Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues
I don't believe that there is any sort of "rig-control"-like protocol for manipulating the functions of KRC2 over the serial port. It would be nice, though! AFAIK, it only supports firmware and bandmap updates (by transferring blobs of data). 73, ~iain / N6ML On Sun, Jun 30, 2013 at 10:54 PM, Stewart wrote: > I would like to supplement the KRC2 Configuration Utility with command links > to > programs of my own. > > Although commands for the K2, K3, P3 etc are well documented, I can find > nothing for the KRC2. > > Are these available, or must I do some reverse engineering ? > > 73 > Stewart G3RXQ > On Fri, 28 Jun 2013 18:56:48 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Wes, >> >> That is the KRC2 Configuration Utility which is quite different than the >> firmware. It is used to alter the band output selections if you wish >> to. Even though it is beta, it is the ONLY version, and it works - and >> works quite well. The developer will respond if you have any issues >> with that beta. >> >> I could not discover any non-current firmware or software for the KRC2 >> that you seem to believe is still there - it just does not show up in my >> browser. >> >> The KRC2 will work on the RS-232 bus, but you must limit the data rate >> of the K3 to 19200 if the KRC2 is sitting on the RS-232 bus. >> Actually, the KRC2 does more than just "sit" on the RS-232 line, it >> actually relays data on that bus. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 6/28/2013 6:16 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: >>> Don, >>> >>> That's one of the problems I'm exposing. The Elecraft website is a mess. >>> >>> http://www.elecraft.com/software/KRC2/elecraft_KRC2_Config_software.htm >>> >>> They need to take a broom to the site and get rid of the detritus and "only" > show what is currently supported and actually works. >>> >>> As I stated, I know the "preferred" method is using the aux bus, but if it's > advertised that it can sit on the RS-232 bus then it should work there. If > not, > remove all references to RS-232, other than firmware installation. >>> >>> Wes >>> >>> --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>>> From: Don Wilhelm >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues >>>> To: "Wes Stewart" >>>> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>>> Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 3:43 PM >>>> Wes, >>>> >>>> I just checked the Elecraft website, and see only 3 files >>>> for the KRC2 - >>>> KRC2 Download Program, KRC2 Firmware V1.6 and KRC2ACC >>>> Firmware V1.6. No >>>> older levels and no beta. >>>> >>>> The F buttons behave differently in the KRC2ACC firmware, so >>>> if you want >>>> band selection via those buttons as indicated in the KRC2 >>>> manual (not >>>> the KRC2ACC manual) you should load the KRC2 Firmware. >>>> >>>> What baud rate is your K3 set to. The maximum rate for >>>> the KRC2 is >>>> 19200, and the K3 must be set accordingly. >>>> >>>> The KRC2 behaves better as a band decoder if you connect it >>>> to the >>>> AUXBUS on the ACC connector and frees your K3 RS-232 to be >>>> used at the >>>> 38400 rate. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> Don W3FPR >>> __ >>> 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 __ 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] KRC2 issues
I would like to supplement the KRC2 Configuration Utility with command links to programs of my own. Although commands for the K2, K3, P3 etc are well documented, I can find nothing for the KRC2. Are these available, or must I do some reverse engineering ? 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Fri, 28 Jun 2013 18:56:48 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Wes, > > That is the KRC2 Configuration Utility which is quite different than the > firmware. It is used to alter the band output selections if you wish > to. Even though it is beta, it is the ONLY version, and it works - and > works quite well. The developer will respond if you have any issues > with that beta. > > I could not discover any non-current firmware or software for the KRC2 > that you seem to believe is still there - it just does not show up in my > browser. > > The KRC2 will work on the RS-232 bus, but you must limit the data rate > of the K3 to 19200 if the KRC2 is sitting on the RS-232 bus. > Actually, the KRC2 does more than just "sit" on the RS-232 line, it > actually relays data on that bus. