Author Topic: Elecraft KPA500  (Read 10683 times)

WA4LV

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Elecraft KPA500
« on: 2012-10-26, 02:28:02 »
I want to control a KPA500 amp using COM1 on the RRC. I have a standard serial cable from the KPA500 PC port to the Radio RRC COM1 and the a standard serial cable from RRC Radio COM1 to my PC COM15. I have tried several settings for COM1 in the Serial Settings of the web interface but have yet to get my PC to talk to the KPA500. Can anyone tell me what those settings should be?

Thanks,
Larin

sm2o

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Re: Elecraft KPA500
« Reply #1 on: 2012-10-26, 07:33:47 »
Hi

you can not just take any standard serial cable and connect from Radio-RRC com1 to KPA500. Check the the pinning in the manual. At least 2 and 3 need to be crossed.

The cable from PC to Control-RRC com1 can be a standard straight cable.-2-2,3-3,5-5 etc.

I have not tried with the KPA 500 so I have no further info, but certainly others have.

73 de mike

WA4LV

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Re: Elecraft KPA500
« Reply #2 on: 2012-10-26, 13:24:59 »
Are you referring to the rrc manual or kpa500 manual? I don't see where pins 2 and 3 need to be crossed.

dj0qn

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Re: Elecraft KPA500
« Reply #3 on: 2012-10-29, 18:07:22 »
Laric,

I am just now catching-up on mails, etc., due to a move to a new QTH last week.

Are you using a K3 with your KPA500? If so, there is way to daisy chain it with the K3 and
control the KPA500 that way. I can copy the instructions here if that is the case.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

WA4LV

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Re: Elecraft KPA500
« Reply #4 on: 2012-10-29, 18:37:04 »
No, not using a K3 .. at least not yet. The radio is an Omni VII so I am just wanting to have access to the KPA500 Utility software so that I can bypass / enable / and remote power on and off the amp ...

So I am guessing that the RRC box requires a Null Modem cable then for devices that are going to use the COM port in that fashion ... I never did see that in the user manual, but that is what I am gathering from the previous post .... I plan on inserting the null modem cable tonight to try it out ...

I do plan on switching to a K3 at some point... just not sure when, so that would be great if you would send me the information that you have.

Thanks,
Larin

dj0qn

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Re: Elecraft KPA500
« Reply #5 on: 2012-10-29, 21:27:58 »
Hi Larin,

Ok, there are actually several threads on this forum about the "backwards" pinout on COM1.
However, I am sure you are on the right track.

I see that the K3 control method is now in the manual:
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Remote_Owner_Manual_Rev_A.pdf
on page 15.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX