4
Overview
The PK-232SC is the latest generation of multimode data controllers built upon the solid
foundation of the legendary PK-232. The PK-232SC features an expanded interface to
connect and control your radio transceiver, station accessories and computer.
The key to the new PK-232SC is a single USB cable from your PK-232SC to your
computer. No other connection is necessary. Note the PK-232SC block diagram in
Figure 1. The USB cable from the computer connects to a four port USB hub inside the
PK-232.
Port 1 of the USB hub connects to a dual USB-to-UART bridge.
One of the UART serial ports connects directly to the PK-232SC UART serial port. This
shows up on your computer as a standard COM port. Your software terminal program
connects to this COM port to control the PK-232SC.
The other UART serial port is the rig control port. This optically isolated port supports
Icom CI-V, Yaesu CAT, Kenwood logic level, and RS-232 connections. This shows up
on your computer as an enhanced COM port. Your software rig control program controls
your transceiver.
Port 2 of the USB hub connects to a USB Audio sound card inside the PK-232SC.
The sound card audio is transformer isolated from the USB circuitry. The sound
card/PK-232 switch or a software command selects either sound card transmit audio or
PK-232SC transmit audio. Receive audio from your transceiver is always connected to
both the sound card receive audio and the PK-232 receive audio.
Ports 3 and 4 of the USB hub connect to a dual USB jack on the back panel of the
PK-232SC. Use these jacks for rig control of USB-equipped transceivers and for other
USB station accessories.
A new feature in the PK-232SC is an instant reset switch. A quick flick of the switch
when the power is off resets the PK-232SC to factory default condition.
