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Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

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Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

More and more I'm considering remoting my KPA500 out of the shack,mostly becuse of the heat and secondly because of the fan noise.
In doing so it would proably make sense to move the KAT500 along with it.
Then it would be a matter of routing one coax from the K3 to th amp, and a USB cable with a hub for the two usb to serial adapters for the amp and tuner to plug into.
I already use the control programs to oprrate the amp andtjner and rarely touch them.

I figured I'd ask first, since I'm pretty sure others have done this and could let me know if there is anything I should watch out for.

Thank you

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k6mrmagnet

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

One thing to watch is the length of the USB cable. Over about 15 feet or so (I believe the spec is 5 meters) you’ll need an active repeater cable or some alternate connection method. I use an Ethernet to serial port server with a fiber link between the desk and the closet. Two KPAs and two KATs.

Ken K6MR

From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft<mailto:[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 8:02 PM
To: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

More and more I'm considering remoting my KPA500 out of the shack,mostly becuse of the heat and secondly because of the fan noise.
In doing so it would proably make sense to move the KAT500 along with it.
Then it would be a matter of routing one coax from the K3 to th amp, and a USB cable with a hub for the two usb to serial adapters for the amp and tuner to plug into.
I already use the control programs to oprrate the amp andtjner and rarely touch them.

I figured I'd ask first, since I'm pretty sure others have done this and could let me know if there is anything I should watch out for.

Thank you

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Michael Walker

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

Hi Harry

You have 2 ways to do this and extending USB is not the best choice if it
would work at all.

Depending on how far the run is, it might be able to do it via RS232 (from
your USB connector) direct into back of devices. While the spec for RS232
is about 20ft or less, I currently run RS232 over 120' at 9600 baud. That
is fast enough for these devices. You don't need to go to 38,400 baud as
that will limit your cable length.

This is what I do on my remote base for my Steppir and Rotator control and
the tower is 120ft away from the computers. I don't use any tuners, as
that is one less thing to worry about. None of my equipment is heated and
I have seen it work down to -30C without issue.

Your other option is to run a LAN cable and use RS232 over IP adapters such
as
https://www.amazon.com/USR-TCP232-306-Serial-Ethernet-Converter-RS232/dp/B01MXWACF3/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1493985728&sr=8-8&keywords=rs232+lan.
The guys are RS485.com have some cool stuff as well. www.rs485.com

You run some software in your computer that will run the Elecraft
software. From Elecrafts perspective, it looks like a normal serial port.
On the other end the KPA500 plugs into the device above.

One last option is to use RS422 boxes that extend RS232 for miles.

Don't forget, you will need good AC power installed. If you can, I would
recommend using 220V and not 115V as that will limit your voltage drop.

I hope that helps

Mike va3mw

On Fri, May 5, 2017 at 1:47 AM, Ken K6MR <[hidden email]> wrote:

> One thing to watch is the length of the USB cable. Over about 15 feet or
> so (I believe the spec is 5 meters) you’ll need an active repeater cable or
> some alternate connection method. I use an Ethernet to serial port server
> with a fiber link between the desk and the closet. Two KPAs and two KATs.
>
> Ken K6MR
>
> From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft<mailto:[hidden email]>
> Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 8:02 PM
> To: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?
>
> More and more I'm considering remoting my KPA500 out of the shack,mostly
> becuse of the heat and secondly because of the fan noise.
> In doing so it would proably make sense to move the KAT500 along with it.
> Then it would be a matter of routing one coax from the K3 to th amp, and
> a USB cable with a hub for the two usb to serial adapters for the amp and
> tuner to plug into.
> I already use the control programs to oprrate the amp andtjner and rarely
> touch them.
>
> I figured I'd ask first, since I'm pretty sure others have done this and
> could let me know if there is anything I should watch out for.
>
> Thank you
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

In reply to this post by k6mrmagnet

Thank you
The USB cable will be under 15 feet as I'm basically planning to put it into a finished storeroom in my basement

From: Ken K6MR <[hidden email]>
To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>; "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 1:47 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

