USB Support - K3, K2?

[Fred (FL)]

Whatever Elecraft's data comms interface is for
the K3 - I hope they are not relying on our using
some item like a "Tiger Direct" USB-to-Serial
cable converter.  I have one here on my
desk, that couldn't be made to work with
Kenwood's TH-F6A HT and Kenwood's freebee
software program.

Unfortunately, here in summer place - all I have
is a very modern WiFi Compaq high-end PC with lots
of USB ports and hubs - and NO RS-232C Serial
port at all.  My printer is USB. My mouse is USB.

I just don't understand why RS-232C and that
god awful plug, lives on?  I wrote Z-80 program
for TTY RS-232C data comms product for Exxon's
"QYX The Intelligent Typewriter" and "QTTY"
was a success for 1 year, before IBM came out
with their first DOS PC in 81.

As arcaic as RS-232C is, there are certain standards
that the  interface is supposed to obey, and that
the software applications are supposed to
comply with. Both drivers, and applications. Trying to
get this to work reliably over a USB-to-Serial cable
device bridge - may not be the most sure way
to do it.

In discussing it with Kenwood's Calif. Customer
Support center - they indicated that they had
found that some cable USB-to-Serial converters
actually used wrong wire connections on some
of the RS-232C plug pinouts.

I guess perhaps I'll just shy away - from using
any data comms on the K3, until someone smarter
in this stuff than I - can work it out.  Which
I'm sure in the end, they may do.  Alas .....
we lost a USB opportunity in ham radio.

Fred, N3CSY


       
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[wayne burdick]

Fred (FL) wrote:

>
> I just don't understand why RS-232C and that god awful plug, lives on?


Fred,

The K3 supports RS232 because a very large percentage of existing
transceiver-to-computer installations are still using it. There are
well-established hardware drivers, interfaces, and software
applications used for data modes, CW keying, contesting, logging, etc.
If we didn't provide such support, we'd be forcing many of our present
and future customers to completely re-tool.

In the near term, those who prefer to use USB can use our USB adapter
or someone else's -- the cost of these is very low. But because our I/O
module is easily upgradeable, we'll be able to offer in-box USB,
ethernet, or whatever interface makes sense in the future.

We believe this flexible approach best serves our customers.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


---

http://www.elecraft.com

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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

Don't be afraid to consider your laptop as being the culprit; either it
cannot supply enough power via the USB port *or* you do not have correct
drivers installed (unlikely). You didn't mention the version of Windows, I
assume it's XP.

In your post you mention having other USB devices connected, the USB chipset
cannot supply an unlimited current, some are very poor in this respect. I
hope Elecraft provide diagnostic info for users who have problems, I am
happy to write this as a draft. In Windows you can actually see the current
being used by the USB devices.

Based on considerable experience helping people with USB <=> serial port
converter problems it's almost always insufficient power from the USB port
*or* incorrect drivers, with the TigerTronics device you can safely assume
that it is not a driver issue.

Elecraft's approach is 100% correct - by supporting serial ports existing
software will support the K3 from the moment you receive it, his modular
design will then support whatever you want.

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred (FL)" <[hidden email]>


Whatever Elecraft's data comms interface is for
the K3 - I hope they are not relying on our using
some item like a "Tiger Direct" USB-to-Serial
cable converter.  I have one here on my
desk, that couldn't be made to work with
Kenwood's TH-F6A HT and Kenwood's freebee
software program.

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[Julian, G4ILO]

On 8/9/07, Simon Brown (HB9DRV) <[hidden email]> wrote:
> In Windows you can actually see the current
> being used by the USB devices.

You mean, Windows makes electrons visible? That Bill Gates *is* a genius! :)

No, seriously, how? I have never seen a screen that showed this.
--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Ham-Directory: www.ham-directory.com
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[Paul Gates, KD3JF]

While you are talking about USB ports.... I had an
accessory to my laptop that gave me several extra USB ports
and shortly after that I had to replace my hard drive! Do
you suppose there is any connection to this?

Paul Gates, KD3JF
--- "Simon Brown (HB9DRV)" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Don't be afraid to consider your laptop as being the
> culprit; either it
> cannot supply enough power via the USB port *or* you do
> not have correct
> drivers installed (unlikely). You didn't mention the
> version of Windows, I
> assume it's XP.
>
> In your post you mention having other USB devices
> connected, the USB chipset
> cannot supply an unlimited current, some are very poor in
> this respect. I
> hope Elecraft provide diagnostic info for users who have
> problems, I am
> happy to write this as a draft. In Windows you can
> actually see the current
> being used by the USB devices.
>
> Based on considerable experience helping people with USB
> <=> serial port
> converter problems it's almost always insufficient power
> from the USB port
> *or* incorrect drivers, with the TigerTronics device you
> can safely assume
> that it is not a driver issue.
>
> Elecraft's approach is 100% correct - by supporting
> serial ports existing
> software will support the K3 from the moment you receive
> it, his modular
> design will then support whatever you want.
>
> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Fred (FL)" <[hidden email]>
>
>
> Whatever Elecraft's data comms interface is for
> the K3 - I hope they are not relying on our using
> some item like a "Tiger Direct" USB-to-Serial
> cable converter.  I have one here on my
> desk, that couldn't be made to work with
> Kenwood's TH-F6A HT and Kenwood's freebee
> software program.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

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