[This was also posted to the K4 forum.] * * *
Beta testing of rev. R33.BETA2 has gone very well, so we're promoting it to full-production status (R33.PRODUCTION). This means it will be installed on all new K4s. We also encourage existing K4 owners to perform the update. The "big-ticket" item is much improved T/R characteristics. This benefits all modes, but it's most noticeable in CW. Important notes: - The release notes below start with the items from R33.BETA2. Scroll to the bottom to see the notes from R33.BETA1. - Use the Fn > SW UPDATE function to install new software. Select "Production Release" from the pull-down menu at the upper left corner of the update screen, then tap "Check for Updates." If you don't immediately see the R33 production release become available, do "Check for Updates" a second time. (The update may take several minutes due to load-time requirements of various software elements.) - If you’re using an amplifier, you’ll want to set up the new “TX DLY, Unkey to Receive” menu entry. See the NEW MENU ENTRIES section below for full details and suggested settings. 73, Wayne N6KR ========================================================== ====================== R33.PRODUCTION ==================== ========================================================== April 11, 2023 ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - MOUSE POINTER SELECTIONS: There are now 3 different mouse pointer sizes and 2 different colors (total of 6 combinations). See MENU: Mouse Pinter Size, LCD and MENU: Mouse Pointer Size, Ext. Mon. - OPERATING MANUAL REVISED: The built-in operating manual is now at rev. C27. It includes the new T/R related menu entries (see below) and various other updates. --------- BUG FIXES --------- - CW RECEIVE ARTIFACTS DURING T/R ELIMINATED: In previous releases, keying the K4 in the presence of large signals, especially while driving an external amplifier, could cause "pops" or "clicks" in the K4's audio on key-up. This has been corrected via fixed bugs and two new menu entries (see NEW MENU ENTRIES section, below). - CLICKS ON CHANGE IN MODE/BAND/ETC. ELIMINATED: In previously releases, changing some settings resulted in audible clicks, especially when in FM mode. - FM SQUELCH RANGE RESTORED: The original FM squelch range has been restored. Previously, the NB filters were being incorrectly applied in FM mode. - SSB BANDWIDTH ERRORS CORRECTED: SSB receive bandwidth is no longer subject to erroneous narrowing by NB filters under any circumstances. The NB filters are now applied optimally for QRM rejection purposes in all modes. - MENU PARAMETER VALUES ADJUST CORRECTLY: In the last FT release, parameters wrapped on all menu entries as VFO A was rotated. They now have stops at the low and high ends of their ranges. The values also now go UP with clockwise rotation. - MANUAL NOTCH LOSS OF AUDIO FIXED: Previously, using manual notch could cause loss of receiver audio in CW mode with certain bandwidth settings. ---------------- NEW MENU ENTRIES ---------------- TX DLY, Unkey to Receive Sets the delay time in milliseconds from KEY OUT going high (end of external amp keying) to return to receive mode. This parameter is intended to compensate for amplifier T/R switching on key-up, which can cause audible receive artifacts such as "clicks" or "pops." This is especially true when keying in the presence of multiple large received signals (e.g., in a pileup). Use the smallest value that eliminates audible receive artifacts on key-up. Settings from 5-10 are sufficient for most amps. For the KPA1500, a delay value of 5 ms is typically used. The best value can be determined experimentally while keying the K4 in TEST mode, which keys the K4 and the amplifier without producing RF output. This should be done while one or more large signals are within +/- 5 kHz of the K4's VFO frequency. (Lacking such signals, artifacts are not likely to be heard.) NOTE: Settings from 0-15 are applied in such a way as to still allow for QSK operation, though settings at the higher end of this range may interact with CW timing. Settings from 16-60 will not affect CW timing even at the highest code speeds, but they do not allow for full QSK, even when QSK mode is selected. TX QSK Method This parameter has a subtle effect on the way CW QSK sounds. Mode 1 (default) is optimized for best overall listening experience, and is recommended for most operators. Mode 2 provides full QSK up to somewhat higher code speeds. ======================================================= ====================== R33.BETA1 ====================== ======================================================= February 16, 2023 ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - MOUSE WHEEL USE: When hovering the mouse cursor over the buttons associated with the three multi-function knobs, you can now use the mouse wheel to change the parameters. - NOISE BLANKER ENHANCEMENT: We've beefed up the filtering associated with the noise blanker and are now applying it optimally in all modes. This means you can turn the blanker on and not observe audio artifacts from strong signals elsewhere in the band. To take advantage of this change, use the NB LEVEL control to set the filtering option to NARROW on all bands for both VFO A and B. Also see note below. NOISE BLANKER TIP: Use the noise blanker only when necessary. As with most blankers, the K4's can cause some artifacts when strong signals are present. If you're using the rig on a busy band and need the NB, bring up the NB LEVEL control panel and select NARROW NB filtering. This setting optimizes filtering ahead of the blanker algorithm. If the noise has a fast rise time and can only be mitigated using the WIDE or NONE NB filter settings, and you hear audio artifacts due to strong signals, try reducing front-end gain by adjusting preamp and attenuator settings. --------- BUG FIXES --------- - MENU PARAMETER CHANGE: Menu parameters can all now be correctly adjusted with both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the VFO A knob. Previously some parameters were missing values as the knob was rotated. - CW QSK IMPROVEMENTS: This release greatly reduces audio artifacts heard during K4 CW keying while another very strong station is transmitting +/- 5 kHz from the K4's VFO frequency. Extremely strong signals very close to (but outside) your receive passband may still require front-end gain reduction, as usual The primary cause of this was a limiter function that was unintentionally activated during T/R switching. In addition to this change, we've added the equivalent of narrow roofing filters ahead of the DSP's receiver stages. These filters approximately track your regular filter settings (BW control). To get the most out of this protective filtering, simply narrow the normal BW setting (see details above). ---- elecraft.com <http://elecraft.com/> ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
