RE: K2 Front Panel Extension

[Solosko, Robert B (Bob)-2]

Hello All,

        Thanks everyone, there have been a lot of good suggestions. Some of them seem to move beyond a simple front panel extension into the realm of a remote front panel, which also has been explicitly mentioned. Perhaps there could be two different products here, a simple front panel extension and a separate remote front panel.

        Mike, WA1SEO, pointed to his web page where he has a photo of his version of a front panel extension. Mike, I'd be interested in hearing how well this works from a performance perspective, since that was a concern that was raised, e.g., slow K2 response to commands over the KIO2.

        It appears that Mike used rotary switches in his box. My preference is for push buttons with associated LEDs, but more important when designing something for manufacturing is to use the same parts that are already used in other products and minimize the number of new parts introduced (as a System Engineer in Product Development, manufacturing and resource utilization issues are always part of the new product thought process). Also, I didn't include any knobs/pots functions in my original list as I know how much more complex (i.e., expensive) that would make the front panel extension, and I didn't see any existing knob/pot functions that are not already easily accessible on the K2 front panel - that changes, of course, when we get away from a simple front panel extension into the realm of a remote front panel.

        73

Bob W1SRB
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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

One problem with just using the K2's CAT commands is that you can't get at
AF / RF gains, also tuning via CAT is a bit on the slow side. As I don't
have a K2 I can't look at what would be needed to enable access to AF/RF,
but this will surely be something being considered for the K3 :-)

In fact having a port on K3 which is similar to a laptop's docking port or
some other alternative would allow a third-party to develop an optional
front panel kit, freeing up the Elecraft design team from this chore.

Simon Brown
---
RSGB HF Convention October 2006: http://www.rsgb-hfc.org.uk/

----- Original Message -----
From: "Solosko, Robert B (Bob)" <[hidden email]>
To: "Elecraft Discussion List" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 3:42 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] RE: K2 Front Panel Extension


> Hello All,
>
> Thanks everyone, there have been a lot of good suggestions. Some of them
> seem to move beyond a simple front panel extension into the realm of a
> remote front panel, which also has been explicitly mentioned. Perhaps
> there could be two different products here, a simple front panel extension
> and a separate remote front panel.
>

[chop-o-matic]

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[Andrey Stoev]

Hey guys,



here are some thoughts about a front panel extension:



There is a special type PC out there called Mini-ITX ( also is known as
CarPC) - this type PC is extremely small in size, some models are powered
with 12V DC and in some solid state media (CF card) is used instead of a
hard drive.

There are models which are even fanless.

Here are few links:

http://www.mini-itx.com/

http://www.mini-box.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.101/.f

http://minipc.aopen.com/Global/





Perhaps an enclosure can be made, something like a "docking station" where
K2 will be installed along the side of such MiniPC. The actual front panel
of the K2 will be fully accessible and next to it a 7 or 8 inch Touch-screen
LCD will be showing the Ham Radio Deluxe interface. Griffin PowerMate will
take care of the VFO control for added convenience.

I think HRD + touch-screen LCD will make a nice virtual control panel with
all of the buttons needed, and the overall dimensions of such combo will not
exceed the standard rack-mountable form factor.



One can also use touch screen LCD with an existing PC - there are many
models of  7-8-10 inches touch screens for car installations which will do
nice job. ( http://www.avdeals.com/xenarclcdmain.htm )



Another way to do it is with the so-called Tablet PCs - there are many
models available even on ebay - some used ones are very inexpensive. That
way an all-in-one virtual control panel interface utilizing HRD can be used
with different rigs.



73s

KB1FZA

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