K3: identify when in TEST mode

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

W4TV said:
Instead of doing that, why not simply hijack the VFO B display and
flash "TX TEST" when in test mode?

I know we're not supposed to post "ME TOO" comments, but this is a
great idea.  I would limit hijacking the VFO B display to ONLY when
actually "transmitting" (even though in TEST you are not really
transmitting).  While in RX, let the VFO B display just be the VFO B
"normal" display.

Yup...I REALLY REALLY REALLY like this idea.

Doug KR2Q
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[Jeff Wandling W7BRS-2]

I'd rather have a KCIRMNKY3 which is effectively an outboard indicator of
some event that requires the attention of the operator.

Plug into the data port and anytime pin 3 is asserted then the Circus
Monkey crashes his cymbals together.

CONFIG->MNKYRATE-> sets the delay between cymbal crashes..  2000ms, 1500ms
1000ms 500ms.

There's a mod kit alrady planned to replace the eyes of the monkey with
LEDs so they can blink either with the crashing cymbals or offset.  That's
just a different valued capacitor, check the Elecraft mod-kit page for
information.

I'm expecting the full featured fuzzy fur KCIRMNKY3 to bre ready by
Dayton.  Is it too early to pre-order? (Kit only)

-jeff


ps. this in no way is expressing insensitivy to the visually impaired
operator. my son is virtually blind.


On Fri, 6 Feb 2009, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote:

> W4TV said:
> Instead of doing that, why not simply hijack the VFO B display and
> flash "TX TEST" when in test mode?
>
> I know we're not supposed to post "ME TOO" comments, but this is a
> great idea.  I would limit hijacking the VFO B display to ONLY when
> actually "transmitting" (even though in TEST you are not really
> transmitting).  While in RX, let the VFO B display just be the VFO B
> "normal" display.
>
> Yup...I REALLY REALLY REALLY like this idea.
>
> Doug KR2Q
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Doug Faunt N6TQS [phone]]

I have no problem with seeing the flashing "TS" and know what it
means, but if you're going to hijack something, why not whichever VFO
display would be controlling the transmitter?

73, doug

   Date: Fri, 6 Feb 2009 17:14:21 -0500
   From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <[hidden email]>

   W4TV said:
   Instead of doing that, why not simply hijack the VFO B display and
   flash "TX TEST" when in test mode?

   I know we're not supposed to post "ME TOO" comments, but this is a
   great idea.  I would limit hijacking the VFO B display to ONLY when
   actually "transmitting" (even though in TEST you are not really
   transmitting).  While in RX, let the VFO B display just be the VFO B
   "normal" display.
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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Jeff,

Your comments were certainly viewed in jest, but did reveal a
consideration I think is important.  The TX TEST indications are all
visual.  A sight impaired operator may have a problem should he linger
too long on the MODE down button.
It may be worthwhile to think about advocating an audible indication of
TX TEST which may satisfy the needs of those who don't observe the
blinking TX or TX indicator a well as those who are sight impaired.

A few extra 'beeps' during simulated transmit would certainly call
attention to the fact that something is abnormal.

73,
Don W3FPR

Jeff Wandling W7BRS wrote:

> I'd rather have a KCIRMNKY3 which is effectively an outboard indicator of
> some event that requires the attention of the operator.
>
> Plug into the data port and anytime pin 3 is asserted then the Circus
> Monkey crashes his cymbals together.
>
> CONFIG->MNKYRATE-> sets the delay between cymbal crashes..  2000ms, 1500ms
> 1000ms 500ms.
>
> There's a mod kit alrady planned to replace the eyes of the monkey with
> LEDs so they can blink either with the crashing cymbals or offset.  That's
> just a different valued capacitor, check the Elecraft mod-kit page for
> information.
>
> I'm expecting the full featured fuzzy fur KCIRMNKY3 to bre ready by
> Dayton.  Is it too early to pre-order? (Kit only)
>
> -jeff
>
>
> ps. this in no way is expressing insensitivy to the visually impaired
> operator. my son is virtually blind.
>
>  
>

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[Frank R. Oppedijk]

Don,

Good point. Maybe something similar to out-of-band transmissions
would be good: a beep and displaying TX TEST for a moment. When
trying to transmit out-of-band, the K3 makes a beep and displays END
for a moment...

