Bill and Paul,
Yes, all that is true. The K2 9 pin connector is labeled "AUX I/O" -
and that does *not* mean RS-232. It does contain 2 RS-232 level signals
(RXD and TXD), but also contains internal K2 signal lines. Using a
standard computer serial cable on the K2 will cause damage to your K2.
OTOH, you will find the K3 9 pin connector *is* labeled as RS-232, and
one can safely connect a standard computer serial cable to the K3 -
although the special cable made for a K2 will work to provide
communications and firmware download with the K3.
In general - the DB/DE series of connectors are just that - they are
connectors - they do not imply serail interfaces, parallel interfaces or
anything like that. Just because it looks like the serial connector on
a computer does not mean that it is a serial connection. Many pieces of
equipment use these connectors for a variety of uses. Know and
understand your equipment, and do not make any assumptions based on
'what the connector looks like' - doing so may be a very costly mistake.
73,
Don W3FPR
k7nhb wrote:
Bill,
Just a word of Caution - though the K3 can take a standard Serial cable -
I've read that the K2 CANNOT. If you plug a standard serial cable into a K2
you will Blow the I/O board. I mention that because when you mentioned your
K2 was at the lake cabin, it sounded like you thought the cables were
interchangeable. The K3 may work with the special K2 cable - I don't know
about that. But again, It's been posted that plugging an "off the shelf"
serial cable into a K2 (turned on of course) will destroy the I/O board.
Paul
NZ0T wrote:
In anticipation of my K3 arriving next week I'm tying to find the RS232
interface cable. I'm going to be out of town a lot and pressed for
shopping time so I hope nobody minds my asking a dumb question. Where can
I get the needed cable - Best Buy, Radio Shack, Wal-Mart? My K2 will now
be at the lake cabin so that cable goes with it.
73,
Bill NZ0T
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