[Elecraft] KX3 ACC1 interface - logic signal levels - what is "official" Elecraft standard for this ?
Hi Kx3 users, Other posts have previously dealt with the issue that the standard KXUSB cable for Kx3 does not support CW keying from the computer to the Kx3 radio, simply from the fact that as opposed to the ordinary serial connection (old RS-232 standard), the RTS and CTS pins are not available in the 3.5 mm, three-pin TRS jack connector for ACC1 in the Kx3. Pursuing this further, and not wanting to have more than one USB cable to my PC from my Kx3 for all of my buisness on the PC side, I want now to build a new interface cable using a custom cable assembly from FTDI: http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm Then using either RTS or CTS flags in my PC's radio interface setup (log program Win-Test) to pull the CW key connection in the Kx3, possibly via a FET or Opto Coupler. - I have a 4N25 in mind for this ... with parallel coupling of two 1N5711 to the paddle dit's and dah's. I did the very same thing on my K2, and it worked like a charm. Checking the signal levels on my oscilloscope today on the ACC1 data connection, I find: Tip connection = Rx data from the computer to the Kx3 = 5,0 - 5,2 volts level (generated by the FTDI line driver) Ring connection = Tx data to the computer from the Kx3 = 7,0-7,5 volts level (generated by the Kx3 line driver) both with respect to GND being the sleeve pin of the ACC1 jack plug, and looking pretty, noise-free and free of any transients. Good, nice square signals with good integrity. Baud rate of the data here is obviously configurable, and with your PC's logging program so is the polling rate of how often the PC requests data from the Kx3. My question :What is the "official" Elecraft electrical specifications for the ACC1 interface ??? What voltage levels for Rx and Tx, respectively, and what impedance to I terminate with when I interface with e.g. opto coupler for my project ? Would I be OK assuming I just use a 5-volt TTL-level cable version here, both ways Rx+Tx OK ? TTL-232R-5V: http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_TTL-232R_CABLES.pdf 73' Brian OZ2BRN Kx3 # 1118, K2 # 6936 (to which I did the same mod) __ 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] Repost: KX3 ACC1 interface - logic signal levels - what is "official" Elecraft standard for this ?
Hi, I'm reposting this because I'm still struggling to get my customized CAT + CW interface for the Kx3 to work: I attempted yesterday to wire up a TTL Serial cable from FTDI, containg both CAT as well CW keying (using #RTS), and I can easily get the CW to work (keying using #RTS through a 4N25 and two 1N5711 diodes for dit and dah), but it seems that the CAT does not work with this interface. My question again: -What is the "official" Elecraft electrical specifications for the ACC1 interface ??? What voltage levels for Rx and Tx, respectively, with respect to GND or Positive voltage ? -Does anyone have a schematic of the ACC1 interface for Kx3 that I can take a look at ? 73' Brian OZ2BRN Den 21-Sep-12 08:34, Brian Lodahl OZ2BRN skrev: > Hi Kx3 users, > > Other posts have previously dealt with the issue that the standard KXUSB > cable for Kx3 does not support CW keying from the computer to the Kx3 > radio, simply from the fact that as opposed to the ordinary serial > connection (old RS-232 standard), the RTS and CTS pins are not available > in the 3.5 mm, three-pin TRS jack connector for ACC1 in the Kx3. > > Pursuing this further, and not wanting to have more than one USB cable > to my PC from my Kx3 for all of my buisness on the PC side, I want now > to build a new interface cable using a custom cable assembly from FTDI: > > http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables/USBTTLSerial.htm > > Then using either RTS or CTS flags in my PC's radio interface setup (log > program Win-Test) to pull the CW key connection in the Kx3, possibly via > a FET or Opto Coupler. > > - I have a 4N25 in mind for this ... with parallel coupling of two > 1N5711 to the paddle dit's and dah's. > I did the very same thing on my K2, and it worked like a charm. > > Checking the signal levels on my oscilloscope today on the ACC1 data > connection, I find: > > Tip connection = Rx data from the computer to the Kx3 = 5,0 - 5,2 volts > level (generated by the FTDI line driver) > Ring connection = Tx data to the computer from the Kx3 = 7,0-7,5 volts > level (generated by the Kx3 line driver) > both with respect to GND being the sleeve pin of the ACC1 jack plug, and > looking pretty, noise-free and free of any transients. Good, nice square > signals with good integrity. > > Baud rate of the data here is obviously configurable, and with your PC's > logging program so is the polling rate of how often the PC requests data > from the Kx3. > > My question :What is the "official" Elecraft electrical specifications > for the ACC1 interface ??? > What voltage levels for Rx and Tx, respectively, and what impedance to I > terminate with when I interface with e.g. opto coupler for my project ? > > Would I be OK assuming I just use a 5-volt TTL-level cable version here, > both ways Rx+Tx OK ? > > TTL-232R-5V: > http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/DataSheets/Cables/DS_TTL-232R_CABLES.pdf > > > 73' > Brian OZ2BRN > Kx3 # 1118, K2 # 6936 (to which I did the same mod) > __ > 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
Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: sending computer morse?
