Elecraft KIO2 - Manual (Page 2)

2
Command Set Overview
The K2 firmware provides a wide range of remote control commands
1
. A brief description of each command
appears in Table 1, and full details can be found in the Command Reference section.
Table 1 K2 Control Commands
Name Description Name Description Name Description
AI Auto-info mode IF General information RD RIT down 10 Hz
AN Antenna selection K2 K2 command mode RT RIT on/off
BG Bargraph level KS Keyer speed RU RIT up 10 Hz
DN VFO (or menu) down KY Keyboard CW RX Receive mode
DS LCD text/annunciators LK VFO lock SM S-meter
FA VFO A frequency MD Operating mode SQ Squelch level
FB VFO B frequency NB Noise blanker mode SW Switch emulation
FR Receive VFO selection PA RX preamp on/off UP VFO (or menu) up
FT Transmit VFO selection PC Power output level TQ Transmit query
FW Filter bandwidth and # PS Power-on status TX Transmit mode (SSB)
GT AGC speed and on/off RA RX attenuator on/off XT XIT on/off
ID Radio identification RC RIT/XIT offset clear
Some commands emulate front-panel controls, so they can be used to quickly write applications that have a K2
"look and feel." The SW command emulates switch TAP or HOLD, including two-switch combinations, and can
also directly select menu entries. The DS command reads the LCD, including the decimal points, annunciators, and
flash/no-flash state of each annunciator.
Most of the remaining commands directly read or modify radio parameters, such as the VFO A and B frequencies,
operating mode, keyer speed, power level, and filter bandwidth.
There is often an overlap in command functionality between emulation and parametric commands. For example,
you can select the next operating mode using SW to virtually "tap" the M O D E switch, or you directly set a
specific mode using MD. Another case involves the BG and SM commands. BG reads the bargraph level in either
receive or transmit mode, so it can retrieve the S-meter level, RF output level, or ALC level, depending on the
context. The SM command reads only the S-meter level.
Compatibility
Many of the K2's commands will be familiar to developers of programs that support ASCII text command sets.
Modifying such programs to work well with the K2 should be easy. However, maintaining backwards compatibility
also adds complexity to some data formats and control modes. Those who are trying their hand at radio control for
the first time should check our web site for source code examples.
Using a Terminal Program
K2 commands are human readable (text), which means you can experiment with them using a terminal program.
When setting up the terminal program, turn on local echo and local line feed so you can see what you've sent to the
K2. Type commands using lower case so you can easily distinguish K2 responses, which will be in upper case. You
can enter carriage returns before or after commands to create white space. The K2 doesn't provide any text editing
support, so if you make a mistake, don't hit backspace--just type a semicolon (;) and start over.
1 K2 revision 2.01 or higher firmware and the KIO2 Aux I/O option are required for computer control of the K2. This revision
of the Programmer's Reference includes updates through firmware rev. 2.01H. Also see Change History, page 1.