++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 09:41:54 -0700 From: Pete Hoover Subject: [Elecraft] K2 control with TR Log via KIO2 ** Pete posted and updated version of this entry dated Jan 3/02 -- see below... dwn ** Much to my pleasure I find that I can use my favorite logging program - TR Log - to control my K2. With the KIO2 installed, TR-log can be used to switch bands, change frequency within a band, work the RIT, and change modes all from the keyboard of the computer. This in addition to TR-log performing all of its usual extensive logging features - did I say I like TR-log? And if that's not enough, with the addition of just two components and a slight modification of the suggested computer-to-K2 cable, TR-log can also key the rig. All this with one cable connected between the K2 and the serial port of the computer. How? Read on: The cable modifications are as follows: (unless otherwise specified, all the Elecraft instructions pertaining to the construction of the cable are to be followed); At the PC end (female) of the cable, solder the white wire to pin#4 (new). At the K2 end (male) of the cable, remove 1 1/2"(not 1/2") of the jacket, and peel back and cut away the foil shield (new). Remove 3/16" insulation from the end of the white wire. Trim the bare, red, green and black wire to 1/2" in length (now 1" shorter than the white wire), and remove 3/16" of insulation from the three wires (new). Solder bare wire to pin #1, red to pin #2, green to pin #3, and both black and white wires to pin #5. The white wire will have 1" of slack at this point(new). 6" from the K2 end (male) of the cable carefully remove about 3/4" of the jacket of the cable, leaving as much of the foil as you can: find the white wire, and pull it out of the cable, removing the slack at the K2(male) connector end. This will give you a 1" loop of white wire - cut this loop in the center, and remove 3/16" of insulation from each end. The white wire that comes from the PC end (female) is the keying lead from the computer. To this wire solder a 1K ohm resistor. Solder the other end of this resistor to the base of a 2N2222A. Solder the white wire that goes to the K2 end (male) to the emitter of the 2N2222A - this is now the ground lead of the keying system. A shielded two conductor cable is used to connect the 2N2222A to the K2 key jack. Solder the center conductor of the shielded cable to the collector of the 2N2222A. The shield is soldered to the junction of the emitter and the white wire that goes to the K2 end (male) of the cable. A suitable plug is soldered to the K2 end of the keying cable. That's it. I used a small plastic box to protect the 1K resistor and 2N2222A: one cable goes in one side (from the PC end of the cable) and two come out the other side: one goes to the K2 end (male) DB connector and the other to the key jack of the K2. This keying system may well work with other logging programs such as CT and NA, providing they use pin #4 of the PC DB connector for keying. Page 19 of the KIO2 instructions give some information on how to set up the configuration files for TR Log. I use TS570 as suggested for the radio type. Even though TR Log is a DOS program, I have no trouble running it under Win95 in a DOS window. TR Log is not free-ware. The latest version is 6.59, released last week. For more info on TR Log, contact George Fremin III, K5TR at: k5tr at kkn.net. If you have any questions or are interested in the logcfg.dat file that I use, ping me directly as I get the digest and might take a while to pick up requests. Pete, W6ZH w6zh at ix.netcom.com San Marino, CA K2 SN#00043 +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 22:47:37 -0700 From: "Logan R. Zintsmaster" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 control with TR Log via KIO2 Be very careful working on the K2 end of the cable. The other non-RS-232 pins are very sensitive to the +-12 volts on the white wire. I know from painful experience. A probe slip, a momentary touch to the Aux Bus pin, invocation of Murphy's law ( most damage possible will occur) and I have a new MCU chip. At the minimum, I suggest that you protect the unused pins with heat shrink tubing before working on the PTT circuit. Logan, KZ6O #1609 Pete Hoover wrote: > > Much to my pleasure I find that I can use my favorite logging program - TR > Log - to control my K2. With the KIO2 installed, TR-log can be used to -----------------snip--------------- +++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 27 Aug 2001 18:26:35 -0500 From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: [Elecraft] Using TRLog with the Elecraft K2 & KIO2 Greetings: I just spent way too much time with Wayne (N6KR, of Elecraft) trying to figure out why my K2 w/KIO2 serial interface wasn't polling or updating data properly when used with TRLog v6.58 or v6.95 (probably others as well). Turns out that TRLog will not poll the K2 properly if TRLog is run from a DOS window. It functions properly(!) if TRLog is run from a DOS boot, either directly from power-up or if Rebooted to DOS from within Windows. When attempting to run TRLog from a DOS Window, the symptoms I was getting were: 1) Failure to routinely update the displayed frequency while tuning the VFO 2) Blanking of the frequency display as the VFO was being tuned, and then lengthy (up 1:30) pauses before the new frequency was displayed 3) Periodic failure to update band changes when made from the K2 4) Display of the wrong band when changed from within TRLog All of these symptoms dieappeared as soon as I rebooted directly to DOS. Just a note of caution to Elecraft K2 owners, and for the information of Tree (N6TR). 