Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
* SSB TRANSMIT BANDPASS EXTENDED AT LOW END. Improvement is about 2 dB at 300 Hz, 3 dB at 200 Hz, and 6 dB at 100 Hz. Can this be made optional? Excess LF response only wastes power at low frequencies and occupies excess bandwidth. We could add a menu entry for this -- it's on the list. Meanwhile, the low end is rolled off a bit in hardware, too, so in practice I don't think you'll have any problems with this. Hi. At what frequencies are the low end rolled off in hardware ? I think it should be as flat as possible and then rolled off by the microphone (low-cut switc etc.) or the TX eq. The TEN-TEC Omni VII for instance has a menu for TX roll-off (70-300Hz). Adding this will be a fine way for users to set the TX roll-off to the point they want. The only thing one must remember with the Omni VII is that if you set the TX bandwidth to 2400 Hz and the TX roll-off to 70Hz it will sound too muddy. Then one must move the TX roll-off to around 200Hz to cut off the low end. This also add's the 200Hz you set in the TX roll-off to the upper side of the passband (moving it from 2470Hz to 2600Hz). This way the TX bandwidth is still 2400 Hz, and the TX frequency passband are 200Hz - 2600Hz. Alternativly, one can have one single SSB TX bandwidth menu who cuts off at specified frequencies: 2400 Hz : 300 - 2700 Hz 2600 Hz : 200 - 2800 Hz (default?) 2800 Hz : 200 - 3000 Hz 3000 Hz : 100 - 3100 Hz (requires 6kHz IF filter) 3500 Hz : 70 - 3570 Hz (requires 6kHz IF filter) 4000 Hz : 50 - 4050 Hz (requires 6kHz IF filter) This is maybe easier and more user friendly as it cuts off the low end as well, and it's easier to get a good sound without adjusting several menu's. Having a bit more low end and more bandwidth is fine when using 10m or 6m locally for ragchew on a quiet band. Best regards LA4AMA Roar -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17053977.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
hi Wayne, On 4 May 2008 at 11:48, wayne burdick wrote: Will TX EQ be made mode and/or input dependent? Setting TX EQ for voice screws up the audio response for digital mode (AFSK A and DATA A) operation. The same is true for RX EQ. I believe both RX and TX EQ are bypassed in DATA modes. If not, they should be. I'll mention this to Lyle. Per-mode settings are on the list, too. I have two different micophones, one needs heavy TX EQ correction, the other one is good with neutral settings. Is it possible to store a profile for this? Settings per input would not help in my case, because I connect both microphones on the rear connector. You will ask, why do I use a different microphone? The reason is I cannot bear the good one (headset) for a long time, and sometimes have to change it because my ears hurt. And the small headset which needs correction is the choice for portable use. 73! de Werner OE9FWV -- I have seen the truth and it makes no sense. PGP-Key: http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/furlan.asc Fone +43 5522 75013 Fax +43 820 555 85 2621 Mobile +43 664 6340014 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: wider than necessary. With the FM filter, the 4.2 KHz high cut is less than the 10 KHZ of IF bandwidth. Why is the IF bandwidth and audio response excessively restricted with the FM filter? It should be possible to achieve at least 12 KHz of IF bandwidth and 6 KHz or more of audio bandwidth depending on the filter skirts. FM bandwidth is a complicated issue, but I believe that, to a first approximation, you can add the peak audio frequency to the peak deviation and then double it for deviation the other way and the other sideband. This covers the dominant sideband frequencies, but actual sidebands are infinite. The most common VHF deviation is +/-2.5kHz. For communications quality audio, that gives a total bandwidth of about 10.6kHz. I'm not sure how Elecraft define deviation. Maybe they define it as peak to peak, i.e. +/1.5kHz, in which case they might get 3.5kHz maximum safe audo frequency in 10kHz. They probably can't go much above 10kHz, because they need to be compatible with 12.5kHz channeling on VHF, or even 10kHz channeling on European CB and PMR 446. Of course, for lower instantaneous peak deviations, one could get more distortion free bandwidth. I would guess that communications FM devices are designed for communication type RF bandwidths, however it is possible that cheap, or even most, devices don't explicitly limit the audio bandwidth, and simply rely on their being little audio power at high enough frequencies to suffer distortion as a result of IF bandwidth limits. The important points are that the required bandwidth for FM is rather more than twice the maximum audio frequency and that FM communications equipment, whilst maybe not designed to police audio bandwidth, isn't particularly designed for wide bandwidths. -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
wayne burdick wrote: We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. Great stuff Wayne, thanks! One point and a question. Firstly, the RPT OFS menu entry is not in the config menu, it is in the main one :-) Secondly, what is the deviation set to in FM mode? For example, I would dearly love to use the rig on 2m for our local repeater via my XV-144 but in the UK, that means narrow deviation. Could that be made adjustable if needed? Many thanks Ian *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter ‘T’ will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM-bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. * PSK AUTOTUNE ACCURACY improved. You may still need to use RIT (FINE steps) to tune in signals for best built-in text decode. (Also see CW-to-DATA in the Owner’s Manual.) TRANSMIT: * TRANSVERTER POWER CONTROL: The value set in CONFIG:XVn PWR now correctly sets a fixed power level on the associated transverter band (0-1.50 mW or 0-12W). * POWER ROLLBACK BASED ON REFLECTED POWER: Power rollback begins at about 2.5:1 at 100 W (and of course
