Elecraft KIO2 - Manual (Page 3)

3
Command Format
Commands sent from the computer to the K2 are considered either GETs or SETs. GET commands are used by the
computer to get information from the K2; the K2 will then provide an appropriate response message (RSP). SET
commands are sent by the computer to change the radio's configuration or initiate an event; in most cases they
supply a data value. A SET can be followed by a GET to verify the new settings, or the auto-info mechanism can be
used for confirmation that something has changed (see AI in the Meta-commands section).
SET commands use two characters, optional data fields, and are terminated with a semicolon [;]. Examples:
KS020; Computer sets CW speed to 20 WPM (data = 020)
MD1; Computer selects LSB mode (data = 1)
Nearly every SET command that supplies a data field has a corresponding GET command, which is just the two-
letter command with no data. The data format of the response (RSP) message from the K2 is usually identical to the
format of the SET data. Exceptions are noted in the command descriptions.
Characters sent to the K2 can use either upper or lower case. The K2 will always respond with upper case.
Extended Commands
Some commands have an alternate data format which provides enhanced functionality. These alternate formats are
referred to as extended commands. For details, see K2 in the Meta-commands section.
Response Time
The K2 will respond to most commands in less than 20 milliseconds. To cover exceptions, we recommend using a
timeout of 100 ms. Some commands have additional timing requirements as explained later.
Polling
Since the KIO2 provides a full-duplex interface, the computer can poll the K2 for data at any time. However, we
recommend that TX-mode polling not be used unless necessary. This will prevent any problems with serial I/O that
might be caused if high RF voltages are present on the K2 chassis, such as might occur if grounding is inadequate.
Busy Indication
Most SET commands cannot be safely handled when the K2 is in a busy state, including transmit, direct frequency
entry prompting, and scanning. The K2 will respond with ?; to disallowed commands at such times. The only SET
commands that are allowed unconditionally during busy states are: AI, K2, KS, KY, PC, RX, and SW. In addition,
RC (RIT clear) commands that occur during transmit will return ?; but will still take effect, clearing the RIT/XIT
offset when the K2 next returns to receive mode, however briefly. Finally, during CW message repeat intervals,
RC, RD, and RU are all allowed (RIT clear/down/up). This is useful when listening for off-frequency callers
between repeating CQ messages.
If you need to terminate one of these busy states via computer, use the following commands:
Transmit state RX;
Direct Frequency Entry SW01; (or any other non-digit switch)
Scanning SW01; (or any other switch)