[Elecraft] K4 Remote: My QTH vs. a friend's, many miles to the north

[Wayne Burdick]

Now that Remote is available to all K4 owners, we'd love to hear how you're 
using it. 

For me, Remote has added an unexpected new dimension to HF QRP operation.

At my home station in the SF Bay area, I have a mediocre antenna farm (OCF 
dipole and a 16' vertical). Nothing rotates. Nothing changes length at the 
touch of a button. Birds who fly through my near-field live to tell their young.

Worse, I'm at the mercy of my electrically noisy neighbors.

Fortunately, I have a friend who lives 800 miles north of my QTH. He has huge 
directive antennas on a massive tower, not to mention an unbelievably low noise 
floor. I've been envious of his riparian RF ecosystem for years, mine being a 
desert in comparison.

Now, using K4 Remote, I can virtually operate his station whenever he (or 
someone else) isn't using it. And since I'm controlling his K4 with my own, 
there's no difference in the UI or feature set. I've still got three 400-count 
optical encoders for VFO A, B, and RIT/XIT; QSK CW with AFX stereo; all the 
same computer and software interfaces, and his high-res panadapter on my LCD 
and HDMI monitor.

(It's not just the next best thing to being there. It *is* being there.)

Once he installed the new beta release, I kicked off a new effort: 1-watt CW 
DXCC. With his antennas, it shouldn't take long. 

For example, the other day I was tuning around 20 meters locally (i.e., using 
my own antenna) and heard only a few EU stations, peaking around S5. Three 
seconds later I was using my friend's station -- the band was now wall-to-wall 
S9+ DX. I dialed his radio down to 1 Watt and immediately picked up a few new 
ones.

While many K4 owners will be using Remote with KPA1500s, chasing top spots in 
contests and adding to their 300+ country totals, some of us will be nibbling 
at the fringes, like so many cleaner wrasses on a great white. I hope to hear 
these stories, as well.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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[Elecraft] K4 REMOTE & OTHER FEATURES now available -- Release R36.BETA2

[Wayne Burdick]

[Repeating posting from this morning, since we quickly updated from BETA1 to 
BETA2 to correct a bug -- Wayne, N6KR.]

With the release of beta version R36.BETA2, our long-anticipated K4 Remote 
feature is now available to all K4 owners. A K4 can be either a client radio or 
a server radio, with no additional hardware or software needed beyond an 
Internet router at each end.

K4 field testers, who have helped us refine and test the Remote experience over 
several months, have described K4 Remote as a "game-changer" and "very easy to 
use." Now we're anxious to help everyone else who's interested in Remote get 
started. 

All we ask is that you Read The Manual :) The K4 operating manual has been 
updated with a chapter on Remote setup and operation. You can find it on the 
radio itself by tapping the "?" button, or on our K4 manuals web page. 

An introductory excerpt from the manual appears below. 

Other new features include:

- "RX AUDIO GAIN BOOST" MENU ENTRY:  This menu entry allows users who prefer 
high overall audio output to specify additional gain.

- AGC THRESHOLD can now be set to values 2 and 3. These lower thresholds may be 
useful for those who prefer more aggressive AGC on weaker signals, such as on 
quiet bands or with preamps OFF.

- DIVERSITY-ON BUG FIX: When diversity is turned on, we no longer copy preamp, 
attenuator, or RF gain settings from VFO A to VFO B. This was creating extra 
work for operators, especially on 160 m. (Also applies on band change with 
diversity already ON.)

- FSK TRANSMIT BANDWIDTH NOW MUCH NARROWER: Now using controlled sigmoidal 
tone-shift method to greatly reduce FSK TX bandwidth. 

Full release notes are attached. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



Remote Front Panel Emulation -- Overview


Remote front panel emulation is typically used to access a server K4 from 
another location at your home or property, or one at a location with better 
antennas or propagation. This remote server radio may be your own, or one 
anywhere else in the world that another operator has allowed you to use (by 
prearrangement). A client device is used to emulate the front panel of the 
server radio, as if you were at the server location. Instead, you might be at 
your home, in a hotel room, in an RV – or virtually anywhere network 
connectivity is available. 

The K4's implementation of remote makes such operation simple, seamless, and 
immersive. You'll have complete control over the distant station. No special 
interface devices are needed – just a router at each end. There is also no need 
to change your K4's cabling for computer logging, data modes, etc. The client 
seamlessly routes commands, data, and audio from these to the server as 
required. 

Several client devices and applications are supported: (1) another K4, (2) our 
K4/0** compact front-panel unit, or (3) our VK4 Windows application**, or (4) a 
third-party iOS** application. Other apps and platforms may be available in the 
future. (**In development.) 

A K4 used as a client can be disconnected from the server, when desired, to use 
the radio with local antennas. The K4/0 is a control-only device (no RF), with 
the same display, knobs, and switches as the K4 itself, in an enclosure just 4" 
deep. 



==
== R36.BETA2 =
==

May 3, 2024

---
BUG FIX
---

- NON-FT RADIOS UNABLE TO DO REMOTE CONNECTION: In rev R36.BETA1, one of the 
Remote host commands ("RRT;") was blocked for non-FT radios.


NEW FEATURES


- REMOTE SETTINGS BUTTON ADDED TO LCD: There's a new button ("globe" icon) in 
the lower left-hand corner of the LCD, next to the "?" (INFO) button. Tap this 
to access the client or server settings screens. Refer to the REMOTE feature 
details below, and the REMOTE section of the manual, for details on client and 
server setup.

- REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION (AKA "REMOTE"): The new Remote feature allows 
you to easily control a K4 transceiver anywhere in the world over the Internet. 
The K4 can act as either a client or server, and no additional hardware or 
interface devices are required beyond a router at each end. Additional client 
devices and software are in development, including our K4/0 remote front panel 
unit, VK4 Windows application, and a third-party iOS app. (Additional client 
software applications may be developed in the future, thanks to the K4's large 
host command set and streaming capability.) 

- REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION DOCUMENTATION: The latest K4 operating manual 
includes a comprehensive section on setting up Remote. Please read this section 
carefully if you plan to use your K4 as a Remote server or client. To get to 
the REMOTE section, start at the Table of Contents (under "III. Operation"), 
then click on REMOTE near the bottom of the list.

[Elecraft] K4 REMOTE & OTHER FEATURES now available -- Release R36.BETA1

[Wayne Burdick]

With the release of beta version R36.BETA1, our long-anticipated K4 Remote 
feature is now available to all K4 owners. A K4 can be either a client radio or 
a server radio, with no additional hardware or software needed beyond an 
Internet router at each end.

K4 field testers, who have helped us refine and test the Remote experience over 
several months, have described K4 Remote as a "game-changer" and "very easy to 
use." Now we're anxious to help everyone else who's interested in Remote get 
started. 

All we ask is that you Read The Manual :) The K4 operating manual has been 
updated with a chapter on Remote setup and operation. You can find it on the 
radio itself by tapping the "?" button, or on our K4 manuals web page. 

An introductory excerpt from the manual appears below. 

Other new features include:

- "RX AUDIO GAIN BOOST" MENU ENTRY:  This menu entry allows users who prefer 
high overall audio output to specify additional gain.

- AGC THRESHOLD can now be set to values 2 and 3. These lower thresholds may be 
useful for those who prefer more aggressive AGC on weaker signals, such as on 
quiet bands or with preamps OFF.

- DIVERSITY-ON BUG FIX: When diversity is turned on, we no longer copy preamp, 
attenuator, or RF gain settings from VFO A to VFO B. This was creating extra 
work for operators, especially on 160 m. (Also applies on band change with 
diversity already ON.)

- FSK TRANSMIT BANDWIDTH NOW MUCH NARROWER: Now using controlled sigmoidal 
tone-shift method to greatly reduce FSK TX bandwidth. 

Full release notes are attached. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



Remote Front Panel Emulation -- Overview


Remote front panel emulation is typically used to access a server K4 from 
another location at your home or property, or one at a location with better 
antennas or propagation. This remote server radio may be your own, or one 
anywhere else in the world that another operator has allowed you to use (by 
prearrangement). A client device is used to emulate the front panel of the 
server radio, as if you were at the server location. Instead, you might be at 
your home, in a hotel room, in an RV – or virtually anywhere network 
connectivity is available. 

The K4's implementation of remote makes such operation simple, seamless, and 
immersive. You'll have complete control over the distant station. No special 
interface devices are needed – just a router at each end. There is also no need 
to change your K4's cabling for computer logging, data modes, etc. The client 
seamlessly routes commands, data, and audio from these to the server as 
required. 

Several client devices and applications are supported: (1) another K4, (2) our 
K4/0** compact front-panel unit, or (3) our VK4 Windows application**, or (4) a 
third-party iOS** application. Other apps and platforms may be available in the 
future. (**In development.) 

A K4 used as a client can be disconnected from the server, when desired, to use 
the radio with local antennas. The K4/0 is a control-only device (no RF), with 
the same display, knobs, and switches as the K4 itself, in an enclosure just 4" 
deep. 


==
== R36.BETA1 =
==

May 3, 2024


NEW FEATURES


- REMOTE SETTINGS BUTTON ADDED TO LCD: There's a new button ("globe" icon) in 
the lower left-hand corner of the LCD, next to the "?" (INFO) button. Tap this 
to access the client or server settings screens. Refer to the REMOTE feature 
details below, and the REMOTE section of the manual, for details on client and 
server setup.

- REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION (AKA "REMOTE"): The new Remote feature allows 
you to easily control a K4 transceiver anywhere in the world over the Internet. 
The K4 can act as either a client or server, and no additional hardware or 
interface devices are required beyond a router at each end. Additional client 
devices and software are in development, including our K4/0 remote front panel 
unit, VK4 Windows application, and a third-party iOS app. (Additional client 
software applications may be developed in the future, thanks to the K4's large 
host command set and streaming capability.) 

- REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION DOCUMENTATION: The latest K4 operating manual 
includes a comprehensive section on setting up Remote. Please read this section 
carefully if you plan to use your K4 as a Remote server or client. To get to 
the REMOTE section, start at the Table of Contents (under "III. Operation"), 
then click on REMOTE near the bottom of the list.

- "TX MONITOR LEVEL, REMOTE" MENU ENTRY: This menu entry sets Remote TX monitor 
audio level *only* for CW M1..M4 message play and FSK/PSK tones. It does not 
affect normal paddle-sent CW sidetone in Remote, which is regenerated locally 
at the client K4.

- "RX AUDIO GAIN BOOST" 

[Elecraft] At Visalia: Our 12-ounce DXpedition

[Wayne Burdick]

Our new KH1 5-band, 40-15 meter CW station puts the world in the palm of your 
hand. While designed with ultraportable field use in mind, the fully-integrated 
KH1 is equally at home in your back yard lounge chair, at a local park, at a 
rest stop on a long drive, etc. KH1 owners are finding they can get on the air 
from just about anywhere, with deployment time of under 30 seconds. (Rumors of 
making QSOs while walking the dog are 100% true.)

If you’re at Visalia, please drop by to check out the KH1. We’re demoing it 
both hand-held and with our new right-angle whip adapter. The latter is great 
for picnic-table ops. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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[Elecraft] K4/0 control unit at Visalia

[Wayne Burdick]

If you’re at Visalia today, please drop by to check out our early prototype of 
the K4/0. This unit has a front panel identical to the K4’s, but it’s only 4” 
deep. It’s ideal for remote control of your K4 (or a friend’s) when space is 
limited.

Full technical details will be provided later.

 73,
Wayne
N6KR




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[Elecraft] OT: Boston, MA

[Wayne Burdick]

If you live in the Boston area, please contact me directly. This is not related 
to Elecraft.

Thanks,

Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] What is K3 Fault 6?

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Pete,

Check the KPA1500 fault log using KPA1500 Utility. Amp fault codes starting 
with "6" (such as fault 60) are displayed on the K3 as fault 6.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Mar 30, 2024, at 6:42 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> I have seen this a couple of time when my KPA1500 throws the Excessive power 
> input fault.  Can't find any definition in my K3 docs.
> 
> -- 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> _
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[Elecraft] Elecraft KHRA1 right-angle whip adapter now shipping

[Wayne Burdick]

The KHRA1 allows you to use the KH1’s built-in whip antenna on a picnic table 
or other flat surface. It provides a secure electrical connection as well as 
folding legs to stabilize the transceiver in windy conditions. Great for Parks 
On the Air (POTA), camping, or day trips.

See KHRA1 web page for photos and ordering info:

https://elecraft.com/products/khra1 

Brochure and instructions: 


https://ftp.elecraft.com/KH1/Manuals%20Downloads/E740382-A5,%20KHRA1%20brochure.pdf
 



NOTE: At this time, a KHRA1 order cannot be 
added to an existing KH1 order. The KH1 and
KHRA1 will be billed and shipped separately. 


73,
Wayne
N6KR






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Re: [Elecraft] ED VOL 237 Issue 7

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Alan,

I don't have a subscription. Could you describe the contents you're referring 
to, and the issue month/year? Is there a URL we could look at?

Thanks,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Mar 13, 2024, at 11:03 AM, Alan Geller via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> This issue is a real salute to the Elecraft Net . Submissions from 
> knowledgeable folks who wanted to help. Some mild disagreements to be worked 
> out without any snarky comments and a lot of good information and help. 
> Hooray for Elecraft products and customers.




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Re: [Elecraft] H40WA needs urgent help with K3

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Eric,

Our CS team responded to this at 1651 PST. Rob provided details on how to 
reload firmware when "MCU LD" is flashing. Nothing heard after that. 

The 0555 error code pertains to the sub RX DSP, if that helps.

It's after CS hours now, but I'll check my direct email periodically.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Feb 28, 2024, at 4:21 PM, eric norris  wrote:
> 
> See forwarded message
> 
> 73, Eric NF6S
> 
> ex WD6DBM
> 
> 
> 
> - Forwarded Message -
> From: "Paul N6PSE via Chat" 
> To: "NCDXC Discussion List" 
> Sent: Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 4:08 PM
> Subject: [NCDXC Chat] Urgent K3 help needed
> Hi guys. One of our H40WA K3 has gone into a wonky state.
> 
> We got repeated  ERR 0555 and DSC error messages. 
> 
> We updated the firmware 
> 
> Firmware updated says K3 Bootstrap loader did not echo “D” remove power and 
> try firmware load.
> 
> I removed power and sent all firmware to K3.
> 
> K3 now is in a state where the display is dark and shows MCU LD and the TX 
> led is blinking 
> 
> Removing power does not get it out of this state. Need expert advise asap,
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Paul N6PSE



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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 ATU

[Wayne Burdick]

> Does the KH1  ATU work on 40 meters?
> 
> Bill
> W8BC

Hi Bill,

Yes it does. But not with the built-in whip. You'll need at least a 25' or so 
random wire or other antenna that falls in the ATU's tuning range on this band.

We've tested it on many antennas of "reasonable" length relative to 40 m, and 
it can match most of them to 3:1 or better. That's fine for full-power 
operation.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Feb 23, 2024, at 5:19 PM, William Combs via Elecraft 
> 


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[Elecraft] KH1 transceiver talk, Feb. 16 (this Friday), 7:00 PM, at the San Mateo Radio Club

[Wayne Burdick]

Visitors are welcome at my SMRC talk this Friday night. Details below.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

SMRC announcement:

• SMRC will hold its February monthly meeting In-Person + Zoom on 
February 16.
• Wayne Burdick, N6KR,will tell the story of the newest Elecraft 
transceiver: the handheld KH1.  The video conferencing session and in-person 
location opens at 7:00 pm, but the meeting officially starts at 7:15 pm.
• The in-person meeting location is The Congregational Church of San 
Mateo - please watch our short video for directions:

https://eepurl.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ce835baacb6a474c2798c09d0=73431f33a8=2ec1fc44cf

as the path to the meeting room is not as obvious as you may think.

 The parking lot does not have an “official” address, but Google Maps seems to 
work with the address 220 Catalpa St, San Mateo, CA, 94401.  We meet in the 
Betsy Woodward Christian Education building, the Will Bullis Community Room, 
2nd Floor. This congregational church is allowing SMRC to use its meeting room 
free of charge. They may be interested in eventually becoming an emergency 
response coordination center, and emergency ham radio communications could be 
needed at that time. 
• To Join the meeting via Zoom, go to:

https://zoom.us/j/93834598207?pwd=NlM2UzB1azRyeEJHWHFFSkR1eE45Zz09

If you are directed to wait in the lobby, someone should let you in promptly 
after verifying your identity. 

Meeting ID: 938 3459 8207

• One tap mobile: +1-669-900-6833,,95326927076# US (San Jose),
Find your local number:  https://zoom.us/u/abFyLfDpHw


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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 firmware rev. 1.24 now available (CW/SSB cross-mode)

[Wayne Burdick]

Our pleasure, David. Enjoy.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Feb 9, 2024, at 4:09 AM, David Thompson via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> On 2/5/24 11:33 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> 
>> Rev. 1.24 of the KH1 firmware provides this CW/SSB cross-mode
>> capability. There are no settings needed for this:
> 
> Wayne...
> 
> I just wanted to say thank you for making this addition. One of the features 
> of my KX1 that is always appreciated is its ability to receive SSB and 
> respond. I've checked in to some of those 40m nets from the field with the 
> KX1 and that is always fun.
> 
> My KH1 shipped yesterday and I'm really looking forward to taking it into the 
> field.
> 
> Elecraft is much appreciated sir.
> 
> 73 de AG7TX
> 
> -- 
> David Thompson, AG7TX
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> Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com 

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[Elecraft] KH1 firmware rev. 1.24 now available (CW/SSB cross-mode)

[Wayne Burdick]

There are a few cases where you may want to work an SSB station with your KH1, 
transmitting in CW mode:

- checking into an SSB net (there are many of these on 40 m during the day, for 
example)

- using a mixed-mode QRP "watering hole," e.g. the HF-pack calling frequency, 
18157.5 kHz

- when only SSB activity can be found on a given band

Thankfully, a large percentage of SSB operators can copy CW. On a net, there 
will almost always be someone who can. 

CW has a large S/N advantage over SSB, so you may find that you can hold your 
own running 5 or 10 watts CW when SSB stations are running 100 W. 

Rev. 1.24 of the KH1 firmware provides this CW/SSB cross-mode capability. There 
are no settings needed for this: just select either upper (U) or lower (L) 
sideband using the BAND/MODE function, tune in a station of interest, and hit 
the key. The KH1 will offset its TX frequency so SSB stations will hear you at 
your sidetone pitch.