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Does the advice for setting up soundcard digital modes given here: http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg53656.html become effective when using this new version? Specifically: If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. This sounds right given the description of the ALC changes. Bob NW8L * SSB TX POWER CONTROL improved. Set ALC for about 5 bars (rarely 6+) using MIC gain control, then set CMP and POWER as desired. The RF power bargraph shows approx. peak power when you whistle or shout, but will typically show well below peak power during normal speech. If you're using an external peak-reading wattmeter or power amplifier, adjust POWER as required while observing the effect of speech peaks. If you find that an SSB power setting higher or lower than for CW is often required, you may wish to compensate for this using the CONFIG:TXG VCE menu entry. Technical Note: Our latest MCU and DSP code uses minimal amounts of ALC, consistent with analysis done by Leif Asbrink, SM5BSZ. (His findings and recommendations can be found on his web site, www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz.) The general idea is to keep transmit drive just below where ALC can cause splatter on speech peaks, rather than apply ALC heavily to achieve additional compression. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Ian J Maude wrote: Great stuff Wayne, thanks! One point and a question. Firstly, the RPT OFS menu entry is not in the config menu, it is in the main one :-) Secondly, what is the deviation set to in FM mode? For example, I would dearly love to use the rig on 2m for our local repeater via my XV-144 but in the UK, that means narrow deviation. Could that be made adjustable if needed? Agreed, this is a brilliant update. Well worth waiting for! There is only one thing I'd like to see on FM that does not appear to be there and that is a discriminator meter indication to allow accurate tuning to the other station's frequency. I guess it could work the same way CWT does. It probably doesn't matter on VHF/UHF or using repeaters where the operation is channelized, but when working simplex on 10m there is no guarantee that the station you are working will be on an exact frequency. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17044805.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Yes - Great. Installed without problems. It does most of the things I have been waiting for. Still not interfacing to the kettle but you can't have everything Is there a utility to allow me to upload a set of settings so I don't have to go through all the config? I know I can backup and restore, but can I edit the backup. It is rather tedious setting all the audio settings for example when swapping between different configurations - contest vs not contest. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17044935.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Ian J Maude wrote: Secondly, what is the deviation set to in FM mode? For example, I would dearly love to use the rig on 2m for our local repeater via my XV-144 but in the UK, that means narrow deviation. Could that be made adjustable if needed? I don't have a transverter, so I'm unable to find any FM stations to do on-air tests with at the moment, but listening to the K3 on 29.600 FM via my FT-817 the audio sounds a bit distorted or scratchy on voice peaks which suggests that the deviation is too high. I'd like to be able to adjust this to see if it is or not. I have CMP=0 and the scratchiness is detectable even at low mic gain settings. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17045159.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
hi Wayne, Your new firmware is vy much appreciated and I am very happy with many features though not everything tested yet. The update went without a problem, congrats - this is very well done. I have a peculiar behaviour with SSB modulation that I have to report: wayne burdick schrieb am 3 May 2008 um 17:29: * SSB TX POWER CONTROL improved. Set ALC for about 5 bars (rarely 6+) using MIC gain control, then set CMP and POWER as desired. The RF power bargraph shows approx. peak power when you whistle or shout, but will typically show well below peak power during normal speech. If you™re using an external peak-reading wattmeter or power amplifier, adjust POWER as required while observing the effect of speech peaks. If you find that an SSB power setting higher or lower than for CW is often required, you may wish to compensate for this using the CONFIG:TXG VCE menu entry. Technical Note: Our latest MCU and DSP code uses minimal amounts of ALC, consistent with analysis done by Leif Asbrink, SM5BSZ. (His findings and recommendations can be found on his web site, www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz.) The general idea is to keep transmit drive just below where ALC can cause splatter on speech peaks, rather than apply ALC heavily to achieve additional compression. when I transmit in SSB I am not able to get 100 % HF output. peak power is around 40 Watts whatever I do, reading on the LP-100 peak power meter. (using a Heil Proset with HC 5 Element) RF display is about 40 % max. But! when I key the transceiver with the CW paddle in SSB (new feature, very welcome!) I suddenly get full output also with normal speech. If I twist the power a little up or down, I am back on 40 % output, with one Dit in CW I can have the full power back. I am curious, if I am the only one with this problem. btw, modulation reports on the air are excellent. Loud and clear, vy good readability. 73! de Werner OE9FWV -- If god can be god, why couldn't I? Email powered by Pegasus Mail free at http://www.pmail.com Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/ Fone +43 5522 75013 Fax +43 820 555 85 2621 Mobile +43 664 6340014 Elecraft K2 #5203 K3 #656 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
