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[K3] Remote control protocol documentation

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Thomas Horsten

[K3] Remote control protocol documentation

Hi Elecraft list,

I have read about the new K3 remote protocol (that's supported natively in
the latest firmwares of the K3), and I want to implement my own remote
control solution. However I haven't been able to find any documentation on
the remote protocol anywhere (implemented in Linux with software on a
Beagleboard acting as the backend to a GTK+ frontend emulating the user
interface on another machine in the network).

Does anyone know if this documentation exists, and if not, when it will be
released? Apologies if there is an early beta/draft version of the protocol
documentation somewhere and I've missed it. If it's not out there, can
someone in the know provide me with a copy?

73, Thomas M0TRN
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

Thomas,

If you are referring to the recent support for RemoteRig, the
description of that function can be found at the Elecraft website -
search on "RemoteRig". Either the RemoteRig, or a communications link
to connect 2 K3s (the local K3 controls the remote K3) is what is
needed. What is required is a communications link, and not any
particular protocol.

If you are instead creating a control program to run on your computer
and remotely control a single K3, then the K3 Programming reference is
the documentation that you need.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/30/2012 7:00 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:

> Hi Elecraft list,
>
> I have read about the new K3 remote protocol (that's supported natively in
> the latest firmwares of the K3), and I want to implement my own remote
> control solution. However I haven't been able to find any documentation on
> the remote protocol anywhere (implemented in Linux with software on a
> Beagleboard acting as the backend to a GTK+ frontend emulating the user
> interface on another machine in the network).
>
> Does anyone know if this documentation exists, and if not, when it will be
> released? Apologies if there is an early beta/draft version of the protocol
> documentation somewhere and I've missed it. If it's not out there, can
> someone in the know provide me with a copy?
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>

______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Thomas Horsten

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

Don,

I was under the impression that a new protocol had been implemented in the
firmware, providing better performance and features for remote control
applications compared to the existing command set from the K3 Programmer's
Reference.

The approach of continuously polling all values and attempting to emulate
panel key presses by translating them into the corresponding commands is
not very efficient for this purpose, and it's not possible to achieve 100%
synchronization and correct mapping of keys to functions.

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 30 January 2012 13:34, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thomas,
>
> If you are referring to the recent support for RemoteRig, the
> description of that function can be found at the Elecraft website -
> search on "RemoteRig". Either the RemoteRig, or a communications link
> to connect 2 K3s (the local K3 controls the remote K3) is what is
> needed. What is required is a communications link, and not any
> particular protocol.
>
> If you are instead creating a control program to run on your computer
> and remotely control a single K3, then the K3 Programming reference is
> the documentation that you need.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/30/2012 7:00 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:
> > Hi Elecraft list,
> >
> > I have read about the new K3 remote protocol (that's supported natively
> in
> > the latest firmwares of the K3), and I want to implement my own remote
> > control solution. However I haven't been able to find any documentation
> on
> > the remote protocol anywhere (implemented in Linux with software on a
> > Beagleboard acting as the backend to a GTK+ frontend emulating the user
> > interface on another machine in the network).
> >
> > Does anyone know if this documentation exists, and if not, when it will
> be
> > released? Apologies if there is an early beta/draft version of the
> protocol
> > documentation somewhere and I've missed it. If it's not out there, can
> > someone in the know provide me with a copy?
> >
> > 73, Thomas M0TRN
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

There is no new protocol that I am aware of, just the RemoteRig support
implementation.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/30/2012 8:37 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:

> Don,
>
> I was under the impression that a new protocol had been implemented in the
> firmware, providing better performance and features for remote control
> applications compared to the existing command set from the K3 Programmer's
> Reference.
>
> The approach of continuously polling all values and attempting to emulate
> panel key presses by translating them into the corresponding commands is
> not very efficient for this purpose, and it's not possible to achieve 100%
> synchronization and correct mapping of keys to functions.
>
> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>
> On 30 January 2012 13:34, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Thomas,
>>
>> If you are referring to the recent support for RemoteRig, the
>> description of that function can be found at the Elecraft website -
>> search on "RemoteRig". Either the RemoteRig, or a communications link
>> to connect 2 K3s (the local K3 controls the remote K3) is what is
>> needed. What is required is a communications link, and not any
>> particular protocol.
>>
>> If you are instead creating a control program to run on your computer
>> and remotely control a single K3, then the K3 Programming reference is
>> the documentation that you need.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 1/30/2012 7:00 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:
>>> Hi Elecraft list,
>>>
>>> I have read about the new K3 remote protocol (that's supported natively
>> in
>>> the latest firmwares of the K3), and I want to implement my own remote
>>> control solution. However I haven't been able to find any documentation
>> on
>>> the remote protocol anywhere (implemented in Linux with software on a
>>> Beagleboard acting as the backend to a GTK+ frontend emulating the user
>>> interface on another machine in the network).
>>>
>>> Does anyone know if this documentation exists, and if not, when it will
>> be
>>> released? Apologies if there is an early beta/draft version of the
>> protocol
>>> documentation somewhere and I've missed it. If it's not out there, can
>>> someone in the know provide me with a copy?
>>>
>>> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Thomas Horsten

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

So the new "REMOTE" mode of the K3 uses the normal K3 commands from the
Programmer's Reference to talk to the remote K3? I was sure I'd seen
somewhere that a better protocol had been devised for this.

Can anyone with such a setup verify if that's the case, possibly by
snooping on the link?

This is not directly related to RemoteRig, as far as I understand it will
work by hooking up any 2 K3's with, for example, a null-modem cable or two
serial ports on a PC "virtually" connected together.

