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KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

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Brian F. Wruble-2

KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Hi all,

OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built the
special cable for use with my K3. Now am stumped again, so I am hoping
someone can "baby-talk" me through this.

I use a Navigator interface for digital modes. That occupies the ACC jack
of the K3. I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
port of the K3. The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3. There is no
place left to connect the KRC2ACC.

The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
with the K2, not the K3. So I am stuck again.

Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?

Thanks in advance,

Brian W3BW

*Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.

*70 is the new 40.*
*
Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
eFax 305.768.0278
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Brian,

The recommended K3 to KRC2 communication is to use the AUXBUS signalling
for band signalling. The AUXBUS signal is on pin 2 of the K3 ACC
connector with the return path at pin 5 (ground). You can get a "Y"
connector to bring the ACC signals out to both the Navigator and the
KRC2ACC. Make certain the "Y" cable has all pins connected and no pins
connected together - a VGA "Y" cable will NOT work.

Please not that the solution above will only provide band selection in
the KRC2ACC - other functions will not work.

One cannot use a "Y" connector on the RS-232 signals unless one device
only listens to the RS-232 data traffic. Both the P3 and the KRC2ACC
have drivers on the RS-232 connection and that will cause much chaos and
failure of communications for both the KRC2ACC and the P3.

In other words, I do not have a workable solution for you. Perhaps Jack
Brindle can make some suggestions, but from my knowledge of the RS-232
signalling, they will not work together.

My suggestion is to load the KRC2 firmware and forget about the ACC
option, then you can use the KRC2 for control of your antenna relays
with the connection to the K3 ACC connector (with the "Y" cable).

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/23/2013 4:44 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built the
> special cable for use with my K3. Now am stumped again, so I am hoping
> someone can "baby-talk" me through this.
>
> I use a Navigator interface for digital modes. That occupies the ACC jack
> of the K3. I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
> port of the K3. The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3. There is no
> place left to connect the KRC2ACC.
>
> The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
> with the K2, not the K3. So I am stuck again.
>
> Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Brian W3BW
>
>
>
>
> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>
> *70 is the new 40.*
> *
> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
> eFax 305.768.0278
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Brian F. Wruble-2

Re: KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Don, does the "Y" connector Elecraft sells work for this? I have on order
a KAT500 and a KPA500. I can't quite figure out what the KPAK3AUX does,
but will that address the problem?

Here is the long-term plan. I want to operate this station (in Maryland)
remotely from our home in Key West. I will get a K3/0 when the mini comes
out, and the RemoteRig gear. I will not need the P3 hooked up for that, so
maybe that frees up the needed pathway. But while I am in MD, I do need
the P3. I want the KRC2 only for antenna switching. However, the audible
feedback was the way I was going to be sure the antennas actually switched
--- by monitoring the station remotely (including the readout of the rotor)
using a webcam and mike. . If that is the only reason to keep a PC
running, I can give that up. Of course, I can probably give up the
Navigator (only when operating remotely) if I am getting audio in/out using
RemoteRig.

So my questions are:

Other than the audible cues, what do I give up by loading the KRC2 firmware
vice the KRCACC firmware? I really only must have antenna switching.

Will the Y cable from Elecraft work with a KRC2 (not ACC) and a P3 and a
Navigator?

What does the KPAK3AUX do for my eventual station (full remotely controlled
K-Line)? Does the Y cable that comes with that fit my needs?

Thanks so much for your help.

73 de Brian W3BW

*Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.

*70 is the new 40.*
*
Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
eFax 305.768.0278