You shouldn't directly edit the saved configuration file. However you may save one configuration, then manipulate the K3's CONFIG menu to a second set of settings and save THAT configuration. You may then restore either configuration. CW and frequency memories are NOT part of the saved configuration. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of AD6XY - Mike Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 3:42 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) Yes - Great. Installed without problems. It does most of the things I have been waiting for. Still not interfacing to the kettle but you can't have everything Is there a utility to allow me to upload a set of settings so I don't have to go through all the config? I know I can backup and restore, but can I edit the backup. It is rather tedious setting all the audio settings for example when swapping between different configurations - contest vs not contest. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Fina lly%21%29-tp17041394p17044935.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Bob Cunnings wrote: Does the advice for setting up soundcard digital modes given here: http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg53656.html become effective when using this new version? Specifically: If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. This sounds right given the description of the ALC changes. Bob NW8L I am observing that it is impossible to get the requested power output in DATA A. If I set the PWR control of the K3/10 to 5W then no amount of audio input will get the external power meter to read 5W output on a pure audio tone. Instead the meter reads about 2.5W at the same LINE IN setting that gave 5W out when the power was increased to max. Slowly increasing the audio drive above this level with the K3 meter showing ALC shows the ALC pulsing about twice a second. The amount of ALC shown during the pulses increases as the drive level increases. The power meter (moving coil, average reading) will only go up to about 3.0W and some slight pulsing of the meter needle is also evident corresponding to the K3 ALC display. Sending a PSK idle tone instead of a pure tuning tone the meter shows a level a bit below half the level on the tuning tone, commensurate with the K3 limiting the output to 2.5 or 3W PEP despite 5W being requested. The only way to get a real 5W peak is to set the PWR control to 12W and then regulate the power entirely using the audio drive, which is not a very accurate or foolproof way of doing it. In PSK D mode where the audio is generated internally by the K2 the power does seem to be correctly regulated by the power control (the K3 does not generate the short tail of pure carrier at the end of the transmission like most sound card programs do.) However something is definitely not right with the power level setting. If I transmit in DATA A, then select PSK D and send something, I only get about 0.2W! I have to change mode to CW and then back to SSB and then the power out in PSK D is correct. Unlike someone else who reported low output on SSB my own aaallo testing has found nothing amiss in this mode. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17045737.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Does the advice for setting up soundcard digital modes given here: http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg53656.html become effective when using this new version? Specifically: If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. This sounds right given the description of the ALC changes. Yes, I wrote this when running a version of code that was the precursor to the latest release. The downstream ALC works a bit differently now, but the message is correct. The intent of the DSP code is that 4 bars are best for DATA A (and thus AFSK) modes. Let me know if you have problems with this. We're working hard to get it right! 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Good day all, I just uploaded the new firmware version which went smoothly. After that I had to do some filter settings as I had my FM filter (yes, it is in slot 1) already installed but it had to be enabled since the FM mode is available now. Normal procedure: go to Config, select a filter and tap the modes to set or disable that particular filter. If you are for instance editing FL3 and tap FM mode, it switches back to FL1. Be aware of that! I messed up the filter settings. It would have been better not to be able to select FM mode when in FL2-FL5 as the FM filter has to be in FL1 position, isn't it? Now the Q: Can someone tell if and why listing in CW mode with roofing filter 2.7 Kc and DSP set to 2.8 and centered sounds so different as when on SSB mode with the 2,7 Kc roofing filter and the DSP at 2.8 Kc and centered? In this particular situation (in CW mode) it is impossible to read an SSB or LSB signal as if filters are totally different. I've got the feeling that this was not the case with the earlier version or am I wrong? When the roofing filter is 2.7 why does the DSP still have effect when changed from 2.7 to 4.0 Kc (no, the roofing filter is not switched automatically from 2.7 Kc (FL2) to 13.0 Kc (FL1)? At least the display still says FL2. Are the slopes of the DSP so much steeper? Is it possible to upload an earlier version? Thanks, Evert PA2KW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM- bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). Audio response is limited to 4.2 KHz with either the FM filter (13 KHz) or AM filter (6 KHz) at FL1. With the AM filter, 4.2 KHz is wider than necessary. With the FM filter, the 4.2 KHz high cut is less than the 10 KHZ of IF bandwidth. Why is the IF bandwidth and audio response excessively restricted with the FM filter? It should be possible to achieve at least 12 KHz of IF bandwidth and 6 KHz or more of audio bandwidth depending on the filter skirts. * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). Can this be extended to CW and Data? It appears that NORM is currently fixed at 400 Hz regardless of mode and filter. 500 Hz would be more appropriate for CW with the 500 Hz crystal filter and even wider values might be appropriate for some DATA A modes with a 1000 Hz or 1.8 KHz filter. * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). * SSB TRANSMIT BANDPASS EXTENDED AT LOW END. Improvement is about 2 dB at 300 Hz, 3 dB at 200 Hz, and 6 dB at 100 Hz. Can this be made optional? Excess LF response only wastes power at low frequencies and occupies excess bandwidth. Additional improvement possible via TX EQ. Will TX EQ be made mode and/or input dependent? Setting TX EQ for voice screws up the audio response for digital mode (AFSK A and DATA A) operation. The same is true for RX EQ. 73, ... Joe, W4TV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