73, Thomas

On 30 January 2012 13:48, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> There is no new protocol that I am aware of, just the RemoteRig support
> implementation.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 1/30/2012 8:37 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:
>
>> Don,
>>
>> I was under the impression that a new protocol had been implemented in the
>> firmware, providing better performance and features for remote control
>> applications compared to the existing command set from the K3 Programmer's
>> Reference.
>>
>> The approach of continuously polling all values and attempting to emulate
>> panel key presses by translating them into the corresponding commands is
>> not very efficient for this purpose, and it's not possible to achieve 100%
>> synchronization and correct mapping of keys to functions.
>>
>> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>>
>> On 30 January 2012 13:34, Don Wilhelm<[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Thomas,
>>>
>>> If you are referring to the recent support for RemoteRig, the
>>> description of that function can be found at the Elecraft website -
>>> search on "RemoteRig". Either the RemoteRig, or a communications link
>>> to connect 2 K3s (the local K3 controls the remote K3) is what is
>>> needed. What is required is a communications link, and not any
>>> particular protocol.
>>>
>>> If you are instead creating a control program to run on your computer
>>> and remotely control a single K3, then the K3 Programming reference is
>>> the documentation that you need.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>> On 1/30/2012 7:00 AM, Thomas Horsten wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hi Elecraft list,
>>>>
>>>> I have read about the new K3 remote protocol (that's supported natively
>>>>
>>> in
>>>
>>>> the latest firmwares of the K3), and I want to implement my own remote
>>>> control solution. However I haven't been able to find any documentation
>>>>
>>> on
>>>
>>>> the remote protocol anywhere (implemented in Linux with software on a
>>>> Beagleboard acting as the backend to a GTK+ frontend emulating the user
>>>> interface on another machine in the network).
>>>>
>>>> Does anyone know if this documentation exists, and if not, when it will
>>>>
>>> be
>>>
>>>> released? Apologies if there is an early beta/draft version of the
>>>>
>>> protocol
>>>
>>>> documentation somewhere and I've missed it. If it's not out there, can
>>>> someone in the know provide me with a copy?
>>>>
>>>> 73, Thomas M0TRN
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.**htm<http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email].**net <[hidden email]>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>>

Bob Cunnings NW8L

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

In reply to this post by Thomas Horsten

>From the changes notes for K3 firmware MCU 4.47 / DSP 2.73, 12-2-2011:

REMOTE-RIG SUPPORT:

"One K3 can now directly control another, with one acting as nothing
but a front panel. This "remote rig" mode provides a nearly perfect
emulation of the remote K3's display and controls. (Previously, front
panel emulation was limited by the K3's legacy command set.) The
simplest way to use this is to connect the two K3s together using a
"null modem" cable at the RS232 ports. However, by using a computer or
a third-party hardware as an intermediary, it's possible to control a
K3 over the internet or even a wiFi connection."

"Previously, front panel emulation was limited by the K3's legacy
command set." hints at something new to make remote control more
efficient. Wayne described it in this message posted on 21 Sep 2011:

http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@.../msg123387.html

"Virtually the entire K3 user interface is supported by the new remote-
control protocol. It really feels like you're using the remote K3
itself, including a 100% accurate emulation of the remote K3's LCD
(flashing icons, etc.)."

Bob NW8L

>So the new "REMOTE" mode of the K3 uses the normal K3 commands from the
>Programmer's Reference to talk to the remote K3? I was sure I'd seen
>somewhere that a better protocol had been devised for this.
>
>Can anyone with such a setup verify if that's the case, possibly by
>snooping on the link?
>
>This is not directly related to RemoteRig, as far as I understand it will
>work by hooking up any 2 K3's with, for example, a null-modem cable or two
>serial ports on a PC "virtually" connected together.
>
>73, Thomas

Thomas Horsten

Re: [K3] Remote control protocol documentation

Bob,

That seems to confirm what I thought. Does anyone have any information on
this protocol? It would be great to get some specs even if they are
preliminary and/or incomplete - sure beats reverse engineering the thing,
especially since I only have one K3 :)

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 30 January 2012 15:52, Bob Cunnings <[hidden email]> wrote:

> >From the changes notes for K3 firmware MCU 4.47 / DSP 2.73, 12-2-2011:
>
> REMOTE-RIG SUPPORT:
>
> "One K3 can now directly control another, with one acting as nothing
> but a front panel. This "remote rig" mode provides a nearly perfect
> emulation of the remote K3's display and controls. (Previously, front
> panel emulation was limited by the K3's legacy command set.) The
> simplest way to use this is to connect the two K3s together using a
> "null modem" cable at the RS232 ports. However, by using a computer or
> a third-party hardware as an intermediary, it's possible to control a
> K3 over the internet or even a wiFi connection."
>
> "Previously, front panel emulation was limited by the K3's legacy
> command set." hints at something new to make remote control more
> efficient. Wayne described it in this message posted on 21 Sep 2011:
>
> http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@.../msg123387.html
>
> "Virtually the entire K3 user interface is supported by the new remote-
> control protocol. It really feels like you're using the remote K3
> itself, including a 100% accurate emulation of the remote K3's LCD
> (flashing icons, etc.)."
>
> Bob NW8L
>
> >So the new "REMOTE" mode of the K3 uses the normal K3 commands from the
> >Programmer's Reference to talk to the remote K3? I was sure I'd seen
> >somewhere that a better protocol had been devised for this.
> >
> >Can anyone with such a setup verify if that's the case, possibly by
> >snooping on the link?
> >
> >This is not directly related to RemoteRig, as far as I understand it will
> >work by hooking up any 2 K3's with, for example, a null-modem cable or two
> >serial ports on a PC "virtually" connected together.
> >
> >73, Thomas
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>