On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Brian,
>
> The recommended K3 to KRC2 communication is to use the AUXBUS signalling
> for band signalling. The AUXBUS signal is on pin 2 of the K3 ACC connector
> with the return path at pin 5 (ground). You can get a "Y" connector to
> bring the ACC signals out to both the Navigator and the KRC2ACC. Make
> certain the "Y" cable has all pins connected and no pins connected together
> - a VGA "Y" cable will NOT work.
>
> Please not that the solution above will only provide band selection in the
> KRC2ACC - other functions will not work.
>
> One cannot use a "Y" connector on the RS-232 signals unless one device
> only listens to the RS-232 data traffic. Both the P3 and the KRC2ACC have
> drivers on the RS-232 connection and that will cause much chaos and failure
> of communications for both the KRC2ACC and the P3.
>
> In other words, I do not have a workable solution for you. Perhaps Jack
> Brindle can make some suggestions, but from my knowledge of the RS-232
> signalling, they will not work together.
>
> My suggestion is to load the KRC2 firmware and forget about the ACC
> option, then you can use the KRC2 for control of your antenna relays with
> the connection to the K3 ACC connector (with the "Y" cable).
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 6/23/2013 4:44 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built the
>> special cable for use with my K3. Now am stumped again, so I am hoping
>> someone can "baby-talk" me through this.
>>
>> I use a Navigator interface for digital modes. That occupies the ACC jack
>> of the K3. I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
>> port of the K3. The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3. There is no
>> place left to connect the KRC2ACC.
>>
>> The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
>> with the K2, not the K3. So I am stuck again.
>>
>> Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>>
>> Brian W3BW
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>>
>> *70 is the new 40.*
>> *
>> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
>> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
>> eFax 305.768.0278
>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>> 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
>>
>>
>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Brian,

Yes, the Y-cable supplied by Elecraft will work. The KPAK3AUX cable set
contains that Y-cable. They are also available from other sources with
all 15 pins wired straight through - the more commonly available VGA
Y-cables will NOT work.
I think the instructions for the KPAK3ACC reveal a lot of information
about that cable set. See
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740160%20KPAK3AUX%20Cable%20Set%20Instructions%20Rev1c.pdf

I have not used the Navigator, but from my perusal of the webpage, it
connects only to the ACC connector, but if it lives up to its
advertizing, it should co-exist with the KRC2 on the ACC connector
(using the Y-cable).

The P3 uses the RS-232 connection, and but not the ACC connector, so no
conflict there.
I can't answer for any potential conflicts between RemoteRig and the
Navigator.

Changing from KRC2ACC to KRC2 firmware will modify the behavior of the
buttons on the KRC2, and there will be no audible responses from the
KRC2. Whether that is suitable for your proposed operation is your
decision - each operators goals are different.

Note that the P3 and the K3 communication wants the RS-232 rate set to
38400 baud - the KRC2 limit is 19200 baud, so that may give some
difficulty in the K3 to P3 communications path. The controller IC in
the KRC2 is the limiting factor and significant re-design (different
controller) would be required to boost the rate to 38400.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/24/2013 7:45 AM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:

> Don, does the "Y" connector Elecraft sells work for this? I have on order
> a KAT500 and a KPA500. I can't quite figure out what the KPAK3AUX does,
> but will that address the problem?
>
> Here is the long-term plan. I want to operate this station (in Maryland)
> remotely from our home in Key West. I will get a K3/0 when the mini comes
> out, and the RemoteRig gear. I will not need the P3 hooked up for that, so
> maybe that frees up the needed pathway. But while I am in MD, I do need
> the P3. I want the KRC2 only for antenna switching. However, the audible
> feedback was the way I was going to be sure the antennas actually switched
> --- by monitoring the station remotely (including the readout of the rotor)
> using a webcam and mike. . If that is the only reason to keep a PC
> running, I can give that up. Of course, I can probably give up the
> Navigator (only when operating remotely) if I am getting audio in/out using
> RemoteRig.
>
> So my questions are:
>
> Other than the audible cues, what do I give up by loading the KRC2 firmware
> vice the KRCACC firmware? I really only must have antenna switching.
>
> Will the Y cable from Elecraft work with a KRC2 (not ACC) and a P3 and a
> Navigator?
>
> What does the KPAK3AUX do for my eventual station (full remotely controlled
> K-Line)? Does the Y cable that comes with that fit my needs?
>
> Thanks so much for your help.
>
> 73 de Brian W3BW
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>
> *70 is the new 40.*
> *
> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
> eFax 305.768.0278
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Brian,
>>
>> The recommended K3 to KRC2 communication is to use the AUXBUS signalling
>> for band signalling. The AUXBUS signal is on pin 2 of the K3 ACC connector
>> with the return path at pin 5 (ground). You can get a "Y" connector to
>> bring the ACC signals out to both the Navigator and the KRC2ACC. Make
>> certain the "Y" cable has all pins connected and no pins connected together
>> - a VGA "Y" cable will NOT work.
>>
>> Please not that the solution above will only provide band selection in the
>> KRC2ACC - other functions will not work.
>>
>> One cannot use a "Y" connector on the RS-232 signals unless one device
>> only listens to the RS-232 data traffic. Both the P3 and the KRC2ACC have
>> drivers on the RS-232 connection and that will cause much chaos and failure
>> of communications for both the KRC2ACC and the P3.
>>
>> In other words, I do not have a workable solution for you. Perhaps Jack
>> Brindle can make some suggestions, but from my knowledge of the RS-232
>> signalling, they will not work together.
>>
>> My suggestion is to load the KRC2 firmware and forget about the ACC
>> option, then you can use the KRC2 for control of your antenna relays with
>> the connection to the K3 ACC connector (with the "Y" cable).
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>
>> On 6/23/2013 4:44 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>
>>> OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built the
>>> special cable for use with my K3. Now am stumped again, so I am hoping
>>> someone can "baby-talk" me through this.
>>>
>>> I use a Navigator interface for digital modes. That occupies the ACC jack
>>> of the K3. I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
>>> port of the K3. The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3. There is no
>>> place left to connect the KRC2ACC.
>>>
>>> The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
>>> with the K2, not the K3. So I am stuck again.
>>>
>>> Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>> Brian W3BW
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>>>
>>> *70 is the new 40.*
>>> *
>>> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
>>> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
>>> eFax 305.768.0278
>>> ______________________________**______________________________**__
>>> 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
> 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
>

