Discussion:
[Elecraft] K3 Beta Firmware, Revision 2.31
wayne burdick
2008-08-28 18:47:18 UTC
Permalink
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.31 is now available. This is an
extensive update; details appear below. Please send any problem reports
to ***@elecraft.com.

For instructions on how to load beta firmware, please see:

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 2.31 / DSP 1.89, 8-28-08

New Features and Enhancements:

* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).

* RIT CLR switch now works during transmit in all modes and at any time.

* RIT CLR MENU ENTRY: You can use this menu entry to select ?UNDO ON? or
?UNDO OFF?. OFF is the default. When ?ON?, tapping CLR will alternate
between
0.00 and the present RIT/XIT offset, if any.

* DIVERSITY RECEIVE MODE: If you have the sub receiver (KRX3 option)
installed,
you can take advantage of ?diversity receive? by using two separate
receiving antennas.
This can improve signal copy during fading, and adds a spatial (L/R)
effect to signals.
DIVERSITY MODE further enhances this capability by slaving the sub
receiver?s
mode, filter settings, and VFO to the main receiver. To enter diversity
mode, hold
SUB until you see ?DIVRSTY? on VFO B (about 2 seconds). The kHz decimal
point
of the VFO A display will flash slowly as a reminder that diversity
mode is in effect.

Notes on Diversity Mode:

1. Entering diversity mode switches the sub receiver to its AUX antenna
source. If you don?t hear any right-channel audio, you probably don?t
have
an antenna connected to the sub?s AUX input. Refer to the owner?s manual
or KRX3 manual for information on sub receiver AUX antenna
configuration.

2. If your main and sub receiver have 5-pole crystal filters with
differing frequency
offsets, you may hear a slow phase modulation in the received audio at
some
VFO frequencies. The only way to eliminate this effect is to use 5-pole
filters with
matched offsets (available on request; contact Elecraft) or use 8-pole
filters,
which have no offset.

Miscellaneous changes:

* DUAL PB CW MIN CONTEXT BANDWIDTH NOW 400 Hz. In high-QRM situations,
a 400 Hz or 500 Hz crystal filter may be very useful as a limit to the
context bandwidth.
Note that the ?pedestal? effect (-24 dB context filter) becomes more of
a sloped
response as the context bandwidth is reduced.

* DATA TX ALC IMPROVEMENTS. PWR control is now more responsive during
transmit in all DATA modes.

* FM SQUELCH THRESHOLD: Closely matched between main and sub receivers.

* NOISE BLANKER ON/OFF ON BAND CHANGE: The DSP noise blanker
wasn?t set up properly during band changes. It may have been left ON on
the new
band in some cases.

* PA TEMP and FP TEMP are now "normal" VFO B alternate display modes,
meaning that you don?t have to set TECH MD to ON in the config menu.

* DDS frequency shifting during T/R changed to eliminate a variation in
CW
keying duty cycle that was occurring only over specific, narrow
frequency ranges
on each band. This also eliminated a related CW keying artifact.

For software developers:

* RG$ command implemented (sub receiver RF gain).

* "FA", "UP" ,"DN", ?RC?, ?RU?, and ?RD? COMMANDS UPDATE VFO B IF
VFOS ARE LINKED (except in SPLIT). These commands can also be used
in transmit mode.



---

http://www.elecraft.com
AD6XY
2008-08-28 18:57:43 UTC
Permalink
Excellent. Thank you.
--
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Stephen Prior
2008-08-28 20:26:09 UTC
Permalink
I have installed the new beta firmware on #980 and am suffering agc
instability. I have returned the agc settings to default and still
experience random S meter movements to 30dB over 9 and corresponding lack
of audio output. Turning off the agc removes the problem. This is not qrm
coming from the antenna because it happens in exactly the same way with the
antenna disconnected.

I used the latest loader in windows xp.

Any ideas please? I have repeated the firmware upgrade and have also binned
the file and downloaded a fresh copy.