73 - Tom Hammond N0SS +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 28 Aug 2001 23:29:12 -0100 From: "Julian, G4ILO" Subject: [Elecraft] Using TRLog with the Elecraft K2 & KIO2 Tom, Don't you (or anyone else who wants to use this program) switch to Windows ME. Windows ME can't boot into DOS. (You could boot the PC from a floppy, I guess, but is that progress?) - -- Julian, G4ILO. (RSGB, ARRL, K2 #392) Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/g4ilo ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2001 05:58:17 -0000 From: "Kenneth Miller" Subject: [Elecraft] RE: Contest logging software for the K2? I have been working with TRLog and have found that it operates perfectly (so far) as my contest logger. I have been using this fine program for over 3 years now and think that it is super. I just tell it that the radio at the end of the wire is a Kenwood and that seems to do the trick just fine (maybe Tree will add K2 in the next revision). I have only tried it in practice so far with my KIO2 but so far so good. I'll give you a detailed appraisal after the CW Sweepstakes this weekend. However, on a general note, even before the KIO2 I used TRLog to great success (and a lot of fun). 73, Ken K6CTW/VE7CTW +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 05 Nov 2001 16:53:25 -0500 From: Richard Sherman Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 w/KIO2 and Contesting with TRLog This is related to TRLog not the KIO2. The shift keys are used by TRlog for QSYing. I don't have the manual here with me but I'm sure you can turn it off via the Ctl - J menu. I generally don't use the shift-tab to get out of S&P mode, I just hit escape. 72 de rick wz2t nny At 03:37 AM 11/5/01 +0000, Kenneth Miller wrote: >All, > >Well the CW Sweepstakes is over and I have had a chance to use my KIO2 this >time with TRLog. The only problem that I noticed is when I went from >"Search & Pounce" mode to CQ mode, the rig would sometimes change frequency. >The change continued as long as I held the Shift key down before hitting the >Tab key. The change was about 1 KHz most times. This did NOT however >happen any time that I went from CQ mode to S&P. That's about it for >problems, except that I really gotta get a better antenna up as I did not do >but half as well as I used to do from my QTH outside Vancouver, BC. Oh >well, gives me a chance to spend the next year getting that done. > >73, > >Ken K6CTW/VE7CTW ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 5 Nov 2001 21:10:55 EST From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Subject: [Elecraft] TR LOG & KIO2 Question Can TR LOG key the K2 directly from the serial interface, as do the Kenwood RCP570 and K2 remote programs? Can't find the right configuration to make it happen. Thanks & 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 00:06:08 -0500 From: "Paul B. Manis" Subject: [Elecraft] TR LOG & KIO2 Questio John, Tr Log can key via the serial port; use pin 4, and set the configuration file "KEYER ONE RADIO OUTPORT = SERIAL 1". A nice description of how to set this up is at http://www.qsl.net/ve3mcf/elecraft_reflect/KIO2_TR_Software.txt, in a post from W6ZH on 23 Aug 2001. I set this up for SS and it worked fine (wound up using it on an IC730 as U1 of my K2 was "unprogrammed" upon arrival, and just came today). It works with the K2 fine, and the remainder of the serial control works just fine too. Paul NC3G. ++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 00:09:25 -0500 From: "Paul B. Manis" Subject: [Elecraft] KIO2/TRLog On the other hand, maybe you mean use the serial port to send the CW, not just the interface to key the rig. As far as I can tell, TR doesn't do that yet. Paul, NC3G ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 06 Nov 2001 07:03:03 EST From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Subject: Subj: Re: [Elecraft] KIO2/TRLog In a message dated 11/6/2001 12:25:14 AM Eastern Standard Time, pmanis at nc.rr.com writes: On the other hand, maybe you mean use the serial port to send the CW, not just the interface to key the rig. As far as I can tell, TR doesn't do that yet. Paul, NC3G - ----------------------------- Paul: That's exactly what I mean. The TR LOG manual has a nice description of how to key a rig using pin 4, etc. However, K2 remote and Kenwood's RCP570, for example, key the K2 without resorting to extra wires or connections to the key jack. I believe you are correct that TR LOG does not support this yet based on various descriptions and options in the ~200 page manual. Thanks & 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2001 03:55:04 -0000 From: "Kenneth Miller" Subject: Fw: [Elecraft] K2 w/KIO2 and Contesting with TRLog I used the parallel port to key the K2 and also to get input from my paddle. Just used the standard stuff as per the directions in the TRLog manual. Hope this helps. 