K3/100 to K3/100 connection problems

[G4IRN]

I have a problem with my K3/100 to K3/100 Remote Rig set-up and after spending hours on it, I've drawn a blank. I'd now appreciate some help, please!

The Problem:
I cannot get my K3/100 to control another K3/100 - the RR units were purchased as K3 twin units.

K3 firmware is 4.86 on both K3s.
RRC firmware is 2.81 on both units.

The Approach:

In the beginning, I had a remote K3/100 with software control via the internet on a PC. The software controlled the K3 via the virtual COM ports on the USB interface and I could switch the K3 on and off via a browser connected to the radio RRC (through the IO settings). The 'Program Mode' in Radio Settings was #4 Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft - it all worked fine.

I then got another K3/100, so I took the following steps to replace the laptop+software control:

* Unplugged the USB cable from the control-RRC.
* Plugged the control-K3/100 into COM2 on the control-RRC (with one of the serial cables supplied with the boxes).
* Changed 'Program Mode' in Radio Settings to #14  Elecraft Twin.
* Changed OUT0 setting in IO Settings to 'Connect'.

When trying the control-K3 to radio-K3 connection, nothing is working and the Status on the Radio-RRC is showing as follows:

Name   Value
Radio   OFF
Connection status   Disconnected
SIP status   Idle
Last SIP error   None
RTP/UDP audio status   Disconnected
UDP cmd status   Disconnected
SIP command timeout   0


I suspect that the control-K3 is not initiating the connection to the radio-RRC. I have pressed the control-K3's 'Menu' button until TERM appears but it just stays there and no line connection is established to the Radio-RRC.

Any help appreciated please!!!

73, John G4IRN.

[dj0qn]

John,

Did you do the network configuration? It won't work otherwise.

I can send you my checklist if needed, just drop me a mail to dj0qn (at) darc.de and I will send it.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[G4IRN]

Hi Mitch. Yes, the setup was working ok via the Internet, all I did was change the control end from software control to K3/100 control. I'll drop you an email tomorrow for then checklist, many thanks.

73 John G4IRN


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[dj0qn]

John,

The part that confuses people the most on the K3 Twin system, is that COM2 is used to "tie" the two ends
together, blocking it for use by CAT. You must instead change COM1 to mode-7 and use COM1 for CAT, making
sure you are careful about the "backwards" pinout of COM1 (see manual) if not using USB.

Just in case that is your problem, otherwise drop me the mail and I will send you my networking checklist.

73,
Mitch DJ0QN / K7DX

[G4IRN]

PROBLEM SOLVED.

Moving control of the remote K3 from laptop/software via virtual COM ports to a physical K3 at the control end:

The control worked Ok on the laptop but not on the K3.

The problem was in the CONTROL RRC Serial settings - the Value 'Use USB Com Port as COM2' needs to be NO when using physical K3 control.

Many thanks to Justin/G4TSH, Peder/SM2SUM and especially to Mitch/DJ0QN for spending time on this with me.

John G4IRN.