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Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

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Francisco "Siso" Hennessey-HK3W-

Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

Hello to all.

Can someone please tell me what I need to buy to connect a Kenwood TS-480AT
with a Microkeyer II to an Elecraft KAT-500 and a KAP-500 so I can work
digital modes like RTTY and FT8?

I have not been able to find any information with respect to this so I would
be grateful for any help.

Regards

Siso HK3W

____________________________________________________________________________
__

"The world hamradio net has never been muted." - "La red mundial de
radioaficionados nunca ha sido silenciada."

Francisco "Siso" Hennessey - HK3W, 5K3W and 5K0W

DXCC HR SSB & MIXED. 9BDXCC (160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 & 10Mts) and
MOBILE DXCC.

CQWPX HR CW, DIGITAL & SSB, CQWAZ, CW, MIXED, RTTY, and SSB. VUCC-50Mhz and
2500 CHALLENGE.

Member of INDEXA and Life member of ARRL

Home page <https://hk3w.wordpress.com/> HK3W | QSL Inf:
<http://www.qrz.com/db/HK3W> QRZ.COM | Log Online:
<http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/HK3W> Club Log

Skype: Siso-HK3W | Twitter: @HK3W | WhatsApp :
<tel:+57%20311%20812%202681> +57 311 812 2681 |

_________________________________________________

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

microKEYER II with the DB37-TS-MINI6 cable does digital modes just
fine with the TS-480 - it is designed to operate that way. I have
no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
from the TS-480.

Note: microKEYER II *DOES NOT ALLOW* any device to interfere with
the RS-232 (CAT) connections between MK II and the TS-480.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-06 9:04 AM, Francisco "Siso" Hennessey HK3W wrote:

> Hello to all.
>
>
>
> Can someone please tell me what I need to buy to connect a Kenwood TS-480AT
> with a Microkeyer II to an Elecraft KAT-500 and a KAP-500 so I can work
> digital modes like RTTY and FT8?
>
>
>
> I have not been able to find any information with respect to this so I would
> be grateful for any help.
>
>
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> Siso HK3W
>
> ____________________________________________________________________________
> __
>
> "The world hamradio net has never been muted." - "La red mundial de
> radioaficionados nunca ha sido silenciada."
>
> Francisco "Siso" Hennessey - HK3W, 5K3W and 5K0W
>
> DXCC HR SSB & MIXED. 9BDXCC (160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 12 & 10Mts) and
> MOBILE DXCC.
>
> CQWPX HR CW, DIGITAL & SSB, CQWAZ, CW, MIXED, RTTY, and SSB. VUCC-50Mhz and
> 2500 CHALLENGE.
>
> Member of INDEXA and Life member of ARRL
>
> Home page <https://hk3w.wordpress.com/> HK3W | QSL Inf:
> <http://www.qrz.com/db/HK3W> QRZ.COM | Log Online:
> <http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/HK3W> Club Log
>
> Skype: Siso-HK3W | Twitter: @HK3W | WhatsApp :
> <tel:+57%20311%20812%202681> +57 311 812 2681 |
>
> _________________________________________________
>
>
>
>
>
> ---
> El software de antivirus Avast ha analizado este correo electrónico en busca de virus.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

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Jim Brown-10

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little
as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost
instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA
jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper.
That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the
power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be
programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass.
In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last
time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.

73, Jim K9YC

On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> I have
> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
> from the TS-480.

______________________________________________________________
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Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
(see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).

*UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
control configurations).

It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
Separate Key Line".

Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little
> as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost
> instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA
> jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper.
> That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the
> power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be
> programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass.
> In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last
> time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>> I have
>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>> from the TS-480.
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.

Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.

For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.

With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.

Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.

Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.

I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>
> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
> control configurations).
>
> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
> Separate Key Line".
>
> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper. That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass. In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>> I have
>>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>>> from the TS-480.
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>> 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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode.

Jack, thanks for the "official" information (although it is
a shame there is no "pass through" mode).