***NOTE***

This rev of firmware also corrects a problem with dot/dash reversal of the KEY 
jack. So before you load it, please read the release notes below carefully.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

KH1 Firmware Information

KH1 MCU 1.24, 31 Jan. 2024

* CW/SSB CROSS-MODE ADDED: The KH1 can now transmit CW while listening to LSB 
or USB stations (i.e., cross-mode operation). SSB stations will hear the KH1’s 
CW at the user’s selected sidetone pitch. Message play, CW text encode/decode, 
logging, and note taking are all functional in this case. NOTE: Log time stamps 
show the receive mode: “CW”, “US” (USB) or “LS” (LSB). Transmit mode is always 
CW.

* KEY JACK DOT/DASH REVERSED: The key jack now matches all other Elecraft 
transceivers, with LEFT=DOT and RIGHT=DASH when MENU:KEY JACK = Paddle Normal. 
This applies to external keyer paddles. It also applies to the new edition of 
the KHPD1 plug-in paddle. However, the original KHPD1 plug-in paddle (shipped 
with roughly the first 100 KH1s) is wired in the opposite way, so that MENU:KEY 
JACK = Paddle Reverse will be needed to configure it for LEFT=DOT.

* SIDETONE SETTING BUG FIXED: Plugging in headphones while setting sidetone 
volume (MON) no longer results in loud tone bursts.


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[Elecraft] OT: Elecraft K2 serial #00001 -- our very first production unit -- is looking for a new home

[Wayne Burdick]

Season's greetings from the Left Coast. Hope everyone is having a great holiday!

Meanwhile--with apologies for the bandwidth:

K2 S/N 1 is among the early Elecraft radios I've had in cold storage. 
Unboxing it brought back fond memories from 1999, the year we started shipping, 
back when Elecraft had approximately 2 employees. This unit saw a few very 
successful Field Days. It was also my workhorse during the evolution of the 
K2's firmware and option modules. It includes the KSB2 SSB option.

Last week I sent the radio off to our legacy product tune-up guru, Dave Van 
Wallaghen (W8FGU), who has now fully checked it out, tuned it up, installed 
most of the missing upgrades, and given it an on-air shake-down. Given its 
ancient pedigree, it features the first examples of some of the hardware mods. 
(Though I lack mil-spec soldering certification, I did put a lot of TLC into 
this rework.)

If you're looking for a K2 of a certain age, either for a collection or to put 
on the air, please contact me directly.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] KH1 Logging Feature now available (production firmware rev. 1.22)

[Wayne Burdick]

We've completed the logging feature for the KH1. See detailed release notes for 
rev. 1.22 below. You can access the new firmware directly through KH1 Utility.

While the logging feature was optimized with SOTA and other field ops in mind, 
it can be used for all contacts made using the KH1's built-in keyer. You can 
log outgoing text as well as non-transmitted notes (about stations worked, or 
just field observations).

On a related topic: We should have the Mac and Linux versions of KH1 Utility on 
the website within a day or two.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

KH1 Firmware Information

KH1 MCU 1.22, 11 Dec. 2023

* ADDED LOGGING FEATURE: The KH1 can internally log up to 50,000 characters 
(paddle-entered text + time stamps). Alerts will be flashed as you hit the 50%, 
75%, 90%, 95%, and 100% full levels.

Transmit characters are logged in UPPER CASE. Playing messages creates log 
entries of “[Mn]” (n = 1-6). The log is time-stamped about once per minute as 
you send. Example: “{231209-1130-20CW}” indicates a transmission on Dec. 9, 
2023, at 11:30Z, on 20 meter CW.

You can also log non-transmitted notations. Whenever you tap MSG, but haven’t 
yet played one of the messages, any paddle-sent text will be logged in lower 
case (and is not transmitted). This is useful for logging call signs of 
stations you’ve worked by sending only your call (the usual for SOTA and DX 
chasing). TX TEST mode behaves the same.

TO USE BUILT-IN LOGGING:

1. Set the time and date using MENU:ADJ TIME and MENU:ADJ DATE. Then set 
MENU:LOGGING to ON and exit the menu. An ‘L’ will flash slowly on LCD line 1, 
near the mode letter.

2. To view recent log text, set MENU:LOGGING to VIEW and exit. The LCD shows 32 
characters of the log; use the VFO knob to scroll. Tap a switch or paddle to 
exit. Note: You may wish to assign MENU:LOGGING to a PFn switch function to 
quickly review logged QSOs. Using the PFn switch switches to LOGGING=VIEW until 
you tap any switch or a paddle.

3. To send log data to a computer: (a) unplug the paddle, (b) set MENU:KEY JACK 
to RS232, (c) plug in a KXUSB cable at the KEY/DATA jack, (d) run KH1 Utility 
(Command Tester screen) or any terminal emulator (9600 baud). Finally, (e) set 
MENU:LOGGING to SEND TO PC and exit the menu. During a log dump, do not press 
any KH1 switches or the paddle.

4. To erase all log data: Set MENU:LOGGING to ERASE and exit the menu. 

* VFO LOCK APPLIES TO VFO AND XIT, BUT NOT RIT. When locked, an alert flashed 
when turning knob. In BAND/MODE group, VFO/XIT lock/unlock control is now “LOK” 
rather than a padlock symbol.

* MSG PLAY/REPEAT BUG FIX: MSG->RPx was leaving "RP1 RP2 RP3 REC" displayed on 
LCD line 2.

* MSG CLEAR BUG FIX: Message clear was only clearing MSG1.


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Re: [Elecraft] OT: The 4-track mind

[Wayne Burdick]

> On Dec 13, 2023, at 5:58 PM, G4GNX  wrote:
> 
> C’mon Wayne, what’s your take on all of this?

First, I think Bob Milne (subject of the podcast) is in a class by himself. 
He's able to virtually play back the audio of up to 4 symphonies with different 
keys and tempos in his head, simultaneously, and when queried at a random time, 
report where each of them is in the score +/- one second. He also has a very 
sophisticated "chunking" method for different major/minor/seventh/etc. keys, 
remembers pieces after hearing them once, and can visualize musicians in great 
detail while they're playing in his internal performance hall. This is 
superhuman by any definition.

My personal best in this regard is to play harmonica and guitar at the same 
time on "Heart of Gold." Oh, and during Field Day one year, I discriminated two 
CW signals that were at virtually the same pitch and amplitude using only phase 
information. For the latter feat I was awarded an extra pizza ration by my 
temporarily stunned co-pilot.

Wayne
N6KR



> 
> 73,
> Alan - G4GNX
> South Coast UK
> Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On 13 Dec 2023, at 21:16, David Haines  wrote:
>> 
>> Thanks for this, Alan.  As a pianist who loves ragtime and contrapuntal 
>> Bach, I understand well what you say.  I've always been in awe of organists, 
>> especially theatre organists.
>> 
>> david
>> 
>> kc1dny
> 
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[Elecraft] OT: The 4-track mind

[Wayne Burdick]

Occasionally I stumble on something too incredible to not share, immediately, 
with everyone. In this case I'm inclined to not even apologize for using the 
bandwidth. At least not in advance.

Anyone intrigued by human perception of sound, especially musicians and 
ambidextrous CW ops, will find this fascinating, baffling, and perhaps 
enlightening in some way I can't predict:

   https://radiolab.org/podcast/4-track-mind-2312

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] Black Friday

[Wayne Burdick]

Just a reminder to check out the Black Friday specials at Elecraft.com.

73 & Happy Holidays—

Wayne,
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 headphones &/or adapters

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Pete,

Sorry your phones don't appear to be working. I've never heard of this 
happening.

A few things to check:

1. Make sure the plug is stereo.

2. Make sure it's plugged in all the way. Note that the phones jack is supposed 
to protrude slightly from the side panel sheet metal. If it isn't, then the 
front cover isn't installed properly.

3. Adjust volume up. Headphone volume is stored separately from speaker volume.

If none of this helps, please contact support.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Nov 23, 2023, at 2:53 PM, Pete Meier via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Every headphone or earbud I try does not work.  I see it flash USING 
> HEADPHONES but no sound. Tried all my adapters too.
> 
> I beginning to suspect I have defective headphone jack. 
> 
> Suggestions??
> 
> Pete WK8S
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[Elecraft] OT: Wiring A Continent : The U.S. Transcontinental Telegraph Line

[Wayne Burdick]

I highly recommend this fascinating first-person account. You might want to 
skim over the parts about political infighting to get to descriptions of the 
route, procurement of poles, Indian encounters, and inclement weather. 

(And we thought Field Day setup was challenging.)

http://www.telegraph-history.org/transcontinental-telegraph/index.html

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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[Elecraft] KH1 keyer paddle spring to be changed; replacement paddles to be shipped to all affected users

[Wayne Burdick]

We've determined that some KHPD1 keyer paddles were shipped with the wrong 
spring, making the action too stiff by a factor of 2 to 3. With the specified 
lighter spring, the action is dramatically easier to use.

Starting in about two to three weeks, we'll be shipping replacement paddles 
with the correct spring to all affected customers. All KH1s shipped after 
November 15th already have this spring installed. 

We'd appreciated it if you'd return the original paddle in the supplied 
postage-paid envelope.

Please do not contact sales or support about this. We'll automatically ship to 
the address on file.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 delivery date projection please

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Pete,

KH1s from the first production batch will start shipping next week. We 
underestimated demand but hope to get a 2nd batch going right away. If you 
order right now your KH1 would likely arrive in January. Sorry I can't predict 
it more accurately.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Oct 27, 2023, at 4:44 PM, Pete Meier via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> When is the KH1 reasonably expected to start shipping?  No wild guesses 
> please.
> 
> Pete
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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 attenuator -- 12 dB or 10/30 dB?

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Julie,

Thanks for the close read :)

The manual is correct. I'll fix the brochure and website.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Oct 23, 2023, at 9:03 AM, Julia Tuttle  wrote:
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> I noticed that the specs on the KH1 product page says "ATTENUATOR: -12 dB,
> switchable", but the manual (p. 16) implies it has -10 and -30 settings.
> Which is correct?
> 
> (Also, it's not listed in the specs in the manual (p. 36) at all -- maybe
> something for the errata?)
> 
> 73,
> 
> Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] KH1 Transceiver Question

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Doug,

The log tray and whip clips can be configured for left- or right-handed use. 

Wayne N6KR


elecraft.com

> On Oct 21, 2023, at 4:21 PM, Doug Millar via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Does the KH1 come left handed for logging, etc.?  Doug K6JEY
> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] New KH1

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Paul,

> My current portable radio is a KX1 and there is something special about using 
> gear that I built myself, but this KH1 looks amazing and I'm giving it some 
> serious consideration.  I'm really looking forward to seeing actual 
> in-the-field reviews and videos.   My one hesitation is over the fact that 
> the whip can only be used in a hand-held mode unless a right-angle connector 
> or some sort of stand could be fabricated.

We're panning to design a right-angle adapter for the whip. But you could also 
use our AX1 or AX2 whips with a BNC-L and an AXB2 bipod.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

> 
> 73,
> Paul - N8XMS



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Re: [Elecraft] Question about K4HD module

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Dave,

The HDR module will provide higher blocking dynamic range, though in practice 
this extra headroom would rarely be needed (typically in "my neighbor's beam is 
aimed right at me" situations). 

The K4D's ADCs are state-of-the-art 16 bit units with dither. We carefully 
manage front-end gain ahead of them. Also, if there are many signals on a band, 
such as in a contest, absolute peak voltage seen by the ADCs tends to be spread 
out. All of these factors lead to the performance you've observed. 

Many of those who originally ordered a K4HD have gone with the K4D with 
excellent results. In fact, the performance is even better than we'd predicted 
during the early design phase.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:49 PM, Dave (NK7Z)  wrote:
> 
> Wayne,
> 
> A question for you on the HD module...  What will that bring to the party, 
> the K4D does not support now?  I have been amazed at how well the K4D does 
> with strong signals, and I can't really see how you could make it a lot 
> better...  Is there more I am missing?
> 
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> 
> On 10/20/23 13:29, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Hi Pete,
>> The K4/0 team is independent of the KH1 team. Both are happening in parallel.
>> We still have supply chain issues with parts for the K4 HDR module, though 
>> progress is still being made on that front.
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:21 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:
>>> 
>>> But when will the K4HD and the K40 be released?  I would think the market 
>>> for either of those would warrant some priority
>>> 
>>> 73, Pete N4ZR
>>> 
>>> On 10/20/2023 4:07 PM, Dave wrote:
>>>>  Nice!
>>>>
>>>>>  On Oct 20, 2023 at 12:37 PM,  mailto:n...@elecraft.com)> 
>>>>>  wrote:
>>>>>We're pleased to announce the new Elecraft KH1 -- a fully 
>>>>> integrated, hand-held station for those who combine outdoor adventure 
>>>>> with amateur radio. The KH1 was designed from the ground up with instant 
>>>>> deployment in mind. It includes: - an entirely new form-factor optimized 
>>>>> for HT-style CW operation (as well as table-top), with both knobs and key 
>>>>> at the bottom - a built-in whip antenna matching network and clip-on whip 
>>>>> that gets you on the air in seconds - internal ATU that works with both 
>>>>> the whip and BNC-connected antennas, including random-length wires - a 
>>>>> complete logging solution, with folding logbook tray, clip-on pen, 
>>>>> easy-to-manage paper log sheet stack, real-time clock, and 32 kb of 
>>>>> EEPROM for electronic logging of all transmitted text - plug-in keyer 
>>>>> paddle that flips over for safe storage - scanning/mini-pan feature for 
>>>>> hands-free signal search on quiet bands - 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery pack and 
>>>>> zero-RFI internal battery charger that works with any 12-14 vo
> lt
>>   source,
>>>>   includi
>>>> ng small solar panels With all of the the above (the Edgewood Package) the 
>>>> KH1 weighs in at only about 13 oz. It's so light you can operate 
>>>> indefinitely, whether sitting, standing, or walking (pedestrian mobile, or 
>>>> "/PM"). It's the perfect size, with total volume about half that of our 
>>>> all-band/all-mode KX2 transceiver. The KH1 covers 40-15 meters, with over 
>>>> 5 watts output on all bands at from the internal 11 V battery pack. Its 
>>>> ergonomics are ideal for CW operation. It will also do CW/SSB cross-mode, 
>>>> and can copy AM and SSB on SWL bands from 6.7 to 22 MHz. The rig can also 
>>>> be 100% remote controlled via the supplied USB cable. Our newest radio has 
>>>> been optimized over the past year with the help of experienced SOTA, POTA, 
>>>> and QRP field operators. Its small size and high level of integration have 
>>>> already transformed their expeditions, allowing operation from anywhere, 
>>>> anytime. (One operated /PM for many hours during 2023 Field Day, making 
>>>> contacts exclusively with the atta
 c
> h
>>  ed
>>>>  whip, wh
>>>> ile walking several miles.) For full details, please visit our KH1 web 
>>>> page:https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-transceiver  73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, 
>>>> WA6HHQ ___

Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the Elecraft KH1: A hand-held, 5-band transceiver for SOTA...and beyond

[Wayne Burdick]

Understood, Pete, and thanks for your patiece. Our goal is to provide 
transceivers at both ends of the size/weight/features/price spectrum -- not 
always a seamless endeavor, and resources are not unlimited.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:44 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> Of course, but my question had more to do with management priorities.  I 
> appreciate the supply chain problems, and hope you resolve them (at least 
> enough to begin production) soon.
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> On 10/20/2023 4:29 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Hi Pete,
>> 
>> The K4/0 team is independent of the KH1 team. Both are happening in parallel.
>> 
>> We still have supply chain issues with parts for the K4 HDR module, though 
>> progress is still being made on that front.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:21 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR 
>>>  wrote:
>>> 
>>> But when will the K4HD and the K40 be released?  I would think the market 
>>> for either of those would warrant some priority
>>> 
>>> 73, Pete N4ZR
>>> 
>>> On 10/20/2023 4:07 PM, Dave wrote:
>>> 
>>>>
>>>>  Nice!
>>>>  
>>>>  
>>>> 
>>>>>  On Oct 20, 2023 at 12:37 PM,  mailto:n...@elecraft.com
>>>>> )>  wrote:
>>>>>We're pleased to announce the new Elecraft KH1 -- a fully 
>>>>> integrated, hand-held station for those who combine outdoor adventure 
>>>>> with amateur radio. The KH1 was designed from the ground up with instant 
>>>>> deployment in mind. It includes: - an entirely new form-factor optimized 
>>>>> for HT-style CW operation (as well as table-top), with both knobs and key 
>>>>> at the bottom - a built-in whip antenna matching network and clip-on whip 
>>>>> that gets you on the air in seconds - internal ATU that works with both 
>>>>> the whip and BNC-connected antennas, including random-length wires - a 
>>>>> complete logging solution, with folding logbook tray, clip-on pen, 
>>>>> easy-to-manage paper log sheet stack, real-time clock, and 32 kb of 
>>>>> EEPROM for electronic logging of all transmitted text - plug-in keyer 
>>>>> paddle that flips over for safe storage - scanning/mini-pan feature for 
>>>>> hands-free signal search on quiet bands - 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery pack and 
>>>>> zero-RFI internal battery charger that works with any 12-14 vo
 lt source,
>>>>> 
>>>>   includi
>>>> ng small solar panels With all of the the above (the Edgewood Package) the 
>>>> KH1 weighs in at only about 13 oz. It's so light you can operate 
>>>> indefinitely, whether sitting, standing, or walking (pedestrian mobile, or 
>>>> "/PM"). It's the perfect size, with total volume about half that of our 
>>>> all-band/all-mode KX2 transceiver. The KH1 covers 40-15 meters, with over 
>>>> 5 watts output on all bands at from the internal 11 V battery pack. Its 
>>>> ergonomics are ideal for CW operation. It will also do CW/SSB cross-mode, 
>>>> and can copy AM and SSB on SWL bands from 6.7 to 22 MHz. The rig can also 
>>>> be 100% remote controlled via the supplied USB cable. Our newest radio has 
>>>> been optimized over the past year with the help of experienced SOTA, POTA, 
>>>> and QRP field operators. Its small size and high level of integration have 
>>>> already transformed their expeditions, allowing operation from anywhere, 
>>>> anytime. (One operated /PM for many hours during 2023 Field Day, making 
>>>> contacts exclusively with the atta
 ched
>>>>  whip, wh
>>>> ile walking several miles.) For full details, please visit our KH1 web 
>>>> page:
>>>> https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-transceiver  73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, 
>>>> WA6HHQ __ 
>>>> 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 tod...@ad6a.com
>>>>   
>>>> 
>>>>>  
>>>>> 
>>>>  ___

Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the Elecraft KH1: A hand-held, 5-band transceiver for SOTA...and beyond

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Pete,

The K4/0 team is independent of the KH1 team. Both are happening in parallel.

