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Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

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w6mob

Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.

Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
the same time?

I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
KAT500 at the same time.

As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Mick
W6MOB

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Rick Bates, NK7I

Re: Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

I'm not sure about how much the Flex demands the CPU, but I have the
KAT500 Utility and the KPA Utility running while a third port manages
the K3 (via HRD). (A 4 port real RS-232 board in the computer, USB
doesn't always play well in QRO environments; the 4th port manages
keying CW and FSK while AFSK is still an option.)

These apps give me insight (SWR, power out etc) and control (standby,
operate. switch antennas) over the transmitting and antenna elements
(well, add PSTRotator for rotor and SteppIR control).

The key here is to make sure that it all runs on one computer successfully.

Since my station all runs on one computer at the same time, when I
remote the computer, I remote the station (TeamViewer). I add in Skype
for audio (CW and phone).

So yes, it should be possible for you. One bonus is that you're running
your station (remotely or not) and no one has to know where you are and
your log is accurate since it's based on the station location, not yours.

73,

Rick NK7I

On 2/26/2020 8:02 PM, w6mob wrote:

> I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.
>
> Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
> the same time?
>
> I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
> Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
> KAT500 at the same time.
>
> As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Mick
> W6MOB
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> 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
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

In reply to this post by w6mob

Mick:

> On Feb 26, 2020, at 10:02 PM, w6mob <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.
>
> Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
> the same time?
>
> I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
> Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
> KAT500 at the same time.
>
> As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.

I’m running a K3 system (K3-KAT500-KPA500) and a Flex System (Flex-6700 and PGXL) remotely from my ham shack in SE Georgia. It is certainly possible to run both ‘flavors’ of equipment at the same time remotely.

You apparently have the KPA500 and Flex running remotely to your satisfaction. The question is how to configure the KAT500.

I have my KAT500 interconnected with the K3 and KPA500 through the “Control” 15-pin connectors as ’normal’ to feed band data to one another. Presumably you’d have your KAT500/KPA500 connected to the Flex using BCD through the control connectors so that the Flex and Elecraft gear talk to each other. Take a look at the Flex document, “USB Cables Interface for the Flex-6000” that goes into detail on how to use the Flex USB interface to connect to other devices of various types (CAT, Bit, BCD, LDPA , DSTAR). The cable I use for BCD connections with my Flex can be found at Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HKK4SCO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 <https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HKK4SCO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1>

You’ll need to wire the non-USB end for (which comes with breakaway PCB Board Header Connectors) for the proper connection to the 15-pin remote connector side of the KPA500/KAT500 .In my case, I originally used this cable to communicate with the Antenna Genius BCD connector.

In summary, the serial interface of the KAT500 provides the ability to manage/control the KAT500. You can run the KAT500 utility on a PC in the shack and remorely access it, or setup a serial-to-ethernet interface to allow remote serial connection to the KAT500 by a PC that is at your location to control it with the KAT500 utility. The “control connection” (BCD) provides the ability of the KAT500 to communicate Band Settings with other equipment (KPA500, K3, Flex, etc.). As noted, you will need to get the appropriate cable that allows the Flex to feed/receive BCD data through a USB connection on the back of the Flex to the KAT500/KPA500.

You may also want to post a query to the Flex Community about interfacing the Flex to Elecraft gear to see what others may suggest as well.

Hope this answers your question,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Keller, TX

>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Mick
> W6MOB
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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Mike / W5JR

Re: Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

In reply to this post by w6mob

Mick, I have a KPA/KAT500 combo connected to my 6600. Both the KPA and KAT are connected to “serial” ports (USB to serial adapters) on the shack computer that runs 24/7. None are connected to the Flex. Elecraft’s excellent remote software is running on the shack computer in Host mode. This has to be started manually, but could be auto started, I’ve just not done so. I can access my shack computer remotely to (re)start the hosting if the computer reboots for any reason.

From the laptop, I can connect to the shack hosted software and have full control over both the KPA and the KAT. A quick bump of RF, like the Flex tune mode instantly tunes the KAT, selects an antenna based on the RF. Putting the KPA in Operate mode automatically selects the proper band on the next burst of RF.

I use this whether on my local LAN but not in the shack, or hundreds (thousands) of miles away. I’m very pleased with the KPA/KAT functionality for the Flex.

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Feb 26, 2020, at 18:02, w6mob <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.
>
> Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
> the same time?
>
> I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
> Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
> KAT500 at the same time.
>
> As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> Mick
> W6MOB
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Dave wo2x

Re: Flex6600 + KPA500 + KAT500

Another idea is to run a Raspberry Pi on the network running Node Red software. The nice thing about Node Red is I can monitor and control equipment through any web browser and not have the bandwidth overhead of a remote desktop solution. This is key if anyone is doing this over cellular and is in poor coverage area or does not have unlimited data.

In Node Red I created “flows” which allow me to monitor and control:
KPA1500
rotor (Via PSTRotator AZ IP server)
DLI Web Switch Pro to turn equipment and relays on and off.
Flex 6700 to monitor radio info

You could have Node Red talk to the KPA500/KAT500 via serial connection and it should support any of the functions listed in the KPA500 programmers reference manual.

I think there is one person on the Flex Community that has written a Node Red flow for the KPA500/KAT500.

Here’s some pics of my Node Red setup. One shows it split screen on my iPad with the Flex IOS software. I only have the controls on screen for functions I wanted readily available. I am planning to add ability to retune the KPA1500 tuner as well. Right now I only use the tuner on 80 meters.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/YEXRgQgn12Q6j6Cq8

73
Dave wo2x

Sent from my iPad

> On Feb 27, 2020, at 6:08 AM, Mike - W5JR <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Mick, I have a KPA/KAT500 combo connected to my 6600. Both the KPA and KAT are connected to “serial” ports (USB to serial adapters) on the shack computer that runs 24/7. None are connected to the Flex. Elecraft’s excellent remote software is running on the shack computer in Host mode. This has to be started manually, but could be auto started, I’ve just not done so. I can access my shack computer remotely to (re)start the hosting if the computer reboots for any reason.
>
> From the laptop, I can connect to the shack hosted software and have full control over both the KPA and the KAT. A quick bump of RF, like the Flex tune mode instantly tunes the KAT, selects an antenna based on the RF. Putting the KPA in Operate mode automatically selects the proper band on the next burst of RF.
>
> I use this whether on my local LAN but not in the shack, or hundreds (thousands) of miles away. I’m very pleased with the KPA/KAT functionality for the Flex.
>
>
> tnx
> Mike / W5JR
> Alpharetta GA
>
>
>> On Feb 26, 2020, at 18:02, w6mob <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I am trying to run my Flex6600/ KPA500/KAT500 remotely.
>>
>> Does anyone know if it is possible to hook up a PC & a Flex to a KAT500 at
>> the same time?
>>
>> I have the KPA500/KAT500/Flex working together. I also have the KPA500
>> Remote S/W working on a PC. But I would like to also monitor/control the
>> KAT500 at the same time.
>>
>> As best I can tell you can only connect a single KXUSB cable to the KAT.
>>
>> Any suggestions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Mick
>> W6MOB
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]