Harry,
First, the signals required to operate the KPA100/KAT100 remotely are
*not* RS-232 signals.They are 'hard-wired' signals to and from the base
K2. Note that the connector is labeled AUX I/O - the fact that there is
a DE-9 connector on any piece of equipment does not denote RS-232 unless
explicitly stated, and the K2 is no different.
Secondly, I believe you will encounter timing problems on the AUXBUS
signal (the one wire K2 signalling line between the firmware ICs in the
Elecraft gear. It will likely work up to 2 meters, but 10 meters is
stretching it a lot. You would have to do extensive testing to
determine that 10 meters of cable will work with no problems. The
AUXBUS carries data that requires a response in a certain period of time
and that timing is critical.
The other internal signals used to connect the KPA100/KAT100 are not
likely to cause problems unless the cable resistance is a problem. Those
signals are:
+12CTRL - this is a 12 volt line that is active whenever the K2 is
powered on.
8R ---- this signal controls the transmit/receive switching, Whether
propagation delay would prove troublesome over a great cable distance
remains to be tested.
VRFDET -- This carries the measured power output from the KPA100
wattmeter back to the base K2 so power output control can be
maintained. Again the resistance of the wire may be a factor in correct
operation.
Better to bring your KPA100/KAT100 inside in the warmth of the shack and
just run the output coax(s) to the shed and antenna field.
73,
Don W3FPR
On 1/26/2013 12:16 PM, harry weston wrote:
Hello. I am assembling KPA100 and KAT100 into an EC2 case, and intend to use
the K2 indoors, where I can keep snug and warm, with the amplifier and tuner in
a shed outside, less than ten metres away, and close to the antenna. Can I use
a Bluetooth RS232 serial replacement pair for this communication link? I am
concerned because we are warned against using a standard RS232 cable to link
them, and the Bluetooth modules are rather expensive to buy for an experiment,
unless I am pretty sure it will work. Thanks, Harry Weston M0SOP
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