K3 USB option

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K3 USB option

hf4me
Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it simply a faster method that I can add on later?  What other capabilities does it add?

73, de Jim KG0KP
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Re: K3 USB option

SM5GRD
Hi Jim.

The USB option is a converter that allows you to use an USB port in your computer to communicate with the serial port in the K3. Mainly used if your computer does not have a serial port, or if you need to add another one. You can also install firmware updates via an ordinary serial port.

73 de Kare SM5GRD

Jim Miller-14 wrote
Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it simply a faster method that I can add on later?  What other capabilities does it add?

73, de Jim KG0KP
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RE: K3 USB option

Dick Dievendorff
In reply to this post by hf4me
The KUSB is a USB to Serial Adapter that connects the K3 to your personal
computer, and should be used if your personal computer has no RS-232 serial
ports but has USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports.

The KUSB is not something built into the K3, it is an external cable with a
USB-to-Serial conversion function in a microcontroller built into the cable.


There is a picture of it in the K3 Utility Help.  You can install the K3
Utility before your K3 arrives.  Under K3 Utility Help, select "Getting
started" and "cable requirements".

If your PC has an RS-232 serial port, then the KUSB is not necessary.
Instead you'll need a straight-through 9-pin RS-232 cable.  

Firmware updates require that the PC be able to communicate with the K3,
either with a 9-pin RS-232 cable attached to your PC's RS-232 serial port,
or if your computer has no RS-232 port but has USB ports, you'll need a USB
to Serial Adapter like the KUSB for firmware updates (and any other computer
rig control you may desire).

The KUSB has the right "gender" of connectors (nuts instead of jack screws)
so that it will attach correctly to the back of the K3.  If you choose
another USB to Serial Adapter and it has jack screw connectors, you should
also acquire a 9-pin male-to-female "straight thru" RS-232 cable that has
screw connectors on each end.

Dick, K6KR


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Miller
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:30 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 USB option

Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it
simply a faster method that I can add on later?  What other capabilities
does it add?

73, de Jim KG0KP
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Re: K3 USB option

KK7P
In reply to this post by hf4me
> Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates?

The USB option is simply a USB to RS232 (serial port) converter.  You
don't need it if your computer has an RS232 serial port.  If your
computer has USB ports but no serial port, then a USB to serial port
converter is needed.

73,

Lyle KK7P

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Re: K3 USB option

hf4me
In reply to this post by Dick Dievendorff
Thanks for the information.  I guess I need to reread a good share of the
information, I'm getting old.  There is just sooo much (including trying to
keep up with the reflector which I don't think is even possible).  I have
read all the information available except not having finished the actual K3
Manuals itself.

Anxiously awaiting my Katiegram, early August?  Katie, you listening?

Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dick Dievendorff" <[hidden email]>
To: "'Jim Miller'" <[hidden email]>; "'Elecraft Reflector'"
<[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:54 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 USB option


> The KUSB is a USB to Serial Adapter that connects the K3 to your personal
> computer, and should be used if your personal computer has no RS-232
serial
> ports but has USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports.
>
> The KUSB is not something built into the K3, it is an external cable with
a
> USB-to-Serial conversion function in a microcontroller built into the
cable.

>
>
> There is a picture of it in the K3 Utility Help.  You can install the K3
> Utility before your K3 arrives.  Under K3 Utility Help, select "Getting
> started" and "cable requirements".
>
> If your PC has an RS-232 serial port, then the KUSB is not necessary.
> Instead you'll need a straight-through 9-pin RS-232 cable.
>
> Firmware updates require that the PC be able to communicate with the K3,
> either with a 9-pin RS-232 cable attached to your PC's RS-232 serial port,
> or if your computer has no RS-232 port but has USB ports, you'll need a
USB
> to Serial Adapter like the KUSB for firmware updates (and any other
computer
> rig control you may desire).
>
> The KUSB has the right "gender" of connectors (nuts instead of jack
screws)

> so that it will attach correctly to the back of the K3.  If you choose
> another USB to Serial Adapter and it has jack screw connectors, you should
> also acquire a 9-pin male-to-female "straight thru" RS-232 cable that has
> screw connectors on each end.
>
> Dick, K6KR
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Miller
> Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:30 AM
> To: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 USB option
>
> Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is
it

> simply a faster method that I can add on later?  What other capabilities
> does it add?
>
> 73, de Jim KG0KP
> _______________________________________________
> 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
>
>

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Re: K3 USB option

David Woolley (E.L)
In reply to this post by KK7P
Lyle Johnson wrote:

> don't need it if your computer has an RS232 serial port.  If your
> computer has USB ports but no serial port, then a USB to serial port
> converter is needed.

You missed a condition, namely that it is not possible to add a PCI or
ISA serial card.

For electronic hobbies, there are advantages in having a more directly
connected serial card, e.g.

- you will need it for accurate time synchronisation to a hardware clock;
- you will need it for certain sorts of, timing critical, simple
hardware interfaces, such as PIC programmers.


--
David Woolley
"The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to
Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio"
List Guidelines <http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm>
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