We still have supply chain issues with parts for the K4 HDR module, though 
progress is still being made on that front.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:21 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> But when will the K4HD and the K40 be released?  I would think the market for 
> either of those would warrant some priority
> 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> 
> On 10/20/2023 4:07 PM, Dave wrote:
>>
>>  Nice!
>>  
>>  
>>>  On Oct 20, 2023 at 12:37 PM,  mailto:n...@elecraft.com)>  
>>> wrote:
>>>We're pleased to announce the new Elecraft KH1 -- a fully 
>>> integrated, hand-held station for those who combine outdoor adventure with 
>>> amateur radio. The KH1 was designed from the ground up with instant 
>>> deployment in mind. It includes: - an entirely new form-factor optimized 
>>> for HT-style CW operation (as well as table-top), with both knobs and key 
>>> at the bottom - a built-in whip antenna matching network and clip-on whip 
>>> that gets you on the air in seconds - internal ATU that works with both the 
>>> whip and BNC-connected antennas, including random-length wires - a complete 
>>> logging solution, with folding logbook tray, clip-on pen, easy-to-manage 
>>> paper log sheet stack, real-time clock, and 32 kb of EEPROM for electronic 
>>> logging of all transmitted text - plug-in keyer paddle that flips over for 
>>> safe storage - scanning/mini-pan feature for hands-free signal search on 
>>> quiet bands - 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery pack and zero-RFI internal battery 
>>> charger that works with any 12-14 volt
  source,
>>   includi
>> ng small solar panels With all of the the above (the Edgewood Package) the 
>> KH1 weighs in at only about 13 oz. It's so light you can operate 
>> indefinitely, whether sitting, standing, or walking (pedestrian mobile, or 
>> "/PM"). It's the perfect size, with total volume about half that of our 
>> all-band/all-mode KX2 transceiver. The KH1 covers 40-15 meters, with over 5 
>> watts output on all bands at from the internal 11 V battery pack. Its 
>> ergonomics are ideal for CW operation. It will also do CW/SSB cross-mode, 
>> and can copy AM and SSB on SWL bands from 6.7 to 22 MHz. The rig can also be 
>> 100% remote controlled via the supplied USB cable. Our newest radio has been 
>> optimized over the past year with the help of experienced SOTA, POTA, and 
>> QRP field operators. Its small size and high level of integration have 
>> already transformed their expeditions, allowing operation from anywhere, 
>> anytime. (One operated /PM for many hours during 2023 Field Day, making 
>> contacts exclusively with the attach
 ed
>>  whip, wh
>> ile walking several miles.) For full details, please visit our KH1 web 
>> page:https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-transceiver  73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, 
>> WA6HHQ __ 
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Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the Elecraft KH1: A hand-held, 5-band transceiver for SOTA...and beyond

[Wayne Burdick]

Hey Dave!

Thanks for checking in.

This is the radio I wanted even when I was 15. Finally got it done, with a 
combination of microelectronics, 3D printing, and a take-no-prisoners attempt 
to drastically reduce parts count.

Hope you survived the Pandemic OK

Wayne


> On Oct 20, 2023, at 1:07 PM, Dave  wrote:
> 
> Nice!
> 
> 
>> On Oct 20, 2023 at 12:37 PM,  wrote:
>> 
>> We're pleased to announce the new Elecraft KH1 -- a fully integrated, 
>> hand-held station for those who combine outdoor adventure with amateur 
>> radio.  
>> 
>> The KH1 was designed from the ground up with instant deployment in mind. It 
>> includes:
>> 
>> - an entirely new form-factor optimized for HT-style CW operation (as well 
>> as table-top), with both knobs and key at the bottom  
>> 
>> - a built-in whip antenna matching network and clip-on whip that gets you on 
>> the air in seconds
>> 
>> - internal ATU that works with both the whip and BNC-connected antennas, 
>> including random-length wires
>> 
>> - a complete logging solution, with folding logbook tray, clip-on pen, 
>> easy-to-manage paper log sheet stack, real-time clock, and 32 kb of EEPROM 
>> for electronic logging of all transmitted text
>> 
>> - plug-in keyer paddle that flips over for safe storage
>> 
>> - scanning/mini-pan feature for hands-free signal search on quiet bands
>> 
>> - 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery pack and zero-RFI internal battery charger that 
>> works with any 12-14 volt source, including small solar panels
>> 
>> With all of the the above (the Edgewood Package) the KH1 weighs in at only 
>> about 13 oz. It's so light you can operate indefinitely, whether sitting, 
>> standing, or walking (pedestrian mobile, or "/PM"). It's the perfect size, 
>> with total volume about half that of our all-band/all-mode KX2 transceiver.
>> 
>> The KH1 covers 40-15 meters, with over 5 watts output on all bands at from 
>> the internal 11 V battery pack. Its ergonomics are ideal for CW operation. 
>> It will also do CW/SSB cross-mode, and can copy AM and SSB on SWL bands from 
>> 6.7 to 22 MHz. The rig can also be 100% remote controlled via the supplied 
>> USB cable.
>> 
>> Our newest radio has been optimized over the past year with the help of 
>> experienced SOTA, POTA, and QRP field operators. Its small size and high 
>> level of integration have already transformed their expeditions, allowing 
>> operation from anywhere, anytime. (One operated /PM for many hours during 
>> 2023 Field Day, making contacts exclusively with the attached whip, while 
>> walking several miles.)
>> 
>> For full details, please visit our KH1 web page:
>> 
>>https://elecraft.com/products/kh1-transceiver
>> 
>> 73,
>> Wayne, N6KR
>> Eric, WA6HHQ
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> __
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>> 
>> 
>> 

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[Elecraft] Looking for Elecraft newsletter submission

[Wayne Burdick]

If you have a general-interest topic in mind for our occasional newsletter, 
please email me directly. Articles are typically 1/2 page to 2 pages, with one 
or two illustrations if applicable.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] OT: The day I found out I was going to be an engineer

[Wayne Burdick]

I was 8 years old. My dad had bought me a Radio Shack Science Fair 8-Note 
Electronic Organ kit for Christmas, along with a soldering iron.

That night I built the kit, finishing at something like 11 PM, which was 
unheard of. I remember Dad looming over me in his green bathrobe, smiling, 
saying it was OK to say up late just this once. He could see I was in flow. 
Perhaps that validated his experiment.

The organ worked the first time I connected the 9 V battery. But I had an ear 
for music, and after running through the notes, I could tell some were 
mis-tuned. 

Undaunted, I looked at the schematic and saw resistors. One per note. That had 
to be the problem.

Thanks to Heathkit I had learned the color code that very morning. I also had a 
box full of resistors I'd scavenged from old radios and TVs. (Why?) I started 
sticking old resistors in parallel or series with the shiny new ones until I 
had the notes all in tune, at least by ear. 

At last I finished the job by bending the leads of the motley, oversized 
resistors until they all fit in the bottom of the plastic perf-board enclosure. 
Presentation was everything. (How did I know that?)

I proudly demonstrated the hacked organ for my parents, then for my older 
sister, who was taking piano lessons. 

At best I got my hair ruffled. But still: that was the day.

Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] K4 Production Software Rev. R34 Now Available

[Wayne Burdick]

Release 34 is being promoted to full-production status. This means it will be 
installed on all new K4s. We also encourage existing K4 owners to perform the 
update. The attached release notes provide a summary of all changes since the 
last production release (R33).

I'd like to thank all of our field testers and beta testers for their diligence 
in identifying issues that required attention. As a result, this is the best K4 
software yet.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



== R34 (PRODUCTION) 


Sept. 15, 2023


NOTE


The release notes below are a merge of all R33 beta 1/2/3/4 release notes, 
showing everything that has changed since the R33 production release.



NEW FEATURES


- SUPPLY OVER-VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT: If the K4's supply voltage is found to be 
excessive, an alert will be displayed. If the condition persists, the radio 
will be powered off for safety purposes. Note: Max supply voltage is specified 
as 15 V.

- ADDED "TX MONITOR METHOD, VOICE" menu entry: When this menu entry is set to 
"Fast", all speech processing effects and delays are removed from the voice 
monitor.

- UPDATED BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL TO REV C29: This edition includes a number 
of corrections suggested by K4 users.

- AGC SPEED SETTINGS: AGC speed (slow/fast) is now correctly stored per-mode 
rather than per-VFO or per-band. (Also see related bug fix below.)

- NEW APF BANDWIDTH: The CW audio peaking filter now has three settings: 30, 
50, and 150 Hz. The new 150 Hz setting allows APF to be used with faster code 
speeds.

- THREE QSK METHODS: The TX QSK Method menu entry now has three settings. 
Method 1 is unchanged from the last production release; it uses slightly longer 
mute times to create the cleanest possible QSK. Method 2 is the same as the 
original, except that it uses a new DSP algorithm that results in a bit more 
recovered audio. Method 3 is is the same as Method 2, except that some users 
report that it provides reduced artifacts (as compared to Method 2) when using 
the internal keyer at speeds of 47 WPM or higher. NOTE: With all three 
settings, the primary goal is to eliminate "clicks," "thumps," or other 
artifacts that may occur when operating near very strong signals (S9+). Such a 
signal must be present within +/- 2 kHz of the K4's VFO setting in order to 
evaluate the various QSK methods. Otherwise there are no artifacts at all.


-
BUG FIXES
-

- "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" BUG: When doing AF RECord, this message would be 
displayed if the recording filled the 90-second buffer.

- MESSAGE CHAIN/REPEAT FIX: CW/FSK/PSK chained and repeated messages are now 
correctly spaced.

- DETECTION OF ESC ON LOCAL KEYBOARD: With a local keyboard plugged into the K4 
for TX text entry, the ESC key now properly terminates messages.

- DIV LED now turns on if diversity is in effect at power-on.

- SOFTWARE UPDATE FIX: 'Check for Updates' now correctly updates all release 
selections with the latest revision numbers.

- TRANSMIT STATUS INFORMATION FIXED: Previously, in some cases power output 
would be displayed incorrectly, e.g. showing a nonzero value during receive.

- MSG REPEAT TRUNCATION FIXED: Previously, repeating a message with more than 
24 characters would result in truncation of some portion of the message. 
Messages can now be up to 60 characters.

- ELIMINATED "MOTORBOATING" (4 Hz cycling of transmitter when MIC gain = 80).

- ELIMINATED VOICE MODE POWER SPIKES: Previously, asserting PTT could lead to a 
brief spike in output power ahead of normal transmit audio.

- XVTR CONFIGURATION: Transverter configurations are now correctly maintained 
after software updates.

- XVTR QUICK MEMORIES: These now function correctly.

- DVR "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" bug fixed.

- DVR VOICE MESSAGE PLAYBACK CLICKS: The beginning and ending of buffers are 
now truncated by 21 ms to help mask any mic clicks recorded in the message.

- DVR CHAINING: Sometimes when chaining multiple messages, one of them may not 
have played, but the radio would have stay keyed up for the remaining time as 
if it were playing.

- AGC SETTINGS: A/B VFO swaps and copies no longer result in loss of the 
operator's AGC speed setting. Similarly, settings are no longer lost when the 
text decoder is used.

- TX ANTENNA SELECTION: TX ANT settings that are invalid, such as XV OUT on an 
HF band, are no longer allowed. Previously, it was possible to inadvertently 
get into this state with a remote-control command.

- TX GAIN SETTINGS: In rare cases, per-band transmit gain calibration data was 
becoming altered as a side-effect of a band change, swap, etc. This should no 
longer occur.


---
FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
---

- RU/RD COMMANDS: These encoder up/down simulation commands now work when the 
RIT/XIT offset knob is assigned 

[Elecraft] New K4 beta software available, release R34.BETA4

[Wayne Burdick]

R34.BETA4 corrects some issues identified with the previous beta. Thanks for 
your patience as we've cleaned up all the loose ends during the present cycle. 
We're hoping to take R34 to production status after verification of current 
changes.

The release notes below include details on R34 beta releases 1, 2, 3, and 4. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * * * *


===
== R34.BETA4 ==
===

Sept. 1, 2023


NEW FEATURES


- SUPPLY OVER-VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT: If the K4's supply voltage is found to be 
excessive, an alert will be displayed. If the condition persists, the radio 
will be powered off for safety purposes. Note: Max supply voltage is specified 
as 15 V.


-
BUG FIXES
-

- "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" BUG: When doing AF RECord, this message would be 
displayed if the recording filled the 90-second buffer.

- MESSAGE CHAIN/REPEAT FIX: CW/FSK/PSK chained and repeated messages are now 
correctly spaced.

- DETECTION OF ESC ON LOCAL KEYBOARD: With a local keyboard plugged into the K4 
for TX text entry, the ESC key now properly terminates messages.

- DIV LED now turns on if diversity is in effect at power-on.

- SOFTWARE UPDATE FIX: 'Check for Updates' now correctly updates all release 
selections with the latest revision numbers.


===
== R34.BETA3 ==
===

August 7, 2023

-
BUG FIXES
-

- TRANSMIT STATUS INFORMATION FIXED: Previously, in some cases power output 
would be displayed incorrectly, e.g. showing a nonzero value during receive.


---
FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
---

- RU/RD COMMANDS: These encoder up/down simulation commands now work when the 
RIT/XIT offset knob is assigned to an alternate function.

- ADDED FC COMMAND VARIANT: The existing "FC;" command centers the panadapter. 
You can now provide an offset of up to +/- 9 Hz, e.g. "FC-5000;". This 
might be useful when optimizing the panadapter presentation for a given band 
segment. NOTE: Nonzero panadapter offsets do not apply to tracking mode.


===
== R34.BETA2 ==
===

July 25, 2023


NEW FEATURES


- ADDED "TX MONITOR METHOD, VOICE" menu entry: When this menu entry is set to 
"Fast", all speech processing effects and delays are removed from the voice 
monitor.

- UPDATED BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL TO REV C29: This edition includes a number 
of corrections suggested by K4 users.


-
BUG FIXES
-

- MSG REPEAT TRUNCATION FIXED: Previously, repeating a message with more than 
24 characters would result in truncation of some portion of the message. 
Messages can now be up to 60 characters.

- ELIMINATED "MOTORBOATING" (4 Hz cycling of transmitter when MIC gain = 80).

- ELIMINATED VOICE MODE POWER SPIKES: Previously, asserting PTT could lead to a 
brief spike in output power ahead of normal transmit audio.

- XVTR CONFIGURATION: Transverter configurations are now correctly maintained 
after software updates.

- XVTR QUICK MEMORIES: These now function correctly.

- DVR "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" bug fixed.

- DVR VOICE MESSAGE PLAYBACK CLICKS: The beginning and ending of buffers are 
now truncated by 21 ms to help mask any mic clicks recorded in the message.

- DVR CHAINING: Sometimes when chaining multiple messages, one of them may not 
have played, but the radio would have stay keyed up for the remaining time as 
if it were playing.


---
FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
---

- KY command no longer inserts spaces unexpectedly (example: KY A;KY A; now 
sends AA not A A). RELATED NOTE: The KY command has a 60 character limit. Any 
KYR command used for MSG RPT operation has a 60 character limit for repeat. If 
your message is longer than 60 characters, then MSG RPT may not behave as 
expected.

- KYW command now always waits before processing the next command (example: 
KS10;KYW A;KS20;KYW B;FT1;).

- RX; command can now kill TX during a KYW wait command.

- Added support for MENU toggle,incr,decr commands ( MEnnn./; MEnnn.-; MEnnn.+; 
)  Toggle command behaves the same as decrement on non-binary menu entries.

- UP/DN command: Encoder simulation/emulation performance improved.

- External command performance improved: May help resolve "lag" that appeared 
in R34.B1 compared to R33 with external host applications.


= 
== R34.BETA1 
=

June 30, 2023


NEW FEATURES


- AGC SPEED SETTINGS: AGC speed (slow/fast) is now 

Re: [Elecraft] [OT] Wayne Burdick wins 1st annual Kitchen Homebrew Challenge

[Wayne Burdick]

Whoa. All that while simultaneously attending a wedding in Joshua Tree for my 
niece.

W


elecraft.com

> On Sep 5, 2023, at 7:08 AM, Dave New, N8SBE  wrote:
> 
> *checks calendar*
> 
> It's not the 1st of April, is it?
> 
> 73,
> -- Dave, N8SBE
> 
>> On 2023-09-04 11:50, Al Lorona wrote:
>> Wayne Burdick, N6KR, has taken the gold medal at the 1st annual Kitchen 
>> Homebrew Challenge held over the weekend.
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Re: [Elecraft] Brand New KX2 Issues

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Ryan,

As I just posted to the KX group list, I'll be looking at your rig myself as 
this may be a firmware issue.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Aug 30, 2023, at 12:25 PM, R.S. via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> Hello all,
> I ordered a KX2 with all the options back on March 27th of this year and 
> received it on July 12th. Out of the box it was having issues.  For example,
> -When pressing PTT button on factory mic it will change frequency 
> intermittently.
> -MIC UP/DOWN buttons put KX2 into TX mode briefly intermittently.
> -INT Mic and EXT Mic will display randomly when pressing any mic buttons.
> After experiencing these issues I called Elecraft and they immediately sent 
> me a replacement mic but the problems still persisted. So I was instructed to 
> send the radio back at my expense ($50 USPS insured) to Elecraft so they 
> could diagnose it.
> I sent the radio back on July 21. After being at Elecraft for a month I was 
> informed that they could only replicate the random INT Mic /EXT mic display 
> flashing on the screen but could not duplicate the other issues I complained 
> about.  I told them to keep trying because it happens fairly often and 
> obviously makes for a difficult QSO when you keep having to adjust the VFO to 
> stay on frequency. 
> So fast forward to today when I get an email stating they are sending the 
> radio back to me with no fix and no resolution. Only that there could be a 
> possible firmware fix in the future. I really do not think this is 
> acceptable. 
> I am curious to see if anyone else has experienced the same issues with their 
> KX2 and what did they do to resolve the issue.
> Thanks and 73,Ryan W6ZAR
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[Elecraft] Regarding KX2 VFO tuning resolution

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Neil,

Presence or absence of display digits shows the tuning resolution. 

For any given operating setup, tapping RATE will toggle between two different 
resolutions, normally 10 Hz and 100 Hz. However, there are two cases where RATE 
toggles between 10 Hz and 1 Hz:

 - radio is in any DATA mode

 - audio peaking filter is turned on (CW mode; APF-AN switch)

The 1 Hz digit is also briefly turned on for auto-spot purposes (in CW and 
PSK-D modes only, with MENU:CWT = ON).

