Barry,
Thanks for the comments and hints. I'm using the KAT500-Remote
Version 1.0.15.0 software over the internet to a remote system in a
different town.
This is NOT the utility software, it allows for hosting a KAT500 over
the internet for control by multiple clients, a different program. The
client end does not have a clear indication of the power status of the
remote KAT500.
Thanks,
Gordon - N1MGO
On 10/10/2020 11:19 AM, Barry Baines wrote:
Gordon:
I know you’ve received several e-mails pertaining to your query.
Hopefully, my comments below will be helpful...
On Oct 9, 2020, at 2:13 PM, Gordon LaPoint <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
I use the KAT500 remote software and it works great. I have only one
problem with it, I can not tell if the power is on or off. This
matters because when the remote site looses power the state of the
KAT500 is unknown and the program does not indicate if the power is
ON or OFF. Is there a way to tell?
I can keep trying the POWER button then the TUNE button until it
works, but it would be much better for a positive indication of the
power state by button color or some other indication in the application.
I have set the "Initial Power" in the KAT500 utility to be "Power On"
when DC is applied, but not sure this is always observed. I have no
other way to see the remote site when this happens.
That is the key step. With “Initial Power set to Power On” when DC is
applied, the KAT500 will indeed always be on when power is applied.
The question is what happens if power is removed and recognizing that
the KAT500 is without power.
The Elecraft Utility tests for a Com Port connection when it opens.
If the KAT500 is not on, the utility will not see the KAT500’s com
port and it will be unable to connect. If the KAT500 is on, the
connection to the PC will established (assuming your RS232 cable is
connected to a PC). You can see the results in one of two ways:
1. Under the Port Tab, selecting that and you’ll see a box open
reporting the connection and the serial speed of that connection, or
2. Under the Firmware Tab, there is an activity log that shows the
sequence of events to open the Com Port and establish a connection.
If the KAT500 does not have power, these tests will fail. Under the
Firmware->Activity Log you’ll see entries stating (for example):
10:56:02 Attempting to contact KAT500 on port COM2 at 38400 bit/s
as it scrolls through different baud rates attempting to connect. If
you see this, the KAT500 is not getting power.
Presumably you have a way to remotely turn on the power supply
connection to the KAT500. When power is restored you’ll see
confirmation in the activity log:
10:59:39 KAT500 version 01.75. Serial port speed 38400 bit/s
I use a West Mountain Radio R40051 which is a web-based device that
has five power ports (Anderson Power Poles) where one provides power
to the K3, a second port provides power to the KAT500, a third port
provides power to the Remote Rig, and a fourth port provides power to
the Antenna Genius 8x2. Thus, I can shutdown/recycle these devices
remotely. I shutdown the equipment when severe storms are expected, or
it appears that there may be a glitch that a reboot might resolve.
Given that I’m currently 1,280 miles from the shack, redundancy in
the form of being able to power down/power up equipment is a nice feature.
I can also remotely shutdown and restart the power supply that powers
my Elecraft equipment (except the KPA500 which is on 240VAC) by using
an AC-PWR module from WMR that allows the R40051 to power on/off the
power supply through a different port on the same R40051. I use a 3A
power supply to power the R4005i (it is always on) and second 30A
power supply to power the K3-KAT500-Remote Rig-Antenna Genius.
The KPA500 is controlled separately through a Remote Rig RC-1216H that
provides a web-based screen mimicking the KPA500 front panel where I
can power on/off and set standby/operate through the interface as well
as see the LED meters, As I use Remote Rig with the K3, the K3/0-mini
activates the K3 when the Mini is powered on. I also use a second
RC-1216H to control my Green Heron rotor controller.
BTW, I did a copy/paste of the Activity Log remotely to provide this
information to you as I use a PC in the shack to control the KAT500
and connect via VNC Client from my MacBook Pro. I accessed the R4005i
directly through a web browser to be able to turn on/off the KAT500
with a MacBook Pro. Thus, I don’t need a PC at my location to control
my station as I can use an iPhone or iPad to do it as well. The
station is in Southeast Georgia and I’m currently in Rosllndale
(Boston), MA.
Hope this helps,
Barry, WD4ASW/1
Any suggestions?
Gordon - N1MGO
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