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Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

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DGDrath

Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

I have used an arduino to decode the serial output from a KX3 and
develop the band signals used to switch a KPA500 linear. The interface
has been working for many weeks. The interface may have utility with
other linear amplifiers as well.
If anyone is interested in details, let me know.
Regards to all, DG Drath, N6AU, San Juan Island, WA

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Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

I am definitely interested. I had asked if connecting the Aux bus might be
useful but did not get any response. This would be a good solution. I am
using the KX3 and KPA500 in a mobile installation, get about 220W which is
enough for now, but better integration would be nice. I have to manually
put the amp in standby and change the tune power on the KX3 to get the
KPA500 to switch bands, then jack the power back up and switch the amp to
operate. I have done multiple Arduino projects, so I have experience there.
I probably also want to integrate the screwdriver antenna control too
eventually.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018 at 6:12 PM, DGDrath <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have used an arduino to decode the serial output from a KX3 and develop
> the band signals used to switch a KPA500 linear. The interface has been
> working for many weeks. The interface may have utility with other linear
> amplifiers as well.
> If anyone is interested in details, let me know.
> Regards to all, DG Drath, N6AU, San Juan Island, WA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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>

ke9uw

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

http://www.nx1p.net/what-is-a-kx3-band-decoder/

Chuck Hawley
Amateur Radio, KE9UW

________________________________________
From: [hidden email] [[hidden email]] on behalf of Mark Goldberg [[hidden email]]
Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2018 9:39 PM
To: DGDrath
Cc: Elecraft Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

I am definitely interested. I had asked if connecting the Aux bus might be
useful but did not get any response. This would be a good solution. I am
using the KX3 and KPA500 in a mobile installation, get about 220W which is
enough for now, but better integration would be nice. I have to manually
put the amp in standby and change the tune power on the KX3 to get the
KPA500 to switch bands, then jack the power back up and switch the amp to
operate. I have done multiple Arduino projects, so I have experience there.
I probably also want to integrate the screwdriver antenna control too
eventually.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Sun, Jul 29, 2018 at 6:12 PM, DGDrath <[hidden email]> wrote:

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Chuck, KE9UW

ANDY DURBIN

Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by DGDrath

KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output; XV-series transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't that what it is for?

Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.

73

Andy k3wyc
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Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
could wire it up and see if it does.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>
> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output; XV-series
> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you
> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't that
> what it is for?
>
>
>
> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar
> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>
>
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Dennis Moore

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by ANDY DURBIN

It sounds like N6TV's new Serial Box can provide this interfacing.
https://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/S-BOX/

73, Dennis NJ6G

On 7/30/2018 06:21, ANDY DURBIN wrote:
> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output; XV-series transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't that what it is for?
>
> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.

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Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

That is a breakout box. Thanks for all the suggestions, but I am looking to
"roll my own" custom Arduino based interface for the KX3, KPA500 and
Scorpion Screwdriver antenna and was hoping to get anything someone has
already done to start from. I will shamelessly reuse what someone else has
done, assuming they give permission of course.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:51 AM, Dennis Moore <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It sounds like N6TV's new Serial Box can provide this interfacing.
> https://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/S-BOX/
>
> 73, Dennis NJ6G
>
> On 7/30/2018 06:21, ANDY DURBIN wrote:
>
>> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output; XV-series
>> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you
>> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't that
>> what it is for?
>>
>> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar
>> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

ve3ibw

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by Mark Goldberg

It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to the
menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly. From
my notes on field day setup:

If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is grounded
during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).

I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.

P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the post
you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy :-)

Regards
Brian
VE3IBW

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
> could wire it up and see if it does.
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output; XV-series
> > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you
> > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't that
> > what it is for?
> >
> >
> >
> > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar
> > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> >
> >
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

Bob Wilson, N6TV

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

It looks like you would have to set MENU:ACC2 IO to TRN CTRL to enable
AUXBUS output on the KX3 GPIO pin. It's not clear from VE3IBW's post if
the KPA500 was automatically following the KX3 via AUXBUS, or if the XCVR
port of the KPA500 was being used instead.

The S-BOX enables easy connections between the KX2/KX3 ACC ports and
standard D-SUB connectors used for serial ports (9 pins) and the KPA500 AUX
port (15 pins). No custom cables or soldering required. As long as a PC
is polling the KX3, other devices such as the KPA500 and perhaps your
screwdriver controller can "listen in" on this serial traffic and change
bands automatically, like the SteppIR control box does. All the "Y"
connections are handled in the S-BOX. No Arduino needed unless required by
your Screwdriver controller for some reason.

