For the short term, you can use the same cable you use for installing K3 firmware, just move it over to the KPA500. A standard serial cable, either USB to Serial or 9-pin to a "real" RS-232 port is required, just the same requirement as your K3. I don't believe one came with the KPA500 unless you specifically ordered it. We have been sending a USB to Serial Adapter with our devices that have 3.5mm connectors (KX3, XG3, KAT500), but the more generic K3 and KPA500 don't come with a cable. At least that's my recollection.
I use a four-port Gearmo USB to Serial adapter that uses the FTDI chip set. I use one port (COM2) for my P3/K3, another (COM3) for a KPA500, another (COM4) with an Elecraft KXSER cable for a KAT500 and the last COM5 with another KXSER cable for the KX3 or XG3, I have to choose between these. I use COM1 for an LP-100A. <http://www.amazon.com/FT4232HL-Professional-Retention-Certified-Microsoft/d p/B004ETDC8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355703302&sr=8-2&keywords=4-port+usb+to +serial+adapter> The KXSER cable has a 9-pin D shell on one end and a 3.5mm plug on the other. I able to use N1MM's logger and one serial port for CW keying and PTT, using the RTS/DTR lines of the same serial port used for P3 / K3 rig control. There are certainly other options. This one works for me. I may eventually get another one for COM6-COM9. 73 de Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Phil Hystad Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2012 2:54 PM To: [email protected] List Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Firmware Update and USB-Serial Cable ? Gang, OK, I was going to update the firmware with the latest (1.18 I think) version for the KPA500 and realized that I did not have a PC USB to KPA500 Serial (DB9) cable for this. My first question: was one supposed to come with the KPA500? If so, I will need to look around better. If not, I am wondering how I missed ordering that. Second question: is the USB to Serial cable needed by the KPA500 the same as used with the K3. I mean, on the order page, under the K3 category do you order that particular cable or is there something listed for each rig component (e.g. KPA500). I know the KAT500 is different, using the little 3.5 mm connector I think on the KAT500 side. Thanks for clarification. 73, phil, K7PEH ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