As it stands, any Kenwood user will need to use the "basic Cabling
Diagram for Any Transceiver" (Figure 2, page 11 or the KPA-500
Owner's Manual) when using a microHAM interface. microHAM will not
support any "Y" cable CAT connection.

If the microHAM/KPA-500 user has a MK2R+, MK II, MK III, or DK II,
the transceiver PTT Out (Amp Key, Key Line, etc.) should be routed
to the "PTT In" jack on the microHAM interface and KPA-500 "Key Line"
taken from the PA PTT jack of the microHAM interface. If both a
KAT500 and KPA-500 are in use, the "Key Line" should be routed to
the KAT-500 and then to the KPA-500 as shown in "Cabling Diagram:
Elecraft K3, KPA500 and KAT500 Using E850463 Aux Interface Cables
with Separate Key Line," Figure 2, page 6 of the KAT-500 Owners
Manual.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:

> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.
>
> Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.
>
> For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.
>
> With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.
>
> Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.
>
> Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.
>
> I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>
>> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>
>> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
>> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
>> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>>
>> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
>> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
>> control configurations).
>>
>> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
>> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
>> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
>> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
>> Separate Key Line".
>>
>> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
>> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
>> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
>> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
>> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
>> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper. That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass. In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>>> I have
>>>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>>>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>>>> from the TS-480.
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>
>> 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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

Joe;

The Y connection on the KPA500 in this situation is listen-only. Since the microHAM interface is doing all the polling it should not care if the KPA500 (for any other device) is just listening, as long as these devices do not connect to the same line the microHAM is sending on. When the KPA500 is set for SERPOLL = OFF, it is completely disconnected from that line, and is in pure listen-only mode.

Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM interface is concerned??

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:07 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> > The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode.
>
> Jack, thanks for the "official" information (although it is
> a shame there is no "pass through" mode).
>
> As it stands, any Kenwood user will need to use the "basic Cabling
> Diagram for Any Transceiver" (Figure 2, page 11 or the KPA-500
> Owner's Manual) when using a microHAM interface. microHAM will not
> support any "Y" cable CAT connection.
>
> If the microHAM/KPA-500 user has a MK2R+, MK II, MK III, or DK II,
> the transceiver PTT Out (Amp Key, Key Line, etc.) should be routed
> to the "PTT In" jack on the microHAM interface and KPA-500 "Key Line"
> taken from the PA PTT jack of the microHAM interface. If both a
> KAT500 and KPA-500 are in use, the "Key Line" should be routed to
> the KAT-500 and then to the KPA-500 as shown in "Cabling Diagram:
> Elecraft K3, KPA500 and KAT500 Using E850463 Aux Interface Cables
> with Separate Key Line," Figure 2, page 6 of the KAT-500 Owners
> Manual.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.
>> Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.
>> For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.
>> With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.
>> Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.
>> Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.
>> I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.
>> 73!
>> Jack, W6FB
>>> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
>>> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
>>> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>>>
>>> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
>>> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
>>> control configurations).
>>>
>>> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
>>> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
>>> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
>>> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
>>> Separate Key Line".
>>>
>>> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
>>> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
>>> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
>>> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
>>> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
>>> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper. That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass. In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>>>> I have
>>>>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>>>>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>>>>> from the TS-480.
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> 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:[hidden email]
>> 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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

> Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM
> interface is concerned??

Not as far as the microHAM interface is concerned from a hardware
standpoint.

However, lacking *proper documentation* of the "Y" cable, it is a
support nightmare (as I have discovered with other amplifiers and
antenna controllers that claim to be "listen only"). As such, the
policy is now "no support for *any* "Y" cable CAT connection."