I don't have connection diagrams for the KX3 up on the web site yet, but
I'm working on an update.

Of course the S-BOX can do the same thing for a TS-590 just as well, plus
it will allow computer-generated CW keying over the same serial port (DTR
pin), something the K3 has built-in, but the TS-590 and KX3 do not.

73,
Bob, N6TV
https://bit.ly/S-BOX
https://bit.ly/Y-BOX

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to the
> menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly. From
> my notes on field day setup:
>
> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is grounded
> during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
>
> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
>
> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the post
> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy :-)
>
> Regards
> Brian
> VE3IBW
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
> > I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
> > could wire it up and see if it does.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Mark
> > W7MLG
> >
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
> XV-series
> > > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
> you
> > > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
> that
> > > what it is for?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
> similar
> > > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> > >
> > >
> > > 73
> > >
> > > Andy k3wyc
>

Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by ve3ibw

I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500 Auxbus.
The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.

There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC controlled,
but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I think
only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little more
complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller, an
Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
[hidden email]> wrote:

> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
> the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
> From my notes on field day setup:
>
> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
> grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
>
> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
>
> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the post
> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy :-)
>
> Regards
> Brian
> VE3IBW
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
>> could wire it up and see if it does.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Mark
>> W7MLG
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
>> XV-series
>> > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't you
>> > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
>> that
>> > what it is for?
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something similar
>> > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>> >
>> >
>> > 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
>> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>

Bob Wilson, N6TV

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio; the
KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and to
the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try to
make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the ACC2
PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with Elecraft's
transverters, not the KPA500.

Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
published, subject to change).

My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to SERIAL,
RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
(the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do that
for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
with other serial devices and KEY CW.).

73,
Bob, N6TV

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500 Auxbus.
> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
>
> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC controlled,
> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I think
> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little more
> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller, an
> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
> [hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
> > the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
> > From my notes on field day setup:
> >
> > If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
> > grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
> >
> > I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> > fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
> >
> > P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
> post
> > you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
> :-)
> >
> > Regards
> > Brian
> > VE3IBW
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
> >> could wire it up and see if it does.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Mark
> >> W7MLG
> >>
> >>
> >> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
> >> XV-series
> >> > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
> you
> >> > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
> >> that
> >> > what it is for?
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
> similar
> >> > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> > 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
> >> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >> >
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >>
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

I wasn't going to try to reverse engineer the Auxbus, just wondered if it
would handle the band changes if it was hooked up between the two.
Connecting the serial as you described is probably just as good. Tuning the
screwdriver antenna would still be custom as I am not using a purchased
automatic controller.

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:52 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email]> wrote:

> If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio;
> the KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and
> to the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try
> to make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the
> ACC2 PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with
> Elecraft's transverters, not the KPA500.
>
> Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
> reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
> published, subject to change).
>
> My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
> frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to SERIAL,
> RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
> (the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do that
> for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
> stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
> with other serial devices and KEY CW.).
>
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
>> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500
>> Auxbus.
>> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
>>
>> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC
>> controlled,
>> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
>> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
>> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I think
>> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little
>> more
>> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
>> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
>> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller, an
>> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Mark
>> W7MLG
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> > It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
>> > the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
>> > From my notes on field day setup:
>> >
>> > If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
>> > grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
>> >
>> > I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
>> > fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
>> >
>> > P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
>> post
>> > you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
>> :-)
>> >
>> > Regards
>> > Brian
>> > VE3IBW
>> >
>> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]
>> >
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose
>> I
>> >> could wire it up and see if it does.
>> >>
>> >> 73,
>> >>
>> >> Mark
>> >> W7MLG
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
>> >> XV-series
>> >> > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
>> you
>> >> > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
>> >> that
>> >> > what it is for?
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
>> similar
>> >> > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>> >> >
>> >> >
>> >> > 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
>> >> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >> >
>> >> ______________________________________________________________
>> >> 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
>> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >>
>> >
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by Bob Wilson, N6TV

Just a quick reminder (for Bob), the KPA500 does not listen to Auxbus traffic at all. Trying to send it Auxbus traffic thus would be fruitless.

