K2 USB vs. DB9

[John Hoaglun]

Hello to the folks on the list.

I am getting ready to order my K2 kit sometime over the next few days.
(I sold my 746pro to be replaced with the K2 in QRP mode.) I was
wondering if anyone on the list has designed a USB connection to the
replace the DB9 serial interface?

I see no point in having to use a USB to Serial dongle in today's age.
Most new PCs only have USB especially laptops. It seems like it would
pretty simple to replace replace the DB9 with USB driver chip. (I
thought that there was an article in Nuts & Volts recently that maybe
tackled the Serial to USB conversion.)

Thanks for the bandwidth.

73

--
John Hoaglun
NG0R EN25

http://www.hoaglun.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[Matthew D. Pitts]

John,

It's mainly because the DB-9 is used for more than just the serial
interface in the design of the K2. I'm sure Wayne or Eric will chime in
on the specifics, which have come up on the list in the past year, if
I'm not mistaken.

Matthew Pitts
N8OHU
K2 #5956


_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[John Hoaglun]

Hi Matt,

That is an excellent point. Given that thought, it might be nice to
have a secondary board (or replacement board for those folks that may
not need the DB9 interface) that uses the TX/RX data with a USB driver
chip.

It is great radio... now we just need to get the rig interface to same
generation as the PCs that we are buying.

I am excited about ordering my K2.

73, NG0R

On 4/16/07, Matthew D. Pitts <[hidden email]> wrote:

> John,
>
> It's mainly because the DB-9 is used for more than just the serial
> interface in the design of the K2. I'm sure Wayne or Eric will chime in
> on the specifics, which have come up on the list in the past year, if
> I'm not mistaken.
>
> Matthew Pitts
> N8OHU
> K2 #5956

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

[N8LP]

I have played with those chips (FTDI), and the integrated connectors
with built-in chips, for possible use in my kits to replace the RS232
ports. The chips are reasonably priced, although still a tad more
expensive than the MAX232 series, and only available in SMT, which adds
assembly cost for me. The integrated connector assemblies are not cost
effective IMO.

I have tested a converter cable sold by ByteRunner...

http://www.byterunner.com/byterunner/product_name=Y-105 

It uses a Prolific chipset, and it seems to work just fine. The price is
$8.69 in unity quantities plus 1st class shipping. That's about $10, and
it lets the user decide whether to use RS232 or USB. They claim to have
Vista drivers, but I have no need for them at this time.

I have used it with my K2, TS-480S, IdiomPress rotorcard, and of course
all my own LP products, and it seems to be solid. Even the handshaking
pins are implemented properly. I plan to recommend this cable to my
customers in the future... it appears to be a real bargain.

73,
Larry N8LP
www.telepostinc.com



John Hoaglun wrote:

> Hello to the folks on the list.
>
> I am getting ready to order my K2 kit sometime over the next few days.
> (I sold my 746pro to be replaced with the K2 in QRP mode.) I was
> wondering if anyone on the list has designed a USB connection to the
> replace the DB9 serial interface?
>
> I see no point in having to use a USB to Serial dongle in today's age.
> Most new PCs only have USB especially laptops. It seems like it would
> pretty simple to replace replace the DB9 with USB driver chip. (I
> thought that there was an article in Nuts & Volts recently that maybe
> tackled the Serial to USB conversion.)
>
> Thanks for the bandwidth.
>
> 73
>

_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Post to: [hidden email]
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
 http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   

Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com