G'day, - Original Message - From: Joe Subich, W4TV [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'wayne burdick' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 1:24 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) | * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very | weak and very strong signals. | | Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below | the value set for pitch). CW auto tuning to my XG1 on either low or high O/P setting auto tunes to my 650Hz pitch setting. Confirmed by Spectrogram 16 display. With BW set to 1000Hz the capture range, in my case with 650Hz pitch, is -220Hz to +195Hz at 1 microvolt I/P signal. Outside those limits it can take two pushes of SPOT to auto spot, or much beyond those limits the auto spot will tune the wrong direction. However I feel I'm not that tone deaf that I can't get to within +/-100Hz by ear. Regards, Mike VP8NO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
* IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). Can this be extended to CW and Data? It appears that NORM is currently fixed at 400 Hz regardless of mode and filter. 500 Hz would be more appropriate for CW with the 500 Hz crystal filter and even wider values might be appropriate for some DATA A modes with a 1000 Hz or 1.8 KHz filter. Added to the list -- thanks. * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). I can't duplicate this. I tried various sidetone pitches and found that auto-spot got to within a few Hz every time. What sidetone pitch are you using? I suppose some kind of band noise could interfere with the operation of CWT as well. * SSB TRANSMIT BANDPASS EXTENDED AT LOW END. Improvement is about 2 dB at 300 Hz, 3 dB at 200 Hz, and 6 dB at 100 Hz. Can this be made optional? Excess LF response only wastes power at low frequencies and occupies excess bandwidth. We could add a menu entry for this -- it's on the list. Meanwhile, the low end is rolled off a bit in hardware, too, so in practice I don't think you'll have any problems with this. Additional improvement possible via TX EQ. Will TX EQ be made mode and/or input dependent? Setting TX EQ for voice screws up the audio response for digital mode (AFSK A and DATA A) operation. The same is true for RX EQ. I believe both RX and TX EQ are bypassed in DATA modes. If not, they should be. I'll mention this to Lyle. Per-mode settings are on the list, too. tnx Wayne N6KR 73, ... Joe, W4TV --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
...listening to the K3 on 29.600 FM via my FT-817 the audio sounds a bit distorted or scratchy on voice peaks which suggests that the deviation is too high. I'd like to be able to adjust this to see if it is or not. If you see a dull red glow to the west, it is my face turning beet red. Reasons/excuses aside, the released code has deviation at about 6 kHz instead of 3 kHz. This is now fixed in my development code. Meanwhile, to set the deviation using K3 Utility: Click on the Command Tester tab, in the edit line, type !dd40; and deviation should be right. This only needs to be sent once per session. If you leave the K3 on, the deviation setting should not be changed when you change modes/bands/etc. Sorry for missing this one, Julian. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Can someone confirm the default file location for the K3 update utility when updating through the Internet? Tnx! - Original Message - From: Lyle Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 2:47 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) ...listening to the K3 on 29.600 FM via my FT-817 the audio sounds a bit distorted or scratchy on voice peaks which suggests that the deviation is too high. I'd like to be able to adjust this to see if it is or not. If you see a dull red glow to the west, it is my face turning beet red. Reasons/excuses aside, the released code has deviation at about 6 kHz instead of 3 kHz. This is now fixed in my development code. Meanwhile, to set the deviation using K3 Utility: Click on the Command Tester tab, in the edit line, type !dd40; and deviation should be right. This only needs to be sent once per session. If you leave the K3 on, the deviation setting should not be changed when you change modes/bands/etc. Sorry for missing this one, Julian. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Bob Cunnings wrote: I have set up for PSK31 operation with the new firmware and am getting exactly what I expect. I'm using a peak reading external meter and it agrees with the power commanded and the power indicated on the K3 front panel RF meter. First I adjusted audio drive to get 4 bars on the ALC meter using a pure tone (Digpan tune mode), and could then adjust power at will with the power indicated on the external peak reading meter tracking the power control nicely. PSK31 idle average power is about 50% of the key down (single tone) power. Using Digipan tune mode I see commanded power equal to indicated power when the external meter is set to read either peak or average (of course). When sending PSK31 idle I must have the meter set to read peak to get agreement with the front panel RF meter, which makes sense since the change notes state: The RF power bargraph shows approx. peak power... (in the SSB TX POWER CONTROL section). Are you adjusting audio drive to get 4 bars of ALC with a pure tone? Bob NW8L I have PWR set to 5W. I'm sending a pure tone at 1KHz which is my preferred center frequency for data modes. I increase the LINE level until I get 5 bars of ALC. If I stop when it gets to 4 the ALC display is flickering like the bars keep on being redrawn. I'm getting 5 bars with LINE = 36. However, the power meter reading stops increasing at about 2.8W, when LINE=32 which gives 4 bars. I cannot get more than 2.8W with PWR=5W when sending a pure tone. The meter reads exactly what PWR is set to in CW mode. When transmitting an idle signal the meter reads a bit less than half the value it showed on the pure tone. If I set PWR to 12W I'm currently getting about 6.5W on the pure tone. Now if I set PWR to 12W, giving as I say about 6.5W out, and then back the PWR control down, then the power starts to reduce once PWR gets to 6.5W, and when I get to 5W the meter also shows 5W out. It holds that level on subsequent transmits, and if I transmit an idle tone I get just over 2W shown on my (non peak reading) meter, which is what you would expect at that level. If I then press TUNE, and then try transmiting in DATA A again, either a pure tone or an idle signal, the output reverts to the lower level again. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17052261.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
* AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). I can't duplicate this. I tried various sidetone pitches and found that auto-spot got to within a few Hz every time. What sidetone pitch are you using? I suppose some kind of band noise could interfere with the operation of CWT as well. I first noticed it with a CW pitch of 600 Hz. The auto spot will eventually zero in after three or four tries but my ear is more accurate than the auto-spot. It may be band noise or simply timing out between CW characters because it is always accurate with a continuous tone (e.g. XG-2). Additional improvement possible via TX EQ. Will TX EQ be made mode and/or input dependent? Setting TX EQ for voice screws up the audio response for digital mode (AFSK A and DATA A) operation. The same is true for RX EQ. I believe both RX and TX EQ are bypassed in DATA modes. If not, they should be. I'll mention this to Lyle. I would hope so but that does not seem to be the case with RX EQ. When I set up the RX EQ to help a little with the high end in AM (band 7 = +2, Band 8 = +4), I see the tilt in AFSK A and DATA A. It's obvious since EQ band 7 is just slightly higher than the standard 2295 Hz space in RTTY and results is an obvious level difference between mark and space tones. Per-mode settings are on the list, too. That will be helpful. 73, ... Joe, W4TV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Joe Subich, W4TV-3 wrote: * SSB TRANSMIT BANDPASS EXTENDED AT LOW END. Improvement is about 2 dB at 300 Hz, 3 dB at 200 Hz, and 6 dB at 100 Hz. Can this be made optional? Excess LF response only wastes power at low frequencies and occupies excess bandwidth. Additional improvement possible via TX EQ. Will TX EQ be made mode and/or input dependent? Setting TX EQ for voice screws up the audio response for digital mode (AFSK A and DATA A) operation. The same is true for RX EQ. I second this suggestion. I personally did not like the extra bass in my audio. I have compensated for this using the TX EQ. But as you say, doing that is less than ideal for data modes. I also find, apart from the excessive FM deviation that I mentioned before, that the FM sounds a bit thin compared to SSB. I'm wondering if the FM audio needs a bit more de-emphasis. If it's just a matter of personal preference, then I can't use TX EQ to adjust it to my liking as long as there is only one TX EQ setting for all modes. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17052312.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
I agree that auto-spot doesn't seem as reliable as in earlier versions. When I inject a continuous tone, it works fine, always coming within a few Hz. For actual cw signals it now seems to be more easily fooled, often tuning low - noticeably different to me, one who uses the feature constantly. In previous versions I rarely needed to press spot more than once, and repeated invocation of auto-spot resulted in little change of frequency (a few Hz or so if the signal was stable). Now, once tuned in, repeated pressing of spot often results in the frequency jumping around some tens of Hz, rather than the more repeatable performance in earlier versions. I noticed it right away when operating cw today. Bob NW8L On Sun, May 4, 2008 at 4:49 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). I can't duplicate this. I tried various sidetone pitches and found that auto-spot got to within a few Hz every time. What sidetone pitch are you using? I suppose some kind of band noise could interfere with the operation of CWT as well. I first noticed it with a CW pitch of 600 Hz. The auto spot will eventually zero in after three or four tries but my ear is more accurate than the auto-spot. It may be band noise or simply timing out between CW characters because it is always accurate with a continuous tone (e.g. XG-2). ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
After posting about my problem with not getting the dialled up power output in DATA A mode, it occurred to me that perhaps it might be a good idea to run the Low-Power (5W) Wattmeter Calibration. When I assembled my K3 I never had to touch this adjustment because it produced 5W as accurate as I could measure it right out of the box. Well, now I can't seem to get this to work. I tuned to 20m (14.071 fwiw), put the ATU out of circuit and connected my dummy load power meter to ANT1, which is selected. I set PWR=5.0. In the CONFIG menu I located the WMTR LP menu entry, which has the value 100. When I press TUNE the power meter reads 3W, which perhaps not coincidentally is the power level I set for tuning using the TUN PWR menu entry. When I press TUNE the SWR is displayed not the value of WMTR LP, and rotating the VFO A knob seems to have no effect on the output power anyway. I don't think there is anything wrong with the power meter calibration as PWR=5.0 produces 5W on CW and FM, but how exactly is the low power wattmeter calibration supposed to work? - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17052554.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
