K2 cable distribution box instead of daisy chain?

[Byron Servies]

Hi,

I am dreading having to re-build my K2 daisy chained cables as I
re-configure my shack and add some new equipment. Soldering multiple wires
into a DB9 connector has never been easy for me even thought I've been
doing it since the 80's.

So, I was thinking about building a little box that everything would plug
into; a sort of K2 star network. Each K2 or accessory would have a straight
cable that plugs into the box and there would be just enough circuitry to
distribute the signals to the right connector.  So, the daisy-chaining
would be handled internally instead of at each DB9 connector.

Has anyone done this? Good idea? Bad idea? Things to watch out for?

73, Byron N6NUL
--
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 3-4 Oct 2015
- www.cqp.org
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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Byron,

The K2 cable is in 2 parts.  The TXD, RXD, Signal Ground (pins 2, 3, and
5) go only between the K2 and the PC serial port.

All the rest of the wires are for control of Elecraft external devices -
KAT100, KRC2, and the XV transverter series.

It may work OK to arrange these second signals in a 'Star" configuration
from a common "hub", but I do not know for certain because I have not
tried it.

I would suggest that you run the K2 to PC cable and the K2 to "other
devices" in the same DB-9 connector that plugs into the K2 - then run
the "other devices" end of that cable to your junction box.
Then from the junction box, you should be able to parallel all the
cables to whatever mix of "other devices" that you may have.

The critical factor is the timing on the AUXBUS signal line.  All the
other signal lines are either DC levels or are at such a low rate that
timing is not important.  If you keep the lengths to the "other devices"
short, I would believe you will find success.

If it works, please share that information on the reflector.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/4/2014 5:54 PM, Byron Servies wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am dreading having to re-build my K2 daisy chained cables as I
> re-configure my shack and add some new equipment. Soldering multiple wires
> into a DB9 connector has never been easy for me even thought I've been
> doing it since the 80's.
>
> So, I was thinking about building a little box that everything would plug
> into; a sort of K2 star network. Each K2 or accessory would have a straight
> cable that plugs into the box and there would be just enough circuitry to
> distribute the signals to the right connector.  So, the daisy-chaining
> would be handled internally instead of at each DB9 connector.
>
> Has anyone done this? Good idea? Bad idea? Things to watch out for?
>
> 73, Byron N6NUL

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