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USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

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Ken Miller K6CTW

USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

All,

With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as non-functional?

Thanks in advance for any/all help/comments/etc.

Ken Miller, K6CTW K-2 # 455

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Michael Walker

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Serial-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB2321F/dp/B004ZMYTYC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477016&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+startech

Hi has port retention which is very handy.

Mike va3mw

On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> All,
>
> With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs
> old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those
> nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an
> adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have
> been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as
> non-functional?
>
> Thanks in advance for any/all help/comments/etc.
>
> Ken Miller, K6CTW K-2 # 455
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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James Austin

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

Elecraft sells a USB-RS232 cable for the K2. If you shop elsewhere, I would
look for an adapter that has the FTDI chip versus a Prolific chip. The FTDI
chips have always worked better for me.

Jim KA2RVO

On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
wrote:

AC6SL

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Michael Walker

>> ... adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have
>> been found to work....

This 4-port GearMo unit has been working well. The LED activity
indicators have been useful.

http://www.amazon.com/GearMo%C2%AE-36inch-Windows-Certified-Drivers/dp/B004ETDC8K/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477177&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+4+port

-John AC6SL
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Frank Krozel

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Michael Walker

Michael, all.

I had the same dilemma and I had to pick up a used refurb laptop with Win 7 on it. I also purchased a refurb Dell Win 7 for remote control, for my “remote” station, both replacing my older XP solutions.
They still are available but will be gone soon. Both have a 9 pin on it as well as multiple USB on them.

I use a 590 and HRD for my remote system. Want to use my K2 but… the 590 has the “on-off” command in it, and know I need to buy some more hardware to do the ON/OFF control.

Frank KG9H

On Jan 5, 2015, at 10:57 AM, Michael Walker <[hidden email]> wrote:

> http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Serial-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB2321F/dp/B004ZMYTYC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477016&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+startech
>
> Hi has port retention which is very handy.
>
> Mike va3mw
>
> On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs
>> old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those
>> nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an
>> adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have
>> been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as
>> non-functional?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any/all help/comments/etc.
>>
>> Ken Miller, K6CTW K-2 # 455
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

I use this one: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3502723&csid=_61 <http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3502723&csid=_61>

I use this model on two iMac machines and one Windows 7 (Dell XPS 8700). It is a Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial model FT1K. This one has a short 1’ cable.

If you need a 6’ cable this one is for you:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=690719&csid=_61 <http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=690719&csid=_61>

There is a long story about chip sets and counterfeits that are disabled …long, long story. But I know these work so you can skip the long story.

73,
Bill-AK5X

> On Jan 5, 2015, at 11:26 AM, Frank Krozel <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Michael, all.
>
> I had the same dilemma and I had to pick up a used refurb laptop with Win 7 on it. I also purchased a refurb Dell Win 7 for remote control, for my “remote” station, both replacing my older XP solutions.
> They still are available but will be gone soon. Both have a 9 pin on it as well as multiple USB on them.
>
> I use a 590 and HRD for my remote system. Want to use my K2 but… the 590 has the “on-off” command in it, and know I need to buy some more hardware to do the ON/OFF control.
>
> Frank KG9H
>
>
>
> On Jan 5, 2015, at 10:57 AM, Michael Walker <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
>> http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Serial-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB2321F/dp/B004ZMYTYC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477016&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+startech <http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Serial-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB2321F/dp/B004ZMYTYC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477016&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+startech>
>>
>> Hi has port retention which is very handy.
>>
>> Mike va3mw
>>
>> On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> All,
>>>
>>> With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs
>>> old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those
>>> nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an
>>> adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have
>>> been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as
>>> non-functional?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance for any/all help/comments/etc.
>>>
>>> Ken Miller, K6CTW K-2 # 455
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net <http://www.qsl.net/>
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html <http://www.qsl.net/donate.html>
> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

Ken,

The K2 may not be the only need for RS-232 serial ports in the
hamshack. For that reason, I suggest you look at a multiport USB to
serial converter. I can recommend the Edgeport - it comes in 4 and 8
port varieties - I have a 4 port. I have successfully run HRD (which
polls rapidly) with the K2.
Many USB to serial adapters do not work well at slower baud rates.
Sidenote - there is a subtle difference between those devices called
converters vs. adapters.
Usually those termed converters were designed for commercial
applications and often must handle 1200 baud to 38,400 baud.
You can find Edgeport adapters used on Ebay and other sources - they are
quite pricy if they are new.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/5/2015 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW wrote:
> All,
>
> With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as non-functional?
>
>

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Ken Miller K6CTW

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

As Always - THANKS All!

As usual, the Elecraft employees an members on the email reflector have been a super resource! Thanks to you all!

73 - Ken Miller, K6CTW

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Michael Walker

Re: USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2

In reply to this post by Ken Miller K6CTW

I've used it on 8.1. If you check FTDI's web site, you will that drivers
are available.

Commercially, we have stopped using anything under $25 as they can be
problematic at best. And, it is a PITA when you move it from 1 usb port to
another and the com port number changes. It doesn't happen with these ones.

Mike va3mw

On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 7:38 PM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
wrote:

> Mike - Great idea, and it would be nice, but that device isn'y certified
> for Win 8.1 which is the underlying OS on the new laptop. Found one on the
> usbgear.com website that should work OK and is only ~$17!
>
> Have a great week! 73 - ken
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael Walker
> Sent: Jan 5, 2015 8:57 AM
> To: Ken Miller K6CTW , "[hidden email]"
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] USB to RS-232 Interfaces for my K-2
>
>
> http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Serial-Adapter-Retention-ICUSB2321F/dp/B004ZMYTYC/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1420477016&sr=8-7&keywords=rs232+startech
>
> Hi has port retention which is very handy.
>
> Mike va3mw
>
> On Mon, Jan 5, 2015 at 11:52 AM, Ken Miller K6CTW <[hidden email]>
> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>> With the purchase of a new computer (a laptop) after my old one (8 yrs
>> old) finally gave up the ghost, I am confronted with a new issue. Those
>> nice RS-232 ports are no longer available. Since that means using an
>> adaptor to convert from USB to RS-232 to control the K-2, what brands have
>> been found to work and more specifically, which should be rejected as
>> non-functional?
>>
>> Thanks in advance for any/all help/comments/etc.
>>
>> Ken Miller, K6CTW K-2 # 455
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>>
>
>