Bob’s comment about connecting the KX3 and KPA500 using the serial connection is a very good one. In fact when I was developing the KPA500's communications code, I used a K3 for testing. As he alludes, sharing this data from the KX3 with the KAT500 should provide the information you need. You can do this with one of his S-Boxes, or a simple Y cable should do the trick, with the transmit data coming from the KAT500 disconnected so that only one device drives the line. The KPA500 can then poll as required, or you can have the KX3 auto-send data as Bob describes.

The KPA500 responds to IF; FA: and FB; messages - it polls for all three when RADIO = SERIAL and SER POLL = ON. Thus the FA; response going back to the KAT500 should be just what you want. If the screwdriver controller also understands FA response (or FB; or IF; for that matter) then you should be in good shape.

The proposal to use a small computer (Raspberry PI, etc) will certainly work, it just needs a little careful coding.

I would stay away from the Auxbus stuff, though. Unless you really want to tear your hair out and join the Bruce Willis crowd…

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On Jul 30, 2018, at 11:52 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio; the
> KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and to
> the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try to
> make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the ACC2
> PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with Elecraft's
> transverters, not the KPA500.
>
> Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
> reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
> published, subject to change).
>
> My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
> frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to SERIAL,
> RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
> (the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do that
> for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
> stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
> with other serial devices and KEY CW.).
>
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
>> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500 Auxbus.
>> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
>>
>> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC controlled,
>> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
>> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
>> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I think
>> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little more
>> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
>> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
>> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller, an
>> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Mark
>> W7MLG
>>
>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
>> [hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
>>> the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
>>> From my notes on field day setup:
>>>
>>> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
>>> grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
>>>
>>> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
>>> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
>>>
>>> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
>> post
>>> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
>> :-)
>>>
>>> Regards
>>> Brian
>>> VE3IBW
>>>
>>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
>>>> could wire it up and see if it does.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> Mark
>>>> W7MLG
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
>>>> XV-series
>>>>> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
>> you
>>>>> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
>>>> that
>>>>> what it is for?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
>> similar
>>>>> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> 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
>>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Mark Goldberg

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

Thanks.

There is no automated screwdriver controller. I would make one that drives
the motor and sends serial commands to the KPA500 to go to standby, to the
KX3 to go into tune mode and respond back with the SWR and then I would
adjust the screwdriver antenna and re-enable the amp. All the controllers I
know of have a separate directional coupler, something extra to put in the
line, and don't account for putting the amp in standby for tuning.
Basically looking to fully automate with what is already included in the
Elecraft equipment, under software control. I have build several special
purpose Arduino projects to do similar things.

There is no tuner except the screwdriver antenna.

Yes, I know I can buy things to hook together to do what I want, but I am
now retired, with lots of time, a brain to keep occupied and not as much
money!

73,

Mark
W7MLG

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 1:03 PM, Jack Brindle <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Just a quick reminder (for Bob), the KPA500 does not listen to Auxbus
> traffic at all. Trying to send it Auxbus traffic thus would be fruitless.
>
> Bob’s comment about connecting the KX3 and KPA500 using the serial
> connection is a very good one. In fact when I was developing the KPA500's
> communications code, I used a K3 for testing. As he alludes, sharing this
> data from the KX3 with the KAT500 should provide the information you need.
> You can do this with one of his S-Boxes, or a simple Y cable should do the
> trick, with the transmit data coming from the KAT500 disconnected so that
> only one device drives the line. The KPA500 can then poll as required, or
> you can have the KX3 auto-send data as Bob describes.
>
> The KPA500 responds to IF; FA: and FB; messages - it polls for all three
> when RADIO = SERIAL and SER POLL = ON. Thus the FA; response going back to
> the KAT500 should be just what you want. If the screwdriver controller also
> understands FA response (or FB; or IF; for that matter) then you should be
> in good shape.
>
> The proposal to use a small computer (Raspberry PI, etc) will certainly
> work, it just needs a little careful coding.
>
> I would stay away from the Auxbus stuff, though. Unless you really want to
> tear your hair out and join the Bruce Willis crowd…
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>
> > On Jul 30, 2018, at 11:52 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio;
> the
> > KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and to
> > the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try
> to
> > make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the
> ACC2
> > PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with Elecraft's
> > transverters, not the KPA500.
> >
> > Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
> > reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
> > published, subject to change).
> >
> > My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
> > frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to
> SERIAL,
> > RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
> > (the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do that
> > for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
> > stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
> > with other serial devices and KEY CW.).
> >
> > 73,
> > Bob, N6TV
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]
> >
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
> >> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500
> Auxbus.
> >> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
> >>
> >> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC
> controlled,
> >> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
> >> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
> >> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I
> think
> >> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little
> more
> >> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
> >> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
> >> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller,
> an
> >> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Mark
> >> W7MLG
> >>
> >> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
> >> [hidden email]> wrote:
> >>
> >>> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
> >>> the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me
> correctly.
> >>> From my notes on field day setup:
> >>>
> >>> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
> >>> grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
> >>>
> >>> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> >>> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own
> one.
> >>>
> >>> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
> >> post
> >>> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
> >> :-)
> >>>
> >>> Regards
> >>> Brian
> >>> VE3IBW
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <
> [hidden email]>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I
> suppose I
> >>>> could wire it up and see if it does.
> >>>>
> >>>> 73,
> >>>>
> >>>> Mark
> >>>> W7MLG
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
> >>>> XV-series
> >>>>> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
> >> you
> >>>>> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
> >>>> that
> >>>>> what it is for?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
> >> similar
> >>>>> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> 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
> >>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >>>>>
> >>>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>>> 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
> >>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >>>>
> >>>
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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
> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >>
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

