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K2, FD, and N1MM

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PHILIP GRAITCER

K2, FD, and N1MM

I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.

I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.

I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.

Any suggestions?

Phil
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Nr4c

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought the K2 cable was different.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>
> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>
> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Phil
> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In reply to this post by PHILIP GRAITCER

Phil,

First, set the baud rate at 4800bps - that is the maximum speed of the
K2 (the K3 can go to 38400 baud).

Did you test the setup before Field Day? If it worked OK during that
pre-FD testing, all the settings should have been correct.

Not getting *all* the settings correct in the software is one of the
"bug-a-boo's" in the computer/transceiver world. There are just too
many combinations and permutations to give a single answer to your problem.

N1MM should fully support the K2 - I am not going to go into details
about N1MM configuration settings, I will leave that for others.

There are many happy K2 owners out there using N1MM.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/7/2016 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER wrote:
> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>
> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>
> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>
>

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kstover

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In reply to this post by PHILIP GRAITCER

The DB9 connector on the K2 is NOT a standard RS-232 port.

I believe there is a wiring diagram for the necessary cable in the KIO2
and KPA100 manuals.

You may have dodged a big bullet.

On 7/7/2016 5:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER wrote:

> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>
> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>
> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
> Phil
> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In reply to this post by Nr4c

The K3 can use a standard serial cable, the the K2 *cannot*. The only
connections for the K2 from the computer is pins 2, 3 and 5 in the cable
- those are TXD, RXD and Signal Ground.

All other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is *not* an
RS-232 connector and is not labeled as such) are internal K2 signals to
operate external Elecraft devices such as the KAT100, XV transverters
and the KRC2.

The use of a standard PC serial cable between the K2 and the computer
can damage both the K2 and the computer serial port.

If you have no special computer connection cable with your K2, then
build the cable described in the KIO2 or KPA100 manual or if you have
the KAT100, build the cable shown in that manual.

N1MM fully supports the K2 unless something has changed quite recently.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/7/2016 7:31 PM, Nr4c wrote:

> In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought the K2 cable was different.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
>
>
>> On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>>
>> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>>
>> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM, probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>>
>>

Guy Olinger K2AV

K2, FD, and N1MM

One N1MM/MM+ thing doable on a K3/3S you cannot do with a K2 is to use DTR
or RTS to the transceiver for logging program driven internal CW keying.
It's not in the K2 firmware, and the leads are not in the K2's DB9 jack.
You have to break out the keying and provide *some* external device to key
the K2.

I use a Microham "CW Keyer" box (very small) to drive my K2 in contests,
and it works seamlessly. Splits out everything I need. I have a cable which
pulls off TXD, RXD and signal ground from the K2's DB9 connector on one end
and uses mini-phone-plug tip ring and sleeve to the CW Keyer. Another cord
to the K2 key jack, another for power to the CW Keyer, and a single USB
cord from the CW Keyer as the only connection to the computer. The
Microham driver software for the CW Keyer serves everything up to N1MM as
virtual serial ports. Paddle connects to the CW Keyer.

The integration of the K2 with a KPA100 is seamless, even in a separate
enclosure, and PTT is not needed.

N1MM+ is flawless with the K2 with my Microham CW Keyer setup.

73, Guy K2AV

On Thursday, July 7, 2016, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','[hidden email]');>> wrote:

> The K3 can use a standard serial cable, the the K2 *cannot*. The only
> connections for the K2 from the computer is pins 2, 3 and 5 in the cable -
> those are TXD, RXD and Signal Ground.
>
> All other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is *not* an RS-232
> connector and is not labeled as such) are internal K2 signals to operate
> external Elecraft devices such as the KAT100, XV transverters and the KRC2.
>
> The use of a standard PC serial cable between the K2 and the computer can
> damage both the K2 and the computer serial port.
>
> If you have no special computer connection cable with your K2, then build
> the cable described in the KIO2 or KPA100 manual or if you have the KAT100,
> build the cable shown in that manual.
>
> N1MM fully supports the K2 unless something has changed quite recently.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/7/2016 7:31 PM, Nr4c wrote:
>
>> In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought
>> the K2 cable was different.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> ...nr4c. bill
>>
>>
>> On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used
>>> the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>>>
>>> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little
>>> unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t
>>> send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>>>
>>> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM,
>>> probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>>>
>>>
>>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> 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]

--
Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
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RobertG

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

My previous attempts to key either rig using the DTR/RTS lines direct
from N1MM [with appropriate cables] never worked for me. So, I went with
the microHAM CW keyer to interface computer and radio via the microHAM
Router port emulation software and supplied cables. Works flawlessly.