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/28/2013 6:16 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: >> Don, >> >> That's one of the problems I'm exposing. The Elecraft website is a mess. >> >> http://www.elecraft.com/software/KRC2/elecraft_KRC2_Config_software.htm >> >> They need to take a broom to the site and get rid of the detritus and "only" show what is currently supported and actually works. >> >> As I stated, I know the "preferred" method is using the aux bus, but if it's advertised that it can sit on the RS-232 bus then it should work there. If not, remove all references to RS-232, other than firmware installation. >> >> Wes >> >> --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >>> From: Don Wilhelm >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues >>> To: "Wes Stewart" >>> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 3:43 PM >>> Wes, >>> >>> I just checked the Elecraft website, and see only 3 files >>> for the KRC2 - >>> KRC2 Download Program, KRC2 Firmware V1.6 and KRC2ACC >>> Firmware V1.6. No >>> older levels and no beta. >>> >>> The F buttons behave differently in the KRC2ACC firmware, so >>> if you want >>> band selection via those buttons as indicated in the KRC2 >>> manual (not >>> the KRC2ACC manual) you should load the KRC2 Firmware. >>> >>> What baud rate is your K3 set to. The maximum rate for >>> the KRC2 is >>> 19200, and the K3 must be set accordingly. >>> >>> The KRC2 behaves better as a band decoder if you connect it >>> to the >>> AUXBUS on the ACC connector and frees your K3 RS-232 to be >>> used at the >>> 38400 rate. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >> __ >> 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] KRC2 issues
Wes, Thank you, but I am going to have to see if Jack Brindle chimes in on this one to answer your remaining questions. I am quite familiar with the KRC2 behavior with the K2, but not so much on its behavior with the K3. I am glad to hear that you have it working even after having some frustration. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/30/2013 7:08 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: Don, I stand corrected. I think my frustration with this whole process is showing. Nevertheless, the software/firmware is not all in one place on the website. It's always puzzled me to see firmware located in the "Document and Manual Download Page" (The KRC Download Program) and the Decoder Configuration Software located in the Software page. Yes, I know there is a link to the former from the latter, but it still isn't logical. And to repeat myself, the screen shot of the downloader software on the website is different from the look of the actual program. I have finally gotten this thing to work after reloading the firmware again. One issue that compounded the problem (and perhaps made me think it wasn't working) is the fact that the band frequency limits differ between using the up/down band switch and the VFO. Since the band definitions aren't documented (AFAIK) for the configuration software, I tried to empirically determine them. For example: if using the band switch, the 20-meter output is active for frequencies between 13000.000 and 14999.999 KHz. However, once active, the VFO can be tuned above 15000 KHz and it will remain active even though a band change relay has changed. Other bands behave similarly. Perhaps this is why the AUXBUS is the recommended method. I have now implemented that method and with some more fussing around have it working. It's interesting (or puzzling) to note that the frequency limits for each band appear to be different (by my measurements) between the RS-232 and AUXBUS configurations. Twenty-meters, for example, maps to 13.000 to 16.99 MHz, far different from the RS-232 mapping. Also six-meters didn't work with the configuration performed with the program even though it dutifully reported v1.6 and showed 6-meters mapping to XV1. The KRC configuration in the K3 menu speaks of tapping the "1" key to change from "Band6=B6" to "Band6 = B10" and suggesting referring to the KRC Manual for more on this. I find nothing about it in the KRC-2 manual. I had to determine this empirically along with some power cycling to get it working as expected. Another place where reality differs from the documentation is in the K3 manual under CONFIG Menu KRC where it says, "Controls the KRC2 band decoder's accessory output settings. "Shows ACC OFF or ACC1-3 if a KRC is detected, - - if not." It actually shows ACC OFF or ACC1-6", with ACC3, 4, 5 and 6 all mapping to ACC3. In conclusion, this could be so much simpler with more clarity in the documentation. Wes N7WS --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: From: Don Wilhelm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues To: "Wes Stewart" Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 4:56 PM Wes, That is the KRC2 Configuration Utility which is quite different than the firmware. It is used to alter the band output selections if you wish to. Even though it is beta, it is the ONLY version, and it works - and works quite well. The developer will respond if you have any issues with that beta. I could not discover any non-current firmware or software for the KRC2 that you seem to believe is still there - it just does not show up in my browser. The KRC2 will work on the RS-232 bus, but you must limit the data rate of the K3 to 19200 if the KRC2 is sitting on the RS-232 bus. Actually, the KRC2 does more than just "sit" on the RS-232 line, it actually relays data on that bus. 73, Don W3FPR __ 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] KRC2 issues
