Photo by Elecraft
The K3/0, or a regular a K3 in ‘terminal mode’, provides a unique real time remote control experience for operating a K3 located in the next room, or across the country. The latest K3 and K3/0 firmware supports a compact remote control serial protocol that provides a 100% recreation of the remote K3 on the controlling K3. All local front panel VFO knobs, other controls and button actions are immediately reflected on the remote K3, and all display functions from the remote K3’s LCD and LEDs are immediately displayed on the controlling K3.
When paired with the RemoteRig internet control system (also sold by Elecraft) this K3 Remote system can connect your local K3 or K3/0 to a remote K3 over the internet, including transmit and receive audio, without the need or complexity of setting up computers on each end. The K3 Remote system provides a real radio feel with immediate control feedback and very fast response times. The K3/0 connects to the RemoteRig unit through its rear connectors. It uses its internal speaker and front headphone jack for receive audio, and its front microphone connector for your mic input. The result is a faithful recreation of your remote K3 on the local K3 that is hard to distinguish from operating the actual radio.
This system is unique in that no PC is required. Both voice and data communication are handled by both RemoteRig units. The RRC-1258MkIIs can be configured to work together with the K3/0 controlling a remote K3, or with a regular K3 controlling the remote K3 over your local network or the internet. For CW, the RemoteRig provides Iambic (A/B) keyer with local sidetone and speed control. It also uses a special internet protocol to eliminate CW jitter from network latencies.
Requirements for Remote Operation
- RemoteRig 1258MkIIs (RRIGSET) is required as the serial (RS232) and VOIP network transport device.
- K3/0 to K3 Remote requires RRMTCBL & RRK0CBL cable sets, unless you build your own cable set.
- K3 to K3 Remote requires RRMTCBL & RRK3CBL cable sets, unless you build your own cable set.
- The Microbit Setup Manager Program is used to configure the network settings on the RemoteRig devices via the USB interface when you can not reach the devices over your network.
- Both local and remote K3s must be running K3 f/w 4.48 or later for proper K3-Remote operation.
Usefull Links
- RemoteRig Website
- RemoteRig User Manual
- RemoteRig Setup Manager Program Download
- RemoteRig Latest Firmware Download
K3/0 Manual (Pdf file)