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Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

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recarter

Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.

As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments about other control software?

Regards
Rich - KE1EV
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Don Wilhelm-3

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Rich,

I am running my K2 with the latest firmware and Ham Radio Deluxe works fine here. If the K2 operates properly with any program (check with a simplistic one, like HyperTerm), then the K2 is responding properly and you can look for the solution in your computer - the answer will be found in how Windows is working with your application.

Yes, there is no flow control (and that is not a problem), it is strictly a command/response protocol, but it has always been that way, and it has always worked for me as long as I set up the computer port properly.

Try setting the baud rate and flow control for the computer serial port from the Windows Device Manager as well as from the application and see if your responses are any better.

If you are using a USB to serial port adapter, be certain you have the proper drivers - depending on how your computer handles task switching for that adapter device, you may find the problem there.

73,
Don W3FPR

> -----Original Message-----
>
> I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest
> firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work
> reliably with any third-party software that I've tried. I've
> tried the latest version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and
> even purchased HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect
> with the K2. HRD keeps stalling when updating the frequency
> display. The current release of HSE doesn't appear to work. I'm
> waiting for an update.
>
> As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there
> are firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface
> unreliable. Elecraft says they don't have any room in their
> program space to add any flow control. Does anyone have any
> information about this problem or comments about other control software?
>
> Regards
> Rich - KE1EV
>

Bob Towers-3

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Rich,

My K2 works without problem with MixW 2.16. MixW even controls the PTT through the TxD line rather than RTS.

I don't even have the loopback RTS/CTS installed.

73

Bob
2M0KDZ
#5339
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David F. Reed

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Rich,

I have my K2 (sn 4950) working just fine with DX Lab - commander, and
with HRD; no stalls; I had to adjust the frequency of interrogation to
get it reliable, but it seems to be quite happy in doing it. I also
remember something about setting the com port in the com tab, and the
radios tab in Commander to get it happy. (Sorry, its been a while)...

73 de Dave, W5SV

[hidden email] wrote:

>I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.
>
>As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments about other control software?
>
>
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n6wg

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Rich
I suppose it depends on what you are trying to do.
Here I use TR LOG with my K2, and will shortly (as soon as I
get a new(er) desktop computer) be going to SO2R with two
K2s. TR will handle them just fine.

Good luck and 73
Bob N6WG
The Little Station with Attitude

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]]On Behalf Of
[hidden email]
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 6:04 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.

As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments about other control software?

Regards
Rich - KE1EV
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Vic K2VCO

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

[hidden email] wrote:
> I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest
> firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work
> reliably with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried
> the latest version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even
> purchased HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the
> K2. HRD keeps stalling when updating the frequency display.

I've used HRD and N4PY as well as various contest logging programs with
absolutely no problems. Are you using a real serial port on your
computer or a USB-to-serial adapter? Some of these adapters do not work
properly in this application.

I would agree with W3FPR that the place to look for the problem is on
the computer end. A hardware problem in the K2 would probably prevent
it from working with K2Remote, and too many people are using these other
programs successfully to implicate the K2 firmware.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Simon (HB9DRV)

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Warning - if you use an external USB <=> serial adapter then get a good one,
they are not all alike. Some can't handle the strain of repeated
communications, especially with Windows 98. Some have poor driver software
which gets in a muddle.

I have come across the stalling problem a lot but not just with the K2, it's
almost always been down the a poor USB <=> serial port converter.

Simon Brown
---
http://blog.hb9drv.ch/

----- Original Message -----
From: "David F. Reed" <[hidden email]>

> Rich,
>
> I have my K2 (sn 4950) working just fine with DX Lab - commander, and with
> HRD; no stalls; I had to adjust the frequency of interrogation to get it
> reliable, but it seems to be quite happy in doing it. I also remember
> something about setting the com port in the com tab, and the radios tab in
> Commander to get it happy. (Sorry, its been a while)...
>
> 73 de Dave, W5SV
>
> [hidden email] wrote:
>
>>I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest
>>firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably
>>with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest
>>version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased
>>HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps
>>stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE
>>doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.
>>
>>As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are
>>firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft
>>says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow
>>control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments
>>about other control software?
>>

Simon (HB9DRV)

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

A serious suggestion for Elecraft - sell or recommend a good USB <=> serial
converter to avoid the misery caused by the lesser options out there.

Simon Brown
---
http://blog.hb9drv.ch/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]>

> Warning - if you use an external USB <=> serial adapter then get a good
> one, they are not all alike. Some can't handle the strain of repeated
> communications, especially with Windows 98. Some have poor driver software
> which gets in a muddle.
>
> I have come across the stalling problem a lot but not just with the K2,
> it's almost always been down the a poor USB <=> serial port converter.
>
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Rich Lentz

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Not to endorse radio shack but, I have had very good luck with their
USB-Serial adapter.