Don’t use serial commands to tell the KPA to go to STBY for tune. Have your controller break the PTT line for this (with a small relay) so that the KPA immediately stops amplifying. Since you want your controller to issue commands to the KX3, you can use a regular Y cable at the KPA500, but be sure that SER POLL = OFF. The KPA has an internal relay that will disconnect its RS-232 drive on the XCVR port for this situation.

I think you will find that having the directional coupler will provide a far better solution. The KX3 will tell you the match going into the KPA500, but not necessarily the one the KPA500 sees. The KPA500 _will_ modify the load the KX3 sees making the SWR info somewhat useless. The FWD and REF power (or SWR) measured by the KPA500 at low power may not give you enough resolution for your needs. Making a directional coupler is rather easy, and the code for handling the data is not too bad either. The thing to watch for is to measure the two values (FWD, REF) as close to each other in time as possible. Sampling them simultaneously is ideal.

Sounds like a fun project. Good luck with it!

73,
Jack, W6FB

> On Jul 30, 2018, at 1:14 PM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks.
>
> There is no automated screwdriver controller. I would make one that drives the motor and sends serial commands to the KPA500 to go to standby, to the KX3 to go into tune mode and respond back with the SWR and then I would adjust the screwdriver antenna and re-enable the amp. All the controllers I know of have a separate directional coupler, something extra to put in the line, and don't account for putting the amp in standby for tuning. Basically looking to fully automate with what is already included in the Elecraft equipment, under software control. I have build several special purpose Arduino projects to do similar things.
>
> There is no tuner except the screwdriver antenna.
>
> Yes, I know I can buy things to hook together to do what I want, but I am now retired, with lots of time, a brain to keep occupied and not as much money!
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 1:03 PM, Jack Brindle <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
> Just a quick reminder (for Bob), the KPA500 does not listen to Auxbus traffic at all. Trying to send it Auxbus traffic thus would be fruitless.
>
> Bob’s comment about connecting the KX3 and KPA500 using the serial connection is a very good one. In fact when I was developing the KPA500's communications code, I used a K3 for testing. As he alludes, sharing this data from the KX3 with the KAT500 should provide the information you need. You can do this with one of his S-Boxes, or a simple Y cable should do the trick, with the transmit data coming from the KAT500 disconnected so that only one device drives the line. The KPA500 can then poll as required, or you can have the KX3 auto-send data as Bob describes.
>
> The KPA500 responds to IF; FA: and FB; messages - it polls for all three when RADIO = SERIAL and SER POLL = ON. Thus the FA; response going back to the KAT500 should be just what you want. If the screwdriver controller also understands FA response (or FB; or IF; for that matter) then you should be in good shape.
>
> The proposal to use a small computer (Raspberry PI, etc) will certainly work, it just needs a little careful coding.
>
> I would stay away from the Auxbus stuff, though. Unless you really want to tear your hair out and join the Bruce Willis crowd…
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
>
> > On Jul 30, 2018, at 11:52 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
> >
> > If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio; the
> > KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and to
> > the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try to
> > make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the ACC2
> > PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with Elecraft's
> > transverters, not the KPA500.
> >
> > Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
> > reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
> > published, subject to change).
> >
> > My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
> > frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to SERIAL,
> > RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
> > (the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do that
> > for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
> > stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
> > with other serial devices and KEY CW.).
> >
> > 73,
> > Bob, N6TV
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
> > wrote:
> >
> >> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and KPA500.
> >> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500 Auxbus.
> >> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
> >>
> >> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC controlled,
> >> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
> >> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
> >> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I think
> >> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little more
> >> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an ODB2
> >> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
> >> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio controller, an
> >> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
> >>
> >> 73,
> >>
> >> Mark
> >> W7MLG
> >>
> >> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
> >> [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
> >>
> >>> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
> >>> the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
> >>> From my notes on field day setup:
> >>>
> >>> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
> >>> grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
> >>>
> >>> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> >>> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
> >>>
> >>> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
> >> post
> >>> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
> >> :-)
> >>>
> >>> Regards
> >>> Brian
> >>> VE3IBW
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose I
> >>>> could wire it up and see if it does.
> >>>>
> >>>> 73,
> >>>>
> >>>> Mark
> >>>> W7MLG
> >>>>
> >>>>
> >>>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
> >>>> XV-series
> >>>>> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
> >> you
> >>>>> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
> >>>> that
> >>>>> what it is for?
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
> >> similar
> >>>>> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> 73
> >>>>>
> >>>>> Andy k3wyc
> >>>>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>>>> Elecraft mailing list
> >>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> >>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> >>>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> >>>>>
> >>>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
> >>>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
> >>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> >>>>>
> >>>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>>> Elecraft mailing list
> >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft <http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
> >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
> >>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> >>>>
> >>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
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>

