connecting K3 and P3 to a computer

[Jim Danehy]

I am very ignorant of computer operations. I thought before I attempt to
hook up my K3 / P3 / KPA500 to my computer I would ask first.

I used to use a DOS based logging program (CT) and a parallel port to key my
rigs. So I have a very basic understanding of what needs to be done.

I recently was exposed to N1MM at a friends station during a multi -
operator (me and others) operation. I was very impressed with how N1MM gives
you a lot of windows and options. The Band Plan or whatever it is called
from Telnet is fantastic.

I downloaded N1MM on my XYL's laptop to play around without having N1MM
connected to the rig. Limited to what I can do with no COM part open but
getting acquainted.

I see that the RS 232 connection from my P3 to the K3 is in place. I love
the P3 and K3 duo. Now I see that there are two RS 232 connectors on the P3.
Do I just run a connector from the P3 to the PC and keep the connection in
place for the K3 / P3 ? Then I can see if I can get a COM port assigned and
work on getting myself on N1MM. Before I did t his "daisy chain" I thought I
should ask. I guess the Baud rate will be the highest 34800 or whatever it
is.

I do have a Micro Ham (keyer only) which I can use with the new setup. I
understand that Windows based programs cause keying glitches.

I am ignorant but not stupid. If you want to email me off line that is fine
too. I take all assistance with great thankfulness.

Have a good Labor Day weekend.

73  Jim W9VNE
      Cincinnati, OH
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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> I see that the RS 232 connection from my P3 to the K3 is in place. I
> love the P3 and K3 duo. Now I see that there are two RS 232
> connectors on the P3. Do I just run a connector from the P3 to the PC
> and keep the connection in place for the K3 / P3 ?

Yes.

> I guess the Baud rate will be the highest 34800 or whatever it is.

Yes, 38,400 works best.

> I do have a Micro Ham (keyer only) which I can use with the new
> setup. I understand that Windows based programs cause keying
> glitches.

Connect the CAT cable from microHAM CW Keyer to the P3 and use the
CAT port in microHAM Router as the Radio port in N1MM Logger.  See
the example configuration for N1MM Logger and microHAM CW Keyer
document file available via "Help | Download Documents" in microHAM
Router or on-line at www.microHAM-USA.com/support.html.

73,

    ... Joe Subich, W4TV
        microHAM America, LLC.
        http://www.microHAM-USA.com
        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM


On 9/3/2011 8:48 AM, jim danehy wrote:

> I am very ignorant of computer operations. I thought before I attempt to
> hook up my K3 / P3 / KPA500 to my computer I would ask first.
>
> I used to use a DOS based logging program (CT) and a parallel port to key my
> rigs. So I have a very basic understanding of what needs to be done.
>
> I recently was exposed to N1MM at a friends station during a multi -
> operator (me and others) operation. I was very impressed with how N1MM gives
> you a lot of windows and options. The Band Plan or whatever it is called
> from Telnet is fantastic.
>
> I downloaded N1MM on my XYL's laptop to play around without having N1MM
> connected to the rig. Limited to what I can do with no COM part open but
> getting acquainted.
>
> I see that the RS 232 connection from my P3 to the K3 is in place. I love
> the P3 and K3 duo. Now I see that there are two RS 232 connectors on the P3.
> Do I just run a connector from the P3 to the PC and keep the connection in
> place for the K3 / P3 ? Then I can see if I can get a COM port assigned and
> work on getting myself on N1MM. Before I did t his "daisy chain" I thought I
> should ask. I guess the Baud rate will be the highest 34800 or whatever it
> is.
>
> I do have a Micro Ham (keyer only) which I can use with the new setup. I
> understand that Windows based programs cause keying glitches.
>
> I am ignorant but not stupid. If you want to email me off line that is fine
> too. I take all assistance with great thankfulness.
>
> Have a good Labor Day weekend.
>
> 73  Jim W9VNE
>        Cincinnati, OH
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Dick Dievendorff]

You're on the right track, Jim.  Yes, you run an RS-232 cable from a PC
serial port to the back panel of your P3.  The "daisy chain" is described on
page 13 of your P3 owner's manual, the latest version is on the Elecraft web
site.

With this connection, you'll also be able to install the latest P3 and K3
firmware with the K3 and P3 Utility programs, which are available (for free)
on the Elecraft web site.

Sometimes direct keying (from a serial or parallel port) can cause keying
glitches caused by task switching in multitasking operating systems like
Windows.  I also use a K1EL keyer for this reason.

But others are able to use N1MM just fine with serial port keying. You have
to be careful about what else you run on the computer while sending CW if
you use direct CW keying. For example you wouldn't want to run Windows
Update or defragment a disk while sending CW.  If the computer is busy
trying to keep a lot of programs running and give them all slices of time to
execute, the timing of Morse elements can suffer.

73 de Dick, K6KR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of jim danehy
Sent: Saturday, September 03, 2011 5:49 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] connecting K3 and P3 to a computer

I am very ignorant of computer operations. I thought before I attempt to
hook up my K3 / P3 / KPA500 to my computer I would ask first.

I used to use a DOS based logging program (CT) and a parallel port to key my
rigs. So I have a very basic understanding of what needs to be done.

I recently was exposed to N1MM at a friends station during a multi -
operator (me and others) operation. I was very impressed with how N1MM gives
you a lot of windows and options. The Band Plan or whatever it is called
from Telnet is fantastic.

I downloaded N1MM on my XYL's laptop to play around without having N1MM
connected to the rig. Limited to what I can do with no COM part open but
getting acquainted.

I see that the RS 232 connection from my P3 to the K3 is in place. I love
the P3 and K3 duo. Now I see that there are two RS 232 connectors on the P3.
Do I just run a connector from the P3 to the PC and keep the connection in
place for the K3 / P3 ? Then I can see if I can get a COM port assigned and
work on getting myself on N1MM. Before I did t his "daisy chain" I thought I
should ask. I guess the Baud rate will be the highest 34800 or whatever it
is.

I do have a Micro Ham (keyer only) which I can use with the new setup. I
understand that Windows based programs cause keying glitches.

I am ignorant but not stupid. If you want to email me off line that is fine
too. I take all assistance with great thankfulness.

Have a good Labor Day weekend.

73  Jim W9VNE
      Cincinnati, OH
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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[Jim Brown-10]

On 9/3/2011 5:48 AM, jim danehy wrote:
> I thought before I attempt to
> hook up my K3 / P3 / KPA500 to my computer I would ask first.

There are two tutorials on my website that can help with some of your
questions. The Power Point slides are

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf

  and much of the same stuff in words is in the later chapters (and one
of the Appendixes) of

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf

You should also download and study the documentation of N1MM, especially
the quick start stuff.

The RS232 connection runs from the computer to the P3 and then jumps
from the P3 to the K3.  One of those cables comes with the P3.

73, Jim Brown K9YC
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