73 Stephen G4SJP
Vic K2VCO
2008-08-28 22:07:17 UTC
Permalink
Post by Stephen Prior
I have installed the new beta firmware on #980 and am suffering agc
instability. I have returned the agc settings to default and still
experience random S meter movements to 30dB over 9 and corresponding lack
of audio output. Turning off the agc removes the problem. This is not qrm
coming from the antenna because it happens in exactly the same way with the
antenna disconnected.
I used the latest loader in windows xp.
Any ideas please? I have repeated the firmware upgrade and have also binned
the file and downloaded a fresh copy.
Try checking the box labeled "Send all firmware to K3". If you don't see
this, go to View and turn Advanced Mode OFF).

Maybe one of the tables didn't get updated properly.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
Christopher Kovacs
2008-08-28 23:10:17 UTC
Permalink
Hi all,

I just upgraded to the latest beta. Set pitch to 630 and then varied
the "WIDTH" and SHIFT". Set the WIDTH for 0.80 then when shifting
passed FC 0.35, the receiver dies with an error "E 00000C" ERR DSE.

It doesn't appear to matter what the "pitch" tone is set. After the
error occurs, you must change the SHIFT setting > 0.35 and power off and on.


Chris W0ANM
David Wilburn
2008-08-28 23:35:25 UTC
Permalink
Same firmware here.

Set pitch to 630

Width to .80

Varied shift from lowest setting to highest without issues.

There were two loads that needed to be added for this firmware. Did
you add the DSP as well as the MCU?

David Wilburn
K4DGW
www.k4dgw.com
www.k4rc.net
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club (K4RC)

My Current LOTW/DXCC/WAS status
www.k4dgw.com/WAS.DXCC.info.html
Post by Christopher Kovacs
Hi all,
I just upgraded to the latest beta. Set pitch to 630 and then varied
the "WIDTH" and SHIFT". Set the WIDTH for 0.80 then when shifting
passed FC 0.35, the receiver dies with an error "E 00000C" ERR DSE.
It doesn't appear to matter what the "pitch" tone is set. After the
error occurs, you must change the SHIFT setting > 0.35 and power off and on.
Chris W0ANM
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You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
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Christopher Kovacs
2008-08-29 00:26:59 UTC
Permalink
Looks like it was my mistake.... I could have swore that the DSP was
being loaded the first time. I went back to the previous firmware and
then reloaded the latest beta firmware making sure that I send "all".

It's good now.

Chris w0anm
Post by David Wilburn
Same firmware here.
Set pitch to 630
Width to .80
Varied shift from lowest setting to highest without issues.
There were two loads that needed to be added for this firmware. Did
you add the DSP as well as the MCU?
David Wilburn
K4DGW
www.k4dgw.com
www.k4rc.net
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club (K4RC)
My Current LOTW/DXCC/WAS status
www.k4dgw.com/WAS.DXCC.info.html
Post by Christopher Kovacs
Hi all,
I just upgraded to the latest beta. Set pitch to 630 and then varied
the "WIDTH" and SHIFT". Set the WIDTH for 0.80 then when shifting
passed FC 0.35, the receiver dies with an error "E 00000C" ERR DSE.
It doesn't appear to matter what the "pitch" tone is set. After the
error occurs, you must change the SHIFT setting > 0.35 and power off and on.
Chris W0ANM
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
David Wilburn
2008-08-29 02:57:16 UTC
Permalink
Awesome, glad to hear it is up and running.

David Wilburn
K4DGW
www.k4dgw.com
Post by Christopher Kovacs
Looks like it was my mistake.... I could have swore that the DSP was
being loaded the first time. I went back to the previous firmware and
then reloaded the latest beta firmware making sure that I send "all".
It's good now.
Chris w0anm
Post by David Wilburn
Same firmware here.
Set pitch to 630
Width to .80
Varied shift from lowest setting to highest without issues.
There were two loads that needed to be added for this firmware. Did
you add the DSP as well as the MCU?
David Wilburn
K4DGW
www.k4dgw.com
www.k4rc.net
Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club (K4RC)
My Current LOTW/DXCC/WAS status
www.k4dgw.com/WAS.DXCC.info.html
Post by Christopher Kovacs
Hi all,
I just upgraded to the latest beta. Set pitch to 630 and then varied
the "WIDTH" and SHIFT". Set the WIDTH for 0.80 then when shifting
passed FC 0.35, the receiver dies with an error "E 00000C" ERR DSE.
It doesn't appear to matter what the "pitch" tone is set. After the
error occurs, you must change the SHIFT setting > 0.35 and power off and on.
Chris W0ANM
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Stewart Baker
2008-08-28 21:18:16 UTC
Permalink
Yes, very good.

