Installing and running the Elecraft KRC2 Config Visual Basic program.
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Our VisualBasic version of the KRC2 Config program comes in a "deployment" package. Copy the zipped file into a temporary directory, unzip the contents into a sub folder and run setup.exe. The default destination for the installed program is C:\Program Files\KRC2 Config. It will create program icons in the Start Menu area only; no icons will be added to your desktop. Also, any DLL programs will remain within the KRC2 Config's own program directory, not your Windows system folders.

Running:

Connect a standard, "straight through" DB9 serial cable to the "PC" DB9F connector on the KRC2.  Connect the other end to your pc's serial port, either DB9 or (via a USB "dongle") to a USB port.  The default COM port is COM1. This can be changed in the "ComPort" pull-down menu.  The program sets up the COM port to 4800 baud, 8 data bits, No Parity, 1 stop bit, No Handshake.

When the program is started it searches for your KRC2, so be sure it is connected, powered up, and the "OP" (Operate) / "DL" (Download) switch inside the KRC2 is in the "DL" position.  The program will still run without a KRC2, but if you then hook it up, go to pulldown menu "Main"..."Test for KRC2" to link.

A screen shot of the main screen appears above.  The boxes are shown with the default "connections", i.e. when you switch your K2 to the 17 meter band, the "17" output will activate.  Note these are not exclusive; you can set as many boxes active in any pattern you need.

If you have the jumper for W5 installed in your KCR2 then select the "W5 Jumper In" option.  Having this jumper installed allows you to use all seven XV settings in the K2 to control an output, so you will see horizontal rows XVTR1 - XVTR7 (as shown above). If it is removed, then select the "Out" option and only XVTR1 - XVTR3 will be available for band mapping.

If you use the ACC option in your K2 then set the "K2 Acc Menu" to "On".  The AC1 - AC3 vertical columns will be disabled, allowing the K2 to control the Acc options.  Otherwise, set it to "Off" (as shown above) and you will have the AC1 - AC3 columns available for output on any band.

More exciting news; you can easily set the KRC2 to respond to band voltages from ICOM and Yaesu radios.  Go to the pulldown menu "Main" and choose Analog Table AN1, AN2, or AN3 (AN1 is shown above).  Which one you use depends on how you will connect your radio to the KRC2.  The voltage input to the KRC2 for AN1 is pin 9 of either DB9 connector.  Use pin 7 for AN2, and pin 4 for AN3.  Note that AN1 and AN3 can handle up to 10 VDC, while AN2 is limited to 5 VDC.

Use the vertical sliders to set the voltages for each band.  You may need to use a DMM to measure the voltage out of your radio as you change bands to know what value to set.  You may also type the values into the boxes at the top of the sliders.

When you are satisfied with the band maps you have created, SAVE THEM using any one of the three "Save as MAP(1, 2, 3)" buttons.  Then click on the "Send to KRC2" button.  After a moment you should see "Last send Passed!" in green above this button.  If you get "Last Send Failed" in red below the button, check that the "DL / OP" switch is in the "DL" position and check serial cable and power cables for loose connections.
 

You will see the firmware version of your KRC2 when you start this program, or when you use the pulldown menu "Main"..."Test for KRC2".
 

Yes, this version and has been extensively tested but only on Windows XP.  We encourage you to please go ahead and try this at home and send us your feedback.

Thank you and have fun!