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-07 4:25 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

> Joe;
>
> The Y connection on the KPA500 in this situation is listen-only. Since the microHAM interface is doing all the polling it should not care if the KPA500 (for any other device) is just listening, as long as these devices do not connect to the same line the microHAM is sending on. When the KPA500 is set for SERPOLL = OFF, it is completely disconnected from that line, and is in pure listen-only mode.
>
> Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM interface is concerned??
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:07 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>
>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode.
>>
>> Jack, thanks for the "official" information (although it is
>> a shame there is no "pass through" mode).
>>
>> As it stands, any Kenwood user will need to use the "basic Cabling
>> Diagram for Any Transceiver" (Figure 2, page 11 or the KPA-500
>> Owner's Manual) when using a microHAM interface. microHAM will not
>> support any "Y" cable CAT connection.
>>
>> If the microHAM/KPA-500 user has a MK2R+, MK II, MK III, or DK II,
>> the transceiver PTT Out (Amp Key, Key Line, etc.) should be routed
>> to the "PTT In" jack on the microHAM interface and KPA-500 "Key Line"
>> taken from the PA PTT jack of the microHAM interface. If both a
>> KAT500 and KPA-500 are in use, the "Key Line" should be routed to
>> the KAT-500 and then to the KPA-500 as shown in "Cabling Diagram:
>> Elecraft K3, KPA500 and KAT500 Using E850463 Aux Interface Cables
>> with Separate Key Line," Figure 2, page 6 of the KAT-500 Owners
>> Manual.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.
>>> Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.
>>> For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.
>>> With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.
>>> Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.
>>> Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.
>>> I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.
>>> 73!
>>> Jack, W6FB
>>>> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
>>>> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
>>>> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>>>>
>>>> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
>>>> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
>>>> control configurations).
>>>>
>>>> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
>>>> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
>>>> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
>>>> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
>>>> Separate Key Line".
>>>>
>>>> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
>>>> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
>>>> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
>>>> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
>>>> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
>>>> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper. That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass. In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>>>>> I have
>>>>>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>>>>>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>>>>>> from the TS-480.
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>>>
>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

OK. Well, for the record, we have a relay in the outbound data line from the KPA500 on the XCVR port. With SERPOLL = OFF, it disconnects the signal so there is no drive on that signal from the KPA. SERPOLL = ON enables it.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:41 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> > Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM
> > interface is concerned??
>
> Not as far as the microHAM interface is concerned from a hardware
> standpoint.
>
> However, lacking *proper documentation* of the "Y" cable, it is a
> support nightmare (as I have discovered with other amplifiers and
> antenna controllers that claim to be "listen only"). As such, the
> policy is now "no support for *any* "Y" cable CAT connection."
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2019-03-07 4:25 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
>> Joe;
>> The Y connection on the KPA500 in this situation is listen-only. Since the microHAM interface is doing all the polling it should not care if the KPA500 (for any other device) is just listening, as long as these devices do not connect to the same line the microHAM is sending on. When the KPA500 is set for SERPOLL = OFF, it is completely disconnected from that line, and is in pure listen-only mode.
>> Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM interface is concerned??
>> 73!
>> Jack, W6FB
>>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:07 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode.
>>>
>>> Jack, thanks for the "official" information (although it is
>>> a shame there is no "pass through" mode).
>>>
>>> As it stands, any Kenwood user will need to use the "basic Cabling
>>> Diagram for Any Transceiver" (Figure 2, page 11 or the KPA-500
>>> Owner's Manual) when using a microHAM interface. microHAM will not
>>> support any "Y" cable CAT connection.
>>>
>>> If the microHAM/KPA-500 user has a MK2R+, MK II, MK III, or DK II,
>>> the transceiver PTT Out (Amp Key, Key Line, etc.) should be routed
>>> to the "PTT In" jack on the microHAM interface and KPA-500 "Key Line"
>>> taken from the PA PTT jack of the microHAM interface. If both a
>>> KAT500 and KPA-500 are in use, the "Key Line" should be routed to
>>> the KAT-500 and then to the KPA-500 as shown in "Cabling Diagram:
>>> Elecraft K3, KPA500 and KAT500 Using E850463 Aux Interface Cables
>>> with Separate Key Line," Figure 2, page 6 of the KAT-500 Owners
>>> Manual.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>
>>>
>>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.
>>>> Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.
>>>> For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.
>>>> With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.
>>>> Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.
>>>> Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.
>>>> I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.
>>>> 73!
>>>> Jack, W6FB
>>>>> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
>>>>> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
>>>>> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>>>>>
>>>>> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
>>>>> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
>>>>> control configurations).
>>>>>
>>>>> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
>>>>> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
>>>>> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
>>>>> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
>>>>> Separate Key Line".
>>>>>
>>>>> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
>>>>> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
>>>>> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
>>>>> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
>>>>> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
>>>>> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>>>>>
>>>>> 73,
>>>>>
>>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 2019-03-06 8:00 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>>>>> The KPA500 and KAT500 both detect transmitting frequency with as little as a tap on the mic or a dit at 35 wpm, and switch almost instantaneously. All they need is PTT (Amp Key) from the rig to an RCA jack that loops through the KPA500 to the KAT500 with an RCA-RCA jumper. That "loop-through" allows the KPA500 to prevent auto-tuning while the power amp is active. The KAT500 has three operating modes that can be programmed from Elecraft's control program -- Auto, Manual, and Bypass. In general, the KAT500 remembers the last settings you used the last time you were on that band, and for which of the three outputs.
>>>>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>>>>> On 3/6/2019 12:37 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>>>>>> I have
>>>>>>> no information about adding the KPA500/KAT500 into the mix as I
>>>>>>> do not know if/how the KPA500/KAT500 acquires frequency/band data
>>>>>>> from the TS-480.
>>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>>> 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:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