We've had ESSB & Diversity implemented.
VFO IND next ?

73
Stewart G3RXQ
Post by wayne burdick
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.31 is now available. This is an
extensive update; details appear below. Please send any problem
reports
Post by wayne burdick
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm
73,
Wayne
N6KR
* * *
MCU 2.31 / DSP 1.89, 8-28-08
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).
* RIT CLR switch now works during transmit in all modes and at
any time.
Post by wayne burdick
* RIT CLR MENU ENTRY: You can use this menu entry to select
"UNDO ON" or
Post by wayne burdick
"UNDO OFF". OFF is the default. When "ON", tapping CLR will
alternate
Post by wayne burdick
between
0.00 and the present RIT/XIT offset, if any.
* DIVERSITY RECEIVE MODE: If you have the sub receiver (KRX3
option)
Post by wayne burdick
installed,
you can take advantage of "diversity receive" by using two
separate
Post by wayne burdick
receiving antennas.
This can improve signal copy during fading, and adds a spatial
(L/R)
Post by wayne burdick
effect to signals.
DIVERSITY MODE further enhances this capability by slaving the
sub
Post by wayne burdick
receiver's
mode, filter settings, and VFO to the main receiver. To enter
diversity
Post by wayne burdick
mode, hold
SUB until you see "DIVRSTY" on VFO B (about 2 seconds). The kHz
decimal
Post by wayne burdick
point
of the VFO A display will flash slowly as a reminder that
diversity
Post by wayne burdick
mode is in effect.
1. Entering diversity mode switches the sub receiver to its AUX
antenna
Post by wayne burdick
source. If you don't hear any right-channel audio, you probably
don't
Post by wayne burdick
have
an antenna connected to the sub's AUX input. Refer to the
owner's manual
Post by wayne burdick
or KRX3 manual for information on sub receiver AUX antenna
configuration.
2. If your main and sub receiver have 5-pole crystal filters
with
Post by wayne burdick
differing frequency
offsets, you may hear a slow phase modulation in the received
audio at
Post by wayne burdick
some
VFO frequencies. The only way to eliminate this effect is to use
5-pole
Post by wayne burdick
filters with
matched offsets (available on request; contact Elecraft) or use
8-pole
Post by wayne burdick
filters,
which have no offset.
* DUAL PB CW MIN CONTEXT BANDWIDTH NOW 400 Hz. In high-QRM
situations,
Post by wayne burdick
a 400 Hz or 500 Hz crystal filter may be very useful as a limit
to the
Post by wayne burdick
context bandwidth.
Note that the "pedestal" effect (-24 dB context filter) becomes
more of
Post by wayne burdick
a sloped
response as the context bandwidth is reduced.
* DATA TX ALC IMPROVEMENTS. PWR control is now more responsive
during
Post by wayne burdick
transmit in all DATA modes.
* FM SQUELCH THRESHOLD: Closely matched between main and sub
receivers.
Post by wayne burdick
* NOISE BLANKER ON/OFF ON BAND CHANGE: The DSP noise blanker
wasn't set up properly during band changes. It may have been
left ON on
Post by wayne burdick
the new
band in some cases.
* PA TEMP and FP TEMP are now "normal" VFO B alternate display
modes,
Post by wayne burdick
meaning that you don't have to set TECH MD to ON in the config
menu.
Post by wayne burdick
* DDS frequency shifting during T/R changed to eliminate a
variation in
Post by wayne burdick
CW
keying duty cycle that was occurring only over specific, narrow
frequency ranges
on each band. This also eliminated a related CW keying artifact.
* RG$ command implemented (sub receiver RF gain).
* "FA", "UP" ,"DN", "RC", "RU", and "RD" COMMANDS UPDATE VFO B
IF
Post by wayne burdick
VFOS ARE LINKED (except in SPLIT). These commands can also be
used
Post by wayne burdick
in transmit mode.
---
http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Stephen Prior
2008-08-28 22:19:07 UTC
Permalink
Hello Vic

