This looks extremely cool. However, it doesn't appear that Mouser or Digi-Key in the US are carrying it yet, so getting one-off quantities might be problematic until the retail distribution chain catches up.
Obviously a possibility here for Elecraft to offer the KIO3 in either version (RS-232 or USB connector) as an ordering option, if they've a mind to... Thanks, Allan. Bill W5WVO New Mexico -------------------------------------------------- From: "Allan G Duncan" <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, May 21, 2010 4:56 AM To: <[email protected]> Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] Built in USB interface for K3 > I don't wish to re-ignite the RS232 vs USB connectivity debates which have > regularly appeared on the reflector > but some K3 owners may be interested in this product recently launched by > FTDI. > > http://www.ftdichip.com/Documents/DataSheets/Modules/DS_DB9-USB-RS232.pdf > > It is a USB/RS232 converter built into the same form factor as a PCB > mounting DB9 connector as used in the > Elecraft KIO3 module. This has the advantage that the existing DB9 > connector > on the KIO3 could be carefully > desoldered and replaced with the new FTDI connector. This would provide a > neat way of providing a rear panel > USB (mini B type) connector on the rear panel of the K3. > >>From looking at the specification sheet the "DB9-USB-F" would be a drop in > replacement for the existing > DB9-F on the KIO3 without any track cutting etc. A neat solution. > > Personally, I am happy with the K3 RS232 connection and external USB/RS232 > cable but I can see the attraction > for some of a built in USB interface. I have always found the FTDI device > drivers to be stable and work well > with the K3 Utility under both Windows XP and Windows 7. > > If anyone does try it, I'd be interested in how they find this "USB > conversion". Note that this will NOT > work with the K2 KIO2 as it is not a standard RS232 DB9 connector. > > > Usual disclaimers apply - I have no connection with FTDI and have not > tried > the device myself. > > 73 > > Allan > GM4ZUK > > ______________________________________________________________ > 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
