Is the KUSB cable compatible with the K2? Should have asked this before I
bought the cable. My K2 has worked with a serial port adapter from Keyspan
for several years and with a variety of logging programs.
So I went with the KUSB. When I connect it, the K2 does strange things.
Power control turned all the way down results in a nice 10 watt output and
normal operation. When Power control is turned up I get a HiCurr and LoPWR
error and the display only shows power, not frequency.
Please read the KIO2 documentation: any serial device may only be
connected *if only pin 2, 3, 5* are connected. If you connect a serial
device with the other pins connected, which the KUSB as well as most
other devices have, *you can cause serious damage to your K2*.
It is essential that the other pins are left unconnected, they are used
for other signals and the RS232 signals give voltages that cause damage.
So, if you use the KUSB, make sure to insert a short cable that ONLY
connects these 3 wires, NOTHING ELSE.
How much damage is done partially depends on the hardware mod version of
your K2. The "B" mods includes some modifications that should limit some
of the most serious damage, like blowing up the main processor of your
K2. There is a document somewhere that describes what damage a K2
suffers because of this; it's a long list
Despite the fact that the KIO2 sports a DE9 connector, it really isn't a
standard serial port. In hindsight, Elecraft should have chosen a DE15
connector instead (making sure that a "VGA cable" would not cause
damage. Ah well, too late now..
73, Geert Jan
______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