#yiv5655345728 #yiv5655345728 -- _filtered #yiv5655345728 {panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv5655345728 {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}#yiv5655345728 #yiv5655345728 p.yiv5655345728MsoNormal, #yiv5655345728 li.yiv5655345728MsoNormal, #yiv5655345728 div.yiv5655345728MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;}#yiv5655345728 a:link, #yiv5655345728 span.yiv5655345728MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv5655345728 a:visited, #yiv5655345728 span.yiv5655345728MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:#954F72;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv5655345728 .yiv5655345728MsoChpDefault {} _filtered #yiv5655345728 {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv5655345728 div.yiv5655345728WordSection1 {}#yiv5655345728 One thing to watch is the length of the USB cable. Over about 15 feet or so (I believe the spec is 5 meters) you’ll need an active repeater cable or some alternate connection method. I use an Ethernet to serial port server with a fiber link between the desk and the closet. Two KPAs and two KATs. Ken K6MR From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft
Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2017 8:02 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500? More and more I'm considering remoting my KPA500 out of the shack,mostly becuse of the heat and secondly because of the fan noise.
In doing so it would proably make sense to move the KAT500 along with it.
Then it would be a matter of routing one coax from the K3 to th amp, and a USB cable with a hub for the two usb to serial adapters for the amp and tuner to plug into.
I already use the control programs to oprrate the amp andtjner and rarely touch them.

I figured I'd ask first, since I'm pretty sure others have done this and could let me know if there is anything I should watch out for.

Thank you

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]

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

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

In reply to this post by Michael Walker

Thank you
The USB cable will be under 15 feet as the room I'm moving it to a finished storeroom inmy basement is directly below me. I could run serial but the USB makes for a easier install.
One advantage of the move will be easy access to run a new 220 to that room
The one thing I forgot about is the 15 pin aux cable but at that length it will probably be OK.

From: Michael Walker <[hidden email]>
To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

Hi Harry
You have 2 ways to do this and extending USB is not the best choice if it would work at all.
Depending on how far the run is, it might be able to do it via RS232 (from your USB connector) direct into back of devices. While the spec for RS232 is about 20ft or less, I currently run RS232 over 120' at 9600 baud. That is fast enough for these devices. You don't need to go to 38,400 baud as that will limit your cable length.
This is what I do on my remote base for my Steppir and Rotator control and the tower is 120ft away from the computers. I don't use any tuners, as that is one less thing to worry about. None of my equipment is heated and I have seen it work down to -30C without issue.
Your other option is to run a LAN cable and use RS232 over IP adapters such as https://www.amazon.com/USR-TCP232-306-Serial-Ethernet-Converter-RS232/dp/B01MXWACF3/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1493985728&sr=8-8&keywords=rs232+lan. The guys are RS485.com have some cool stuff as well. www.rs485.com
You run some software in your computer that will run the Elecraft software. From Elecrafts perspective, it looks like a normal serial port. On the other end the KPA500 plugs into the device above.
One last option is to use RS422 boxes that extend RS232 for miles.
Don't forget, you will need good AC power installed. If you can, I would recommend using 220V and not 115V as that will limit your voltage drop.
I hope that helps
Mike va3mw

______________________________________________________________
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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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Michael Walker

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

That will make it easy.

You can either use a USB cable or an RS232 cable. Both will work fine.

73, Mike va3mw

On Fri, May 5, 2017 at 12:33 PM, Harry Yingst <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thank you
>
> The USB cable will be under 15 feet as the room I'm moving it to a finished
> storeroom in
> my basement is directly below me. I could run serial but the USB makes for
> a easier install.
>
> One advantage of the move will be easy access to run a new 220 to that room
>
> The one thing I forgot about is the 15 pin aux cable but at that length it
> will probably be OK.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Michael Walker <[hidden email]>
> *To:* Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
> *Cc:* "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
> *Sent:* Friday, May 5, 2017 8:06 AM
> *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?
>
> Hi Harry
>
> You have 2 ways to do this and extending USB is not the best choice if it
> would work at all.
>
> Depending on how far the run is, it might be able to do it via RS232 (from
> your USB connector) direct into back of devices. While the spec for RS232
> is about 20ft or less, I currently run RS232 over 120' at 9600 baud. That
> is fast enough for these devices. You don't need to go to 38,400 baud as
> that will limit your cable length.
>
> This is what I do on my remote base for my Steppir and Rotator control and
> the tower is 120ft away from the computers. I don't use any tuners, as
> that is one less thing to worry about. None of my equipment is heated and
> I have seen it work down to -30C without issue.
>
> Your other option is to run a LAN cable and use RS232 over IP adapters
> such as https://www.amazon.com/USR-TCP232-306-Serial-Ethernet-
> Converter-RS232/dp/B01MXWACF3/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=
> 1493985728&sr=8-8&keywords=rs232+lan. The guys are RS485.com have some
> cool stuff as well. www.rs485.com
>
> You run some software in your computer that will run the Elecraft
> software. From Elecrafts perspective, it looks like a normal serial port.
> On the other end the KPA500 plugs into the device above.
>
> One last option is to use RS422 boxes that extend RS232 for miles.
>
> Don't forget, you will need good AC power installed. If you can, I would
> recommend using 220V and not 115V as that will limit your voltage drop.
>
> I hope that helps
>
> Mike va3mw
>
>
>
>
>
>