This is great. With what other brand can you beat up on the developers, and see the developers humbled by their own mistakes. We understand Lyle. And I thought that was the sunset. Stan Rife W5EWA Houston, TX K2 SN 4216 K3 SN 0690 Lyle Johnson wrote: ...listening to the K3 on 29.600 FM via my FT-817 the audio sounds a bit distorted or scratchy on voice peaks which suggests that the deviation is too high. I'd like to be able to adjust this to see if it is or not. If you see a dull red glow to the west, it is my face turning beet red. Reasons/excuses aside, the released code has deviation at about 6 kHz instead of 3 kHz. This is now fixed in my development code. Meanwhile, to set the deviation using K3 Utility: Click on the Command Tester tab, in the edit line, type !dd40; and deviation should be right. This only needs to be sent once per session. If you leave the K3 on, the deviation setting should not be changed when you change modes/bands/etc. Sorry for missing this one, Julian. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Hello, I also confirm that the auto-spot is broken. My CW pitch is set at 600 Hz (only note tested) and it now takes several attempts to get it to set near 600 Hz. The old version worked very well for me. 73, Harry W8YMO --- -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:elecraft- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Cunnings Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 7:17 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) I agree that auto-spot doesn't seem as reliable as in earlier versions. When I inject a continuous tone, it works fine, always coming within a few Hz. For actual cw signals it now seems to be more easily fooled, often tuning low - noticeably different to me, one who uses the feature constantly. In previous versions I rarely needed to press spot more than once, and repeated invocation of auto-spot resulted in little change of frequency (a few Hz or so if the signal was stable). Now, once tuned in, repeated pressing of spot often results in the frequency jumping around some tens of Hz, rather than the more repeatable performance in earlier versions. I noticed it right away when operating cw today. Bob NW8L On Sun, May 4, 2008 at 4:49 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV [EMAIL PROTECTED] usa.com wrote: * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). I can't duplicate this. I tried various sidetone pitches and found that auto-spot got to within a few Hz every time. What sidetone pitch are you using? I suppose some kind of band noise could interfere with the operation of CWT as well. I first noticed it with a CW pitch of 600 Hz. The auto spot will eventually zero in after three or four tries but my ear is more accurate than the auto-spot. It may be band noise or simply timing out between CW characters because it is always accurate with a continuous tone (e.g. XG-2). www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Ditto here. While it wasn't perfect before, the new version often over-shoots the frequency. It appears considerably less damped than before and often quits before things settle down. I personally prefer the old version. Rick AI1V K3 728 Harrison Hooker wrote: Hello, I also confirm that the auto-spot is broken. My CW pitch is set at 600 Hz (only note tested) and it now takes several attempts to get it to set near 600 Hz. The old version worked very well for me. 73, Harry W8YMO --- -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:elecraft- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Cunnings Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 7:17 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) I agree that auto-spot doesn't seem as reliable as in earlier versions. When I inject a continuous tone, it works fine, always coming within a few Hz. For actual cw signals it now seems to be more easily fooled, often tuning low - noticeably different to me, one who uses the feature constantly. In previous versions I rarely needed to press spot more than once, and repeated invocation of auto-spot resulted in little change of frequency (a few Hz or so if the signal was stable). Now, once tuned in, repeated pressing of spot often results in the frequency jumping around some tens of Hz, rather than the more repeatable performance in earlier versions. I noticed it right away when operating cw today. Bob NW8L On Sun, May 4, 2008 at 4:49 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV [EMAIL PROTECTED] usa.com wrote: * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. Auto-spot consistently tunes to a tone 50 Hz low (50 Hz below the value set for pitch). I can't duplicate this. I tried various sidetone pitches and found that auto-spot got to within a few Hz every time. What sidetone pitch are you using? I suppose some kind of band noise could interfere with the operation of CWT as well. I first noticed it with a CW pitch of 600 Hz. The auto spot will eventually zero in after three or four tries but my ear is more accurate than the auto-spot. It may be band noise or simply timing out between CW characters because it is always accurate with a continuous tone (e.g. XG-2). www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): 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://www.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE-UPDATE%3A---MCU-1.87%2C-DSP-1.69---%28Finally%21%29-tp17041394p17053894.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
