Passing Band Data from [KX3/KXPA100] to [KAT500/KPA500]

[Kevin McQuiggin (SFU)]

Hi All:

I have the setup as described in the subject line.  My KXPA100 is interfaced to my KX3 using the short Elecraft CAT5 cable.  I have recently added a KPA500/KAT500 combo.

I noted from the manuals that the [KX3/KXPA100] must really be treated as a generic external transceiver, and the two “blocks" [KX3/KXPA100] and [KAT500/KPA500] do not communicate digitally, but are interfaced using a simple PTT line.

This is fine, and what I expected when buying the combo.  

It would be nice, however, if it is possible, to allow the band and other data sent by the KX3 to the KXPA100 to be extended to the other block, the [KAT500/KPA500].

It is this aspect that I am currently investigating.  I have the connector pinout for both “blocks” and note that the [KX3/KXPA100] block utilizes serial transfer of data between them, where the second block [KAT500/KPA500] utilize essentially BCD for band data and an “AUXBUS” signal that I have not yet found out much about.

As an experienced hardware/firmware/software person I am thinking that it might be possible to extend communications between the two blocks (and all four devices) using an interface such as a microcontroller of some sort.  

My questions:
Are my assumptions regarding the lack of connectivity between the two blocks correct?  [I think so, based on interconnection details in the manuals]
Has somebody built such an interface already?
Is there information available on message passing and protocols between the K3 and [KAT500/KPA500]?  The K3 is used as the reference, as the KAT500/KPA500 are designed to tightly integrate with it.
Same protocol question for the KX3/KXPA100.

Essentially, what I would be looking to do is to use a microcontroller to emulate a K3 in order to talk coherently to the [KAT500/KPA500] block.  Then the other side of this interface would talk [KX3/KXPA100].

My apologies if this a RTFM question or documented somewhere, but if so, I could not find it!

73,

Kevin VE7ZD


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[ANDY DURBIN]

"where the second block [KAT500/KPA500] utilize essentially BCD for band data and an “AUXBUS” signal that I have not yet found out much about."

You can fully control the KAT500 and KPA500 using their serial interfaces without needing AUXBUS and without using the 4 discrete band interface.    I'm doing exactly that with my Kenwood TS-590/KAT500/KPA500 controller.

Start by reading KAT500 Serial Command Reference.pdf and KPA500 Programmers Ref.pdf.

I  have no knowledge of what data is available from the KX3/KXPA100 but if you need help with KAT500/KPA500 control I'll be happy to share what I know.

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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[Kevin McQuiggin (SFU)]

Hi Andy:

Thanks for the suggestion.  Using the computer would let me control the KAT500 and KPA500 for sure, but what I am looking for is seamless band tracking and antenna output tracking between the rig (in this case KX3 and KXPA100) and the [KAT500/KPA500] block.

If I can interface the [KX3/KXPA100] combo to the antenna/tuner, then there would be full, seamless integration as there is with the K3.  That’s the goal.

73,

Kevin VE7ZD

> On Aug 31, 2019, at 10:21 AM, Andy Durbin <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> "where the second block [KAT500/KPA500] utilize essentially BCD for band data and an “AUXBUS” signal that I have not yet found out much about."
>
> You can fully control the KAT500 and KPA500 using their serial interfaces without needing AUXBUS and without using the 4 discrete band interface.    I'm doing exactly that with my Kenwood TS-590/KAT500/KPA500 controller.
>
> Start by reading KAT500 Serial Command Reference.pdf and KPA500 Programmers Ref.pdf.
>
> I  have no knowledge of what data is available from the KX3/KXPA100 but if you need help with KAT500/KPA500 control I'll be happy to share what I know.
>
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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[ANDY DURBIN]

"If I can interface the [KX3/KXPA100] combo to the antenna/tuner, then there would be full, seamless integration as there is with the K3.  That’s the goal."

 I believe I have achieved a level of integration of KAT500/KPA500 with my TS-590S that exceeds the integration available with the K3.  My controller is hosted by an Arduino Mega 2560.  No PC involved.

Whether you could do what I have done depends on what data is available from the KX3.  The basic functionality of my controller relies on reception of Kenwood format IF, FA, and FB.  The controller uses these parameters to compute appropriate KPA500 ^BN; commands and appropriate KAT500 F; commands. That is all that is needed to set the KAT500 and KPA500 to the correct frequency.    Enhanced control features require a more extensive data set.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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[Don Wilhelm]

Kevin,

While that may be an interesting exercise, it only takes one dit for the
KPA/KAT500 to sense the frequency and react accordingly.
The only thing missing is the ability to track the VFO frequency during
receive.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/31/2019 7:33 PM, Kevin McQuiggin wrote:
> Hi Andy:
>
> Thanks for the suggestion.  Using the computer would let me control the KAT500 and KPA500 for sure, but what I am looking for is seamless band tracking and antenna output tracking between the rig (in this case KX3 and KXPA100) and the [KAT500/KPA500] block.
>
> If I can interface the [KX3/KXPA100] combo to the antenna/tuner, then there would be full, seamless integration as there is with the K3.  That’s the goal.
>
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