Brian F. Wruble-2

Re: KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

Thanks again for your excellent and comprehensive response.

Brian

*Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.

*70 is the new 40.*
*
Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
eFax 305.768.0278

On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 8:36 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Brian,
>
> Yes, the Y-cable supplied by Elecraft will work. The KPAK3AUX cable set
> contains that Y-cable. They are also available from other sources with all
> 15 pins wired straight through - the more commonly available VGA Y-cables
> will NOT work.
> I think the instructions for the KPAK3ACC reveal a lot of information
> about that cable set. See http://www.elecraft.com/**
> manual/E740160%20KPAK3AUX%**20Cable%20Set%20Instructions%**20Rev1c.pdf<http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740160%20KPAK3AUX%20Cable%20Set%20Instructions%20Rev1c.pdf>
>
> I have not used the Navigator, but from my perusal of the webpage, it
> connects only to the ACC connector, but if it lives up to its advertizing,
> it should co-exist with the KRC2 on the ACC connector (using the Y-cable).
>
> The P3 uses the RS-232 connection, and but not the ACC connector, so no
> conflict there.
> I can't answer for any potential conflicts between RemoteRig and the
> Navigator.
>
> Changing from KRC2ACC to KRC2 firmware will modify the behavior of the
> buttons on the KRC2, and there will be no audible responses from the KRC2.
> Whether that is suitable for your proposed operation is your decision -
> each operators goals are different.
>
> Note that the P3 and the K3 communication wants the RS-232 rate set to
> 38400 baud - the KRC2 limit is 19200 baud, so that may give some difficulty
> in the K3 to P3 communications path. The controller IC in the KRC2 is the
> limiting factor and significant re-design (different controller) would be
> required to boost the rate to 38400.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
>
>
> On 6/24/2013 7:45 AM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>
>> Don, does the "Y" connector Elecraft sells work for this? I have on order
>> a KAT500 and a KPA500. I can't quite figure out what the KPAK3AUX does,
>> but will that address the problem?
>>
>> Here is the long-term plan. I want to operate this station (in Maryland)
>> remotely from our home in Key West. I will get a K3/0 when the mini
>> comes
>> out, and the RemoteRig gear. I will not need the P3 hooked up for that,
>> so
>> maybe that frees up the needed pathway. But while I am in MD, I do need
>> the P3. I want the KRC2 only for antenna switching. However, the audible
>> feedback was the way I was going to be sure the antennas actually switched
>> --- by monitoring the station remotely (including the readout of the
>> rotor)
>> using a webcam and mike. . If that is the only reason to keep a PC
>> running, I can give that up. Of course, I can probably give up the
>> Navigator (only when operating remotely) if I am getting audio in/out
>> using
>> RemoteRig.
>>
>> So my questions are:
>>
>> Other than the audible cues, what do I give up by loading the KRC2
>> firmware
>> vice the KRCACC firmware? I really only must have antenna switching.
>>
>> Will the Y cable from Elecraft work with a KRC2 (not ACC) and a P3 and a
>> Navigator?
>>
>> What does the KPAK3AUX do for my eventual station (full remotely
>> controlled
>> K-Line)? Does the Y cable that comes with that fit my needs?
>>
>> Thanks so much for your help.
>>
>> 73 de Brian W3BW
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>>
>> *70 is the new 40.*
>> *
>> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
>> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
>> eFax 305.768.0278
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Mon, Jun 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Brian,
