, and KPA) then can you or Elecraft recommend a permanent configuration of serial cables that will enable such a requirement? It seems to me that if there is no answer to my last question then I will need to change the serial cable connections for each unit every time that I need to upgrade the firmware. The alternative is to take the advice of Fred Cady on page 247 of his excellent manual. Many thanks once again for your valuable help Don. 73 from Charles - M0BIN On 8 November 2011 20:07, Don Wilhelm <d...@w3fpr.com> wrote: > If you must operate with a laptop, may I suggest you look around (EBay > for > example) for an older Inside Out 4 port Edgeport USB to serial adapter > (converter). These are commercial devices and are much more reliable > than those generally available to consumers. Edgeport was bought out > by another company (Digi) that still makes those devices, and the new > drivers work great. It is the only USB to serial adapter that will > work right with the slower speeds of the K2. I have 4 good "serial" ports on my laptop. > Digi does have drivers for Linux as well as Windows. > I just looked on Ebay and did not see any of the older 4 port ones > like I got some time ago, and the 8 port ones were quite pricey. > Maybe you will get lucky. > > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