My K2 has the 100w addition with its DB9 jack. For FD, the club uses the
N3FJP logging program. Using the CW Keyer, all connections are the same
as the with K3/N1MM, and it too works flawlessly.

The CW Keyer came with a CAT cable [1/8" plug to DB9 connecter]
appropriate for the K2 [built and in use before the K3]. The same cable
works with the K3.

So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is probably
preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD.

...robert

On 07/08/2016 02:24, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:

> One N1MM/MM+ thing doable on a K3/3S you cannot do with a K2 is to use DTR
> or RTS to the transceiver for logging program driven internal CW keying.
> It's not in the K2 firmware, and the leads are not in the K2's DB9 jack.
> You have to break out the keying and provide *some* external device to key
> the K2.
>
> I use a Microham "CW Keyer" box (very small) to drive my K2 in contests,
> and it works seamlessly. Splits out everything I need. I have a cable which
> pulls off TXD, RXD and signal ground from the K2's DB9 connector on one end
> and uses mini-phone-plug tip ring and sleeve to the CW Keyer. Another cord
> to the K2 key jack, another for power to the CW Keyer, and a single USB
> cord from the CW Keyer as the only connection to the computer. The
> Microham driver software for the CW Keyer serves everything up to N1MM as
> virtual serial ports. Paddle connects to the CW Keyer.
>
> The integration of the K2 with a KPA100 is seamless, even in a separate
> enclosure, and PTT is not needed.
>
> N1MM+ is flawless with the K2 with my Microham CW Keyer setup.
>
> 73, Guy K2AV
>
> On Thursday, July 7, 2016, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','[hidden email]');>> wrote:
>
>> The K3 can use a standard serial cable, the the K2 *cannot*. The only
>> connections for the K2 from the computer is pins 2, 3 and 5 in the cable -
>> those are TXD, RXD and Signal Ground.
>>
>> All other pins in the K2 AUX IO connector (note that it is *not* an RS-232
>> connector and is not labeled as such) are internal K2 signals to operate
>> external Elecraft devices such as the KAT100, XV transverters and the KRC2.
>>
>> The use of a standard PC serial cable between the K2 and the computer can
>> damage both the K2 and the computer serial port.
>>
>> If you have no special computer connection cable with your K2, then build
>> the cable described in the KIO2 or KPA100 manual or if you have the KAT100,
>> build the cable shown in that manual.
>>
>> N1MM fully supports the K2 unless something has changed quite recently.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 7/7/2016 7:31 PM, Nr4c wrote:
>>
>>> In wondering if the same serial cable dorks withe both radios. I thought
>>> the K2 cable was different.
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> ...nr4c. bill
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jul 7, 2016, at 6:38 PM, PHILIP GRAITCER <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I got the K2 out for Field Day and it performed great! I’d never used
>>>> the K2 with a computer, so I hooked it up and set up N1MM for the contest.
>>>>
>>>> I was unable to get the function keys to operate and N1MM was a little
>>>> unstable, sometimes locking up. I was able to log contacts, but couldn’t
>>>> send code. This isn’t the case when I use the same setup with my K3.
>>>>
>>>> I’m thinking that there are incompatibilities between the K2 and N1MM,
>>>> probably due to the age of the K2. But I am not very capable with computers.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>
>
>

--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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Jim Brown-10

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

On Fri,7/8/2016 10:17 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
> So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is
> probably preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD.

When I used a K2 for contesting, I made up a simple adapter that split
out the DTR line from the computer to an NPN transistor that keyed the
radio. Details begin on page 51 of this set of Power Point slides. The
NPN inverter is shown on page 53. Following slides suggest how to get
varying degrees of fancy.

http://k9yc.com/HamInterfacing.pdf

As has been noted, the K2 does NOT have a standard RS232 interface, and
a standard DB9 cable wired for RS232 CANNOT be used directly. The K2
uses pins 2, 3, and 5 for serial interface. Other pins are used for
other functions. When you build a K2 accessory that has a DB9 connector,
clear instructions are provided for building a suitable cable to
interface to a standard RS232 port.

