Can COM2 be used for local CAT with K3/0 mini Twin?

[W1AN]

When using the K3/0 Mini, COM2 is empty at the local RRC. Is there a configuration option that lets you use COM2 for local CAT?
73, John W1AN

[dj0qn]

John,

No need for any extra configuration, it should work just fine as is. If you prefer to use a USB cable,
change COM2 to use that instead in the serial settings.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[W1AN]

Thanks, I'll give it a go!
OK, a followup. With the K3/0 mini, the TTL connection is used on the control RRC and COM2 is used for radio RRC. I tried to test PC CAT control with a straight thru RS232 cable on COM2 on the control RRC. Is COM2 not available for PC to radio control in this configuration? I tried multiple serial port settings and a null modem cable as well with no luck. I would think pass thru of CAT data COM2 to COM2 might work with some combination of settings.
73, John W1AN

[dj0qn]

I realize now what I forgot to mention before: change COM1 on both ends to mode-7 and use COM1 instead of
COM2 for CAT. Either use the null-modem cable or USB. There should be no difference in settings this way between
using a K3, K3/0 or K3/0 mini as a control device, only that the K3/0 mini offers an extra method for control using a
USB port.

I meant COM1 in my last posting, not COM2, sorry. COM2 is used to tie the two sides together, don't set that port to USB.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[W1AN]

OK, I see COM2 on RRC control side is parallel with TTL control side. That is why there is no change in configuration between K3/0 and K3/0 mini. COM2 is likely dedicated for I/O control (on/off) and handshake as well, most likely.

I tried a parallel Y connection for PC RS232 CAT at the radio end on COM2 and it works flawlessly there for hours,  so I thought there was a possibility to pass PC CAT data thru on COM2 at the control end.

73, John W1AN

[dj0qn]

Sometimes a Y-cable works, sometimes not. However, you can use COM1 over mode-7 at the radio
end as well, a Y-cable is unnecessary. Just keep into account that COM1 is "backwards" from COM2.

Sorry again about posting the wrong solution the last time, I guess I had a B.F.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[Kari SM0HRP]

Hi folks,
How did it go with TTL and local COM2? Curios since I plan to do the same. 73