KPC-3XE USB 1MB

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Overview

The Kantronics KPC-3XE USB is engineered for dependable and versatile digital communications. This unit reflects many years of Kantronics experience and is built with an eye toward emerging applications. The KPC-3XE USB can fill a variety of roles. In use around the world, Kantronics Packet Communicators set the standard by which others are measured!

KPC-3XE USB Addendum

Instead of the DB25 RS232 jack, it now has an up-to-date universal serial jack. You will need a common-type cable, that has a USB type A (computer end) to USB type B (KPC end). Because of this change in the computer interface, there will be a few differences in operations and functions. Some of the options under the INTFACE command, while still available, will be limited or non-functional. The options for GPS, KISS, XKISS, MODEM, and NET may not be useable, or may have limited functionality.

The ability of being able to use KISS mode with the KPC-3XE USB, solely depends on the computer software you use, and ITS ability to communicate through the virtual serial port that your computers operating system configures when it sees the USB connection to the KPC.

SO, if your operating system recognizes the KPC3-XE USB version, AND assigns a com port number for programs to use to communicate, AND your KISS mode software can communicate through that assigned serial port number, there will be no difference in the KPC operation, from the previous RS232 model.

Interfacing with an external GPS or weather station device through the serial port is no longer available. The only GPS interface is through pin 2 on the radio port, and is enabled with the GPSPORT command.

Interfacing the KPC into a node stack with other TNCs is no longer available. Interfacing to a computer running as a network node should work as long as the computer program used can access the virtual serial port assigned to the KPC by the computers operating system.

Option jumpers available to connect analog inputs from the DB9 jack through to the processor. Optionally, open those jumpers to disable those inputs. See manual for details.

Driver- the computer interface chip inside this KPC-3XE USB is made by FTDI. If your computer operating system does not include a serial port driver for this interface chip, you can get one from the chip makers web site at:

http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

Reversed power protection has been added to the power input circuit. Make sure you either use a current-limited power source, or include a small fuse in the power lead. The KPC typically draws less than 50ma. The power jack polarity is center-positive.

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KPC-3XE USB Functions and Applications

"Keyboard to keyboard" communications
Digipeater
Personal Mail Box
Local area node

Remote control devices
Remote access of telemetry
Network node operation
BBS operations and message forwarding

GPS position transmitting and tracking (requires external GPS receiver with NMEA-0183 data output)
Data storage and retrieval
EMWIN Weather Information (additional software required)

You can carry a KPC-3XE USB into the field with a radio to form a mobile data terminal, or (with the addition of an external GPS receiver) a GPS mobile "tracker". Its flexible power requirements (6 ~ 25 Vdc) allow for maximum versatility utilizing various power sources. Disabling the LED displays through a simple keyboard command will lower current consumption.

KPC-3XE USB Features

Large capacity internal mailbox and mail forwarding feature
GPS operation mode allows use with APRS® or other geolocation software
Remote Control and telemetry functions with two A/D inputs and two control line outputs
Low power requirements
Network node functions with standard "KA" Node and K-Net Node™
BBS, KISS, XKISS, HOST, TERMINAL, GPS, MODEM and other operating modes

"Online" HELP feature
Upgradeable as new firmware is released
Digital control of audio drive level -- set from keyboard or by remote control
9S12XE central processor
1MB memory standard
Comes with USB interface cable, coaxial power plug
Usable with base, mobile or hand-held radios

KPC-3XE USB Specifications

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Dimensions (H×W×D)	0.8"×5.2"×5.2" (21 mm × 133 mm × 133 mm) without projections
Weight	11 oz (0.32 kg)
Power Requirements
Voltage	DC 5 V to 20 V
Current	< 35 mA (LEDs on, unit active) < 25 mA (LEDs off, unit inactive)
External Power Connector	2.1 mm coaxial, center pin positive
External Signal Ports	DB-9 female (radio port) USB type B (Computer port)
PTT Watchdog Timer Period	approx. 2.5 minutes
External Carrier Detect	Pulldown to ground
Analog Measurement Inputs (A/D Converter)	Two inputs; 0 V to +3.3 V, 8-bit accuracy
Data Rate (radio port)	1200 bps (default); 300, 400, 600
PTT Output	Open drain, max +50 V dc, max 200 mA
Audio Output Level	Continuously adjustable from 1 mV p-p to 2 V p-p
Audio Output Impedance	600 Ohm, AC coupled
Modulation	1200 bps FSK half duplex Bell 202
Audio Input
Sensitivity	5 mV p-p
Dynamic Range	70 dB
Input Impedance	Unbalanced, 10k Ohm (default) (600 Ohm with jumper connected)
Max Audio Input Voltage	±12 V dc; 35 V p-p sinusoidal
Operating Modes	Packet, WEFAX, KISS, XKISS, HOST, GPS, MODEM (RX only)
LED Indicators	Power, Xmit, Rcv, Connected, Status, Mail (user option on/off)
Remote Control Access	All controller functions, user-defined password
External Reset	Pulldown to ground
Operating Protocols	AX.25 Levels 1 and 2 (user-selectable) optional FX.25
Compliance	FCC Class B compliant

Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.
APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
All registered trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.