We went through this a few years ago, but it sure would be nice for Elecraft
to make a USB interface and scrap the serial adapter altogether. I think now
is the time as the last two computers I bought have NO SERIAL PORT and no
way of adding a card.

Rich.
KE0X

A serious suggestion for Elecraft - sell or recommend a good USB <=> serial
converter to avoid the misery caused by the lesser options out there.

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Rich Lentz

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Got a microHAM USB-II and it works GREAT!

Rich,
KE0X

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Simon (HB9DRV)

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by Rich Lentz

You can always add serial ports. best thing Elecraft could do is increate
the speed of the I/O card to 57,600.

FWIW I have two ports on a PCI card and 4 via a USB <=> serial port
expander. All work flawlessly.

Simon Brown
---
http://blog.hb9drv.ch/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rich Lentz" <[hidden email]>

> Not to endorse radio shack but, I have had very good luck with their
> USB-Serial adapter.

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Ian Stirling, G4ICV, AB2GR

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by Rich Lentz

On Thursday 30 March 2006 13:22, Rich Lentz wrote:

> We went through this a few years ago, but it sure would be nice for Elecraft
> to make a USB interface and scrap the serial adapter altogether. I think now
> is the time as the last two computers I bought have NO SERIAL PORT and no
> way of adding a card.

Even better than a designed-in K2 USB port,
how about a Bluetooth interface for wireless
connecting to a computer?

I had a hard time finding a laptop computer
with a serial port in October 2002.

A new (January this year) tower computer that
I bought came with an unwanted modem card and
no serial ports. I took that card out and added
a PCI two serial ports card.

Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962
--
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N0EHQ

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

I had the same issue with HRD and it was the USB serial adapter. The one I
was using had a transfer speed of 115 mbps which apparently wasn't
sufficient. Bought a Keyspan adapter with a transfer rate of 220 mbps and
all works well. I did have to go into the device manager and make a few
changes to the port settings for the Keyspan.

Saw an Iogear adapter at WalMart for I think it was $29.00 that had a
transfer rate of 200 mbps and appear to work well from accounts I've read.

73, Ed N0EHQ

> I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest
> firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably
> with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest
> version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased
> HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps
> stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE
> doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.
>
> As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are
> firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft
> says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow
> control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments
> about other control software?
>
> Regards
> Rich - KE1EV
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

recarter

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Thanks,
I had a few responses about USB/Serial adapters. Since I've had poor luck with almost every control software program I've tried, I was suspecting the serial adapter or the K2. As you are probably aware, most notebooks no longer come with I/O ports. I've added 8 prolific USB/Serial adapters to control various radios and related devices. They seem to work on everything else I operate, so I was suspicious of the K2. There may be an issue with this particular device and the prolific ports though. I don't mind buying yet another serial adapter. Walmart is on my way home. I'll pick one up and try it. If it doesn't work, Walmart's pretty good about taking stuff back.

Thanks for the info.
Rich - KE1EV

---- [hidden email] wrote:

> I had the same issue with HRD and it was the USB serial adapter. The one I
> was using had a transfer speed of 115 mbps which apparently wasn't
> sufficient. Bought a Keyspan adapter with a transfer rate of 220 mbps and
> all works well. I did have to go into the device manager and make a few
> changes to the port settings for the Keyspan.
>
> Saw an Iogear adapter at WalMart for I think it was $29.00 that had a
> transfer rate of 200 mbps and appear to work well from accounts I've read.
>
> 73, Ed N0EHQ
>
>
> > I recently completed my K2. I assume that it has the very latest
> > firmware. Although it works fine with k2Remote, it doesn't work reliably
> > with any third-party software that I've tried. I've tried the latest
> > version of dxLab commander, HamRadioDelux, and even purchased
> > HamStationExtreme. Comander won't even connect with the K2. HRD keeps
> > stalling when updating the frequency display. The current release of HSE
> > doesn't appear to work. I'm waiting for an update.
> >
> > As far as I can tell from research I've been able to do, there are
> > firmware problems in the K2 that make the interface unreliable. Elecraft
> > says they don't have any room in their program space to add any flow
> > control. Does anyone have any information about this problem or comments
> > about other control software?
> >
> > Regards
> > Rich - KE1EV
> > _______________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Post to: [hidden email]
> > You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
> >
>
>

recarter

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

Oh, in re-reading your message, it looks like the transfer rate is an issue. I've got my USB/Serial adapters out on USB hubs, so they don't get full bandwidth. Maybe that's the issue. Odd that a 4800 baud device needs 200+mb connection to work...