k6mrmagnet

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

My “Aux” cable is about 25 feet long. It’s just a CAT5 cable wired appropriately. Works fine.

Ken K6MR

From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft<mailto:[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 9:38 AM
To: Michael Walker<mailto:[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

Thank you
The USB cable will be under 15 feet as the room I'm moving it to a finished storeroom inmy basement is directly below me. I could run serial but the USB makes for a easier install.
One advantage of the move will be easy access to run a new 220 to that room
The one thing I forgot about is the 15 pin aux cable but at that length it will probably be OK.

From: Michael Walker <[hidden email]>
To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 8:06 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

Hi Harry
You have 2 ways to do this and extending USB is not the best choice if it would work at all.
Depending on how far the run is, it might be able to do it via RS232 (from your USB connector) direct into back of devices. While the spec for RS232 is about 20ft or less, I currently run RS232 over 120' at 9600 baud. That is fast enough for these devices. You don't need to go to 38,400 baud as that will limit your cable length.
This is what I do on my remote base for my Steppir and Rotator control and the tower is 120ft away from the computers. I don't use any tuners, as that is one less thing to worry about. None of my equipment is heated and I have seen it work down to -30C without issue.
Your other option is to run a LAN cable and use RS232 over IP adapters such as https://www.amazon.com/USR-TCP232-306-Serial-Ethernet-Converter-RS232/dp/B01MXWACF3/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1493985728&sr=8-8&keywords=rs232+lan. The guys are RS485.com have some cool stuff as well. www.rs485.com<http://www.rs485.com>
You run some software in your computer that will run the Elecraft software. From Elecrafts perspective, it looks like a normal serial port. On the other end the KPA500 plugs into the device above.
One last option is to use RS422 boxes that extend RS232 for miles.
Don't forget, you will need good AC power installed. If you can, I would recommend using 220V and not 115V as that will limit your voltage drop.
I hope that helps
Mike va3mw

______________________________________________________________
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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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

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

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

thank you

From: Ken K6MR <[hidden email]>
To: Harry Yingst <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 3:36 PM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500?

#yiv7475533399 #yiv7475533399 -- _filtered #yiv7475533399 {panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;} _filtered #yiv7475533399 {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}#yiv7475533399 #yiv7475533399 p.yiv7475533399MsoNormal, #yiv7475533399 li.yiv7475533399MsoNormal, #yiv7475533399 div.yiv7475533399MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;}#yiv7475533399 a:link, #yiv7475533399 span.yiv7475533399MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv7475533399 a:visited, #yiv7475533399 span.yiv7475533399MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:#954F72;text-decoration:underline;}#yiv7475533399 .yiv7475533399MsoChpDefault {} _filtered #yiv7475533399 {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}#yiv7475533399 div.yiv7475533399WordSection1 {}#yiv7475533399 My “Aux” cable is about 25 feet long. It’s just a CAT5 cable wired appropriately. Works fine. Ken K6MR From: Harry Yingst via Elecraft
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2017 9:38 AM
To: Michael Walker
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Remoting the KPA500 & KAT500? Thank you
The USB cable will be under 15 feet as the room I'm moving it to a finished storeroom inmy basement is directly below me. I could run serial but the USB makes for a easier install.
One advantage of the move will be easy access to run a new 220 to that room
The one thing I forgot about is the 15 pin aux cable but at that length it will probably be OK.

______________________________________________________________
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
Message delivered to [hidden email]