73, Ken K6CTW ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 10:47:49 -0800 From: Tree N6TR Subject: [Elecraft] New "member" Hi All- I have been listening to this fine reflector now for a couple of weeks, and thought I would take this opportunity to say hello and wish everyone happy holidays. As some of you know, I am one of those "serious top ten" contest types - and will be joining the ranks of K2 owners when Santa visits next week. I built a K1 for a friend last year and am currently assembling a K1-4 filter board for him as a stocking stuffer. Just getting to the winding of those wonderful toroids. I was always a "use and exacto knife" guy, but tried the solder blob technique and might just use that. I remember when I built my first crystal radio when I was about 8, and my dad and I didn't know if having insulation on the enameled wire I was going to use as an antenna would prevent it from picking up radio signals. We ended up putting the whole roll in the fireplace to burn it all off. Seven years after that, I assembled an SB-101 (I have dated myself) and it worked when first turned on (except I didn't understand how to align it). Also, it is great to see everyone with their serial number... kinds of reminds me of a contest! Speaking of which, there are a couple of "QRP" friendly events that I would like you all to be aware of. The Stew Perry Top Band Distance Challenge is the only 160 meter contest that actually gives a QRP multiplier of X4. Last year, a QRP station had the highest point total worldwide (and he was in Arizona) This contest runs during the weekend after XMAS - so if Santa brings you a 160 board for your K2, here is your chance to try it out. Check out http://web.jzap.com/k7rat/stew.html to see previous results and find the rules. Another event that I think would be a lot of fun is the NCJ CW Sprint. We have had one or two QRP entries - but would like to see a lot more. We are putting a top ten list of QRP stations in the results - and it sure would be great to actually have 10 scores in it. This contest runs during the second weekend of February and is only 4 hours long (80/40/20 meters). You can find more information at http://www.ncjweb.com under the CONTESTS tab. The Sprints have 10 man teams and it would be great to have a team of K1/K2 owners! It should be possible to work 150+ stations using QRP during this 4 hour event. Sprint operators have really good ears and the special QSY rule gives you the frequency after you call someone when you are done! You can also check out the NAQP contests that are in January - 150 watts maximum power means your QRP signals will stand out much better than they do against the KWs. Who knows - if the KPA100 makes it out soon, I might be able to use my new K2 as one of my two radios during the sprint. I hope to eventually replace both of my TS850S with K2s. I really don't see any features missing from the K2 that would prevent me from doing so... and if the RX is as good as everyone says it is, I won't look back at all. For those of you using TR Log - let me know if there are any rough edges with the K2 interface. Once I get mine running, I will be able to reproduce the problems and fix them in an upcoming release. 73 Tree N6TR/7 (aka K7RAT) tree at kkn.net K2 #???? (only Santa and Lisa know for now) ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 13:58:59 -0600 From: "Randy Moore" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New "member" Tree, Great to see you on the Elecraft reflector! Welcome!! It will be great to have you as a K2 operator! I have a request to make that would make my use of TR Log with my K2 more fun. If there were a TR Log mode that would send CW through the KIO2 interface (there's a K2 command for sending text that keys the rig) I could operate the K2 with a single cable. I would also want the setting of the keyer speed on TR Log to set the keyer speed on the K2 so I could keep my paddles connected directly to the K2 and have the two speeds stay in sync. What do you think? 73, Randy, KS4L K2 #337 ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 12:30:39 -0800 From: "J. Edward \(Ed\) Muns" Subject: RE: [Elecraft] New "member" I'm sure Tree will add the K2 to the official radio selection list in TR-Log and add all the appropriate functionality. On the CW speed sync, though, you will want that to be operator determined. Some of us actually like to have DIFFERENT speeds so that we can do things like instant QRS with the key for fills if requested. Everyone is different, though, and for many it is preferable to have the two speeds identical as you request. So, the answer has to be that there is a parameter to "have it your way" in TR-Log. There are already 7,364 parameters that you can set in TR-Log, so one more is no burden! (Apologies, Tree!!) 73, Ed - W0YK +++++++++++++++++++ Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2001 17:32:51 EST From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New "member" Tree: Since you asked, how about a TR Log "virtual keying" feature. That way, there is no need for a separate interface to the key jack. TR Log works flawlessly running Windows 98 but not Windows 2000 due to the OS introducing timing problems with the serial interface. A virtual keying feature would be a workaround and allow running the newer OS! BTW, worked K7RAT on 6m cw, 11/11/01 at 1814z. 