There was lots of discussion of RS232 vs. USB among the K3 focus group during the design phase. Considering development effort, time to market, legal arrangements, cost, support and other factors, Elecraft decided to defer an internal USB connector for the initial version but to use a modular I/O design that would allow future introduction of USB and other I/O features. Take a look at the rear panel picture on the Web site. Notice that there are two screw-on plates holding various connectors. The lower plate is the KXV3 option - five BNCs for various RF signals. The upper plate includes RS-232, the ACC connector and five audio connectors (1/8" phone jacks). Although it is included as standard equipment, it is mechanically replaceable. A future version or option could include a USB connector. The present USB approach is to use a USB-to-Serial adapter. These can be as unobtrusive as a short dongle or long connector adapter. I have used three or four different adapters successfully, so the "compromise" of leaving USB outside the box doesn't seem to be particularly onerous. Attaboy, Elecraft!
73, /Rick N6XI _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