Thanks again
Rich - KE1EV

---- [hidden email] wrote:

Rich Lentz

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Not sure of the others on this list but EVERYTIME I have ever used a
USB/Serial adapter on a USB hub I have had problems. Often it was not
recognized upon startup of the PC - it was only recognized when unplugged
and then plugged in with the PC On. I had to place the adapter in every USB
socket it was ever in and then "Uninstall - the device." THEN place in the
HUB. The serial adapter ALWAYS had to be in the same HUB socket. I ended
up with 6 - 8 serial ports only one of which was any good. Ended up
"restoring" (can only do with WIN-XP) the PC to before I ever bought the
@#$% thing. I now only place it in a specific non-HUB USB socket and always
the same one. Might be a good idea to put some fingernail polish on the
socket/plug.

Rich,
KE0X

------------
>From KE1EV - Oh, in re-reading your message, it looks like the transfer rate
is an issue. I've got my USB/Serial adapters out on USB hubs, so they don't
get full bandwidth. Maybe that's the issue. Odd that a 4800 baud device
needs 200+mb connection to work...

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hank k8dd-2

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by recarter

[hidden email] wrote:
> Oh, in re-reading your message, it looks like the transfer rate is an issue. I've got my USB/Serial adapters out on USB hubs, so they don't get full bandwidth. Maybe that's the issue. Odd that a 4800 baud device needs 200+mb connection to work...
>
> Thanks again
> Rich - KE1EV
That could be a problem!
I have had radios go out to lunch with HRD and Logger32 when I was using
a non external powered USB hub.
So I tried a external powered USB hub. Both programs - Same thing!
Went to a separate USB port per radio and no problems .... and this was
with cheap USB <-> Serial adapters.

73 Hank K8DD
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Ken Alexander-2

Re: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by Simon (HB9DRV)

Better yet, take the next step and provide a module
for direct USB communication with a computer.

The KUSB2...I can see it now, and I'll be first in
line if and when it happens!

73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS

--- "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> A serious suggestion for Elecraft - sell or
> recommend a good USB <=> serial
> converter to avoid the misery caused by the lesser
> options out there.
>
> Simon Brown
> ---
> http://blog.hb9drv.ch/
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]>
>
>
> > Warning - if you use an external USB <=> serial
> adapter then get a good
> > one, they are not all alike. Some can't handle the
> strain of repeated
> > communications, especially with Windows 98. Some
> have poor driver software
> > which gets in a muddle.
> >
> > I have come across the stalling problem a lot but
> not just with the K2,
> > it's almost always been down the a poor USB <=>
> serial port converter.
> >
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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>
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

Kevin Shaw

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Actually, I'm designing one as we speak. It's a compound USB device
containing a sound card and serial port. I did a "proof of concept" with the
design strung out on my bench. I never used it on the air but the USB side
of things worked quite well. The signals on the waterfall looked very good.
I tested it with Digipan 2.0, MixW, and Ham Radio Deluxe. I was never able
to get my current external USB interface to work with HRD so I was very
pleased. I'm purposely designing it to use the Windows-supplied drivers so
no driver installation CD is required. This I hope will make it work with a
wide range of software programs. However, it requires Windows XP equipped
computers. I'm not sure if many people are still using the older versions of
Windows.

Anyway, I'm designing a prototype circuit board to test it with the K2. If
that's successful, the next stage is to redesign the PC board again to get
it inside the K2. I just have the base K2 so I need to determine a shape for
the PCB that will work inside a basic K2 as well as a fully-loaded K2. I'm
sure it's quite crowded inside with all the options. I think I might have to
separate the USB "Type B" connector from the rest of the board in order to
make installation more flexible.

The design is still in the early stages but I'll be interested in enlisting
the help of some testers in the future. If you'd like to help test this
contraption in exchange for a completed product when released, then send me
an e-mail.

Kevin
N8IQ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Ken Alexander
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 7:47 PM
To: Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

Better yet, take the next step and provide a module
for direct USB communication with a computer.

The KUSB2...I can see it now, and I'll be first in
line if and when it happens!

73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS

--- "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

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Phil Kane-3

RE: Computer control issues - unreliable firmware?

In reply to this post by Rich Lentz

On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 12:22:31 -0600, Rich Lentz wrote:

>We went through this a few years ago, but it sure would be nice for
>Elecraft to make a USB interface and scrap the serial adapter
>altogether. I think now is the time as the last two computers I bought
>have NO SERIAL PORT and no way of adding a card.

I don't want to re-kick a dead horse, but you are making a bad
assumption that everyone has or likes USB ports. I keep mine
turned off because they interfere with other on-board adapters in my
main machine which has 8 serial ports in use running IBM Warp OS/2,
and I don;t have any external devices whoch run on USB.

My newest computer (6 months old) running Win XP has 1 built-in
serial port, and I have three multi-port cards and the slots
available to use them. Right now I have three ports in use on that
machine.

As aa long-time comm engineer I "speak" serial quite well, and
would not buy a computer that did not have capability to add or
enlarge same.

Pardon my rant - I'll shut up now.

--
73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane

K2/100 5402 - coming to a
HF band near you real soon

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