Bob Wilson, N6TV

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by Mark Goldberg

You don't need to put the KPA500 into STANDBY via software. Just open the
KEY line to the KPA500 while the antenna is tuning, like the SteppIR tuning
relay interrupt option does, then close it when tuning is complete. These
connections can also be made with either the S-BOX or Y-BOX using the
15-pin connector and the RCA connectors + a stereo cable.

73,
Bob, N6TV

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018, 1:14 PM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thanks.
>
> There is no automated screwdriver controller. I would make one that drives
> the motor and sends serial commands to the KPA500 to go to standby, to the
> KX3 to go into tune mode and respond back with the SWR and then I would
> adjust the screwdriver antenna and re-enable the amp. All the controllers I
> know of have a separate directional coupler, something extra to put in the
> line, and don't account for putting the amp in standby for tuning.
> Basically looking to fully automate with what is already included in the
> Elecraft equipment, under software control. I have build several special
> purpose Arduino projects to do similar things.
>
> There is no tuner except the screwdriver antenna.
>
> Yes, I know I can buy things to hook together to do what I want, but I am
> now retired, with lots of time, a brain to keep occupied and not as much
> money!
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
>
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 1:03 PM, Jack Brindle <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Just a quick reminder (for Bob), the KPA500 does not listen to Auxbus
>> traffic at all. Trying to send it Auxbus traffic thus would be fruitless.
>>
>> Bob’s comment about connecting the KX3 and KPA500 using the serial
>> connection is a very good one. In fact when I was developing the KPA500's
>> communications code, I used a K3 for testing. As he alludes, sharing this
>> data from the KX3 with the KAT500 should provide the information you need.
>> You can do this with one of his S-Boxes, or a simple Y cable should do the
>> trick, with the transmit data coming from the KAT500 disconnected so that
>> only one device drives the line. The KPA500 can then poll as required, or
>> you can have the KX3 auto-send data as Bob describes.
>>
>> The KPA500 responds to IF; FA: and FB; messages - it polls for all three
>> when RADIO = SERIAL and SER POLL = ON. Thus the FA; response going back to
>> the KAT500 should be just what you want. If the screwdriver controller also
>> understands FA response (or FB; or IF; for that matter) then you should be
>> in good shape.
>>
>> The proposal to use a small computer (Raspberry PI, etc) will certainly
>> work, it just needs a little careful coding.
>>
>> I would stay away from the Auxbus stuff, though. Unless you really want
>> to tear your hair out and join the Bruce Willis crowd…
>>
>> 73!
>> Jack, W6FB
>>
>>
>> > On Jul 30, 2018, at 11:52 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> >
>> > If you set MENU:AUTOINF to ANT CTRL, no PC is needed to poll the radio;
>> the
>> > KX3 can distribute the frequency data to both the KPA500 XCVR port and
>> to
>> > the antenna controller as "FA ... ;" messages, so you don't need to try
>> to
>> > make the AUXBUS work. It may work, but in the KX3 documentation, the
>> ACC2
>> > PIN GPIO as AUXBUS is only documented for communication with Elecraft's
>> > transverters, not the KPA500.
>> >
>> > Trying to drive the screwdriver controller with AUXBUS data will require
>> > reverse engineering the AUXBUS protocol, which is not recommended (not
>> > published, subject to change).
>> >
>> > My main point is that the KPA500 can automatically follow the KX3's
>> > frequency without having to use the AUXBUS. You just set RADIO to
>> SERIAL,
>> > RS 232 X to the KX3 baud rate, and connect the KPA500's RS232 XCVR port
>> > (the MALE DE-9 connector, rarely used) to the KX3. The S-BOX can do
>> that
>> > for you using a standard serial cable plugged into the back and an RCA
>> > stereo cable plugged into the front, plus it can share the KX3 frequency