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Aug 14, 2023, at 11:49 AM, Neil Smith  wrote:
> 
> 
> I recently noticed my KX2 frequency read out has 2 numerals to the right of 
> the . (Dot). I seem to recall there being 3 numerals. But since pushing RATE 
> to speed thru the band only two numbers show.
> 
> Example: 14.280.12x
> 
> Anyone know how to restore the missing numeral - x?
> 
> Thanks & 73,
> 
> Neil 
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Re: [Elecraft] Starting to Ship K3 & K3S Option Last Time Buy Orders (3/1/23)

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Dave,

Eric is drafting an update to this as we speak. It'll probably be posted 
tomorrow -- Friday at the latest. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Aug 2, 2023, at 3:41 PM, wb0gaz via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> As several direct inquiries over the last several months to Elecraft (Eric 
> S., Madelyn G.) have not yielded any new information, I am asking here.
> 
> I believe below was the last official post regarding the order fulfillment 
> process.
> 
> Has there been an official update since?
> 
> Is there a way to obtain update information on status of an individual order 
> (placed in April 2021)?
> 
> Has Eric been providing individual updates (my particular order is for 
> K3EXREF, without which my K3 continues it's extended life in exile from the 
> operating position...)
> 
> 73 Dave WB0GAZ wb0...@yahoo.com



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[Elecraft] New K4 beta software available, release R34.Beta2

[Wayne Burdick]

A new beta release is available that corrects some issues identified with the 
previous beta. See release notes below.

Once again I'd like to thank our field testers, who willingly endure 
(enthusiastically embrace?) a long series of official regression tests.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


==
== R34.BETA2 ===
==

July 25, 2023


NEW FEATURES


- ADDED "TX MONITOR METHOD, VOICE" menu entry: When this menu entry is set to 
"Fast", all speech processing effects and delays are removed from the voice 
monitor.

- UPDATED BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL TO REV C29: This edition includes a number 
of corrections suggested by K4 users. (Special thanks to N6TV for detailed 
suggestions.)


-
BUG FIXES
-

- MSG REPEAT TRUNCATION FIXED: Previously, repeating a message with more than 
24 characters would result in truncation of some portion of the message. 
Messages can now be up to 60 characters.

- ELIMINATED "MOTORBOATING" (4 Hz cycling of Tx when MIC gain = 80).

- ELIMINATED VOICE MODE POWER SPIKES: Previously, asserting PTT could lead to a 
brief spike in output power ahead of any normal transmit audio.

- XVTR CONFIGURATION: Transverter configurations are now correctly maintained 
after software updates.

- XVTR QUICK MEMORIES: These now function correctly.

- DVR "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" bug fixed.

- DVR VOICE MESSAGE PLAYBACK CLICKS: The beginning and ending of buffers are 
now truncated by 21 ms to help mask any mic clicks recorded in the message.

- DVR CHAINING: Sometimes when chaining multiple messages, one of them may not 
have played, but the K4 would have stay keyed up for the remaining time as if 
it were playing.


---
FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS
---

- KY command no longer inserts spaces unexpectedly (example: KY A;KY A; now 
sends AA not A A). RELATED NOTE: The KY command has a 60 character limit. Any 
KYR command used for MSG RPT operation has a 60 character limit for repeat. If 
your message is longer than 60 characters, then MSG RPT may not behave as 
expected.

- KYW command now always waits before processing the next command (example: 
KS10;KYW A;KS20;KYW B;FT1;).

- RX; command can now kill TX during a KYW wait command.

- Added support for MENU toggle,incr,decr commands ( MEnnn./; MEnnn.-; MEnnn.+; 
)  Toggle command behaves the same as decrement on non-binary menu entries.

- UP/DN command: Encoder simulation/emulation performance improved.

- External command performance improved: May help resolve "lag" that appeared 
in R34.B1 compared to R33 with external host applications.





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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wayne Burdick]

Great photos, Mike.

Half a dozen screens that size, plus some duct tape, would make a sturdy 
man-cave.

Wayne



> On Jun 30, 2023, at 3:14 PM, Michael Dinkelman  wrote:
> 
> K4D in operation at the Mike & Key GOTA station
> 
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/q9T96tUYEwVQhtaq9
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/KV3ChVQ7JJSa8vsf9
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/wJrLrryYkPrh7t1C8
> 
> 
> 
> On 6/30/2023 12:40 PM, Dave New, N8SBE wrote:
>> Eric,
>> 
>> I promised Margaret some 'in action' K4D Field Day pictures.  I haven't 
>> forgotten, just been very busy in the aftermath of our 4A Field Day effort 
>> this year so far.
>> 
>> We've tried running 'cheap' GOTA stations over the previous few years, and 
>> except for a Kenwood TS-590S, everything else we've tried in the $1K-2K 
>> price category (or below) suffered badly from the other stations we were 
>> running at our FD site.  An ICOM IC-7300 last year and an IC-7610 
>> (surprisingly) this year both suffered from frontend overload.
>> 
>> Considering the typical experience level of GOTA operators, trying to copy 
>> SSB when is it being interrupted continuously by the nearby CW station is 
>> very frustrating, and certainly not the kind of experience we'd like to give 
>> our GOTA station visitors.
>> 
>> This year, after trying the IC-7610, we pulled it and subbed in my K3s/P3 
>> that I had been holding in reserve in case my K4D didn't hold up.  I'm happy 
>> to report my K4D ran with flying colors as our multi-band CW station (80M at 
>> night, 20M-10M during the day).
>> 
>> We also ran two other K3/P3 stations (with upgraded LOs, etc), one on 40M 
>> CW, and the other on 40M SSB, and the last station ran multi-band SSB and 
>> FT8 digital and was a Yaesu FTdx101d (superhet architecture with 'vctune' 
>> frontend).  I did notice a slight increase in my noise floor on my K4D when 
>> the Yaesu was running FT8 on the same band, but it really didn't effect our 
>> operation. Considering that 20M CW was on about 14.030 and FT8 on 14.074, we 
>> were relatively close to each other, but operated peacefully with out 
>> interference.
>> 
>> My experience with K3's running 2.8 kHz or narrower roofing filters, we 
>> could get within 10-20 kHz of another station before we noticed any 
>> interference, and that was mainly due to the Tx IMD of the other stations.  
>> The K4D, without K4HD roof filters, seemed to tolerate getting within about 
>> 20 kHz before noticeable interference.  Ditto for the Yaesu with it's 
>> roofing filter and 'vctune' technology.
>> 
>> We topped 2000 contacts this year, with the CW stations making the majority 
>> of the contacts.  We have some very good CW operators in the club, and they 
>> are 'QSO machines' on the Elecraft radios.
>> 
>> 73,
>> -- Dave, N8SBE
>> 
>> On 2023-06-26 10:59, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>> Thanks for your comments, Eric.
>>> 
>>> Note that the K4 shares the same pedigree, and weighs only 2 pounds more, 
>>> for the same reasons.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>> 2A SCV



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Re: [Elecraft] K4 Rx is awesome...

[Wayne Burdick]

CW is also the only way to go for pedestrian mobile FD, which I did for a 
couple of hours while hiking on Saturday. Even with a 4' whip and 5 watts I was 
working almost every station I called. I stopped long enough to log each QSO so 
my printing would be legible.

Of course this is not the way to hold and run a frequency.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 28, 2023, at 1:14 PM, Robert Strickland via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Jim...
> 
> I gave up on all SSB contesting long ago. To my ears and preferences, it's 
> just a pile of gibberish with maybe one very strong/clear signal every 
> 10-20Kc. Not worth it. CW is the only way to contest IMHO. While I've never 
> operated QRP, I suspect that I'm headed in that direction, also.
> 
> ...robert KE2WY
> 
> On 6/25/2023 19:37, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 6/25/2023 7:19 AM, Al Lorona wrote:
>>> I went to CW after this and found the operating to be a lot better.
>> I gave up on SSB on FD more than ten years ago. Instead, have been doing FD 
>> QRP with W6GJB and W6JTI. There are still guys who haven't been on the air 
>> in the year between, and some long pauses after a QSO, but that's the 
>> exception.
>> 73, Jim K9YC



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[Elecraft] Wildly OT -- at first glance

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi gang,

I reserve the right to make a movie recommendation here once every five years 
or so. This one is called "Clara," and you'll think it's entirely off-topic 
until almost the very end. Trust me on this one.

If you're a fan of the movie "Contact," adapted from the book by Carl Sagan, 
chances are you'll get that same chill up your spine from this one. No further 
spoilersbut I will say it's damn good despite the relatively low budget. 
And it's also suitable as a date-night movie, unlike the plethora of unwashed 
NSFW bar-raising scary blunt instruments wielded on most streaming services 
these days.

Here's the link. It's on the free youtube site so there are sundry commercials 
to ignore, and it's anachronistically low-res at 360p, but worth it anyway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfM-YbDxqKE

**
DO NOT post about 
this on the forum! 
**

Please email me directly if you have comments.

Enjoy,

Wayne
N6KR



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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wayne Burdick]

Thanks for your comments, Eric. 

Note that the K4 shares the same pedigree, and weighs only 2 pounds more, for 
the same reasons.

73,
Wayne
N6KR
2A SCV


> On Jun 26, 2023, at 7:56 AM, Eric Fitzgerald  wrote:
> 
> Every time I take my K3 out into the field - be it Field Day, POTA, SOTA or 
> grid activations - I marvel at how well designed this transceiver is for 
> portable operation.  From the informative display, to the practical power/ALC 
> settings for soundcard digital operation, to the miserly power consumption; 
> this radio shines over all the other rigs I have operated portable.  It is a 
> pleasure to operate out of the shack.
> 
> Thank you Elecraft for devising a machine to match the portable operator's 
> needs.
> 
> Bravo!
> 
> Eric
> 
> KG6MZS 2E LAX



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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Operation

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Wilson,

Contrats on your successful FD effort.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 26, 2023, at 7:29 AM, Wilson Lamb via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I know it's OT, but want to comment on FD operation here in NC.
> I wouldn't even consider going on SSB for FD!But our SSB station on 40/15 
> made over 700 QSO, with several ops of modest experience but sensible people. 
>  K3 and double bazooka.  They were pleased.
> I made almost 400 CW QSOs, K3 and 80m dipole/window line/MFJ tuner.  
> I had a 98% success when calling and many replies, often multiples, when 
> running.
> There were MANY strong signals on 40 and 20 at all hours I was on, so I 
> didn't do 80.
> Almost all CW was good, partly thanks to computer keying, and I encountered 
> maybe three poor ops, not rude, just inexperienced/unpracticed.  I like SK 
> and used it about 30% of the time.  I prefer SK for FD, because one can 
> taylor speed/weight style to conditions and other op's experience.  There's 
> no reason to expect everyone to deal with 25 WPM from the computer.  They all 
> did fine with 15 WPM from the SK, sometimes with the dahs stretched a little.
> The little rudeness seen was obviously competent ops who couldn't muster the 
> manners to wait their turn.
> A couple times I had to ignore them several times to ever get my weaker 
> station's exchange!  I expect they are the same people who call DX stations 
> when the DX is trying to reply to someone else.  Owning a big station and 
> expensive gear IS NOT empowerment to trounce everyone in your way!
> All in all, one could hardly ask for better conditions and operation.  Most, 
> NOT ALL, people who go to the trouble to learn CW seem to pick up some 
> manners along the way!  Of course, there are many fine SSB ops, including a 
> couple of our XYLs, but the low bar to entry does cause problems!  
> Perhaps we need a new mode designator, CBSSB?
> 
> 
> One problem I see is that people have the feeling that a slipshod antenna, or 
> a commercial whizbang/wonderthingy, will get them by.  It does, but with many 
> fewer QSOs and more frustration than they could have with a little more work!
> After 66 years of hamming, I'm becoming fonder of ladder line and window 
> line.  The commercial window line has saved my bacon many times and tolerates 
> more poor practice than expected.  After some outdoor tuner problems, I gave 
> up "proper" practice and ran my window line under our van and up through the 
> port in the floor, past many other cables, to my little MFJ tuner.  It worked 
> very well, as reported above.  Yes, I may have lost a dB or two, but the flat 
> top at 65 feet got them back!  Besides, there's no connector problem and I 
> can make fine splices in one minute, using a pocket knife and a pair of 
> pliers!  I expect a better BALUN would get me a dB back, but the tiny one in 
> the MFJ seems to be fine at 100W.
> 
> 
> We also had successful K3 digi which were successful, as was our HB 
> BBQ/potluck dinner for 35 ops!
> 
> 
> End of OT report.  Did YOU work W4EZ?
> 
> 
> Wilson
> W4BOH



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[Elecraft] Seeking customer-written articles for Elecraft newsletter

[Wayne Burdick]

Over the years, we've had a few customers submit well-written, informative and 
entertaining articles for the Elecraft newsletter. If you have an idea for a 
short (1 to 2 page) article of general interest to our readers, feel free to 
contact me directly to discuss the idea.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] K4 production software rev. R33 now available

[Wayne Burdick]

[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 

Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] On the threshold of a dream

[Wayne Burdick]

Wow, Kevin. An instant classic in the emerging field of subliminal viral 
marketing. Dream it…own it. 

Wayne
N6KR


elecraft.com

> On Apr 1, 2023, at 8:08 AM, kevinr  wrote:
> 
> 
> It was a fairly normal dream.  A CW rag chew with weak signals. Then N6KR 
> came back to me.  After I gave him a 559 on the peaks, I asked him what was 
> new with him.  I sat back and listened as he told me about the new Elecraft 
> KX15.  He had been working on the nanobot installed user interface, so he 
> described that first.  I lost some due to fading but here's the jist of it 
> from my notes:
> 
> The KX15 user interface has a true head up display.  A waterfall appears in 
> your visual cortex; the control panel is placed wherever you think it should 
> be.  Audio is injected into your auditory cortex; extra processing is 
> possible through direct access to your cerebral cortex.  He mentioned this 
> was the perfect interface for hearing or visually impaired operators.  There 
> is also an optional haptic interface for inveterate knob twiddlers.
> 
> Ordering and setup is simple.  Send Elecraft a sealed sample of your DNA.  
> They use it to program your personal set of nanobots. You receive a bag of 
> raw materials with the preprogrammed machines.  Lie down with the raw 
> materials placed nearby.  The nanobots induce sleep during the one hour build 
> time.  They enhance pathways to the visual, auditory, and cerebral cortex 
> areas of your brain.  When that part of the process is complete the nanobots 
> awaken you for your training session.  They emplant the user interface 
> controls as engrams by sending messages to your visual cortex, as they store 
> memories in your cerebral cortex. (buy Elecraft)  Once they are assured you 
> understand the user interface they lyse themselves and are excreted.
> 
> A small number of the nanobots are retained for future upgrades. The KX15 
> user interface nanobots are keyed to your DNA to prevent them from roaming to 
> other humans.   Since they have this DNA map they can compare each cell they 
> encounter for cancer screening. Any diploid cell which does not match your 
> DNA map can be lysed, pending approval of course.  They will also filter your 
> blood for toxins.  Or, sadly, they could be used to remove the KX15 thought 
> controlled interface.
> 
> The nanobots did more than enhance pathways in your brain and emplant 
> engrams.  They also crafted interface antennas under your skin.  Those appear 
> as tattoos which can be made transparent if desired.  The antennas are gauged 
> for: WiFi, Blue Tooth, and the control/data link to the Tesla free space 
> transducer.  You can change the antenna type if you wish by scanning the 
> thought interface for choices.  Run multiple antennas to better link with 
> your 'net environment.
> 
> Next Wayne mentioned the thought to CW modulation scheme.  Plus other 
> options, like thought to: SSB, AM, and a list of digital modes.  But he knew 
> he had me hooked with thought to CW  Whatever you think is transmitted in 
> your chosen mode.  Whatever you think...  Yes, the thought controlled 
> interface does require a few filters: the language limiter, band and power 
> limits per class and location, regulation encouragement, and (buy Elecraft) 
> subliminal advertising.
> 
> You can order the optional color packet for custom tattoos:
>The animated Elecraft logo
>Campaign ribbons for K1 through K16 and KX1 through KX15
>   with serial number overlays
>   and decorations for multiple rigs in each category
> 
> Or install the active nanobot tattoo function where you can display:
>A scrolling message
>Real time raw contest score
>The time piece of your choice
> Active tattoo on either, or both arms
> All tattoos can be made transparent via instant thought command
> 
> After I had taken notes on the interface I asked him about the rig itself.  
> He told me there is no radio, only a transducer which generates a carrier 
> wave, drawing power from free space.  The transducer controls wavelength, 
> modulation, sampling, and the power level requested.  He did complain about 
> not being able to lower the rig's power draw; 0.03 microamps is just too 
> high.  He really wants to use nanobots to embed the transducer, eliminate the 
> various interconnects, and speed throughput.  Then the thought controlled 
> interface would be able to drive the Tesla field transducer directly.  I lost 
> the next sentence because I was thinking of a perfect antenna, oriented 
> exactly, even as I was hiking around sending CW with my thoughts.  Woo Hoo!
> 
> Then I asked him about power levels.  He said he had melted a receiver, but 
> quickly added limiters to the thought controlled interface.  He mentioned the 
> lost Tesla papers in passing but we never got back to it.  I have to admit 
> the transducer does seem like science fiction.  But Wayne assured me it works 
> great.  The transducer is carried on a velcro 

Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Controlled Envelope SSB

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Scott, 

This is possible, and it's already wish-listed. Our DSP resources are tied up 
at the moment.