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 DEM 50-28 Transverter ++++++++++++++++++++ From: JohnK1JD at aol.com Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2002 18:31:06 EST Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-2 and TRLog IO Question To: bkassel at dancris.com, elecraft at mailman.qth.net, QRP-L at lehigh.edu Brian: TR LOG does indeed work with the K2/KIO2...I can at least confirm that much! Table 1 in the KIO2 manual provides some guidance. I can send you the TR Log "config" files in use here if that will help. 73, John, K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's #139 & #583 ++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 03 Jan 2002 13:44:21 -0800 To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net From: Pete Hoover Cc: w6zh at ix.netcom.com Subject: [Elecraft] K2 & TR-log (long) Gang: There have been a number of recent questions about using TR-log with the K2. I wrote the following some time ago - hope it helps. Pete, W6ZH San Marino, CA ------------------------------------copy------------------------------------- I use a modified version of the "Elecraft" K2 to Computer Cable. With the KIO installed and this cable, as modified, TR-log can be used to key the rig for CW, switch bands, change frequency within a band, work the RIT, and change modes all from the keyboard of the computer. This in addition to TR-log performing all of its usual extensive logging features. All this with one cable connected between the K2 and the serial port of the computer. How? Read on: The cable modifications are as follows: (unless otherwise specified, all the Elecraft instructions pertaining to the construction of the cable are to be followed - see pages 12 & 13 of the instruction booklet); At the PC end (female) of the cable, solder the white wire to pin#4 (new). At the K2 end (male) of the cable, remove 1 1/2"(not 1/2") of the jacket, and peel back and cut away the foil shield (new). Remove 3/16" insulation from the end of the white wire. Trim the bare, red, green and black wire to 1/2" in length (now 1" shorter than the white wire), and remove 3/16" of insulation from the three wires (new). Solder bare wire to pin #1, red to pin #2, green to pin #3, and both black and white wires to pin #5. The white wire will have 1" of slack at this point(new). 6" from the K2 end (male) of the cable carefully remove about 3/4" of the jacket of the cable, leaving as much of the foil as you can: find the white wire, and pull it out of the cable, removing the slack at the K2(male) connector end. This will give you a 1" loop of white wire - cut this loop in the center, and remove 3/16" of insulation from each end. The white wire that comes from the PC end (female) is the keying lead from the computer. To this wire solder a 1K ohm resistor. Solder the other end of this resistor to the base of a 2N2222A. Solder the white wire that goes to the K2 end (male) to the emitter of the 2N2222A - this is now the ground lead of the keying system. A shielded two conductor cable is used to connect the 2N2222A to the K2 key jack. Solder the center conductor of the shielded cable to the collector of the 2N2222A. The shield is soldered to the junction of the emitter and the white wire that goes to the K2 end (male) of the cable. A suitable plug is soldered to the K2 end of the keying cable. That's it. I used a small plastic box to protect the 1K resistor and 2N2222A: one cable goes in one side (from the PC end of the cable) and two come out the other side: one goes to the K2 end (male) DB connector and the other to the key jack of the K2. This keying system may well work with other logging programs such as CT and NA, providing they use pin #4 of the PC DB connector for keying. Page 19 of the KIO2 instructions give some information on how to set up the configuration files for TR Log (now that Tree, N6TR (Mr. TR Log) is building his own K2, I expect an elaboration of the K2 instructions). If I am going to use the K2 for a contest, my TR configuration file (logcfg.dat) for that contest will contain a line that reads: INPUT CONFIG FILE = K2-2MODE.CFG My TR directory contains another file called "K2-2MODE.CFG". This is automatically loaded when the contest logcfg.dat is loaded, and has the following lines: KEYER OUTPUT PORT = SERIAL 1 SHIFT KEY ENABLE = TRUE RADIO ONE BAUD RATE = 4800 RADIO ONE CONTROL PORT = SERIAL 1 RADIO ONE NAME = K2 RADIO ONE TYPE = TS570 For SSB contests, I use a foot switch wired to the PTT of the K2 mike jack to activate the rig. If it is a dual-mode 'test (Field Day, etc.) CW keying is still done via the serial port with no cable changes required (The computer can be used to switch the K2 between modes!). The logging functions of TR proceed without a hitch, regardless of mode. Even though TR Log is a DOS program, I have no trouble running it under Win95 in a DOS window. TR Log is not free-ware. The latest version is 6.62, released this week. For more info on TR Log, contact George Fremin III, K5TR at: k5tr at kkn.net. Did I mention that I like TR-Log? No? OK, I do, but have no connection with the author yada yada, etc. If you have any questions, ping me directly as I get the digest and might take a while to pick up requests. Pete, W6ZH w6zh at ix.netcom.com San Marino, CA K2 SN#00043 K1 SN#00553 ++++++++++++++++++