ANDY DURBIN

Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by Francisco "Siso" Hennessey-HK3W-

Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners". The real issue is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate use of the term) the Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the KPA500. I don't know the minimum required data set but the KPA500 does a good job of determining TX frequency if FA, FB and IF are available.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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john@kk9a.com

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by Francisco "Siso" Hennessey-HK3W-

FWIW, I split my K3S ACC to a KAT-500, Top Ten Band decoder and a MicroHAM
Digikeyer and they all work perfectly together.

John KK9A

Andy Durbin wrote:
]
Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't
understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners". The real issue
is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate use of the term) the
Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the KPA500. I don't know the
minimum required data set but the KPA500 does a good job of determining TX
frequency if FA, FB and IF are available.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

In fact that is exactly what the KPA500 is looking for. When SERPOLL = ON, it sends “IF;FA;FB;” to the XCVR port.

From the response information it determines the Kenwood transceiver’s frequency whether it comes from VFOA, VFOB or one of the memory settings.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Mar 7, 2019, at 3:39 PM, Andy Durbin <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>
> Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners". The real issue is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate use of the term) the Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the KPA500. I don't know the minimum required data set but the KPA500 does a good job of determining TX frequency if FA, FB and IF are available.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by john@kk9a.com

On 2019-03-07 7:17 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> FWIW, I split my K3S ACC to a KAT-500, Top Ten Band decoder and a
> MicroHAM Digikeyer and they all work perfectly together.
Splitting the ACC connection is not an issue. The issue is the way
some users try to connect the *CAT* (RS-232) connection with a "Y"
cable and end up connecting two RS-232 senders. This has been a
common problem with various amplifiers as well as the SteppIR antennas.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-07 7:17 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> FWIW, I split my K3S ACC to a KAT-500, Top Ten Band decoder and a MicroHAM
> Digikeyer and they all work perfectly together.
>
> John KK9A
>
>
> Andy Durbin wrote:
> ]
> Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't
> understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners". The real issue
> is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate use of the term) the
> Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the KPA500. I don't know the
> minimum required data set but the KPA500 does a good job of determining TX
> frequency if FA, FB and IF are available.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

On 2019-03-07 6:39 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>
> Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people
> don't understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners".

The problem is that too many inexperienced users do not understand
that one can not connect two RS-232 senders at the same time. They
do not have the ability to "puzzle out" the differences between male
and female DE9 connectors and understand the importance of DTE vs. DCE
connections.

Given that Elecraft and Kenwood use different connectors on the
transceiver, I'd wager that 50% of the users connect a "Y" cable
incorrectly given that there is no documentation in the KPA-500
Owner's Manual.

> The real issue is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate
> use of the term) the Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the
> KPA500.

