Re: [Elecraft] USB to Serial adapter ~ question for Don
That's what I surmised Don, as always many thanks!! 73 ed On Wednesday, November 6, 2013 5:46 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Eddy, The answer is an emphatic YES. That cable is NOT suggested, it is mandatory to keep from damaging your K2. The K2 uses only 3 of the RS-232 level signals, TXD, RXD and Signal Ground, and those conform to the normal RS-232 pins for those signals. The other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is NOT labeled RS-232), are internal K2 signals used for controlling externally mounted Elecraft gear - the KAT100, KRC2, an externally mounted KPA100, the XV series transverters. If those internal signal lines are subjected to RS-232 voltage levels, damage to the K2 can occur. A proper USB to RS-232 converter (or adapter) should implement all the other RS-232 signals, and the voltages can be as great as +/- 25 volts. So yes, you do need the 'special cable' - it has only 3 connections to the serial port - TXD, RXD and signal ground. You do not have to make it a long cable, but it must be present. You might want to build a short 'special cable' and attach it permanently to the K2 - then you can plug either the serial adapter or a standard serial cable into that short 'special cable'. In short, never connect an RS-232 cable to any device connector that is not clearly labeled as RS-232. Those 9 pin DE-9 connectors may look the same as a computer serial port, but they may just be a convenient connector. I have several on my antenna field connector panel that are definitely not RS-232, they are just 9 pin connectors. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2013 7:27 PM, Eddy wrote: > Don, regarding your answer to Tom's question about a USB to Serial adapter, > you suggested the Keypan unit which I found on Amazon for $15..my > question about serial and the K2, do I still need to make a custom serial > cable for my K2 as suggested in the K2 manual? > __ 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] USB to Serial adapter ~ question for Don
Eddy, The answer is an emphatic YES. That cable is NOT suggested, it is mandatory to keep from damaging your K2. The K2 uses only 3 of the RS-232 level signals, TXD, RXD and Signal Ground, and those conform to the normal RS-232 pins for those signals. The other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is NOT labeled RS-232), are internal K2 signals used for controlling externally mounted Elecraft gear - the KAT100, KRC2, an externally mounted KPA100, the XV series transverters. If those internal signal lines are subjected to RS-232 voltage levels, damage to the K2 can occur. A proper USB to RS-232 converter (or adapter) should implement all the other RS-232 signals, and the voltages can be as great as +/- 25 volts. So yes, you do need the 'special cable' - it has only 3 connections to the serial port - TXD, RXD and signal ground. You do not have to make it a long cable, but it must be present. You might want to build a short 'special cable' and attach it permanently to the K2 - then you can plug either the serial adapter or a standard serial cable into that short 'special cable'. In short, never connect an RS-232 cable to any device connector that is not clearly labeled as RS-232. Those 9 pin DE-9 connectors may look the same as a computer serial port, but they may just be a convenient connector. I have several on my antenna field connector panel that are definitely not RS-232, they are just 9 pin connectors. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2013 7:27 PM, Eddy wrote: Don, regarding your answer to Tom's question about a USB to Serial adapter, you suggested the Keypan unit which I found on Amazon for $15..my question about serial and the K2, do I still need to make a custom serial cable for my K2 as suggested in the K2 manual? __ 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] USB to Serial adapter ~ question for Don
I'm not Don, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night... Yes, you still need a custom cable whether you're using a regular serial port on the PC or using a USB to serial adapter. 73, Dennis NJ6G On 11/6/2013 4:27 PM, Eddy wrote: Don, regarding your answer to Tom's question about a USB to Serial adapter, you suggested the Keypan unit which I found on Amazon for $15..my question about serial and the K2, do I still need to make a custom serial cable for my K2 as suggested in the K2 manual? __ 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] USB to Serial adapter ~ question for Don
Don, regarding your answer to Tom's question about a USB to Serial adapter, you suggested the Keypan unit which I found on Amazon for $15..my question about serial and the K2, do I still need to make a custom serial cable for my K2 as suggested in the K2 manual? thanks again, 73 ed __ 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