>> > with other serial devices and KEY CW.).
>> >
>> > 73,
>> > Bob, N6TV
>> >
>> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:29 AM, Mark Goldberg <
>> [hidden email]>
>> > wrote:
>> >
>> >> I was trying to find out if the Auxbus works between the KX3 and
>> KPA500.
>> >> That would be ACC2 IO = TRN CTRL and connect ACC2 tip to the KPA500
>> Auxbus.
>> >> The ACC2 Ring is already connected to the KPA500 PTT in and works fine.
>> >>
>> >> There is no PC in the picture. My home station is completely PC
>> controlled,
>> >> but I am looking to simplify things for the mobile and have things as
>> >> integrated as possible so there is no manual work to do. I also want to
>> >> tune the screwdriver antenna using the KX3 as the SWR sensor. So, I
>> think
>> >> only a custom solution will give me all that. Just to make it a little
>> more
>> >> complicated, I use an Android tablet for vehicle monitoring with an
>> ODB2
>> >> Dongle. I may also use that touchscreen to control the Ham Radio stuff,
>> >> probably via a wifi or bluetooth interface to the ham radio
>> controller, an
>> >> Arduino or similar. I do have an extra ESP32 lying around.
>> >>
>> >> 73,
>> >>
>> >> Mark
>> >> W7MLG
>> >>
>> >> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
>> >> [hidden email]> wrote:
>> >>
>> >>> It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention
>> to
>> >>> the menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me
>> correctly.
>> >>> From my notes on field day setup:
>> >>>
>> >>> If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
>> >>> grounded during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
>> >>>
>> >>> I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing
>> a
>> >>> fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own
>> one.
>> >>>
>> >>> P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
>> >> post
>> >>> you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete
>> happy
>> >> :-)
>> >>>
>> >>> Regards
>> >>> Brian
>> >>> VE3IBW
>> >>>
>> >>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <
>> [hidden email]>
>> >>> wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>> I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I
>> suppose I
>> >>>> could wire it up and see if it does.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> 73,
>> >>>>
>> >>>> Mark
>> >>>> W7MLG
>> >>>>
>> >>>>
>> >>>> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>> >>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
>> >>>> XV-series
>> >>>>> transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
>> >> you
>> >>>>> connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
>> >>>> that
>> >>>>> what it is for?
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
>> >> similar
>> >>>>> to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>>
>> >>>>> 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
>> >>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >>>>>
>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________
>> >>>> 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
>> >>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >>>>
>> >>>
>> >> ______________________________________________________________
>> >> Elecraft mailing list
>> >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>> >> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>> >>
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>> >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> >> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>> >>
>> > ______________________________________________________________
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>> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>> >
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>> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>>
>

ve3ibw

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by Bob Wilson, N6TV

Hi Bob (and Mark),

My apologies, I think I may have taken us off the main topic. My
experience and requirement was fairly simple and I needed something
brainless to help make field day easy.