I noticed the exact same thing as Harrison, below! Auto-spot is broken. But if I have to say something nice, NR works better (on SSB at least) than it did before! Windy AI1V Sun, 04 May 2008 20:00:52 -0700 Ditto here. While it wasn't perfect before, the new version often over-shoots the frequency. It appears considerably less damped than before and often quits before things settle down. I personally prefer the old version. Rick AI1V K3 728 Harrison Hooker wrote: Hello, I also confirm that the auto- spot is broken. My CW pitch is set at 600 Hz (only note tested) and it now takes several attempts to get it to set near 600 Hz. The old version worked very well for me. 73, Harry W8YMO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Another thing that must be mentioned is that the improved QSK is a treat... I just finished a qso under poor condx and even with levels cranked up to hear a faint signal in QRN the QSK was very smooth - even better than before. Since I use headphones I really appreciate this. Bob NW8L On Sun, May 4, 2008 at 10:40 PM, KM5Q [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I noticed the exact same thing as Harrison, below! Auto-spot is broken. But if I have to say something nice, NR works better (on SSB at least) than it did before! Windy ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Wow, totally outstanding, Wayne. Congratulations on this major milestone! Can't wait to see how it works. Looks like my K3 will have this revision loaded in it when shipped, then. Bill W5WVO wayne burdick wrote: We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter ‘T’ will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM-bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. * PSK AUTOTUNE ACCURACY improved. You may still need to use RIT (FINE steps) to tune in signals for best built-in text decode. (Also see CW-to-DATA in the Owner’s Manual.) TRANSMIT: * TRANSVERTER POWER CONTROL: The value set in CONFIG:XVn PWR now correctly sets a fixed power level on the associated transverter band (0-1.50 mW or 0-12W). * POWER ROLLBACK BASED ON REFLECTED POWER: Power rollback begins at about 2.5:1 at 100 W (and of course much higher SWRs are tolerated at lower power settings). Recovers to original target power level after mismatch is corrected. * CW QSK further refined, with smoother mute/unmute in the presence of QRN and QRM. * SSB TRANSMIT BANDPASS EXTENDED AT
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
To Aptos, As a six meter operator, all I can say is thank you...thank you ...thank you... This mode is s useful on VHF and above. Now, for my second K3 to arrive for my six meter SSB/CW remote base! tom K8TB K3's # 53 ? wayne burdick wrote: We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Immediately after load is complete I was left with DSP Program Load Failed on the utility and E 020202 on K3 Screen (top) DRR DSE (bottom) I hit a few buttons and this went away. I'm assuming this is because I don't have the sub receiver installed? Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 8:29 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter ‘T’ will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM-bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. * PSK AUTOTUNE ACCURACY improved. You may still need to use RIT (FINE steps) to tune in signals for best built-in text decode. (Also see CW-to-DATA in the Owner’s Manual.) TRANSMIT: * TRANSVERTER POWER CONTROL: The value set in CONFIG:XVn PWR now correctly sets a fixed power level on the associated transverter band (0-1.50 mW or 0-12W). * POWER ROLLBACK BASED ON REFLECTED POWER: Power rollback begins at
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
utility rev. shows 1.1.4.8 why? Thanks, MARK --- On Sat, 5/3/08, wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008, 5:29 PM We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter ‘T’ will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM-bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. * PSK AUTOTUNE ACCURACY improved. You may still need to use RIT (FINE steps) to tune in signals for best built-in text decode. (Also see CW-to-DATA in the Owner’s Manual.) TRANSMIT: * TRANSVERTER POWER CONTROL: The value set in CONFIG:XVn PWR now correctly sets a fixed power level on the associated transverter band (0-1.50 mW or 0-12W). * POWER
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
Mark, Any version of 1.1.4.1 *or above* may be used. 73, Don W3FPR mark roz wrote: utility rev. shows 1.1.4.8 why? Thanks, MARK --- On Sat, 5/3/08, wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!) To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008, 5:29 PM We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals can’t be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap ‘1’ until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter ‘T’ will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding fidelity for hi-fi speech and other wide-band signals. This is the *IF* filter bandwidth -- the traditional way to show bandwidth for AM, because the required IF bandwidth is twice the modulation bandwidth. NORM selects an IF bandwidth of 6.0 kHz in this mode. WIDTH settings above 6.0 kHz will not be useful unless you have an FM-bandwidth crystal filter installed (at FL1). * IF A 2.8 KHZ FILTER IS INSTALLED, SSB NORM BW is 2.8 kHz (was fixed at 2.7 kHz). * AUTO-SPOT (SPOT with CWT ON) now works with both very weak and very strong signals. * PSK AUTOTUNE ACCURACY improved. You may still need to use RIT (FINE steps) to tune in signals for best built-in text decode. (Also see CW-to-DATA in the Owner’s Manual.) TRANSMIT: * TRANSVERTER POWER CONTROL: The value set in CONFIG:XVn PWR now correctly sets a fixed power level on the associated transverter band (0-1.50 mW or 0-12W). * POWER ROLLBACK BASED ON REFLECTED POWER: Power
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE UPDATE: MCU 1.87, DSP 1.69 (Finally!)