Just tried that, and sadly no difference. I'm beginning to get _really_
confused now!

Thanks anyway

73 Stephen
Post by Vic K2VCO
Post by Stephen Prior
I have installed the new beta firmware on #980 and am suffering agc
instability. I have returned the agc settings to default and still
experience random S meter movements to 30dB over 9 and corresponding lack
of audio output. Turning off the agc removes the problem. This is not qrm
coming from the antenna because it happens in exactly the same way with the
antenna disconnected.
I used the latest loader in windows xp.
Any ideas please? I have repeated the firmware upgrade and have also binned
the file and downloaded a fresh copy.
Try checking the box labeled "Send all firmware to K3". If you don't see
this, go to View and turn Advanced Mode OFF).
Maybe one of the tables didn't get updated properly.
Tom Childers, N5GE
2008-08-28 23:56:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by wayne burdick
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.31 is now available. This is an
extensive update; details appear below. Please send any problem reports
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm
73,
Wayne
N6KR
* * *
MCU 2.31 / DSP 1.89, 8-28-08
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).
[snip]

Yahooo!

Excellent! Now I can set the pitch exactly for these old ears and work CW
without the hearing aids :O)

Thank you, thank you, thank you,

Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq

"Those who would give up
Essential Liberty to
purchase a little Temporary
Safety deserve neither
Liberty nor Safety"

An excerpt from a letter
written in 1755 from the
Assembly to the Governor
of Pennsylvania.

Support the entire Constitution, not
just the parts you like.

http://www.n5ge.com
http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE
wayne burdick
2008-08-29 02:21:59 UTC
Permalink
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
Post by wayne burdick
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).
[snip]
Yahooo!
Excellent! Now I can set the pitch exactly for these old ears and work CW
without the hearing aids :O)
Thank you, thank you, thank you,....
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

---

http://www.elecraft.com
Hank Garretson
2008-08-29 02:39:50 UTC
Permalink
Post by wayne burdick
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)
The 1.5 kW amplifier?


73,

Hank, W6SX

Mammoth Lakes, California

Elevation 8083 feet in John Muir's Range of Light
Bill Johnson
2008-08-29 02:51:24 UTC
Permalink
How about the 800w?


72,

Bill

K9YEQ
K2 #35, K2 # 5279, KX1 #35, Mini Modules, etc.




-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-***@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Hank Garretson
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 8:31 PM
To: wayne burdick
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: K3 Beta Firmware, Revision 2.31
Post by wayne burdick
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)
The 1.5 kW amplifier?


73,

Hank, W6SX

Mammoth Lakes, California

Elevation 8083 feet in John Muir's Range of Light


_______________________________________________
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Post to: ***@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Julius Fazekas n2wn
2008-08-29 15:25:00 UTC
Permalink
Tom,

Ask for a remote Low Power antenna tuner that will work with the K2 and K3
;o)

Cheers,
Julius
n2wn
Post by wayne burdick
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
Post by wayne burdick
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).
[snip]
Yahooo!
Excellent! Now I can set the pitch exactly for these old ears and work CW
without the hearing aids :O)
Thank you, thank you, thank you,....
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)
73,
Wayne
N6KR
---
http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
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Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
k4tmc at aol.com ()
2008-08-30 03:39:01 UTC
Permalink
YES! We need a remote version of the KAT100. That would help improve
a lot of signals.