Don, I stand corrected. I think my frustration with this whole process is showing. Nevertheless, the software/firmware is not all in one place on the website. It's always puzzled me to see firmware located in the "Document and Manual Download Page" (The KRC Download Program) and the Decoder Configuration Software located in the Software page. Yes, I know there is a link to the former from the latter, but it still isn't logical. And to repeat myself, the screen shot of the downloader software on the website is different from the look of the actual program. I have finally gotten this thing to work after reloading the firmware again. One issue that compounded the problem (and perhaps made me think it wasn't working) is the fact that the band frequency limits differ between using the up/down band switch and the VFO. Since the band definitions aren't documented (AFAIK) for the configuration software, I tried to empirically determine them. For example: if using the band switch, the 20-meter output is active for frequencies between 13000.000 and 14999.999 KHz. However, once active, the VFO can be tuned above 15000 KHz and it will remain active even though a band change relay has changed. Other bands behave similarly. Perhaps this is why the AUXBUS is the recommended method. I have now implemented that method and with some more fussing around have it working. It's interesting (or puzzling) to note that the frequency limits for each band appear to be different (by my measurements) between the RS-232 and AUXBUS configurations. Twenty-meters, for example, maps to 13.000 to 16.99 MHz, far different from the RS-232 mapping. Also six-meters didn't work with the configuration performed with the program even though it dutifully reported v1.6 and showed 6-meters mapping to XV1. The KRC configuration in the K3 menu speaks of tapping the "1" key to change from "Band6=B6" to "Band6 = B10" and suggesting referring to the KRC Manual for more on this. I find nothing about it in the KRC-2 manual. I had to determine this empirically along with some power cycling to get it working as expected. Another place where reality differs from the documentation is in the K3 manual under CONFIG Menu KRC where it says, "Controls the KRC2 band decoder's accessory output settings. "Shows ACC OFF or ACC1-3 if a KRC is detected, - - if not." It actually shows ACC OFF or ACC1-6", with ACC3, 4, 5 and 6 all mapping to ACC3. In conclusion, this could be so much simpler with more clarity in the documentation. Wes N7WS --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: > From: Don Wilhelm > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues > To: "Wes Stewart" > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 4:56 PM > Wes, > > That is the KRC2 Configuration Utility which is quite > different than the > firmware. It is used to alter the band output > selections if you wish > to. Even though it is beta, it is the ONLY version, > and it works - and > works quite well. The developer will respond if you > have any issues > with that beta. > > I could not discover any non-current firmware or software > for the KRC2 > that you seem to believe is still there - it just does not > show up in my > browser. > > The KRC2 will work on the RS-232 bus, but you must limit the > data rate > of the K3 to 19200 if the KRC2 is sitting on the RS-232 > bus. > Actually, the KRC2 does more than just "sit" on the RS-232 > line, it > actually relays data on that bus. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > __ 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] KRC2 issues
Wes, That is the KRC2 Configuration Utility which is quite different than the firmware. It is used to alter the band output selections if you wish to. Even though it is beta, it is the ONLY version, and it works - and works quite well. The developer will respond if you have any issues with that beta. I could not discover any non-current firmware or software for the KRC2 that you seem to believe is still there - it just does not show up in my browser. The KRC2 will work on the RS-232 bus, but you must limit the data rate of the K3 to 19200 if the KRC2 is sitting on the RS-232 bus. Actually, the KRC2 does more than just "sit" on the RS-232 line, it actually relays data on that bus. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/28/2013 6:16 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: Don, That's one of the problems I'm exposing. The Elecraft website is a mess. http://www.elecraft.com/software/KRC2/elecraft_KRC2_Config_software.htm They need to take a broom to the site and get rid of the detritus and "only" show what is currently supported and actually works. As I stated, I know the "preferred" method is using the aux bus, but if it's advertised that it can sit on the RS-232 bus then it should work there. If not, remove all references to RS-232, other than firmware installation. Wes --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: From: Don Wilhelm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues To: "Wes Stewart" Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 3:43 PM Wes, I just checked the Elecraft website, and see only 3 files for the KRC2 - KRC2 Download Program, KRC2 Firmware V1.6 and KRC2ACC Firmware V1.6. No older levels and no beta. The F buttons behave differently in the KRC2ACC firmware, so if you want band selection via those buttons as indicated in the KRC2 manual (not the KRC2ACC manual) you should load the KRC2 Firmware. What baud rate is your K3 set to. The maximum rate for the KRC2 is 19200, and the K3 must be set accordingly. The KRC2 behaves better as a band decoder if you connect it to the AUXBUS on the ACC connector and frees your K3 RS-232 to be used at the 38400 rate. 73, Don W3FPR __ 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] KRC2 issues
Don, That's one of the problems I'm exposing. The Elecraft website is a mess. http://www.elecraft.com/software/KRC2/elecraft_KRC2_Config_software.htm They need to take a broom to the site and get rid of the detritus and "only" show what is currently supported and actually works. As I stated, I know the "preferred" method is using the aux bus, but if it's advertised that it can sit on the RS-232 bus then it should work there. If not, remove all references to RS-232, other than firmware installation. Wes --- On Fri, 6/28/13, Don Wilhelm wrote: > From: Don Wilhelm > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KRC2 issues > To: "Wes Stewart" > Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Date: Friday, June 28, 2013, 3:43 PM > Wes, > > I just checked the Elecraft website, and see only 3 files > for the KRC2 - > KRC2 Download Program, KRC2 Firmware V1.6 and KRC2ACC > Firmware V1.6. No > older levels and no beta. > > The F buttons behave differently in the KRC2ACC firmware, so > if you want > band selection via those buttons as indicated in the KRC2 > manual (not > the KRC2ACC manual) you should load the KRC2 Firmware. > > What baud rate is your K3 set to. The maximum rate for > the KRC2 is > 19200, and the K3 must be set accordingly. > > The KRC2 behaves better as a band decoder if you connect it > to the > AUXBUS on the ACC connector and frees your K3 RS-232 to be > used at the > 38400 rate. > > 73, > Don W3FPR __ 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] KRC2 issues
Wes, I just checked the Elecraft website, and see only 3 files for the KRC2 - KRC2 Download Program, KRC2 Firmware V1.6 and KRC2ACC Firmware V1.6. No older levels and no beta. The F buttons behave differently in the KRC2ACC firmware, so if you want band selection via those buttons as indicated in the KRC2 manual (not the KRC2ACC manual) you should load the KRC2 Firmware. What baud rate is your K3 set to. The maximum rate for the KRC2 is 19200, and the K3 must be set accordingly. The KRC2 behaves better as a band decoder if you connect it to the AUXBUS on the ACC connector and frees your K3 RS-232 to be used at the 38400 rate. 73, Don W3FPR On 6/28/2013 5:18 PM, Wes Stewart wrote: Someone else once called the KRC2 his least favorite piece of Elecraft equipment. I would like to concur with that assessment. I have one of these, purchased used some years ago. At that time I was attempting to use it with my TS-870 and despite some handholding and a "special" hex file sent to me by Elecraft, I was never satisfied with it and gave up. Since I apparently have too much time on my hands and/or am a glutton for punishment, I decided to give it another try with my K3. I know that the "preferred" method of interfacing to the K3 is via the aux bus, but I want to use it via the serial port and not have yet another cable dangling off the back. Mine has the "ACC" mod (although I never added the speaker) KRC2ACC v1.5 PIC. The first problem is that there are various versions of software on the Elecraft website. There are "old" versions that read hex files and a newer "beta" version (KRC Downloader 2.1.7) that is (I think) standalone. The problem with this one is that the screenshot of what it should look like bears only passing resemblance to what the program interface actually looks like. Furthermore, from what I've seen, the "ACC" needs different firmware, but this new downloader has no option to select a file. As it stands, the new program reports "v1.6" when querying the KRC2 and when sending a bandmap declares that it was done successfully. The "F1" and "F2" buttons will cycle through the bands and source the various outputs successfully, however, switching bands on the K3 does nothing. I've used a scope to look at the XCVR in connector and the RxD signal is toggling okay and getting through the MAX1406 to the Rx pin of the PIC. From there, nothing appears to happen. All jumpers are installed per the tables. So, what is the correct firmware? How about Elecraft trashing any obsolete firmware on the web page and making it clearer how this thing should be programmed. Wes N7WS __ 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