No, the real issue is whether the user's logging/rig control program
of choice polls the Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the
KPA-500. microHAM gets out of the way if the logging program is
polling for FA;FB;IF; (or IF; only if split is off). Note: KPA-500
will not be compatible with TS-890 since TS-890 does not support IF:!

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-07 6:39 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>
> Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners". The real issue is whether the MicroHam interface polls (deliberate use of the term) the Kenwood rig for the parameters required by the KPA500. I don't know the minimum required data set but the KPA500 does a good job of determining TX frequency if FA, FB and IF are available.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

On 2019-03-07 5:14 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
> OK. Well, for the record, we have a relay in the outbound data line
> from the KPA500 on the XCVR port. With SERPOLL = OFF, it disconnects
> the signal so there is no drive on that signal from the KPA.

Nice. That solves one part of the problem but given that Elecraft
and Kenwood use different connectors on their transceivers and there
is no documentation of the required connections, I'd bet that 50% of
users still connect a "Y" cable incorrectly whether it be 2/3 reversed
or lack of RTS/CTS, etc.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2019-03-07 5:14 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:

> OK. Well, for the record, we have a relay in the outbound data line from the KPA500 on the XCVR port. With SERPOLL = OFF, it disconnects the signal so there is no drive on that signal from the KPA. SERPOLL = ON enables it.
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>
>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:41 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM
>>> interface is concerned??
>>
>> Not as far as the microHAM interface is concerned from a hardware
>> standpoint.
>>
>> However, lacking *proper documentation* of the "Y" cable, it is a
>> support nightmare (as I have discovered with other amplifiers and
>> antenna controllers that claim to be "listen only"). As such, the
>> policy is now "no support for *any* "Y" cable CAT connection."
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 2019-03-07 4:25 PM, Jack Brindle wrote:
>>> Joe;
>>> The Y connection on the KPA500 in this situation is listen-only. Since the microHAM interface is doing all the polling it should not care if the KPA500 (for any other device) is just listening, as long as these devices do not connect to the same line the microHAM is sending on. When the KPA500 is set for SERPOLL = OFF, it is completely disconnected from that line, and is in pure listen-only mode.
>>> Do you see anything wrong with this situation as far as the microHAM interface is concerned??
>>> 73!
>>> Jack, W6FB
>>>> On Mar 7, 2019, at 1:07 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode.
>>>>
>>>> Jack, thanks for the "official" information (although it is
>>>> a shame there is no "pass through" mode).
>>>>
>>>> As it stands, any Kenwood user will need to use the "basic Cabling
>>>> Diagram for Any Transceiver" (Figure 2, page 11 or the KPA-500
>>>> Owner's Manual) when using a microHAM interface. microHAM will not
>>>> support any "Y" cable CAT connection.
>>>>
>>>> If the microHAM/KPA-500 user has a MK2R+, MK II, MK III, or DK II,
>>>> the transceiver PTT Out (Amp Key, Key Line, etc.) should be routed
>>>> to the "PTT In" jack on the microHAM interface and KPA-500 "Key Line"
>>>> taken from the PA PTT jack of the microHAM interface. If both a
>>>> KAT500 and KPA-500 are in use, the "Key Line" should be routed to
>>>> the KAT-500 and then to the KPA-500 as shown in "Cabling Diagram:
>>>> Elecraft K3, KPA500 and KAT500 Using E850463 Aux Interface Cables
>>>> with Separate Key Line," Figure 2, page 6 of the KAT-500 Owners
>>>> Manual.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 2019-03-06 10:36 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>>>> The KPA500 does NOT have a pass-through mode. It DOES have a serial port dedicated to communicating with Kenwood radios to extract the operating frequency. It can just monitor the serial link or it can also poll for the needed data. You will need to provide a Y cable that connects the signal coming from the radio to the computer, connecting the KPA’s XCVR port to the branch of the cable. The PC port on the KPA500 is only for controlling the amplifier. The two ports are not related in function.
>>>>> Use the RS232 X menu setting to select the port data rate to match the radio’s serial port. If you need for the KPA500 to poll the radio for the frequency, the set SER POLL to ON.
>>>>> For other cabling, connect the KEY line coming from the transceiver to one of the KAT500’s PTT RlY connectors, then connect the other PTT RLY connector to the KPA500’s PA KEY connector. These connections are shown on page 12 of the KAT500 manual.
>>>>> With this configuration the KAP500 will switch bands based on the data it receives from the transceiver, while the KAT500 will need RF to select the LC combination needed for tuning (as well as the desired antenna for that band). The KPA500 and KAT500 do not communicate, so there is no way for the KPA500 to tell the KAT500 the band.
>>>>> Note also that the KPA500 and KAT500 will switch bands quite well without the transceiver data connection as K9YC describes.
>>>>> Andy, K3WYC has created a pretty cool system with a small controller that monitors the system and sends control data to both the KAT500 and KPA500 to set them upper operation. I’lllet Andy describe that.
>>>>> I am amazed that we do not properly describe KPA500/KAT500 operation with Kenwood transceivers. I will try to bug the right people to get this fixed.
>>>>> 73!
>>>>> Jack, W6FB
>>>>>> On Mar 6, 2019, at 6:48 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Apparently the KPA-500 includes the ability to operate in a CAT
>>>>>> pass through mode (like the P3) with Elecraft and Kenwood rigs
>>>>>> (see Menu items RS232 P, RS232 X, RADIO, and SER POLL).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> *UNFORTUNATELY* the Kenwood configuration is not documented in the
>>>>>> KPA-500 Owners Manual (unlike the Icom "band voltage" and Yaesu BCD
>>>>>> control configurations).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> It would greatly assist non-Elecraft owners if the KPA-500 Owners
>>>>>> Manual included explicit diagrams and configuration settings for
>>>>>> Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood (RS-232 CAT ONLY) transceivers along the
>>>>>> lines of Figure 4 on page 13 for the K3 using "KPAK3AUX Cable and
>>>>>> Separate Key Line".
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Without documentation (including information showing if RTS/CTS is
>>>>>> passed through from the transceiver as expected by Kenwood rigs
>>>>>> or whether the KPA-500 provides a CTS "pull up" on the RS-232 (XCVR)
>>>>>> jack) from Elecraft or access to a KPA-500 for "hands on engineering"
>>>>>> it is not possible for third party suppliers to provide any support
>>>>>> for (Kenwood) configurations that include KPA-500/KAT500 .
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ... Joe, W4TV
>>>>>>
>>>>>>