Agree - for contesting I've been using Win-test, keying it with RTS, even through a USB to serial adapter for the configured CAT com port. Usually I key in 28-35 WPM, and with sound OFF on the computer, it works fine. Only rarely it messes up the timing of the CW code, but in practice it works like a charm. Done so on my K2, and lately setting the same up on my Kx3 /OZ2BRN - Brian Den 27-Sep-12 16:51, Tommy Alderman skrev: > Since you are talking about "operating systems" and since most ham software > is written for Windows, a much less expensive solution is to just turn off > Windows sound generation. When Windows generates sounds, the CPU first shuts > off the I/O ports, which causes CW stutter, generates the sounds and then > returns the I/O port to normal operation. Eliminating that sound generation > removes that 'stutter' generated by serial (or I/O ports) port. I have been > using audio generated CW driving a simple audio detector, to key my > transmitters for about 30 years and running in excess of 60 wpm, without any > serial port generated stutter. And it cost a LOT less than purchasing > outboard keyers! > > 73, > Tom - W4BQF > > > >> -Original Message- >> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On >> Behalf Of Don Wilhelm >> Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2012 9:48 AM >> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: sending computer morse? >> >> Keying via DTR or RTS will work with the simple transistor circuit, but >> it is subject to timing problems created by the operating system. There >> is no way for an application to directly control a port, so the >> application has to pass the request to the operating system and then the >> operating system will control the port when it deems appropriate. That >> may be OK at slow CW speeds, but the timing becomes more critical at >> higher speeds. Enter the WinKeyer to solve that problem. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 9/26/2012 4:26 PM, Matt Maguire wrote: >>> You can do it cheaper by building a simple transistor circuit that > allows you computer to >> key the radio via the computer's RS232 serial port. Not quite as good as a > Winkeyer, but >> gets you on air very quickly so you can have a play. >>> 73, Matt VK2ACL >>> >>> >>> >> __ >> 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 > __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] soldering SMD's
Hi Mike VE3WDM, I reccomend you to watch this solder tutorial on Youtube, to provide you tips to a good solder result for SMD tacking methods: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCwK40KUNRg The advantage of the bump-tack-method is that you will only have to steady the component for a few seconds while re-heating the first pad, until the component is tacked in place. There is an entire youtube channel for BEST Inc. called "SolderingGeek" that is a good ressource to improve our craftmanship in soldering techniques, SMD as well as leaded technologies. 73' Brian OZ2BRN K2 # 6936 and Kx3 # 1118 Den 15-Nov-12 12:51, Mike Weir skrev: > I ordered K6XX's CW indicating light for my Elecraft k2 and it has some > (resistors and caps) SMD's I am going to have to work with. I have been > reading on the internet about ways to instal these comments. I have read > about using solder paste as this helps to place them and kinds steady’s them > while soldering. Any thoughts on this method?? The only SMD work I did was on > my K3 with the DC mod for powering the P3 with the K3. The soldering job was > not pretty at all any input on soldering SMD's would be appreciated. > Mike > VE3WDM > http://ve3wdm.blogspot.com > > __ > 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
[Elecraft] Kx3: How to interface UP, DOWN and PTT signal ?
Hi, For the 4-pin mic pinout for the MH-3 microphone, it is listed that the PTT line also carries logic for UP and DOWN keys. As I want to interface using a Heil Traveller headset, which has the UP and DOWN key signals on a seperate line (8-pin round standard), how are the logics defined for this pin (first ring on the 4-pin jack) on the Kx3 and MH-3, respectively ? Would it be possible to ask for a schematic ? 73' Brian OZ2BRN __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 - "Info 080" message
Hi Tom / Don, I had a similar intermittent problem, when dissasembling and re-assembling my K2 /100 #6936 during installation of the XV-60 module. All my efforts attempting to debug the problem were unsuccessful, and in the end I suspected that I had killed U1 (or some other PIC) by mistake. Then - the INFO-080 error surprisingly went away again; as I found that the problem dissapeared after properly unplugging and re- securing the data bus cable (flat ribbon cable) between the K2 and the KPA 100 again. Away went the problem and I haven't seen it since ... Only the next day after the fix, the rig took a pounding 48-hour CQWW CQ operation, flawlessly. /OZ2BRN - Brian K2 #6936 and Kx3 # 1118 Den 06-Feb-13 15:38, Don Wilhelm skrev: Tom, An INFO 080 message is the result of a failure of the MCU to obtain the expected response from another microprocessor in the expected time. Since it does not happen when you disconnect the KAT100, I would suggest first checking the connecting cable, then the AUXBUS path in the KAT100. Try reseating the KAT100 firmware IC if you do not find a cable problem, and if all else fails, replace the KAT100 firmware. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/6/2013 8:46 AM, Tom Warren wrote: On the heels of my XV432 'issue', and totally unrelated because the XV432 is interfaced to a FlexRadio, my faithful K2/100 is showing an "Info 080" message on startup. I've found that by unplugging the DB9 from my KAT100 the rig operates normally. What is my next step to track down the problem ? All suggestions welcome ;0) 73 Tom W4TMW __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Amp
Hi Giff K1GAH, I am in progress of building my own amp according to the Motorola EB-104 application note; www.ab4oj.com/dl/eb104.pdf 5-10W in, about 600W out depending on your DC supply, all-transistor-amp using four MRF-150 power FET's. Remember to add a low-pass filter after the amp. Communication Concepts in OH sells parts and bits for this construction, in case you want to hit the ground running. http://www.communication-concepts.com/index.php/amplifiers/eb104.html I cannot tell you about the performance yet since I am still weeks from the first smoke test, hi-hi. 73' Brian OZ2BRN Kx3 # 1118, K2/100 # 6936 Den 22-Mar-13 13:20, Giff Hammar skrev: I've been having a blast playing with my new KX3 for the past couple of weeks and am now looking forward to adding a 100W amp. What kinds of amps are people using with the KX3? Any that are particularly good or bad? Any pitfalls? Thoughts about existing products vs. the new one from Elecraft? 73, Giff / K1GAH __ 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