73,
Wayne
N6KR 


> On Mar 21, 2023, at 2:42 PM, Scott Zastoupil via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> So I have to ask since I have not seen any activity since 2016.  Is it 
> possible to have Elecraft provide a KX3 software update to implement CESSB to 
> the KX3?
> It would be nice to have the extra ~3dB to the rig for POTA activations.  I 
> would imagine it would be a nice bullet to add to the marketing page.  I have 
> had my rig since a few months after the rig was released and enjoy using it.  
> It has mostly been used on CW.  But venturing into POTA, it would be nice to 
> have everything I can get into once package for SSB contacts and less need 
> for an amp.
> So, Elecraft, if you're listening, here is a request for implementing the 
> featurePlease!  :)
> 
> Scott, KX9RT
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Re: [Elecraft] KXIBC2 module installation and observations

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Mike,

KX2 Utility will be updated to allow time to be set on the KXIBC2. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR


elecraft.com

> On Mar 18, 2023, at 9:49 AM, Michael McShan via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hello, all.
> 
> This may be my first post to the reflector. I received the KXIBC2 module 
> yesterday and installed it in the KX2 this morning. A few notes from the 
> process…
> 
> 1. Installation is pretty straight forward. Soldering the B and E pins is a 
> little tricky but not too bad. I pre-tinned pin E, the one that is soldered 
> to the ground of the DC input jack, as well as used a tiny drop of flux to 
> facilitate soldering. 
> 
> 2. Be sure that you have updated the KX2 firmware to 3.01 or above so that 
> the new menu item is available. It’s all described in the instructions.
> 
> 3. If you turn on the KX2 using your 13.8V power supply, and the new LED just 
> flashes and goes out, it probably means that the internal battery is fully 
> charged. To confirm that the charger is working, leave the KX2 on using just 
> internal battery power for awhile until the voltage drops some. Then apply 
> the external power, and the LED should light, indicating charging. All of 
> this assumes that you are using a power supply that matches the specs 
> described in the installation sheet.
> 
> The one odd thing that I saw was that the “Set KX2 Time…” menu item in the 
> KX2 Utility program is now grayed out. The new real time clock is working, 
> and the time can still be set directly on the radio but not using the Windows 
> program. Everything else in the utility program still works as before. Any 
> thoughts on this? Maybe a revision of the utility program or firmware is 
> needed?
> 
> 73,
> Mike W5RST
> OKC
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[Elecraft] Announcing the KXIBC2 internal battery charger for the KX2

[Wayne Burdick]

This cat is is at least 75% of the way out of the bag  :)  

That said: consider this the official announcement for the KXIBC2 internal 
battery charger for the KX2. The unit has been extensively beta tested, and a 
few of us have been using them for over a year. It has proven safe and reliable.

Here's a little Q, which you can also find on our KX2 options web page:

* * *

Q: What benefit does the KXIBC2 provide?

A: KX2 owners who have installed the KXIBC2 have told us they love the 
convenience of simply plugging in their regular power supply to charge the 
internal battery pack. The charger operates with or without the radio turned 
on, and the process is fully automatic, so your KX2 will be ready to go 
whenever you are. Of course you can still use the fast charger if you're in a 
hurry.


Q: How hard is it to install the KXIBC2 module?

A: Anyone with a modest amount of soldering experience should be able to do the 
KXIBC2 installation. Based on lots of feedback from field testers, we 
dramatically simplified the installation procedure. For field installation, we 
recommend "Method 1" (see the revision B2 instruction manual or later). There's 
no need to do any disassembly other than removing and replacing the right side 
panel. And there are only two wires to solder. If after having a look at the 
instructions you feel that you'd rather let Elecraft to the job, we'll be happy 
to. Simply contact supp...@elecraft.com to obtain an RMA.


* * *

Of course it goes without saying that internal charging will also reduce wear 
and tear on the KX2's speaker wires.

=
IMPORTANT
=

We've heard at least one claim that the battery can be charged internally by 
adding a diode to the KX2's 12 V circuitry. This is not advisable, for a few 
reasons:

1. It virtually eliminates the ability to use a standard external power supply 
or battery to run the radio normally.

2. An external Li-ion charger is not going to function as it was designed with 
a diode in series with the battery. It's probably safe but the level of charge 
the battery reaches may be inadequate.

3. If you did take this approach, you might accidently violate #1, above.

The KXIBC2 was designed with safety in mind, avoiding these issues entirely.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update (12/02/2022)

[Wayne Burdick]

Gary,

Our assembly house got overloaded, delaying our modules. But I understand that 
some of them may have just been delivered (finally!). We would need to then do 
full testing. 

Eric may want to elaborate.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Feb 15, 2023, at 1:45 PM, n6...@outlook.com wrote:
> 
> Eric,
> 
> It has been almost 11 weeks since your last K3 & K3S Options Update (shown 
> below). I have several option kits on order but I haven't heard anything 
> about them in the past 11 weeks so would you please update us?
> 
> Thank you,
> 
> Gary R.
> 
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on 
> behalf of Eric Swartz 
> Sent: Friday, December 2, 2022 4:16 PM
> To: Elecraft list 
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update (12/02/2022)
> 
> I apologize for the delay getting this info out to everyone. (See my final
> comments below after the status section for more info on what has caused
> much of the delay.)
> 
> First - The current K3 & K3S option status. The following boards are now in
> process, and should ship close to these dates ranges if there are no new
> parts issues or surprise manufacturing delays.
> 
> P3TXMON  6-8 weeks
> K3EXREF  8 weeks
> KAT3A:  8 weeks
> KDVR3  8 weeks
> KPA3A6-8 weeks
> KIO3B8-9 weeks
> KSYN3A8 weeks
> KBPF3A8 weeks
> KXV3B   6-8 weeks
> 
> K144XV and K144RFLK   7-10 days
> We've completed building an additional batch of K144XV 2M options and
> we're  finishing up the matching K144RFLK lock boards, which lock the
> K144XV's frequency to the K3's reference oscillator.
> We'll be contacting the remaining customers for these two items in order to
> confirm shipping information (and collect the other half of the funds due
> for shipping and those who made a half deposit.)
> 
> ---
> 
> Remaining 3 Last time Buy items:
> 
> P3: Still seeing long parts delays from Analog devices and Microchip.
> 
> P3SVGA: Still seeing long parts delays from Intel (FPGA) and Microchip (uC).
> 
> K3/0 Mini: Microchip (uC) delays plus qualifying second sources on several
> other parts. We are also evaluating our demo stock of  K3/0 Minis to see if
> that can help with regular orders or our wait-list orders.
> 
> We will update everyone on these last three items as we get new information.
> 
> 
> General comments:
> We've been navigating a wide range of parts and manufacturing issues these
> past months. The K3 Options suffered in focus as we first had to keep our
> primary product lines rolling out the door to you. (K4s, KX-Line, Amps
> (100, 500 and 1500W) etc.) We've been successful sourcing parts for these
> primary products and keeping them shipping :-) , but its taken way more
> focus and effort that anyone expected..
> 
> We've also had to contend with one of our key circuit board assembly
> subcontractors becoming unavailable after being sold to another company.
> (All of our boards are built in the U.S.) That resulted in our other
> assembly subcontractors becoming overloaded. Fortunately we have now
> qualified and brought on-line several new U.S. circuit board assembly
> companies with excellent results. In addition to smoothing our regular
> production, this has made it possible to get our focus back on the K3
> Options.
> 
> We will be posting updates for these products as they each get closer to
> shipping.
> 
> Thank you again for your patience.
> 
> 73,
> 
> 
> Eric   WA6HHQ
> *elecraft.com *
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] Peter Martinez And The CW-To-PSK31 Feature

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Tony,

I had the function in mind, then cajoled Lyle into doing the hard part -- the 
demodulator. Somehow he figured it out in just a few days. 

The key idea that led to the PSK31 and RTTY decoders was this: that a ham 
receiver should be able to demodulate all commonly heard signals and display 
them on the front panel, without resorting to a computer. That was around 2005, 
though. Since that time many new data modes have been added that made this less 
practical, but RTTY and PSK31 are still in widespread use (you can hear them 
every day) and operating in these modes using the radio itself is still 
compelling for many of us.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Feb 6, 2023, at 8:22 PM, Tony <73gu...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Wayne:
> 
> Re: CW-To-Data Feature 
> 
> I'm glad you thought of it! It must have taken a while to get from concept to 
> production. I would imagine that it's not that simple to add other data modes 
> -- the foundation is there but my guess is that it would require more code 
> crunching?   
> 
> Thanks for all. 
> 
> Tony -K2MO 
> 
> 
> _._,_._,_
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> 
> View/Reply Online (#74733) | Reply To Group | Reply To Sender | Mute This 
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] Peter Martinez And The CW-To-PSK31 Feature

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Tony,

I, too, am an avid user of the CW-to-PSK31 feature, which is available on the 
K3 and K4 as well as the KX line. I've even used it during Field Day, which is 
a hoot, especially with a tiny KX2 and its paddle being all the gear you need 
(no computer or keyboard required). All of these rigs also do CW-to-RTTY with 
the keyer paddle. 

Some would argue there's no activity in ham radio, or perhaps life itself, more 
rewarding than making RTTY contest QSOs using a 1 pound radio with a whip and 
an attached keyer paddle while operating pedestrian mobile :)

Of course I may be biased, being the nut-case who dreamed this up and wrote the 
MCU firmware. But I'd also like to give credit where it's due: the DSP code for 
this was written by Lyle Johnson, KK7P. 

One tip for those using PSK31 as a casual operating mode: you may need to use 
RIT or XIT to fine-tune the offset and obtain the best copy.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Feb 4, 2023, at 9:57 PM, Tony <73gu...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> All: 
> 
> I spoke with Peter Martinez about a video I posted that shows how the 
> Elecraft CW-to-Data mode works with PSK31. Peter developed the mode some 25 
> years ago so I thought it would be interesting to ask if he ever imagined it 
> being used in such a unique way. To my surprise, he wasn't aware it existed!  
> 
> He mentioned that it could be difficult for some to send fast enough to keep 
> up at PSK31 speeds, but I assured him that slower speeds are adequate to make 
> contacts and that I've used it many times when operating QRP portable.  
> 
> I'm not sure how often it's used among the group, but I find it useful to 
> switch from CW to PSK31 after the contacts dry up and I always get a kick out 
> of the reaction I get when I mention how I'm sending PSK31. I suspect there's 
> a slight advantage in weak-signal performance over CW as well which doesn't 
> hurt when running QRP.
> 
> Here's the video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9uoSbYhe00
> 
> Tony -K2MO 
> _._,_._,_
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> 
> View/Reply Online (#74726) | Reply To Group | Reply To Sender | Mute This 
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Re: [Elecraft] Morse Code is making a comeback! (Relevant to Elecraft)

[Wayne Burdick]

Someone was going to post this sooner or later. I'm glad I didn't have to :)

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jan 27, 2023, at 12:52 PM, John Harper  wrote:
> 
> K-Pop bands - and coming soon, KX-Pop bands.
> 
> John AE5X
> https://ae5x.blogspot.com


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[Elecraft] Fwd: Morse Code is making a comeback! (Relevant to Elecraft)

[Wayne Burdick]

This Daily Mail interview with Tom, M1EYP, will give many of us cause for 
celebration:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-11640643/Morse-Code-making-comeback-Children-young-FIVE-learning-it.html
 


Note the rig shown in the cover photo.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] MH3 Mic recieved

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Richard,

Again, apologies to you and others for the long delay. Our supplier had their 
own supply chain problems, thanks to the pandemic, and they had to go through 
two sets of prototypes to get everything dialed in. 

Let us know how the mic works.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jan 26, 2023, at 11:19 AM, Richard Hill  wrote:
> 
> FYI: My long ago ordered MH3 mic arrived today. Feels good, but I have not
> used it yet.
> 
> Thought some would like to know that they are shipping.
> 
> Rich
> NU6T


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Re: [Elecraft] New Bands

[Wayne Burdick]

The K3, being a superhet that involves mixers, uses very narrow-band transmit 
band-pass filtering that doesn't allow operation midway between 10 and 6 
meters. So it is excluded in firmware.

That said, the K3 provides very versatile support for external transverters.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Jan 25, 2023, at 11:22 AM, Christopher Hoover  wrote:
> 
> What about the K3 for RX on 8m?   Mine bounces me to 44.000 MHz if I try to 
> enter 40.662 MHz via CAT or front panel.
> 
> 73 de AI6KG
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Jun 27, 2019 at 3:39 PM Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> The K4 should work at 40-41 MHz without modification, though I wouldn't 
> guarantee specs without performance testing.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> 
> > On Jun 27, 2019, at 2:52 PM, Ed K1EP  wrote:
> > 
> > Maybe for RX. For TX, you have to consider spurs, harmonics, filters and
> > other technicalities. So, it is not trivial.
> > 
> > On Thu, Jun 27, 2019, 17:36 Dennis Moore  wrote:
> > 
> >> SDR, should just be a modification to the firmware.
> >> 
> >> Dennis NJ6G
> >> 
> >> On 6/27/2019 13:44, David Gilbert wrote:
> >>> A friend just advised me of a new FCC Petition for Rule Making that
> >>> requests the creation of a new amateur band for 8m somewhere between
> >>> 40 and 41 MHz.
> >>> 
> >>> https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/105260090923685/8%20meter%20PRM.pdf
> >>> 
> >>> I doubt it gets any traction, but it makes me curious if any mods
> >>> (software or hardware) would be practical to allow the K3 or K3s or K4
> >>> to cover that range.  I suspect the upper low pass band filter would
> >>> preclude that possibility.
> >>> 
> >>> 73,
> >>> Dave  AB7E
> 
> 
> 
> 
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[Elecraft] K4 production software release (R32) now available

[Wayne Burdick]

Release 32 has been beta tested (R32.BETA2) and has now been moved to 
production status. 

See release notes below, or on our K4 software page, or view them in the 
updater on the K4 itself. (For your convenience, the list below shows all 
significant changes since production release 31.)

Software development is continuing in multiple areas, including remote control.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *



 R32 (PRODUCTION) ==

December 13, 2022


- SSB/ESSB TRANSMIT AUDIO LOW-FREQUENCY RESPONSE IMPROVED:  The nominal SSB 
transmit audio low-frequency rolloff can now be moved down from about 200 Hz to 
100 Hz. (Amplitude at 100 Hz then increases by nearly 20 dB.) This selection is 
made using the new "TX Audio LF Cutoff, SSB" menu entry. IMPORTANT NOTES: (1) 
The 100 Hz selection is *always* applied in ESSB mode. (2) In addition to using 
this new SSB setting, you can control the transmit passband in all modes using 
TX EQ. (3) If you use USB or LSB for audio DATA modes such as PACTOR that 
require fast turnaround times, you should not use the 100 Hz SSB setting, 
because it slows turnaround by about 20 milliseconds. (The high-performance 
digital filter required to obtain a lower passband has additional "taps," 
resulting in greater delay.)

- KPA1500 / KPA500 LOSS OF BUTTON PRESSES:  In previous releases, some amp 
front panel button presses could be missed by the K4 due to the concurrent 
handling of other band-change activity.

- RADIO LOCKUP DURING VFO MOVEMENT AT ~5600 KHZ:  One operator discovered a 
radio lockup when moving the VFO in the vicinity of 5600-5620 kHz. This was due 
to incorrect lookup of ATU LC segment data, which has now been corrected.

- TERMINATION OF DVR MESSAGES no longer causes occasional loss of mic audio.

- REPEATER OFFSETS are now correctly applied to VFO B when in SPLIT.

- IMPROVED EEPROM DATA VERIFICATION.



FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS & MACROS


- The "TQX;" command now bypasses other command processing delays to provide a 
more real-time response during "TX;" / "RX;" command transitions.

- DUPLICATE "TX;" COMMAND while in transmit mode no longer exits transmit.

- ADDED "EE0;" command to reset all radio state and menu parameters to 
defaults, with the exception of factory calibration data.

- ADDED "TQX" GET COMMAND (extension to "TQ" TX status query):  If the GET 
query is "TQ;", then the K4 is considered to still be in transmit mode during 
the S-meter holdoff time (300 ms), even though receive audio can be heard. If 
the GET query is "TQX;", then the S-meter holdoff time is not considered to be 
part of the transmit state. This allows an application to find out more quickly 
when actual RF transmit has ended, which may result in a more responsive user 
interface (when playing DVR messages, for example).

- ADDED "AG$+nnn" (AF gain increment/decrement).

- ADDED "VC" command to properly handle configuration of per-mode coarse tuning 
steps. "VT" command also improved to correctly handle A/B VFO swaps, etc.

- IMPROVED "#HWFC" command to allow modification of waterfall color mode for 
both panadapters on the external monitor.

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[Elecraft] New KX2 & KX3 T-shirts, K4 padded bag

[Wayne Burdick]

You can find these on our Winter Specials page:

https://elecraft.com/pages/winter-specials-delivery-by-december-24

Click on the small photos to see much larger ones.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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[Elecraft] New K4 beta software release (R32.B1)

[Wayne Burdick]

K4 beta release R32.B1 is now available. 

This release corrects a problem with TX DVR message play, where interrupting 
playback could sometimes disable microphone audio. (Just in time for the next 
big SSB contest) I'd like to thank our intrepid Field Test group as well as 
our software team for finding and fixing this challenging bug.

There are also a few other bug fixes, as well as some new or enhanced remote 
control/macro commands.

Full release notes appear below.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


=
== R32.BETA1 
=

November 14, 2022


= BUG FIXES =

- TERMINATION OF DVR MESSAGES no longer causes occasional loss of mic audio.

- REPEATER OFFSETS are now correctly applied to VFO B when in SPLIT.

- IMPROVED EEPROM DATA VERIFICATION.


= FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS & MACRO USERS =

- DUPLICATE "TX;" COMMAND while in transmit mode no longer exits transmit.

- ADDED "EE0;" command to reset all radio state and menu parameters to 
defaults, with the exception of factory calibration data.

- ADDED "TQX" GET COMMAND (extension to "TQ" TX status query):  If the GET 
query is "TQ;", then the K4 is considered to still be in transmit mode during 
the S-meter holdoff time (300 ms), even though receive audio can be heard. If 
the GET query is "TQX;", then the S-meter holdoff time is not considered to be 
part of the transmit state. This allows an application to find out more quickly 
when actual RF transmit has ended, which may result in a more responsive user 
interface (when playing DVR messages, for example).

- ADDED "AG$+nnn" (AF gain increment/decrement).

- ADDED "VC" command to properly handle configuration of per-mode coarse tuning 
steps. "VT" command also improved to correctly handle A/B VFO swaps, etc.

- IMPROVED "#HWFC" command to allow modification of waterfall color mode for 
both panadapters on the external monitor.






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Re: [Elecraft] QRP and contesting

[Wayne Burdick]

Funny story Last Field Day my son and a friend of his went camping with our 
group. Neither of them are CW operators (yet), but they did know the alphabet. 
They borrowed a MCU-controlled code-practice generator from another op and were 
competing to see who could copy single letters at the fastest rate. 

When they got stuck at around 20 WPM, I said, "how fast does that thing go?" It 
apparently would go much, much higher, into Morse nosebleed range. 

Just for fun, I asked them to set it up to generate random English text at 45 
WPM. I decoded enough of it to convince them that this code speed was in my 
head-copy range. Then they started bumping it up another 5 WPM at a time--a 
challenge! I was in some sort of zone that day. Maybe it was the sunshine; 
maybe the idyllic sound of blue jays; maybe the 4-pack of White Claw I'd scored 
at the liquor store. In the end I managed to copy several words at 70 WPM. I'll 
never know if they were inspired or demoralized. They shook their heads and 
went off on a 5 mile hike.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Nov 10, 2022, at 10:16 AM, Alan Geller  wrote:
> 
> Yea Wayne, thats the terrific Elecraft attitude that keeps your customer base 
> strong and loyal. 
> Its called, “ lets all have fun and learn something” Hooray for the serious 
> high speed ops, a 
> Lot of ex Navy guys, but its pretty easy to spot the slow lane and ease back 
> into the fast lane.
> 
> Happy Veterans Day youse guys….K6ADG
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I'm in this group. Casual contest operation, usually QRP, mostly CW, and 
> almost always logging by hand.
> 
> I greatly appreciate all of the very serious ops out there who approach this 
> with a high level of skill and give everyone -- regardless of ability -- that 
> next QSO.