One thing that was WRONG about K2 accessory kits was that Elecraft
provided parallel wire cable for the interface. That cable SHOULD use
twisted pairs, one pair for each signaling circuit between the K2 and
the computer. Ordinary CAT5 cable is an excellent choice. This is shown
on pages 53-55.

I successfully used this setup to control and key the radio both with
WriteLog and N1MM.

73, Jim K9YC

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engineercm

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

All of the suggestions made about the cable and the COM settings are valid. I'd like to add one more: the type of RS-232 hardware in your computer. I could never get my K2 to run with RS-232 dongle (this was before the K3 dongle was available) and have used a "real" RS-232 card in the shack computer. I think the FTDI chipsets are better, but even those I could not get to work.

If you are seeing the frequency reflected in N1MM, then your data com between the K2 and the computer is fine. What little contesting I've done using N1MM I have found to work fine with my setup.

Data com issues are notorious to track down. Good luck and keep at it.

Clark
WU4B

kstover

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I have done it both ways. The transistor interface and an outboard
keyer, the Winkey USB.

I prefer the Winkeyer because it makes it easy to hook up the paddle and
computer. I don't know of a contesting program that doesn't support it.
It also avoids the Windows multi-tasking issues which can occasionally
screw up the sent code. It's also a kick but standalone keyer. Better
than the one in the K2.

On 7/8/2016 12:48 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On Fri,7/8/2016 10:17 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
>> So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is
>> probably preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD.
>
> When I used a K2 for contesting, I made up a simple adapter that split
> out the DTR line from the computer to an NPN transistor that keyed the
> radio. Details begin on page 51 of this set of Power Point slides. The
> NPN inverter is shown on page 53. Following slides suggest how to get
> varying degrees of fancy.
>
> http://k9yc.com/HamInterfacing.pdf
>
> As has been noted, the K2 does NOT have a standard RS232 interface,
> and a standard DB9 cable wired for RS232 CANNOT be used directly. The
> K2 uses pins 2, 3, and 5 for serial interface. Other pins are used for
> other functions. When you build a K2 accessory that has a DB9
> connector, clear instructions are provided for building a suitable
> cable to interface to a standard RS232 port.
>
> One thing that was WRONG about K2 accessory kits was that Elecraft
> provided parallel wire cable for the interface. That cable SHOULD use
> twisted pairs, one pair for each signaling circuit between the K2 and
> the computer. Ordinary CAT5 cable is an excellent choice. This is
> shown on pages 53-55.
>
> I successfully used this setup to control and key the radio both with
> WriteLog and N1MM.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Vic Rosenthal

Re: K2, FD, and N1MM

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

I long ago built this into my K2. I used the wire intended for ALC, which I don't use, connected to the DTR pin of the DB9.
The ALC line conveniently goes to the K2 control board through the connector with the RF board. I put the transistor on the back of the control board, along with a pair of Schottky diodes connected to the dit and dah inputs to the microprocessor.
Then all I had to do was activate the K2 menu option that allows simultaneous paddle closure to key the rig.
No extra wires needed.

Vic 4X6GP

> On 8 Jul 2016, at 20:48, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> On Fri,7/8/2016 10:17 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote:
>> So, as Guy states and Don infers, using an interface device is probably preferable to a direct computer-radio setup. YMMV and OMD.
>
> When I used a K2 for contesting, I made up a simple adapter that split out the DTR line from the computer to an NPN transistor that keyed the radio. Details begin on page 51 of this set of Power Point slides. The NPN inverter is shown on page 53. Following slides suggest how to get varying degrees of fancy.
>
> http://k9yc.com/HamInterfacing.pdf
>
> As has been noted, the K2 does NOT have a standard RS232 interface, and a standard DB9 cable wired for RS232 CANNOT be used directly. The K2 uses pins 2, 3, and 5 for serial interface. Other pins are used for other functions. When you build a K2 accessory that has a DB9 connector, clear instructions are provided for building a suitable cable to interface to a standard RS232 port.
>
> One thing that was WRONG about K2 accessory kits was that Elecraft provided parallel wire cable for the interface. That cable SHOULD use twisted pairs, one pair for each signaling circuit between the K2 and the computer. Ordinary CAT5 cable is an excellent choice. This is shown on pages 53-55.
>
> I successfully used this setup to control and key the radio both with WriteLog and N1MM.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>