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K3: External Macro Launcher

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NK7Z

K3: External Macro Launcher

Hello,

A bit ago, there was a discussion about an external macro tablet, that
could be connected to the K3. This looked very interesting to me, and I
think I want one... This brings up two questions.

1. Any suggestions for one at a good price.
2. How EXACTLY does it connect to a K3 with a P3 and a computer
connected?

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

Genovation (www.genovation.com) has several programmable keypads in
three broad categories:

A) the USB HID series that becomes a Windows or Mac keyboard
recognized by the operating system. These would require custom
software to capture the specific keyboard/keypad and forward the
macro strings to a specific serial port or USBtty device in
coordination with any logging/serial control software.

B) the USB Virtual Serial devices. These create a virtual serial
port on the computer that would need to be coordinated with any
logging/serial control software - typically be means of a port
sharing driver (e.g. VSPE or equivalent).

C) the RS-232 devices. These are a simple serial keypad that could
be connected directly to the "PC" port of a K3 or P3 if no computer
was in use or connected in parallel using a passive port splitter
like the one from BackBox (a diode matrix). The RS-232 devices
can also be connected to a computer serial port and coordinated
with logging/serial control software bu means of port sharing
software.

The 24 button keypads seem to be available in the $85 - $100 price
range depending on distributor. Check the "distributors" list on
the Genovation web site. The HID versions seem to be available from
the larger office supply stores and Amazon.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 2015-02-20 10:51 AM, David Cole wrote:

> Hello,
>
> A bit ago, there was a discussion about an external macro tablet, that
> could be connected to the K3. This looked very interesting to me, and I
> think I want one... This brings up two questions.
>
> 1. Any suggestions for one at a good price.
> 2. How EXACTLY does it connect to a K3 with a P3 and a computer
> connected?
>
>

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Bill-3

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

After reading the literature about these keypads, it looks to me that I
can connect same to the serial port on the computer for programming -
then connect it directly to the K3 for use.

Currently I am using a Pigknob - which works great - just need (desire)
more buttons than the eight I now have.

Long story short, I have ordered a keypad - be here late next week. Then
I will play.

Bill W2BLC K-Line

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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

Which one did you order, Bill?

Phil W7OX

On 2/20/15 12:57 PM, W2BLC wrote:

> After reading the literature about these
> keypads, it looks to me that I can connect same
> to the serial port on the computer for
> programming - then connect it directly to the K3
> for use.
>
> Currently I am using a Pigknob - which works
> great - just need (desire) more buttons than the
> eight I now have.
>
> Long story short, I have ordered a keypad - be
> here late next week. Then I will play.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

In reply to this post by Bill-3

On 2015-02-20 3:57 PM, W2BLC wrote:
> After reading the literature about these keypads, it looks to me that I
> can connect same to the serial port on the computer for programming -
> then connect it directly to the K3 for use.

You may need a gender changer or null modem adapter if you are going
from a PC serial port to the PC port of the Pigknob.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

>
> Currently I am using a Pigknob - which works great - just need (desire)
> more buttons than the eight I now have.
>
> Long story short, I have ordered a keypad - be here late next week. Then
> I will play.
>
> Bill W2BLC K-Line
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

Bill-3

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

I have assorted computer parts around - so I should be OK.

The make and model is the Genovation CP24 Serial - also got the USB
cable, for possible use in programming the keypad without having to
unplug everything.

Bill W2BLC

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Bill-3

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

You can see the keypad I bought here:
http://dsi-keyboards.com/product/genovation-controlpad-cp24-db9-serial/
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NK7Z

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Hi Joe,

Thank you for taking the time to explain so thoroughly! I now
understand the connections involved, and the options.

I think I need the RS-232 version, and the passive splitter you
mentioned. I have a P3, and a Computer connected, so I have no serial
ports remaining. I could split at the back of the P3, and put the
keypad on there...

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Fri, 2015-02-20 at 15:19 -0500, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> Genovation (www.genovation.com) has several programmable keypads in
> three broad categories:
>
> A) the USB HID series that becomes a Windows or Mac keyboard
> recognized by the operating system. These would require custom
> software to capture the specific keyboard/keypad and forward the
> macro strings to a specific serial port or USBtty device in
> coordination with any logging/serial control software.
>
> B) the USB Virtual Serial devices. These create a virtual serial
> port on the computer that would need to be coordinated with any
> logging/serial control software - typically be means of a port
> sharing driver (e.g. VSPE or equivalent).
>
> C) the RS-232 devices. These are a simple serial keypad that could
> be connected directly to the "PC" port of a K3 or P3 if no computer
> was in use or connected in parallel using a passive port splitter
> like the one from BackBox (a diode matrix). The RS-232 devices
> can also be connected to a computer serial port and coordinated
> with logging/serial control software bu means of port sharing
> software.
>
> The 24 button keypads seem to be available in the $85 - $100 price
> range depending on distributor. Check the "distributors" list on
> the Genovation web site. The HID versions seem to be available from
> the larger office supply stores and Amazon.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 2015-02-20 10:51 AM, David Cole wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > A bit ago, there was a discussion about an external macro tablet, that
> > could be connected to the K3. This looked very interesting to me, and I
> > think I want one... This brings up two questions.
> >
> > 1. Any suggestions for one at a good price.
> > 2. How EXACTLY does it connect to a K3 with a P3 and a computer
> > connected?
> >
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Bill-3

Re: K3: External Macro Launcher

My goal is to take the computer out of the mix completely. I do not need
it for my style of operating and only use an old version of HRD for rig
control. The keypad will allow much better rig control than HRD
provided. Hence, I will have an open RS-232 for the keypad to use.

Bill W2BLC K-Line

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