Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Wayne Burdick]

The two are quite different, Fred. Yours has the edge on price Other major 
differences: The K-Pod connects to the K3/K3S at the RJ jack beneath the front 
panel, so it doesn't tie up the rig's RS232 or USB ports. It can optionally be 
powered through this cable. The optical/ball-bearing encoder is 400 counts and 
uses the same weighted, soft-touch knob as the K3S. A rocker switch selects VFO 
A/B/OFFSET control. Function switches F1-F8 directly trigger up to 16 macros in 
the radio. There's a USB port, 4 programmable LEDs, and 3 general-purpose 
open-drain outputs.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Apr 14, 2016, at 10:38 AM, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> Is the K-Pod similar to my PigKnob?
> 
> 73,
> 
> Fred K6DGW



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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Carl AB1DD]

I would vote for "K Nob"
My first thought when I saw the posting for the K Pod was someone was going to 
talk about a morning breakfast drink! Of course, I'm in the Green Mountain 
State.

Carl
AB1DD




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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Fred Jensen]

Is the K-Pod similar to my PigKnob?

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2016
- www.cqp.org

On 4/13/2016 8:51 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

What a cool accessory Wayne!  Nice work!!



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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Wayne Burdick]

mstang...@comcast.net [Elecraft_K3]  wrote:

> Wayne,
> 
> It look interesting. Can you explain the connections for data, power and 
> firmware upgrades in detail:
> 
> * USB port for firmware loading and future equipment/computer control 
> applications

There will be a "K-Pod Utility" for firmware loading. Over time it will gain 
the ability to configure the K-Pod switches, LEDs, USB port, and 
general-purpose outputs in various ways.


> * simple connection to K3 or K3S--uses the 6-pin RJ-style jack beneath the 
> front panel
> * flexible power source: rear 12-V jack on the radio, DC barrel jack, 
> USB port, or even through the 6-pin data cable, with minor radio modification
> (the latter method results in a single cable to the K-Pod for data and power)
> 
> It would be nice to have one connection to the radio. I guess this would be 
> the 6-pin data cable.

This is the idea. There will be a mod to power the pod through the data cable. 
Details pending.


> Can I upgrade the firmware to the Pod via this connection from the RS-232 or 
> USB port on the K3/K3S?

As of now the plan is to use the USB port on the K-Pod for updating its 
firmware. 

Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Wayne Burdick]

On Apr 13, 2016, at 8:51 PM, Dave Cole  wrote:

> What a cool accessory Wayne!  Nice work!!
> -- 
> 73's, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)


Thanks, Dave. We had lots of input from our long-standing K-Line focus group. 
They pretty much got everything they wanted. I could write a novella about the 
rocker-switch debate ;)

Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] New Elecraft Product: K-Pod Control Panel for K3S and K3 Transceivers

[Dave Cole]

What a cool accessory Wayne!  Nice work!!
-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)

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On Wed, 2016-04-13 at 20:04 -0700, Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com
[Elecraft_K3] wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> We've had many requests for a small control panel (or pod) as an
> extension to the K3 and K3S transceivers. We finally got around to
> it! 
> 
> Our new K-Pod is a very compact unit, featuring a precision tuning
> knob, VFO A/B/offset rocker switch, and 8 programmable tactile-
> feedback switches. Switch feedback is provided by activation messages
> on the radio's LCD, as well as the pod's own 4 indicator LEDs and
> audio tone generator. This multi-modal information can help maximize
> operating efficiency and reduce fatigue during extended operating
> periods.
> 
> Typically the K-Pod would be placed next to a computer keyboard,
> allowing the operator to quickly QSY, clear RIT, enter diversity
> mode, change menu settings, etc., without that long stretch to reach
> the radio's front panel. 
> 
> But the K-Pod's flexible interface goes beyond substitution of the
> radio's knobs and switches. In effect, you can design your own
> customized controls for the radio.
> 
> Each of the 8 programmable switches has tap and hold functions. When
> a switch function is used, it activates one of up to 16 user-defined
> command sequences that are actually stored in the radio itself, as
> macros. A single macro can accomplish many tasks at once, such as
> setting up custom splits, configuring the receiver or subreceiver for
> specific situations, sending transmit messages at differing code
> speeds, etc. Macros can be easily created or edited using K3 Utility,
> which runs on PC, Mac, or Linux platforms.
> 
> The K-Pod has the following features:
> 
> * high-quality weighted, soft-touch tuning knob--same as used on the
> K3S
> * same 400-count, ball-bearing optical encoder used in the K3 and K3S
> * adjustable knob friction
> * 3-position rocker switch to assign the knob to VFO A, VFO B, or
> RIT/XIT
> * 8 programmable function switches, each with tap/hold functions
> * simple switch programming using K3 Utility (many examples in K-Pod
> manual)
> * four user-definable LEDs (three of them show knob assignment by
> default)
> * audio tone generator for switch feedback (can be easily turned off)
> * USB port for firmware loading and future equipment/computer control
> applications
> * simple connection to K3 or K3S--uses the 6-pin RJ-style jack
> beneath the front panel
> * flexible power source: rear 12-V jack on the radio, DC barrel
> jack, 
> USB port, or even through the 6-pin data cable, with minor radio
> modification
> (the latter method results in a single cable to the K-Pod for data
> and power)
> * 3 utility outputs for miscellaneous equipment control applications 
> (outputs provide a low resistance to ground when turned on, usable
> with relays, etc.)
> 
> The K-Pod's all-steel enclosure weighs a full pound for excellent
> stability, yet measures only about 3.5 x 3 x 1 inches. A highly
> stable folding tilt stand is included to angle the panel for optimal
> access. There's also a 2-hole RAM mount pattern on the bottom for
> easy attachment to any surface.
> 
> For photos and further information, please visit our K-Pod web page:
> 
> http://www.elecraft.com/k-pod/k-pod.htm
> 
> 73,
> Wayne, N6KR
> Eric, WA6HHQ
> 
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