Bill-3

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

Turning the simplex into complex????? I fail to see what is needed other
than an RF input line and a PTT line.

I use the KPA500 with my K3, IC7300, and TS480. RF input is selected
using an Alpha Delta coax switch and PTT is selected via a toggle
switch. Works flawlessly, didn't drain my brain power to design, and
took about an hour to do the soldering and install the switches.

No comments regarding a KAT500 as I tune my wire antennas - requiring
only the occasional use of a good manual tuner. Hence, I don't own one.

I just do not get all the commentary about how to make something complex
- mole hill into a mountain? Perhaps this is why today's automobiles are
rife with computers! Can't even roll down a window without computer
control!!! KISS!!!

Bill W2BLC

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Bill-3

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Jim Brown-10

Re: Connect KPA-500, TS-480 and MicroKeyer II

In reply to this post by john@kk9a.com

Andy Durbin wrote:
]
Is the level of knowledge in this hobby really so low that people don't
understand that RS-232 will support multiple "listeners".

I know that, because I'm an old fart who had to learn stuff like that, how networking works, lots of software, etc. to run my own small consulting biz -- but none of that was even a wet dream when I finished my EE in 1964! And NONE of that was my specialty -- design of sound systems for large public spaces -- until the late '90s when we started doing a lot of control systems and DSP.

The technical breadth of ham radio is extremely wide that few hams have detailed knowledge of all of the tools we use. I could make the same "is the level of knowledge so low" about fundamental circuit concepts, transmission lines, antennas, feedback in amplifiers, load lines for power amplifiers, output networks, stubs, resonant circuits, acoustics, speech intelligibility, and so on.

73, Jim K9YC

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