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[Elecraft] Notice regarding K3S current-sense resistor power rating

[Wayne Burdick]

It has come to our attention that a 50 milliohm resistor used for sensing 
current drain on the K3S RF board is, at least on paper, underrated for the 
application. The resistor is R36, used in the low-current path that supplies 12 
V to everything except the KPA3 100 W PA module.

NOTE: 

On the K3, a leaded 2 watt resistor was used.

On the K4, a surface-mount 2 watt resistor was used.

So this issue only affects the K3S, which has a 1/2 watt resistor at this 
location. This was an oversight.

According to our lead repair technician, only one RF-R36 has ever had to be 
replaced during service, and it was in fact stressed because of a short on the 
board. The infrequency of failure is probably due to the conservative power 
rating of the 1/2 W resistor. 

I would not expect adverse effects under typical operating conditions. 

The way you would know that the resistor had been damaged is if the indicated 
non-100 W PA current drain had gone up unexpectedly, or had exceeded the 
allowed range, resulting in a HI CUR warning either in RX or TX mode. Normally 
a basic K3S with no options will have an RX-mode current drain in the range of 
~1.0 A, while the ATU and sub-RX options can bump this up to ~1.5 A. On 
key-down, the indicated current can be as high as several amps. 

The only way to definitively verify a damaged resistor, if there's no HI CUR 
warning, would be to place an accurate external ammeter in series.

Even though we expect instances of damaged current-sense resistors to be very 
few, we will send a leaded, 2 watt substitute resistor to any K3S owner on 
request, at no charge.

If you would prefer to have us remove the SMD resistor and replace it with the 
leaded one, you may send your K3S back to the factory. There will be only 
shipping charges (no charge for parts or labor).

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] QRP and Contesting

[Wayne Burdick]

Andrew Moore  wrote:

> For many of us...the joy of contesting
> is keying by hand and taking notes on paper...

I'm in this group. Casual contest operation, usually QRP, mostly CW, and almost 
always logging by hand.

I greatly appreciate all of the very serious ops out there who approach this 
with a high level of skill and give everyone -- regardless of ability -- that 
next QSO.

Wayne
N6KR

(Disclaimer: I'm not in the "still learning CW" camp :)


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Re: [Elecraft] NEW K4 BETA RELEASE

[Wayne Burdick]

Our pleasure, Dave. Let us know how your extended testing goes.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Oct 11, 2022, at 6:54 PM, David F. Reed  wrote:
> 
> Wayne , thank you and the team; I like the improved MON level control very 
> much! I am also enjoying exploring the virtues of the latest release with a 
> big smile on my face! 



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[Elecraft] NEW K4 BETA RELEASE

[Wayne Burdick]

Sorry for the all-caps subject line, but this does seem like a big deal :)

On behalf of the Elecraft software team, as well as our two dozen dedicated 
field testers, I'm pleased to announce that K4 beta release R31.B2 is now ready 
for download. (Note: R31.B1 was not released, due to a last-minute change.)

This update represents months of implementation and iterative testing. It has 
many new features, bug fixes, and macro/remote-control commands that will 
enhance your K4 operating experience. Full release notes appear below and can 
also be accessed from with in the UPDATE function.

A few highlights:

- DVR RECEIVE RECORD AND PLAY -- also records your TX monitor audio

- CW-IN-SSB MODE

- MAIN/SUB RECEIVER AUDIO MIXING -- for SO2V, etc.

- IMPROVED RTTY TX NOISE IMMUNITY

- KPA1500 ANT. SELECTION FROM K4 FRONT PANEL -- one use of new "EC" command

- PANADAPTER DATA AVAILABLE FOR USE WITH PC SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS

- CW QSK IMPROVEMENTS (see Bug Fixes)

To update your K4's software, make sure you have an ethernet cable connected, 
then:

- Tap Fn

- Tap UPDATE

- Select "Beta Release" from the pull-down menu

- Tap "Check for Updates"; the R31 release should now be available

- When ready to proceed, tap "Install"

- After installation is complete, tap "Exit"

Since the firmware on several modules has been updated, the total install time 
could be as long as 10 minutes. The UPDATE function tracks installation 
progress.

We look forward to your feedback.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


K4 SOFTWARE RELEASE R31.BETA2 

October 11, 2022


= NEW FEATURES AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES =

CW-IN-SSB: If the "CW TX in SSB Mode OK" menu parameter is set to YES, then CW 
may be transmitted when the K4 is in LSB or USB mode. This applies to the 
built-in keyer, external keying, and the "KY;" remote control command. 
(NOTE: In SSB modes, the M1..M4 message switches are assigned to voice DVR 
play, so they cannot be used for CW-in-SSB messages. However, CW messages can 
still be sent in this case by creating macros with the desired text. These 
macros can then be assigned to programmable switches.)

ALL-MODE SQUELCH DISABLE/ENABLE: New menu entry "RX All-Mode Squelch" can be 
used to enable or disable the main/sub squelch controls in modes other than FM. 
The default is DISABLED for non-FM modes. 

DVR RECEIVE RECORD AND PLAY: This feature is now fully implemented. To record 
receive audio, hold the AF REC switch (upper right-hand corner of the front 
panel). The blue DVR icon will flash slowly. To play back recorded audio, hold 
the AF PLAY switch. This will bring up the AF PLAY window, which allows you to 
select A (main) or B (sub) or both for playback, start/stop play, jump 
forward/backward 5 seconds, or use the VFO knob to scroll through the buffer. 
The buffer recording position in seconds is shown as well. When playing back 
recorded audio, the blue DVR icon flashes quickly. (Also see SOFTWARE 
DEVELOPERS section for related remote control commands.)

TX MONITOR AUDIO RECORDING: When the DVR receive record feature is active, your 
transmit monitor audio is also recorded (sidetone in CW mode, otherwise voice 
or data audio).

MAIN/SUB RECEIVER AUDIO MIXING (for SO2V, etc.): You can now control how main 
and sub receiver audio are mixed to create left- and right-channel audio. This 
is useful for SO2V (single-operator, dual-VFO) operation or other special 
purposes. To select a mix setting, use the "RX Audio Mix with SUB ON" menu 
entry. The default setting is "L=A,R=B". This means that Left audio includes 
only VFO A (main) and Right audio includes only VFO B (sub). There are various 
other settings that reverse or mix the receivers. The setting "L=A,R=-A" puts 
inverted-polarity main audio on the right channel; this is useful as a binaural 
audio effect. The mix settings can be invoked using remote control commands via 
direct K4 switch macros or a host computer; see SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS section 
below. (NOTE: The MIX setting is not to be confused with the BALANCE setting. 
Balance controls the volume of audio sent to the left and right channels, 
regardless of how the mix is set up or whether the sub RX is t
 urned on.) 

RTTY TX NOISE IMMUNITY: We now send a LTRS or FIGS character at the beginning 
of each KY packet to ensure that the receiving operator's radio is in the 
right shift condition for the first regular character in the packet.

KPA1500 ANTENNA SELECTION FROM K4 FRONT PANEL: One use for the new "EC" remote 
control command is to create a macro that allows the K4's REM ANT switch to 
alternate between ANT1 and ANT2 at the KPA1500. A serial control cable is 
required. See "FOR DEVELOPERS," below.

CW DECODE SPEED RANGES: There are now three CW decode speed ranges: 8-45, 8-60, 
and 8-90 WPM. These are selected using the text decode setup window (tap MAIN 
RX or SUB RX, then tap TEXT DECODE). The 

Re: [Elecraft] MH3 replacement cable

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Victor,

Please check with support. I believe we have some extra cables laying around. 
You might mention you heard this from me.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Sep 29, 2022, at 1:05 PM, Victor Rivera  wrote:
> 
> Hello.
> 
> I am interested in purchasing a replacement cable for my Elecraft MH3
> microphone. I have attached a picture of the connector to the microphone
> board area.
> 
> If anyone in the group knows where to find it, I would be very grateful if
> you can share the information.
> 
> WP4QZH/Victor
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Re: [Elecraft] AX1 dipole

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Fred,

I compared a similar loop to an AX1 and it was a wash. Stealth ops without 
compromising your signal or police record :)

Wayne
N6KR


> On Sep 29, 2022, at 11:12 AM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> Someone has called the sheriff on me twice while set up on a park bench with 
> my Alexloop.  I suspect the AX1, with or without a counterpoise, would be 
> less likely to provoke someone to do that.  One woman approached me and asked 
> me if I was the CIA.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> Wayne Burdick wrote on 9/29/2022 4:14 AM:
>> That said, a pedestrian-mobile version of the dipole held a few feet above 
>> the operator's head would eliminate the dragged counterpoise. I'd be 
>> concerned about nearby trees and ogling passersby.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] AX1 dipole

[Wayne Burdick]

We studied this. To provide any advantage over a vertical AX1 with a single 
counterpoise wire, an AX1 dipole would have to be well over a quarter 
wavelength above ground, with both halves tuned to resonance, and fed with 
low-loss coax and a balun or balanced feedline. Even then the advantage is 
small and only in the dipole's broadside directions.

That said, a pedestrian-mobile version of the dipole held a few feet above the 
operator's head would eliminate the dragged counterpoise. I'd be concerned 
about nearby trees and ogling passersby.

73,
Wayne
N6KR




> On Sep 29, 2022, at 4:05 AM, Rich WC3T  wrote:
> 
> Interesting idea. 
> 
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737  
> Grid: FN20is
> Bureaucracy is always in search of self-preservation.  — AA7BQ
> 
>> On Sep 29, 2022, at 04:14, David Gilbert  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Has anyone ever tried to used two AX1's back to back as a vertical (not 
>> horizontal) dipole?  And if so, how did its performance compare to a single 
>> AX1 with the 13 foot counterpoise wire?
>> 
>> Just curious.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

No. But try on a little poison oak followed by a hot shower. OMG. That’s the 
nice burn. 


elecraft.com

> On Sep 25, 2022, at 12:11 PM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> There is no such thing as a "nice" RF burn.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> Steve L wrote on 9/24/2022 6:36 PM:
>> Caution when using this location:  Make sure your counterpoise is insulated 
>> and there’s no way to contact bare metal at this point with your hand when 
>> using the KX2 hand-held ‘walkie-talkie’ style.  I received a nice RF burn on 
>> my hand at this point once!
>> 
>> Steve
>> AA8AF
>> 
 On Sep 24, 2022, at 3:37 PM, Dan Presley  wrote:
>>> 
>>> The other nice feature of the KX2 is the mini banana jack on the side of 
>>> the radio for attaching the counterpoise . It’s perfect for pedestrian 
>>> mobile and should you encounter some sort of snag it’ll pop out before the 
>>> wire breaks.Wayne can better comment than me,but I believe the resonance of 
>>> the AX1 (or AX2 I presume) it’s not right within the 20M band, but close. 
>>> The auto tuner easily takes care of matching and as Wayne mentioned earlier 
>>> compensates for all of the other variables. Just a note that the AX2 is a 
>>> single band coil and can be modified for different bands. Plus it’s even a 
>>> lot lower profile than the AX1.
>>> If you want to see some fun videos of using the AX1 directly attached to 
>>> the KX2 search on YouTube for HB9BZG-SOTA from the Swiss Alps!
>>> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
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Re: [Elecraft] AX-1 -- with and without counterpoise

[Wayne Burdick]

Too much science for one Sunday. We could all just strap in, take a hike, and 
get on the air. 


elecraft.com

> On Sep 25, 2022, at 3:21 PM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> On 9/25/2022 1:43 PM, Bill Mader wrote:
>> Putting the results in a spreadsheet quickly makes antenna configurations'
>> difference apparent.  I have done something similar using the RBN, two
>> antennas, and two nearby frequencies on the same band.  This method
>> effectively identified which antenna was preferred in different directions
>> and distances.  Even so, the differences could change briefly at any time
>> so being able to switch antennas instantly was extremely helpful.
> 
> I've done that for two 160M antennas, one of which had a couple of dB of 
> directivity. I used my call on one, a club call on the other. Transmitted 
> TEST K9YC on CW 5-6 times for each call, paused 5 min, QSYed both a bit, 
> repeated 10-12 times. Did this 6-8 nights, had spreadsheet rows for each 
> station that heard me, separate row for each antenna. The test provided 
> excellent data.
> 
> W6GJB did something quite similar comparing a top and bottom loaded vertical 
> we'd built for CQP/7QP expeditions with an inverted V on 80M. It also yielded 
> good data. It's shown on a few slides in this talk we did at the Pacificon 
> antenna forum. We've since abandoned the concept after later trying a half 
> dozen or so iterations of the design because it's not mechanically practical 
> for the intended portable use.
> http://k9yc.com/80M-FDVertical.pdf
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] AX-1 -- with and without counterpoise

[Wayne Burdick]

Every conductor attached to the radio’s case (ground) will become part of the 
counterpoise. Including your body, and any other objects that are conductive 
that capacitively or resistively couple to the ground.

This is one of the many reasons why an ATU is needed to compensate for 
electrically short antennas.

Wayne



elecraft.com

> On Sep 25, 2022, at 7:49 AM, Julia Tuttle  wrote:
> 
> How long is the power cable? Is it possible it's using that as a
> counterpoise?
> 
>> On Sun, Sep 25, 2022, 10:07 Ron Gruner  wrote:
>> 
>> I've just run two tests of my WSPR/AX-1 set-up with and without a
>> counterpoise. Each test ran 24 hours over the last couple of days. Here are
>> the results:
>> 
>>COUNTERPOISE?
>>  YES   NO
>>  ---  ---
>> Total Contacts152  129
>> Maximum Distance (km)  15,720   17,276
>> Median Distance 2,1371,823
>> Median SpotQ  446  398
>> 
>> Where SpotQ = Kilometers / [(2 Watts x (SNR in DB + 36))/36) ]
>> 
>> The WSPR circuit's ground and SMA connectors are apparently providing
>> enough of a counterpoise to propagate a respectable signal.
>> 
>> Here's a close-up of the rig with no counterpoise:
>> https://gruner.com/k4rhg/wspr_ax-1_nocounterpoise.png
>> 
>> 73,
>> Ron Gruner
>> K4RHG
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Re: [Elecraft] AX1 today

[Wayne Burdick]

And thank you for getting outdoors to operate, Dan. That's the real reason for 
the AX line :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Sep 24, 2022, at 10:09 PM, Dan Presley  wrote:
> 
> All this discussion about the antenna caused me to carve out a little time 
> this afternoon to go to a suburban summit. Perfect setting for the AX1 as 
> there’s no good trees and since it’s also somewhat of a park -wires around 
> and in the air are frowned on. Also with limited time a quick setup and tear 
> down is important. My usual setup is a small lightweight tripod (light stand) 
> that goes to 6 feet and elevated radials (3 13’). I have alligator clips on 
> the end of the radials for easy attachment to anything like some grass or a 
> shrub. ATU in the KX2 hardly ‘clicked’ for a match. In 45 minutes  I worked 
> 22 stations (12 states),Japan and 4 ‘S2S’-summit to summit contacts on 20 and 
> 15 M CW 5 watts. Best report was 599 from OK..almost pulled off an S2S with 
> JH3PLL. Kept asking ‘N7??’ but we couldn’t quite pull it off. And everything 
> except the tripod packs into a small LowePro bag. Summit W7O/WV-099 if you 
> follow that. Thanks for a great product Wayne. 
> 
> 
> Dan Presley 503-701-3871
> danpresley@me. com 
> n7...@arrl.net
> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

The wire drags behind you. This is why we sometimes call it a "dragged 
counterpoise."

The wire supplied with the AX1, AX2, and AXE1 is quite slippery and unlikely to 
snag on anything. I've dragged it between cacti in the deserts of New Mexico; 
across serpentine outcrops along the Pacific coast; and though the urban 
jungles of Belmont, California, bristling with spiky xeriscape.

W



> On Sep 24, 2022, at 7:41 AM,   wrote:
> 
> I'm curious about your pedestrian mobile statement.  What do you do with the
> 13 foot counterpoise, does it drag behind you when walking? I doubt that you
> can make a QSO without it.  Also with the 13 foot counterpoise, what 20m
> frequency is the AX1 resonant on?
> 
> John KK9A 
> 
> 
> Dan Presley n7cqr wrote:
> 
> Second-I want to hear from Dave AB7E in particular what antenna(s) you use
> when you're operating in the field,and specifically when you can't set up a
> wire; maybe no trees or a bare summit, or as Thomas K4SWL talks about-when
> you really don't or can't throw up a wire (check out his blog on recent
> operations in Canada). Or pedestrian mobile. So far I've seen nothing that
> is as compact,lightweight  and easily packable as the AX1 or 2, and that's
> important to me when  I'm hiking. 
> 
> Dan Presley 503-701-3871
> danpresley at me. com 
> N7CQR at arrl.net
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

> On Sep 22, 2022, at 9:47 AM, Jim Clymer  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, Sep 22, 2022, 11:28 AM Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> Yes indeed.
> 
> This is why you need an ATU when using such antennas. The ATU can correct for 
> terrain, counterpoise length and deployment, body capacitance, conductors 
> associated with other connected devices, etc.
> 
> Wayne
> 
> So that would lead me to believe that matching requirements for bicycle 
> mobile with a trailing counterpoise would be a moving target.

I haven't tried that myself but yeah, probably.

However, radios like the KX2 and KX3 are tolerant of dynamic SWR variations. 
For example if you hit the ATU button at some point and the SWR goes to 1:1, 
then walk (or bike) over varied terrain that causes the SWR To vary from 1:1 to 
2:1, the radio won't complain. Only if the SWR gets really high will power 
rollback occur.

Without the ATU, and using an electrically short/narrowband antenna, you might 
see SWR vary from 1:1 to 10:1. 

Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

Yes indeed.

This is why you need an ATU when using such antennas. The ATU can correct for 
terrain, counterpoise length and deployment, body capacitance, conductors 
associated with other connected devices, etc.

