Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Am 20.05.2015 um 02:29 schrieb Wayne Burdick: * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out. I can already see the "Help! I don't get any audio from my USB connection!" emails on the reflector. ;-) Wayne: If you're ever going to redesign the I/O module again (KIO3C anyone? ;-)) please make that a menu selection and also store different settings, i.e. line/mic gain for USB audio and line/mic gain for the 3,5 mm connection. That's one of the really neat things I like on a friend's TS-590. ;-) 73, Olli - DH8BQA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
The present firmware release has very little impact on the K3, but it is still important to test each release to make sure we didn't break anything. We've had some positive reports in that regard, so no need for everyone to load it. 73, Wayne N6KR On May 20, 2015, at 11:00 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote: > That's my interpretation, Ross. Just asking Wayne for confirmation. > > Hmmm .. but I wonder if anyone has been able to add such items to their K3 as > yet? They were announced a week ago, and my impression is that they may be in > short supply for K3 usage for a while. > > Phil W7OX > > On 5/20/15 10:29 AM, Ross Primrose wrote: >> The new firmware would be required for a K3 IF you add any of the newly >> upgraded K3S pieces to your K3, such as the new KIO3, KXV3B or KAT3A. >> >> 73, Ross N4RP >> >> On 5/20/2015 10:32 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote: >>> Wayne, >>> >>> It's unclear what impact, if any, this firmware will have on the K3. All >>> the specifics listed below appear to be K3S related. >>> >>> I usually load beta versions *only* if the test/change relates to some >>> feature I really want. If no changes for K3, no reason for me to load it. >>> >>> Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for improved performance, >>> functionality, etc.? >>> >>> 73, Phil W7OX >>> >>> On 5/19/15 5:29 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either transceiver using K3 Utility. Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded modules. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26 * USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details. * NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19). * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out. * PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2 turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. . * MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.) * LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
The K3S FAQ indicates that the KXV3B, KAT3A & KBPF3A are available now. I can't confirm or deny the accuracy of that. But, I believe you'd need the new beta firmware for any of those. 73, Ross N4RP On 5/20/2015 2:00 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: That's my interpretation, Ross. Just asking Wayne for confirmation. Hmmm .. but I wonder if anyone has been able to add such items to their K3 as yet? They were announced a week ago, and my impression is that they may be in short supply for K3 usage for a while. Phil W7OX On 5/20/15 10:29 AM, Ross Primrose wrote: The new firmware would be required for a K3 IF you add any of the newly upgraded K3S pieces to your K3, such as the new KIO3, KXV3B or KAT3A. 73, Ross N4RP On 5/20/2015 10:32 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote: Wayne, It's unclear what impact, if any, this firmware will have on the K3. All the specifics listed below appear to be K3S related. I usually load beta versions *only* if the test/change relates to some feature I really want. If no changes for K3, no reason for me to load it. Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for improved performance, functionality, etc.? 73, Phil W7OX On 5/19/15 5:29 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi all, K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either transceiver using K3 Utility. Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded modules. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26 * USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details. * NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19). * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out. * PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2 turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. . * MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.) * LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.) * 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm. * UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOT
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Milverton M. Swire via Elecraft wrote: What is the saying about an Ant hill and a Mountain? 73 Milverton / Don't you mean Mole Hill? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Hi Milverton, Well I'm old and my grandmother who was always good at repeating those witticisms used to say, "making mountains out of mole hills". Her way of saying not important. 73, Bob K2TKex KN2TKR (1956 & K2TKR On 5/20/2015 1:05 PM, Milverton M. Swire via Elecraft wrote: K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page.<<< Wayne clearly states " BETA" { I load those only if they provide some new benefit } Then WHY the Fuss? If you had a ICOM, and you send it in for repair, upon return, the Firmware was updated.Would you query the content of the update? And! What are the benefits to you? What is the saying about an Ant hill and a Mountain? 73 Milverton / W9MMS. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Exactly :-) That's why I asked about K3 impacts of this beta software. I only beta test functions which I can test (for radios) within those I use when operating--and especially those for which i have a need. The recent Fixed-Tune mode add to the PX3 comes to mind. Phil W7OX On 5/20/15 9:15 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote: Then you should not beta test. Hopefully someone else will, and they'll catch any bugs that might affect you in the future. 73 -- Lynn On 5/20/2015 8:04 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote: I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to contribute to the greater good. Nor do I plan to spend time loading software from which I will see a change only if there was a problem in that particular beta version (which has happened). __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Professional software QC engineers refer to this as "regression testing", to ensure that the software involved continues to operate as it did in the previous release as tested/released on the available hardware at that time. There are no documented changes for the K3, therefore you should not see any difference in the behavior of a K3 when testing this beta firmware on it. If you do not wish to test a beta deployment of an upcoming firmware release, then don't install and test it. If you'd like to help Elecraft verify that the changes made to the firmware behave as expected, then I'm sure they'd appreciate it if you'd install it and try it out. I just wish Yahoo! would do the same thing for its mail software! (I continually see problems in the formatting of my posts the list from my Yahoo! web account; please bear with me/it) 73 de N1HO From: Phil Wheeler Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for improved performance, functionality, etc.? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
I am not 100% sure of this, but I believe firmware updates are loaded to the Elecraft web page and it is up to us to check for them. I think Wayne's announcement for 5.26 is a 'special' case. I'm sure someone will correct me if this is incorrect. 73, Tom - W4BQF -Original Message- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Hisashi T Fujinaka Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 12:16 AM To: Phil Wheeler Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules Sorry to be a pest, but can someone look at the email headers of Wayne's announcement and see if there's something odd? For some reason I never get his firmware announcements and I don't even see anhything likely at the mail server. Can someone send me the headers? Thanks. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
As for the K3, updates will continue to be for both, I think, and it's worth checking to make sure the K3 doesn't suffer because of the specific K3S additions or changes...even if the update does not add anything for the K3. - Chuck, KE9UW -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-K3-K3S-Beta-Firmware-rev-5-26-Support-for-K3S-and-upgraded-modules-tp7603339p7603353.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules
Hi all, K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either transceiver using K3 Utility. Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded modules. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26 * USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details. * NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19). * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out. * PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2 turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. . * MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.) * LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.) * 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm. * UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA command now supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 is available. This applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module installed and preamp 2 enabled (see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above). __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com