The SSB transmit chain has had a major rework. The results are very impressive. 1. The ALC is vastly improved. In fact you could say that the K3's ALC is perfect because it does not contribute any measurable levels of IMD to the SSB signal. 2. The increase in IMD levels when you turn on the speech processor is non existent. 3. Excessive IMD levels under heavy dynamic voice testing is almost non existent. 4. IMD levels as measured at 5, 10, 15 and 20khz are very impressive under dynamic voice conditions. If we use the measured data as per SM5BSZ's results, you could conclude that the K3 has one of the best levels of IMD suppression under dynamic voice testing conditions. 5. Under all levels of voice conditions, mic gain and speech processing settings it is just about impossible to make the K3 splatter. I did not do any 2 tone IMD measurements because i don't have much faith in 2 tone numbers as a reliable indicator of IMD performance under voice conditions. 6. In short, the K3's SSB transmitter performance is close to being PERFECT.. Equipment used: Bird Attenuators, Tektronix 2467B, Crystal Notch, Agilent 8594E, AOR7030+, SDR-IQ and a Anritsu ML422C level meter. All tests were done on 14 mhz SSB. 73 Craig VK3HE --- wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: We've just completed the most extensive K3 firmware update ever. The full list of changes is provided below. *** NOTE *** You must use the latest version of our firmware loader (K3 Utility rev 1.1.4.1) or else you won't be able to load all components of the upgrade. It's available on our K3 software page, along with release notes: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm As usual, if you have any difficulty with the firmware upgrade, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Both Lyle, KK7P (DSP firmware) and myself (MCU firmware) will be closely monitoring your results in case further tweaking is required. I'd also like to thank all of our K3 customers for their patience. This firmware release was delayed several times due to testing, engineering staff vacations, etc. Our field testers have been pounding on interim releases for weeks (thanks, guys). I hope you'll find it worth the wait! 73, Wayne, N6KR * * * MCU 1.87 / DSP 1.69, 5-3-08 This release includes improvements in all areas. Changes are categorized below. NEW FEATURES: * CW KEYING IN SSB MODES: While in SSB modes, you can now send CW without changing modes or using an offset. The other station will hear the signal at your CW pitch. This is especially useful on VHF bands when SSB signals cant be copied. To enable this feature, go into CONFIG:CW WGHT and tap 1 until you see SSB +CW. * FM MODE ADDED: Requires FM filter installed in slot FL1. Those not needing FM mode can set CONFIG:FM MODE to OFF. To set up a repeater offset: Use the CONFIG:RPT OFS menu entry, then hold ALT to select -/+/simplex (-/+ appear under the FM mode icon). To set up tone encode: hold PITCH, then rotate VFO B to select PL TONE or PL OFF, and rotate VFO A to select the desired CTCSS tone. (When PL TONE is on, a letter T will appear near the FM mode icon.) Repeater offsets and PL tones are stored per-band/per-memory. * VARIABLE AMP KEYING DELAY: Added CONFIG:TX DLY menu entry, which sets the time from KEY OUT jack (active low) to first RF in 1-ms steps, from 8 to 20 ms. To minimize loss of QSK speed, use the shortest delay that works with your amp. Most will work with the default (minimum) setting of 8 ms. * LINE OUT ALLOWS RX/TX AUDIO RECORDING: Normally, CONFIG:LIN OUT sets a fixed-level, receive-only output for main/sub (L/R), compatible with digital modes. Tapping '1' switches LIN OUT to =PHONES, where the line outputs match headphone audio, audio level controlled by AF/SUB gain controls, and both RX and TX audio available. * SIMULTANEOUS USE OF MIC AND LINE IN: If the MAIN:MIC+LIN menu entry is set to ON, and MIC SEL = FP or RP, the present mic OR line in can be used for transmit audio. NOTE: Setting MIC SEL to LINE overrides the MIC+LIN menu entry (its parameter becomes N-A). When MIC+LIN is in effect, rotating the MIC control shows MIC GAIN. The op has to set MIC SEL to LINE temporarily to set LINE IN gain. * S-METER ABSOLUTE MODE: Use the CONFIG:SMTR MD menu entry. Set to ABS (absolute) to have S-meter stay constant with preamp/atten settings. Default is NOR (where PRE/ATTN affect the S-meter). ABS mode requires recalibration (SMTR OF SMTR SC). RECEIVE: * SSB RECEIVE PASSBAND EXTENDED AT LOW END (now 100 Hz; was 200 Hz). * AM RECEIVE WIDTH RANGE INCREASED: The WIDTH control in AM mode now has a range of 2.8 to 10.0 kHz. Wider settings provide outstanding