Wayne


> On Sep 21, 2022, at 11:52 PM, Dave (NK7Z)  wrote:
> 
> Then I believe the case, and everything connected to the case ground, will 
> become part of the antenna system.
> 
> 73,
> Dave,
> https://www.nk7z.net
> On 9/21/22 23:08, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>> So yes, it CAN be a fact that the coax feedline to the AX1 could be doing 
>>> more of the radiating than the whip, depending on length. :)
>>> 
>>> 73, Jim K9YC
>> The primary use-case for the AX1 is directly attached the radio -- coax 
>> length zero.
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

> So yes, it CAN be a fact that the coax feedline to the AX1 could be doing 
> more of the radiating than the whip, depending on length. :)
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC


The primary use-case for the AX1 is directly attached the radio -- coax length 
zero.

Wayne
N6KR



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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

> On Sep 21, 2022, at 10:12 PM, Dan Presley  wrote:
> 
> I believe what Wayne meant to say was’now replace the AX1 with a resistor’ 
> not a wire.

Yes, that's what I meant. An edit went awry -- thanks for catching it.

Wayne


> Nonetheless the AX1 and 2 still serve a definite purpose in portable 
> operating that a resistor or light bulb won’t 浪. And I fail to see what the 
> problem is with using a counterpoise,even if it’s doing some of the 
> radiating. Most antenna systems that are unbalanced (verticals,end feds,etc) 
> require a counterpoise. Are you claiming that a resistor with a counterpoise 
> is as effective as shortened vertical?? I believe Rudy Severn’s work has 
> already demonstrated the effectiveness of short verticals with various 
> counterpoises. 
> Yesterday I did a SOTA activation where I worked Japan,France and Spain with 
> 5W and the AX1. Obviously the altitude advantage is great and I used 3 13’ 
> radials. I also try to position myself near a sloping edge to maximize my 
> radiation effectiveness (as Tom Schiller N6BT advocates). I doubt a 50 ohm 
> resistor would achieve this… and just in case someone says ‘it’s only because 
> the other stations have big antennas etc ‘ some of the contacts were what we 
> call ‘S2S’ or summit to summit with other activators using similar equipment 
> and power. Perhaps hiking to a bare summit and figuring out what gear you’d 
> haul on your back will give you a certain perspective and appreciation. 
> 
> 
> Dan Presley 503-701-3871
> danpresley@me. com 
> n7...@arrl.net
> 
> 
>> On Sep 21, 2022, at 20:32, David Gilbert  wrote:
>> 
>> Why would I replace the wire with a resistor?  I was talking about replacing 
>> the AX1 with a resistor and keeping the wire.
>> 
>> I have no doubt that an AX1 without a wire hears better than a resistor 
>> without a wire, but that's mostly because the resistor provides a better 
>> match and can't rely on body capacitance or the coax shield.
>> 
>> If the AX1 was less expensive I'd buy one and do the tests.  I may be 
>> totally wrong, but I still say that ANY tuned short whip with a counterpoise 
>> is doing most of the radiating from the counterpoise.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 9/21/2022 7:59 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>> Dave,
>>> 
>>> I've done many variations on whip antenna tests.
>>> 
>>> A resonant 4' whip with or without a counterpoise is on a different planet 
>>> from a resistor. If an AX1 were listening in on this conversation, it would 
>>> challenge you to a duel, with live ammo :)
>>> 
>>> In fact the counterpoise is absolutely required for transmit, but you can 
>>> get away without it on receive, where body capacitance to ground alone will 
>>> suffice, even on the HF bands.
>>> 
>>> Try this test: Go outdoors and connect an AX1 (or equivalent) to the 
>>> antenna jack of any 20 meter receiver. With r without the counterpoise 
>>> You'll get of noise, lots of signals.
>>> 
>>> Now replace the wire with a resistor.
>>> 
>>> Nothing.
>>> 
>>> QED
>>> 
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Sep 21, 2022, at 7:29 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:
>>>> Well, the reason I mentioned the 50 ohm resistor is that a year or so ago 
>>>> somebody on this reflector mentioned that he did a direct comparison 
>>>> between an AX1 with the recommended 13 foot wire counterpoise and with no 
>>>> counterpoise at all.  I don't remember for certain but I think he said he 
>>>> used the RBN.   I do remember that he said the difference in signal 
>>>> strength was about 30 db.  For grins I used EZNEC to model a single 50 hm 
>>>> resistor 15 feet off the ground with and without a 13 foot wire hanging 
>>>> from one end of it.  I got 30 db difference in calculated signal strength.
>>>> I am by no means claiming that is a definitive or even relevant test ... I 
>>>> just think it would be interesting to actually do an empirical comparison.
>>>> It is my opinion, however, that most of the radiating on an AX1 (or any 
>>>> other short loaded whip) is being done by the counterpoise wire and/or the 
>>>> shield of the coax.  The coil and whip are matching aids.  If so, it's 
>>>> possible that a resistor would accomplish the same thing.  ;)
>>>> As I said, I'd be willing to do the comparison if anyone is willing to 
>>>> lend me an AX1.  I'd be 

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

Dave,

I've done many variations on whip antenna tests. 

A resonant 4' whip with or without a counterpoise is on a different planet from 
a resistor. If an AX1 were listening in on this conversation, it would 
challenge you to a duel, with live ammo :)

In fact the counterpoise is absolutely required for transmit, but you can get 
away without it on receive, where body capacitance to ground alone will 
suffice, even on the HF bands.

Try this test: Go outdoors and connect an AX1 (or equivalent) to the antenna 
jack of any 20 meter receiver. With r without the counterpoise You'll get of 
noise, lots of signals.

Now replace the wire with a resistor.

Nothing.

QED

Wayne
N6KR





> On Sep 21, 2022, at 7:29 PM, David Gilbert  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Well, the reason I mentioned the 50 ohm resistor is that a year or so ago 
> somebody on this reflector mentioned that he did a direct comparison between 
> an AX1 with the recommended 13 foot wire counterpoise and with no 
> counterpoise at all.  I don't remember for certain but I think he said he 
> used the RBN.   I do remember that he said the difference in signal strength 
> was about 30 db.  For grins I used EZNEC to model a single 50 hm resistor 15 
> feet off the ground with and without a 13 foot wire hanging from one end of 
> it.  I got 30 db difference in calculated signal strength.
> 
> I am by no means claiming that is a definitive or even relevant test ... I 
> just think it would be interesting to actually do an empirical comparison.
> 
> It is my opinion, however, that most of the radiating on an AX1 (or any other 
> short loaded whip) is being done by the counterpoise wire and/or the shield 
> of the coax.  The coil and whip are matching aids.  If so, it's possible that 
> a resistor would accomplish the same thing.  ;)
> 
> As I said, I'd be willing to do the comparison if anyone is willing to lend 
> me an AX1.  I'd be happy to be proven wrong.
> 
> 73,
> Dave   AB7E
> 
> 
> 
> On 9/21/2022 6:46 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
>> Thomas Schiller, N6BT once wrote an article titled "Everything Works". In
>> the article he discussed how he worked all continents on CW (a mode that you
>> can actually hear) using a light bulb antenna during the ARRL DX contest.
>> 
>> The AX1 appears to be a 45" whip with a base inductor made of 20AWG wire. I
>> am not sure what is inside the base, if anything, to bring the impedance up
>> to 50 ohms. With some sunspots, I am sure that it is fun for pedestrian
>> mobile use which is what it's designed for. A 1/2wl dipole or 1/4wl vertical
>> will be a much better radiator.
>> 
>> John KK9A
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> David Gilbert ab7e wrote:
>> 
>> A comparison to any other antenna would be useful.  A comparison to a 50
>> ohm resistor with a similar counterpoise wire would be even more useful
>> as a baseline measurement.  If anyone wants to lend me their AX1 I will
>> do that.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Dave   AB7E
>> 
>> 
>> On 9/19/2022 10:33 AM, Ron Gruner wrote:
>>> I've been impressed by how well my little AX-1 whip antenna performs on 20
>>> meters. Here's a photo of the rig: https://gruner.com/k4rhg/andover_ma.png
>>> and the propagation map:
>> https://gruner.com/k4rhg/wspr_2watts_sep16_2022.png
>>> A friend, Derek Rowell (AK1WI), gave me a two-watt WSPR kit he had
>> designed
>>> -- easy and fun to build. I connected the unit to the AX-1 sitting in a
>>> window sill facing west and strung the out-of-the-box counterpoise over a
>>> lamp shade and bed headboard. No idea what the SWR is, but it must be
>>> pretty good.
>>> 
>>> I immediately began receiving propagation reports and within 24 hours had
>>> reports from 240 unique stations. The farthest was VK5ARG (17,276 km) with
>>> a SNR of -21. Even though the window faced the west, propagation into
>>> Europe was strong with SV9KI (7,800 km) reporting -26 SNR. The
>>> propagation report is from http://wspr.rocks/  
>>> 
>>> I've found that WSPR is a great way to evaluate antennas. The AX-1 seems
>>> to be performing very well.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Ron Gruner
>>> K4RHG
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

The AX-line, including the AX1, AX2, and various accessories, is intended to 
make casual/ad-hoc operation so easy that everyone does it a lot more. It 
worked on me :)

As noted in the instruction manuals, a longer and/or higher antenna is great if 
you have the time and materials available to put one up. (And you're not in 
continuous motion.)

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft AX-1 Whip Antenna

[Wayne Burdick]

Then we shrank it by 70% (AX2 :)

Wayne


> On Sep 19, 2022, at 11:32 AM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> Wayne is quite proud of that antenna design for its intended purpose, 
> walking/biking portable. We chatted about it at Visalia when his design was 
> still on paper.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
> On 9/19/2022 10:53 AM, David Gilbert wrote:
>> A comparison to any other antenna would be useful.  A comparison to a 50 ohm 
>> resistor with a similar counterpoise wire would be even more useful as a 
>> baseline measurement.  If anyone wants to lend me their AX1 I will do that.
>> 73,
>> Dave   AB7E
>> On 9/19/2022 10:33 AM, Ron Gruner wrote:
>>> I've been impressed by how well my little AX-1 whip antenna performs on 20
>>> meters. Here's a photo of the rig: https://gruner.com/k4rhg/andover_ma.png
>>> and the propagation map: https://gruner.com/k4rhg/wspr_2watts_sep16_2022.png
>>> 
>>> A friend, Derek Rowell (AK1WI), gave me a two-watt WSPR kit he had designed
>>> -- easy and fun to build. I connected the unit to the AX-1 sitting in a
>>> window sill facing west and strung the out-of-the-box counterpoise over a
>>> lamp shade and bed headboard. No idea what the SWR is, but it must be
>>> pretty good.
>>> 
>>> I immediately began receiving propagation reports and within 24 hours had
>>> reports from 240 unique stations. The farthest was VK5ARG (17,276 km) with
>>> a SNR of -21. Even though the window faced the west, propagation into
>>> Europe was strong with SV9KI (7,800 km) reporting -26 SNR. The
>>> propagation report is from http://wspr.rocks/  
>>> 
>>> I've found that WSPR is a great way to evaluate antennas. The AX-1 seems
>>> to be performing very well.
>>> 
>>> 73,
>>> Ron Gruner
>>> K4RHG
>>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Internal Battery Charger

[Wayne Burdick]

A small field-test run is being built as we speak. Over the past several months 
I collected names of volunteer field testers (you know who you are :) 

After we complete FT, which we're doing carefully because of the nature of 
Li-ion batteries, we'll open the product up for general sales. There will be an 
announcement. Or two.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Aug 25, 2022, at 8:53 AM, Gary Memory  wrote:
> 
> Last I heard from the source about a month or two ago was that prototypes
> had been built and testing was underway.  Or something to that end.
> 
> Gary, N7BRJ
> 
> 
> On Thu, Aug 25, 2022 at 09:06 Paul Stoetzer  wrote:
> 
>> Hi,
>> 
>> I was curious if there was any update on the development status of the KX2
>> internal battery charger module.
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> Paul, N8HM
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Re: [Elecraft] Any progress on K3 modules?

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Pete,

I just rechecked status on these boards. It looks like the KSYN3 will be the 
first one to be manufactured. I'm not sure about the KIO3. Unfortunately all of 
these modules (like everything from toasters to Teslas) are subject to supply 
chain issues, and in most cases just one or two parts are holding things up. 

As each board comes out of the queue we'll post updated status right away.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> Has there been any progress on the planned final production run of the KIO3 
> Upgrade Kit?  I ordered one just before everything stopped in 2020, and put 
> my name on the "last chance" list in 2021, but have heard nothing since.
> 
> -- 
> 73, Pete N4ZR



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Re: [Elecraft] K4 remote software progress

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Magnus,

I can't put a date on full remote control yet, but I can tell you that the 
entire team is working on it. 

We recently completed two important pieces of the implementation -- streaming 
panadapter data protocol, and internal audio streaming paths. (The latter was 
needed both for remote and for the DVR (RX and TX. DVR for TX came out some 
time ago, but we're now almost finished with DVR for RX.) 

What's left is audio streaming support and radio-to-radio meta level control 
protocol. We'll post periodic progress reports.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Aug 16, 2022, at 5:01 AM, Magnus Danielson via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> I am wondering about the K4 remote software progress. I just do not seem to 
> find anything.
> 
> At the same time I want to make sure there is good and robust methods doing 
> it. There is both the HTTP/3 and RIST methods, both public standards and 
> already tested and available in open source. They also carry with them 
> suitable secure methods to be used. I used to sit on the RIST committee and 
> my company even payed for the RIST implementation within FFMPEG.
> 
> The two methods have different benefits. We've already made a test 
> implementation for remote operation over existing HTTP/3 just within a 
> browser Window.
> 
> Anyway, already a Linux remote would work well. As alrways preferably 
> packaged as Debian packages.
> 
> Cheers,
> Magnus
> 
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[Elecraft] OT (Covid)

[Wayne Burdick]

In response to several private inquiries, and to render unnecessary any more:  
I’m off-line due to Covid. (No, I was not at the same party as Joe Biden :)

I’m going on my fourth day. It could’ve been worse. Streaming a lot of B-grade 
HBO to stay sane. 

I hope to be back in the saddle by Monday, answering emails and detonating 
fresh non sequiturs.

Wayne
N6KR




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Re: [Elecraft] problem with K2, KAT100 and K2100PA combo

[Wayne Burdick]

We've used APP connectors for over 20 years on Elecraft products. When properly 
assembled and inserted they're very reliable, not to mention intuitively 
color-coded. There is nothing covert about them.

I may be slightly biased by my fear of starting over with something else, with 
the resulting incompatibilities, discontent, and non-deleted expletives.

W


> On Jul 12, 2022, at 6:26 PM, Jay Rutherford  wrote:
> 
> Sorry to flog this poor horse once more. My XT90 AMASS connector failed due 
> to not being completely inserted with the mate on a 52volt e-trike. It burned 
> up one of the conductors inside the female plug.
> 
> I have never had a failure of an Anderson powerpole in many years of using 
> them. It is easy to see when they are not completely connected.
> 
> Just to give a different perspective on the subject.
> 
> 73,
> Jay K3BH
> 
> On Tue, Jul 12, 2022, at 21:19, jerry wrote:
>> I had a PowerPole fail on me once.  Dirt or corrosion on the one flat 
>> contact.
>> Once was enough.  Back in the day, I had standardized on double banana 
>> plugs.  In 50 years of ham radio, I NEVER had one fail on me in any way. 
>>  Only trouble with the double bananas is they're not keyed for polarity. 
>>  I was always *very* careful about that.
>> 
>>   As a electronic bench tech back in the 70's, I had a lot of experience 
>> with test sets and connectors enduring thousands of cycles.  The very 
>> best - most reliable - connectors all had a round pin in a round hole.  
>> All hail Augat machine sockets!
>> 
>>   The AMASS connectors feature a round pin that plugs into a round hole. 
>>  It has just the right spring tension.  They are polarized - you can't 
>> plug them in backwards.  They are popular with the RC drone crowd, but 
>> are also making it into other equipment.
>> 
>>I am using AMASS XT90 connectors on my kilowatt LDMOS linear project.
>> 
>>  - Jerry, KF6VB
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 2022-07-12 18:06, Andrew Moore wrote:
 I have not found them to be reliable
>>> 
>>> Just curious - can you elaborate and quantify? Bad solder joints?
>>> 
 AMASS connectors are far superior
>>> 
>>> Superior for what?
>> *** Superior for always connecting.
>> 
>>> 
 banana plugs are better
>>> 
>>> Better for what?
>> 
>> *** Same better.
>>> 
>>> Thanks & 73,
>>> -Andrew NV1B
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On Tue, Jul 12, 2022 at 7:46 PM jerry  wrote:
>>> 
 On 2022-07-12 15:09, brianpepperdine brianpepperdine wrote:
> HI. Well this is weird
> It appears that the Anderson power power cable failed
 
 *** No surprise there.  I personally do NOT like Anderson PowerPoles; 
 I
 don't understand what people see in them.  One flat contact that
 slip-connects to
 another flat contact.  I have not found them to be reliable.
 
AMASS connectors are far superior.  These have a round pin that 
 goes
 in a round hole.  Heck, even banana plugs are better.
 
  - Jerry, KF6VB
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Re: [Elecraft] PRE/ATTN Button on K4D

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Roy,


> Roy Morris, Jr. wrote:
> 
> If the PRE/ATTN button is turned OFF, does this mean the receive AUTO 
> preamp/attenuation is also turned off even if it is showing ON in the menu? 

No. The menu setting is separate.

If automatic control is enabled in the menu, and a very large signal is present 
that could exceed ADC range, then the K4 may *reduce* gain by backing off the 
preamp setting and/or adding small amounts of attenuation. 

After the problematic signal has disappeared, plus a few seconds, any automatic 
changes to gain will be reversed out, leaving you back at your original 
settings.

In practice, automatic gain reduction rarely kicks in. I've never seen it 
happen outside of a Field Day scenario where antennas were in each other's near 
field.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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Re: [Elecraft] K4D Receiver Question

[Wayne Burdick]

As with most modern radios, the RF gain control is actually an IF gain control 
that scales the signal level mathematically at the input to the DSP. It's often 
used by operators who like to manually control the level of signal ahead of the 
DSP AGC.

This is different from "hard" front-end gain adjustment, which in the K4 is 
handled four ways:

  - preamp settings
  - attenuator settings
  - *automatic* gain reduction via preamp/attenuator settings
(if enabled in the menu) 
  - carrier operated relay (COR)

You have control over preamp/attenuator settings, and you can enable or disable 
automatic gain reduction. But the COR is handled independently. It kicks in 
automatically whenever the signal into the antenna jack exceeds something like 
+25 dBm.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Jul 3, 2022, at 7:19 AM, Roy Morris, Jr. via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Considering the high noise level on the 75 meter band, has anyone had to use 
> both 21 db of attenuation with PRE/ATTN button and additional attenuation 
> with the RF/SQL encoder?  All illustrations have shown the RF/SQL encoder set 
> to zero (default),  Is the RF/SQL encoder to be used only for squelch?  Under 
> what conditions is it used for RF if not for attenuation?  Thanks,  Roy 
> Morros  
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Re: [Elecraft] Birdies

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Wilson,

What bands and frequencies?