I have the acc2 cable from elecraft and then used a single phono cable to
transmit the ptt event from the kx3 acc2 cable to the kpa500 PA Key input.
Band switching was accomplished by the kpa500 directly. I quote from the
kpa500 manual:

*Automatic Band Switching: The KPA500 automatically measures the frequency
of the RF drive *
*and selects the proper band. The PA KEY input must be connected to the
driving transmitter. *

Again my apologies for taking us off topic as I don’t think I answered the
spirit of Mark’s original post as I rely on the kpa500 to figure out what
band I was transmitting via the Kx3 via the rf interconnect.

Regards
Brian
VE3IBW

On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 2:21 PM Bob Wilson, N6TV <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It looks like you would have to set MENU:ACC2 IO to TRN CTRL to enable
> AUXBUS output on the KX3 GPIO pin. It's not clear from VE3IBW's post if
> the KPA500 was automatically following the KX3 via AUXBUS, or if the XCVR
> port of the KPA500 was being used instead.
>
> The S-BOX enables easy connections between the KX2/KX3 ACC ports and
> standard D-SUB connectors used for serial ports (9 pins) and the KPA500 AUX
> port (15 pins). No custom cables or soldering required. As long as a PC
> is polling the KX3, other devices such as the KPA500 and perhaps your
> screwdriver controller can "listen in" on this serial traffic and change
> bands automatically, like the SteppIR control box does. All the "Y"
> connections are handled in the S-BOX. No Arduino needed unless required by
> your Screwdriver controller for some reason.
>
> I don't have connection diagrams for the KX3 up on the web site yet, but
> I'm working on an update.
>
> Of course the S-BOX can do the same thing for a TS-590 just as well, plus
> it will allow computer-generated CW keying over the same serial port (DTR
> pin), something the K3 has built-in, but the TS-590 and KX3 do not.
>
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
> https://bit.ly/S-BOX
> https://bit.ly/Y-BOX
>
> On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 11:05 AM, Brian Waterworth <
> [hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > It does. I have used this setup for two field days. Pay attention to
> the
> > menu setup of acc2 and ptt on the kx3 if memory serves me correctly.
> From
> > my notes on field day setup:
> >
> > If using an Elecraft kpa500, setup the kx3 so that the "pa key" is
> grounded
> > during ptt. That means lo=ptt on the kx3 menus (ACC2 IO).
> >
> > I figured this out by looking at the kpa500 manual. I was borrowing a
> > fellow hams kpa500 so I can’t help more with testing as I don’t own one.
> >
> > P.s. I must have missed your original post because I did not see the
> post
> > you indicated you sent to the list. Sometimes I get a bit delete happy
> :-)
> >
> > Regards
> > Brian
> > VE3IBW
> >
> > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 10:11 AM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]>
> > wrote:
> >
> > > I have asked if this will work, but did not get any answers. I suppose
> I
> > > could wire it up and see if it does.
> > >
> > > 73,
> > >
> > > Mark
> > > W7MLG
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jul 30, 2018 at 6:21 AM, ANDY DURBIN <[hidden email]> wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > KX3 has the option to output aux bus on ACC2 "TRN CTRL (output;
> > XV-series
> > > > transverter control using Elecraft auxBus prototcol)". Why wouldn't
> > you
> > > > connect this directly to the aux bus input pin of the KPA500. Isn't
> > that
> > > > what it is for?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Not discouraging Arduino projects though as I am going something
> > similar
> > > > to integrate my TS-590 with KPA500 and KAT500.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Regards,
Brian
VE3IBW

Elecraft mailing list

Re: Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3

In reply to this post by DGDrath

Top marks Sir.

It's the extra understanding of how things work, you get when doing
projects like that. Most important for the times when suddenly things
stop working, one has then the knowledge and skill to diagnose, debug
and repair.

A refreshing change to the "I use this device from that company" one so
often sees these days.

Plus, the Elecraft rigs using a Kenwood like protocol, it'd be easy to
massage the code to accommodate other Kenwood like rigs, etc too.

Well done. This is what Amateur Radio is all about. Learning stuff!

73.

Dave G0WBX

------------------------------------------------------------------------
On 30/07/18 20:12, [hidden email] wrote:

From: DGDrath <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Decoding the Serial Output from a KX3
Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I have used an arduino to decode the serial output from a KX3 and
develop the band signals used to switch a KPA500 linear. The interface
has been working for many weeks. The interface may have utility with
other linear amplifiers as well.
If anyone is interested in details, let me know.
Regards to all, DG Drath, N6AU, San Juan Island, WA

------------------------------------------------------------------------

--
Created on and sent from a Unix like PC running and using free and open source software.
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