HB "button box" for K3

[Jan Ditzian]

Brian,

Do you have a schematic on  the web for this, along with the other
technical details?  It was only yesterday that I found myself wishing
for this capability.

Jan, KX2A

> I really miss extra programmable buttons on the K3. To remedy this, I
> created a "button box" that has 20 programmable buttons. It's pretty
> elementary with a 4x4 keypad and four push buttons. One PIC, one
> voltage regulator and a MAX232 for RS232. All buttons are in-circuit
> programmable. Things I really wanted on one button were SPLIT+1,
> SPLIT+5, UNSPLIT, PSK, FSK, modes and bands. Sure there are other ways
> to get there.
> Now for the rub. It can be directly plugged into the K3 but one would
> loose all other functions that use that port. Instead I use LPBRIDGE
> which allows up to five virtual ports (applications) to use the single
> K3 RS232 port. VSPE is used to bridge the real RS232 port to a virtual
> one for LPBRIDGE. I use LPBRIDGE all the time anyhow so no big deal
> for me.
> Nothing original.  We will see how "needed" it really is in time.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO

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[Mike WA8BXN]

If I understand this concept properly, its something like this. You have a
box with multiple buttons on it. Each one sends a different macro string to
the K3. Some kind of processor would be needed. Have to build a box with
buttons on it and need serial output to go to the K3.
 
If I wanted to prototype such a system, I would use a USB 10 digit keypad
(about $5, has at least 15 usable "buttons" on it) and a USB to serial cable
to go to the K3 (or KX3). For a processor, I would use a Raspberry Pi, which
supports 2 USB devices. I would write somewhat simple software that runs
when powered up that reads the characters coming from the keypad and sends
appropriate macro strings to the radio.
 
An alternative way would perhaps use an arduino processor, a homebrew switch
matrix, and serial output to the radio. This would be a cheaper way but I
think a lot more work.
Cool project!
 
73 - Mike WA8BXN
 
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