Thursday, July 21, 2016


An Interface for Elecraft KX3 & KX2 to Use with N1MM


This interface will allow you to:

  • Read the Elecraft KX3/KX2 frequency in N1MM
  • Control the radio’s frequency
  • Send CW by keying the radio

What you will need:

  1. N1MM+ software (free) - download here
  2. The Elecraft ACC-1 KXSER (3.5mm to DB9-F) Serial Interface Cable
    1. You can request this in place of the USB ACC1 cable that ships with KX3 (the same one you use for Firmware updates).
    2. If you did not choose to substitute serial for USB you can either purchase one from Elecraft ($29 + shipping)
    3. If you would like to build your own for ~$10 or even less if you have an old RS-232 cable or connector laying around. See circuit below, which also includes ability to directly key the radio.
  3. An RS-232 Serial to USB Adapter (although you can find very inexpensive versions, I strongly suggest you spend a few extra dollars to get a quality one. I have had excellent success with the StarTech ICUSB2321F, it has added advantage that will retain same Com Port # and not change each time you plug it into computer)

Using Elecraft KX3/K3 KY Codes to Allow N1MM & RTTY-FSK


A Step-by-step Guide (assuming no previous experience)
Anthony Luscre- K8ZT
Introduction
This guide has been written assuming you have had little or no experience with using KX3 USB Interface or N1MM operations. For those with previous knowledge fill free to skip ahead to needed configuration and sample Macros. There maybe other settings that work, but these worked for me.This setup should also work with K3 or K3S


Why?
  1. I wanted to use the KX3’s excellent FSK (not  AFSK) and KX3’s RTTY to Text Decoding
  2. I did not want to use a Signalink or other digi interface or use my computer’s sound card
  3. I was only interested in using RTTY for casual operation in a contest that required serial numbers and wanted to be able easily send reply with incrementing serial numbers
  4. A bonus is ability to also use this setup for SSB or CW (If you are interested in non-macro driven, direct keying CW see appendix)