73,
Henry - K4TMC
K3/100 #98
K2/100 #3137

-----Original Message-----
From: Julius Fazekas n2wn <***@yahoo.com>
To: ***@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:16 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta Firmware, Revision 2.31

Tom,

Ask for a remote Low Power antenna tuner that will work with the K2 and
K3
;o)

Cheers,
Julius
n2wn
Post by wayne burdick
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
Post by wayne burdick
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally 50 Hz).
[snip]
Yahooo!
Excellent! Now I can set the pitch exactly for these old ears and work CW
without the hearing aids :O)
Thank you, thank you, thank you,....
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)
73,
Wayne
N6KR
---
http://www.elecraft.com
_______________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
--
View this message in context:
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Beta-Firmware%2C-Revision-2.31-tp790252p792301.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

_______________________________________________
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Post to: ***@mailman.qth.net
You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
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Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Jon Kåre Hellan
2008-08-30 08:40:42 UTC
Permalink
I'd like to use this opportunity to say that I'm impressed by the
KAT100. Everything I've been able to tune with my manual MFJ-949, the
KAT100 will also tune.

Jon LA4RT
YES! We need a remote version of the KAT100. That would help improve a
lot of signals.
73,
Henry - K4TMC
K3/100 #98
K2/100 #3137
S Sacco
2008-08-29 15:45:27 UTC
Permalink
Post by wayne burdick
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for you today? :)
Just a couple of thoughts...

1) How about enabling the firmware for the KTCXO3-1 TCXO, so that
those of us who paid for that capability can actually use it?

2) How about concentrating on creating a rock-solid code base, with
the AGC/NR/NB/whatever all functioning at their best possible level of
performance.

73,
Steve NN4X
hank k8dd
2008-08-30 02:23:16 UTC
Permalink
----- Original Message -----
Post by S Sacco
2) How about concentrating on creating a rock-solid code base, with
the AGC/NR/NB/whatever all functioning at their best possible level of
performance.
73,
Steve NN4X
And make CW sound good with NR turned on.

73 Hank K8DD

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Craig
2008-08-30 04:57:45 UTC
Permalink
I will vote for the remote antenna tuner and a Syllabic Squelch.

A syllabic voice squelch would be a nice feature to have on the K3. Most commercial HF radios have these voice activated squelch circuits. They seem to ignore and noise and static very well on SSB.

Craig
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta Firmware, Revision 2.31 - Remote ATU
Date: Friday, August 29, 2008, 10:30 PM
YES! We need a remote version of the KAT100. That would
help improve
a lot of signals.
73,
Henry - K4TMC
K3/100 #98
K2/100 #3137
-----Original Message-----
Sent: Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:16 am
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta Firmware, Revision 2.31
Tom,
Ask for a remote Low Power antenna tuner that will work
with the K2 and
K3
;o)
Cheers,
Julius
n2wn
Post by wayne burdick
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
Post by wayne burdick
* CW SIDETONE INCREMENTS NOW 10 HZ (originally
50 Hz).
Post by wayne burdick
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
[snip]
Yahooo!
Excellent! Now I can set the pitch exactly for
these old ears and
Post by wayne burdick
Post by Tom Childers, N5GE
work CW
without the hearing aids :O)
Thank you, thank you, thank you,....
You're welcome, Tom. What else can we design for
you today? :)
Post by wayne burdick
73,
Wayne
N6KR
---
http://www.elecraft.com
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Craig D. Smith
2008-08-30 14:01:29 UTC
Permalink
<> I will vote for the remote antenna tuner and a Syllabic Squelch.

AMEN! A weather resistant Elecraft remote tuner is at the top of my list.
Ideally one with a balanced topology.
... Craig AC0DS
Ian White GM3SEK
2008-08-30 14:33:58 UTC
Permalink
Post by Craig D. Smith
<> I will vote for the remote antenna tuner and a Syllabic Squelch.
AMEN! A weather resistant Elecraft remote tuner is at the top of my
list. Ideally one with a balanced topology.
An earlier priority should be support to allow *existing* external
antenna tuners to interface with the K3.
--
73 from Ian GM3SEK
http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek
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