Virtually all high-dynamic-range superhets have some birdies. These are usually 
caused by high-order mixer products interacting with the VFO, BFO, etc. We went 
to some lengths to minimize them, e.g. by using a balanced low-pass filter in 
the mixer's commutating path. But there will still be a few, typically on the 
highest bands (10 and 6 m).

Some birdies can be substantially suppressed on a per-band basis using a 
built-in spur-avoidance tool in the CONFIG menu. See the "SIG RMV" menu entry 
description in the owner's manual. 

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jul 1, 2022, at 11:23 AM, Wilson Lamb via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> I've meant  for years to ask about the birdies I hear from my K3. 
> At many frequencies across HF, I hear obviously internally generated birdies. 
> They are very narrow and quite strong. 
> I've noticed recently that I can cause them to occur by setting the high and 
> low ends of the filter to overlap (zero or negative bandwidth), but there are 
> still come heard with normal settings. 
> I see this regularly, on two K3, so feel it must be something experts know 
> about? 
> Thanks, 
> WL 
>  
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Re: [Elecraft] Ham Qualifications, Customer Service

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Jim,

There's always room for improvement, and thanks for your observations. In 
general I defer to your audio expertise. 

Perhaps, as in the past, you and I can debate the finer points over a bottle of 
red at Visalia. Meanwhile, here's how it currently works:

- The CMP knob establishes an upper bound on the compression algorithm (0-30 
dB). 

- When you speak, the CMP shows you whether the mic gain is sufficient to fully 
hit the desired level. 

- Typically this happens when ALC is in the vicinity of 4 or 5 bars.

This is consistent with all of our transceivers, and as far as I know it has 
proven effective and easy to use. Just crank CMP to the desired level and shoot 
the fish in the barrel.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 29, 2022, at 1:10 PM, Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> On 6/29/2022 9:39 AM, Ed Cole wrote:
>> Note on SSB compression, I've run at 20 with no complaints of distortion or 
>> splatter.
> 
> Dial readout is the WRONG way to set compression -- it's meaningless. The 
> RIGHT way is to adjust COMP for a METER reading of 10 dB on voice peaks.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC



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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] Note from a skeptic

[Wayne Burdick]

Sorry to hear about your experience with LiFePO4 batteries, Al.

Fortunately we have not (to the best of my knowledge) had any such issues with 
the Li-ion battery pack we offer (11 V, 2.5 Ah). I have three KXBT2 packs that 
have been in more or less continuous use since 2015. They've been charged 
hundreds of times, and seem to have not lost significant capacity. We tested 
the heck out of these to make sure they were safe, too.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jun 29, 2022, at 12:57 PM, Al Lorona  wrote:
> 
> Late last week, I pulled my two-year-old LiFePO4 battery out for Field Day 
> prep and found that it had failed. Efforts to reset the battery management 
> system didn't succeed. I got to use this battery on exactly two Field Days, 
> which means it cost me almost $200 per Field Day! Sad, very, very sad.
> 
> The dealer is honoring the warranty and a new battery is on the way, but I've 
> become a LiFePO4 skeptic. I don't care for battery management system 
> electronics that can fail where I can't get to them: sealed up inside the 
> battery case. 
> 
> If stuff like this starts happening to everybody's electric car... oh boy, 
> look out!
> 
> 
> Al  W6LX/4
> 
> 
>  
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Re: [Elecraft] Strong Signals FD

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Wilson,

The K3 looks for "reverse power" coming back into the antenna jacks in receive 
mode. This is possible if there's a nearby transmitter, typically when the 
antennas are in each other's near field. On 40 m this could happen even at 100'.

If reverse power becomes excessive, the K3 will cut off RF input to the 
receiver for some period of time and display the Strong Signal message. When 
the reverse power condition disappears, operation returns to normal.

The solution is to separate the antennas more or reduce power.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jun 29, 2022, at 10:25 AM, Wilson Lamb via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> There's always something new... 
> Our clubs went to 100W  this year, after being leaders in QRP for some years, 
> up to #2. 
> We wanted new hams and the SSB crowd to have more fun. 
> I operated CW with one of my two K3, which worked fine, as usual. 
> But I experienced something never seen before.  There was a 40m SSB station 
> not far from me, with a dipole about 45 degrees and 100 feet away. 
> I would occasionally get "Strong Signal" on my display, accompanied by very 
> brief interruptions to my anility to change frequency.  I'd start turning the 
> knob and the VFO would take 200-500 mS (guess) to respond. 
> I also noticed the same thing re keying.  Sometimes the first dit or dah 
> would be dropped when I started sending! 
> Is this normal, common?   
> It didn't cause a problem and there was no lingering effect. 
> WL 
>  
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Re: [Elecraft] IMD of MOSFETs vs. bipolar

[Wayne Burdick]

I meant to point out another fact about the way the K4 handles power control. 
In addition to the usual ALC and our very clean CESSB-based compression, the K4 
limits maximum drive in AF modes (audio-derived data and voice). This limit is 
calculated on a per-band basis, ensuring an upper bound on PA RF compression. 
The result is that it's very difficult to cause overdrive and splatter with a 
K4, even if you try to do it intentionally.

Wayne


> On Jun 28, 2022, at 9:18 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> 
> Like everyone else, we switched to 12 V VHF MOSFETs for our 10 and 100 watt 
> PAs. At the recommended supply voltage (~14 V), IMD for these transistors is 
> about the same as for bipolars, with 3rd order products averaging -35 to -40 
> dBc and worst-case about -30 dB. These stats are borne out by an average of 
> QST review numbers going back over the last 30 years.
> 
> It is true that at lower supply voltages, bipolars "gracefully degrade" with 
> more grace than MOSFETs. So if IMD is of primary concern when using lower 
> voltages, you may choose to reduce power somewhat. (Of course this is a 
> useful practice when running from batteries.)
> 
> Reducing power while maintaining communications effectiveness recently became 
> a whole lot easier on the K4 with the addition of CESSB. In our tests, 
> average power went up by over 6 dB between settings of CMP=0 and CMP=30.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> 
>> On Jun 28, 2022, at 7:08 PM, jerry  wrote:
>> 
>> On 2022-06-27 15:23, Dynolab wrote:
>> 
>>> Since the semi manufactures stopped making Bipolar RF Power transistors in
>>> the middle of the last decade, most Ham HF transceiver manufactures were
>>> forced into using ... 12 Volt MOSFETs in their finals.
> 
> 
> 

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[Elecraft] IMD of MOSFETs vs. bipolar

[Wayne Burdick]

Like everyone else, we switched to 12 V VHF MOSFETs for our 10 and 100 watt 
PAs. At the recommended supply voltage (~14 V), IMD for these transistors is 
about the same as for bipolars, with 3rd order products averaging -35 to -40 
dBc and worst-case about -30 dB. These stats are borne out by an average of QST 
review numbers going back over the last 30 years.

It is true that at lower supply voltages, bipolars "gracefully degrade" with 
more grace than MOSFETs. So if IMD is of primary concern when using lower 
voltages, you may choose to reduce power somewhat. (Of course this is a useful 
practice when running from batteries.)

Reducing power while maintaining communications effectiveness recently became a 
whole lot easier on the K4 with the addition of CESSB. In our tests, average 
power went up by over 6 dB between settings of CMP=0 and CMP=30.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On Jun 28, 2022, at 7:08 PM, jerry  wrote:
> 
> On 2022-06-27 15:23, Dynolab wrote:
> 
>> Since the semi manufactures stopped making Bipolar RF Power transistors in
>> the middle of the last decade, most Ham HF transceiver manufactures were
>> forced into using ... 12 Volt MOSFETs in their finals.



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Re: [Elecraft] Ham Qualifications, Customer Service

[Wayne Burdick]

A few counterexamples:

- We started selling the K2 in 1999, nearly 23 years ago. We're still selling 
them. 99% of the parts are still available.

- We started selling the K3 in early 2008, nearly 15 years ago. We still 
service them (in fact repair times have gone down recently), and we're even 
building new modules in some cases to extend their life and enhance 
performance. This process was delayed by the supply chain and pandemic but 
we're getting it back on track.

- If you want to repair your own Elecraft product or ask a technical question, 
you can email Eric and me personally. Many have, and I'm sure they'll continue 
to do so. Or you can email support. 

- If you email me in a language other than English, I'll translate it with 
Google both ways. I've done this in Spanish, French, and Japanese.

- Most of the parts for our products are available from industry suppliers like 
Digikey if not directly from us. This has been true historically, and assuming 
the supply chain improves, it will continue to be true.

- I have personally supplied parts or modules to at least a dozen of our 
customers from my own lab stock over the years, typically at zero cost, zero 
shipping, just to help out when the parts were not available elsewhere.

- The K4 is designed in highly modular fashion so we can replace modules in the 
future as technology changes, including the main processor board, ADC boards, 
and DAC board. This seems preferable to, let's say, having your entire radio be 
dependent on the availability of a particular laptop computer that one designed 
into it.


> ...buy an FT-450 and dump it


Sure. YMMV.

Wayne
N6KR



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Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Report

[Wayne Burdick]

And to think I was only engaging in a little subtle humor.

W


> On Jun 27, 2022, at 4:05 PM, Fred Jensen  wrote:
> 
> Yes, in the US, 0.1A1 is permitted everywhere and always has been.  One does 
> often hear the term "CW sub-band" in the context of CW only however.  If you 
> study 47CFR97 closely enough, you'll find that it doesn't even mention CW 
> when talking about sub-band allocations, except for 6 and 2.  What we 
> normally think of as the CW portion of 80 m is the "RTTY/Digital" sub-band.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
> 
> Jim Rhodes wrote on 6/27/2022 2:47 PM:
>> Those bands have a CW only band, but otherwise there is no real place that 
>> CW is NOT allowed. So CW the CW segements are all the amateur bands. Let's 
>> keep it that way.
>> 
>> On Mon, Jun 27, 2022, 13:45 Fred Jensen > > wrote:
>> 
>>In the US:
>> 
>>50.000 - 50.100 MHz
>>144.000 - !44.100 MHz
>> 
>>73,
>> 
>>Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
>>Sparks NV DM09dn
>>Washoe County
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> https://www.avg.com
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[Elecraft] Field Day Report

[Wayne Burdick]

The bands were hopping at our K6SRA campsite in Joseph Grant county park east 
of San Jose. 20 meters in particular was wall-to-wall. 40 m really took off in 
the afternoon and never stopped.

Most of the time the CW station was my KX2 at 10 W. The SSB station used 
various other rigs at 100 W. Coexistence was peaceful despite the antennas 
being separated by only 40 feet or so. (We didn't even consider using FT8. 
Still, that frenzied fun-house of robotic birdcalls did serve as a convenient 
marker for the end of each CW segment.)

When things wound down on Sunday I switched to my own call to do a bit of /PM 
operation with the KX2 and a whip. In a 10 minute walk I made another half 
dozen contacts on CW and SSB. One of years I'm going to try to do an entire 
Field Day this way. My goal is 50 QSOs per granola bar.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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[Elecraft] K4 Field Day configuration notes [TYPOS FIXED]

[Wayne Burdick]

Field Day stresses most radios (and their operators) more than usual. That's 
part of the "fun" :)

If you'll be using a K4, we strongly recommend installing the latest production 
release (R30) to ensure that you have all the latest features and controls.

Suggested radio settings:

- CW:   QSK = ON. Release 30 improves QSK behavior on crowded bands.

- SSB:  CMP = 30 (if you have R30 installed). This sets compression and CESSB 
to max, increasing average power output by several dB, yet your signal will 
still be exceptionally clean.

- MENU: RX Dynamic Range Opt." should be turned ON for Field Day, even if you 
normally leave it off. This configures the A-to-D converter for best dynamic 
range. (Turning it off may slightly improve sensitivity.) The "DR+" icon will 
turn on.

- MENU: RX Auto Attenuation should also be set to ON. This allows the K4 to 
automatically and temporarily reduce front-end gain on a per-receiver basis if 
extreme signal conditions exist. Such conditions are indicated by an "OVF" 
indication on the S meter.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


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[Elecraft] K4 Field Day configuration notes

[Wayne Burdick]

Field Day stresses most radios (and their operators) more than usual. That's 
part of the "fun" :)

We strongly recommend installing the latest production release (R30) to ensure 
that you have all the latest features and controls.

Suggested radio settings:

- CW:   QSK = ON. Release 30 improves QSK behavior on crowded bands.

- SSB:  CMP = 30 (if you have R30 installed). This sets compression and CESSB 
to max, increasing average power output by several dB, yet your signal will 
still be exceptionally clean.

- MENU: RX Dynamic Range Opt." should be turned ON for Field Day, even if you 
normally leave it off. This configures the A-to-D converter for best dynamic 
range. (Turning it off may slightly improve sensitivity.) The "DR+" icon will 
turn on.

- MENU: RX Auto Attenuation should also be set to ON. This allows the K4 to 
automatically and temporarily reduce front-end gain on a per-receiver basis if 
extreme signal conditions exist. Such conditions are presently indicated by the 
"+" in the S-meter's "+60" label turning to magenta. The indication will be 
more prominent in the next beta release (19, due in a day or two, most likely). 
You can also control front-end gain manually when you see the OVF (or "+") 
indication.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] supp...@elecraft.com out of order

[Wayne Burdick]

Dwight, 

Our support response time is generally 24 to 48 hours at most. I'll investigate 
the delay and get back to you ASAP.

Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 21, 2022, at 2:21 PM, NS9I WI  wrote:
> 
> I emailed them over a week ago regarding problem with my KPA1500 and have 
> received not response. As a matter of fact two more times since then.



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[Elecraft] New K4 Production Software (Release R30)

[Wayne Burdick]

K4 software release R30 has now moved from Beta (R30.B4) to Production status. 
Just in time for Field Day

We hope everyone will take advantage of its many improvements over the previous 
production release, R28. Highlights include:

   - CW QSK greatly improved (reduced audible artifacts between elements)

   - CESSB for dramatic increase in SSB average power

   - Complete RTTY implementation

   - Narrower CW filters for enhanced copy in heavy QRN / QRM

   - New AM and FM demodulation algorithms

   - All-mode squelch

   - Per-mode VFO coarse tuning rates

   - General software stability enhancements

   - Many updated host commands (for macros and software apps)

Full release notes for R29 through R30 (including recent betas) appear below. 
They can also be viewed in the software update function at the radio itself (Fn 
> UPDATE).

73,
Wayne
N6KR


=
 RELEASE 30 =
=

June 14, 2022


* * * IMPORTANT NOTE * * *

THIS RELEASE INCLUDES CESSB AND THE NEW NARROW CW FILTERS. 
For full details, please refer to the notes for release 29.
(RX DVR record/play is still being refined.) 


CW QSK IMPROVED: Reduced audible QSK artifacts caused by nearby signals.

MINI-PAN FIX: Corrected a case where the mini-pan could not be displayed.

TOUCH CONTROLS: Improved reliability of LCD touch interface.

LOW-PASS FILTER/RECEIVER CONFLICTS: Corrected receive audio loss that could 
occur due to invalid antenna selections. 6 meters was the band most likely to 
be affected.
 

==
 RELEASE 30Beta2 =
==

June 1, 2022


= BUG FIXES =

 CW-REVERSE TEXT DECODE: This is now working correctly.
 CW-REVERSE MINI-PAN: There is no longer any unusual pixellation in CW-R 
mode.
 TOUCH PANEL: Touch panel controller functions improved to eliminate 
errors/lockups.
 RX AUDIO OUTPUT: Further corrections now in place to eliminate loss of 
audio.
 MSG RPT in CW mode no longer continues to flash when a message is 
interrupted with a paddle or key.
 ALC/POWER/SWR meters should no longer show "stale" values.
 PAN FREEZE feature now completed.
 MINI-PAN doesn't flicker on/off at times when it is touched but is not 
available.

= FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS =

 #FRZn; is now working properly
 Added #FRZ; getter
 Added #FRZ/; toggle
 #FRZn changes now sent to clients
 Added MI/; toggle command
 Added new LOG; command to copy logs to any installed USB flash drive


==
 RELEASE 30Beta1 =
==

May 16, 2022


= FUNCTIONAL CHANGES =

ALL RTTY MARK/SPACE TONE PAIRS FULLY IMPLEMENTED: All 8 mark/space tone pairs 
(MENU:FSK Mark Tone) are now fully implemented, with the correct offsets and 
filter bandwidths, including MENU:FSK Dual-Tone RX Filter.

RTTY 75 BAUD and PSK63 IMPLEMENTED: You can now use both 45 and 75 baud RTTY 
(FSK mode), as well as PSK31 and PSK63 (PSK mode). To change the selection, tap 
MAIN RX > TEXT DECODE, then select the desired baud rate.


= BUG FIXES =

REFERENCE MODULE FIRMWARE LOAD: The REF module now loads correctly in all cases 
when updating firmware.

AUDIO DROPOUTS: Loss of audio, typically at power-up, has been corrected.


= FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS =

NEW OR IMPROVED COMMANDS:
  
 DARC; command added (clear DAP recording buffers)
 DR$; command added (data rate, e.g. RTTY 45/75 and PSK31/63)
 DW; command added (TX data bandwidth)
 PP command GET handler added (per-band power)
 BN^; next band stack command added
 #DSM1 command fixed (LCD display mode, spectrum + waterfall)
 Sending AutoRef menu values when changed via #AR; command
 OV$; getter added (ADC/COR overflow)
 #SPM; getter added (span adjust mode; always returns 0)
 PC010; (power control) now correctly sets power to 10 watts
 ME43; command (menu parameter get/set) now returns IP address
 ES0; and ES1; getters added to get SSB and ESSB bandwidth
without requiring a mode change

 New toggle commands: 
  #DSM/;  #WFH/;  #MP/;  #VFA/;  #VFB/;  #CUR$/;  #PKM/;  


===
 RELEASE 29 ===
===

March 22, 2022


NOTE:  The RX DVR feature (AF REC/AF PLAY) has been deferred until Release 31 
in order to complete implementation and field testing.


= FUNCTIONAL CHANGES =

ENHANCED SPEECH COMPRESSION & CESSB:  Speech compression has been dramatically 
improved. Controlled Envelope Single Sideband (CESSB)