>>>
>>> The recommended K3 to KRC2 communication is to use the AUXBUS signalling
>>> for band signalling. The AUXBUS signal is on pin 2 of the K3 ACC
>>> connector
>>> with the return path at pin 5 (ground). You can get a "Y" connector to
>>> bring the ACC signals out to both the Navigator and the KRC2ACC. Make
>>> certain the "Y" cable has all pins connected and no pins connected
>>> together
>>> - a VGA "Y" cable will NOT work.
>>>
>>> Please not that the solution above will only provide band selection in
>>> the
>>> KRC2ACC - other functions will not work.
>>>
>>> One cannot use a "Y" connector on the RS-232 signals unless one device
>>> only listens to the RS-232 data traffic. Both the P3 and the KRC2ACC
>>> have
>>> drivers on the RS-232 connection and that will cause much chaos and
>>> failure
>>> of communications for both the KRC2ACC and the P3.
>>>
>>> In other words, I do not have a workable solution for you. Perhaps Jack
>>> Brindle can make some suggestions, but from my knowledge of the RS-232
>>> signalling, they will not work together.
>>>
>>> My suggestion is to load the KRC2 firmware and forget about the ACC
>>> option, then you can use the KRC2 for control of your antenna relays with
>>> the connection to the K3 ACC connector (with the "Y" cable).
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Don W3FPR
>>>
>>>
>>> On 6/23/2013 4:44 PM, Brian F. Wruble wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>>>
>>>> OK, I have built my KRC2ACC, and it passes all the tests. I have built
>>>> the
>>>> special cable for use with my K3. Now am stumped again, so I am hoping
>>>> someone can "baby-talk" me through this.
>>>>
>>>> I use a Navigator interface for digital modes. That occupies the ACC
>>>> jack
>>>> of the K3. I use a P3 Panadaptor, and that occupies the serial (RS232)
>>>> port of the K3. The Navigator uses the RS232 port of the P3. There is
>>>> no
>>>> place left to connect the KRC2ACC.
>>>>
>>>> The manual makes reference to "daisy-chaining", but always in connection
>>>> with the K2, not the K3. So I am stuck again.
>>>>
>>>> Where do I plug it in, and what jumpers do I set?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>>
>>>> Brian W3BW
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> *Brian F. Wruble, C.F.A.
>>>>
>>>> *70 is the new 40.*
>>>> *
>>>> Mail: 1107 Key Plaza, PMB 447 Key West, FL 33040-4077
>>>> Summers: P.O.Box 57, 7400 Augustine Herman Highway, Georgetown, MD 21930
>>>> eFax 305.768.0278
>>>> ______________________________****____________________________**__**__
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/****mailman/listinfo/elecraft<http://mailman.qth.net/**mailman/listinfo/elecraft>
>>>> <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>
>>>> <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
>>
>>
>

Bruce Beford-2

Re: KRC2ACC with K3 and Navigator an P3

In reply to this post by Brian F. Wruble-2

One option for dealing with the different baud rate speeds of the P3 vs. the
KRC2 is a baud rate converter, such as seen here:

http://serialgadget.com/

One could also roll one's own, with the appropriate skills.

Also, if you are going to monitor the remote system via webcam, proper
antenna switching could be indicated using LEDs driven by the outputs of the
KRC2, rather than the audio output of the KRC2ACC. The lights would stay on,
the CW readout is fleeting...

GL,
Bruce
N1RX

> Note that the P3 and the K3 communication wants the RS-232 rate set to
> 38400 baud - the KRC2 limit is 19200 baud, so that may give some
> difficulty in the K3 to P3 communications path. The controller IC in
> the KRC2 is the limiting factor and significant re-design (different
> controller) would be required to boost the rate to 38400.

______________________________________________________________
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