73,

Frank PA4N


At 23:54 06/02/2009, Don Wilhelm wrote:

>Jeff,
>
>Your comments were certainly viewed in jest, but did reveal a
>consideration I think is important.  The TX TEST indications are all
>visual.  A sight impaired operator may have a problem should he linger
>too long on the MODE down button.
>It may be worthwhile to think about advocating an audible indication of
>TX TEST which may satisfy the needs of those who don't observe the
>blinking TX or TX indicator a well as those who are sight impaired.
>
>A few extra 'beeps' during simulated transmit would certainly call
>attention to the fact that something is abnormal.
>
>73,
>Don W3FPR
>

---
drs. ing. F.R. Oppedijk
Avista ICT Consultancy B.V.
Albert Schweitzerlaan 7
1277 BV  Huizen

tel: 035 - 523 09 83
fax: 035 - 523 09 84

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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> A sight impaired operator may have a problem should
> he linger too long on the MODE down button.

A visually impaired operator is most likely to have the
key beeps turned on.  The second beep would surely alert
him/her if he lingered too long on the mode up button.

That said, a double beep if the PTT is activated in Test
mode would not be a bad idea.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
> Sent: Friday, February 06, 2009 5:55 PM
> To: Jeff Wandling W7BRS
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: identify when in TEST mode
>
>
> Jeff,
>
> Your comments were certainly viewed in jest, but did reveal a
> consideration I think is important.  The TX TEST indications are all
> visual.  A sight impaired operator may have a problem should
> he linger
> too long on the MODE down button.
> It may be worthwhile to think about advocating an audible
> indication of
> TX TEST which may satisfy the needs of those who don't observe the
> blinking TX or TX indicator a well as those who are sight impaired.
>
> A few extra 'beeps' during simulated transmit would certainly call
> attention to the fact that something is abnormal.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Jeff Wandling W7BRS wrote:
> > I'd rather have a KCIRMNKY3 which is effectively an
> outboard indicator
> > of
> > some event that requires the attention of the operator.
> >
> > Plug into the data port and anytime pin 3 is asserted then
> the Circus
> > Monkey crashes his cymbals together.
> >
> > CONFIG->MNKYRATE-> sets the delay between cymbal crashes..  2000ms,
> > CONFIG->MNKYRATE-> 1500ms
> > 1000ms 500ms.
> >
> > There's a mod kit alrady planned to replace the eyes of the monkey
> > with
> > LEDs so they can blink either with the crashing cymbals or
> offset.  That's
> > just a different valued capacitor, check the Elecraft
> mod-kit page for
> > information.
> >
> > I'm expecting the full featured fuzzy fur KCIRMNKY3 to bre ready by
> > Dayton.  Is it too early to pre-order? (Kit only)
> >
> > -jeff
> >
> >
> > ps. this in no way is expressing insensitivy to the
> visually impaired
> > operator. my son is virtually blind.
> >
> >  
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Julian, G4ILO]

Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote

That said, a double beep if the PTT is activated in Test
mode would not be a bad idea.

I think you're forgetting that TX TEST can be used to set up audio levels and equalization, or to practise CW sending. These extra beeps or flashes when people are using TX TEST for what it was originally intended would be rather irritating.

[Julian, G4ILO]

Thinking some more about this, it seems to me the most logical indication would be for the red TX LED to flash instead of illuminate constantly when transmitting in test mode. This would not annoy anyone who has engaged test mode to prevent accidental transmission, but would highlight the fact that the rig is not actually transmitting when the PTT or key is pressed.

[Bob Cunnings NW8L]

I would annoy me if the red TX LED flashes continuously while in test
mode since I engage it when using the K3 in receiver only mode (e.g.
when listening around, so as to not accidentally transmit on top of a
monitored QSO). I find that the flashing TX icon is sufficient
indication of test mode. As one of those who always monitor power
output to confirm transmission, I also observe that in test mode zero
power out is indicated on the K3 front panel bar graph when I key
down. What more is necessary?

Bob NW8L

On Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 9:40 AM, Julian, G4ILO <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
> Thinking some more about this, it seems to me the most logical indication
> would be for the red TX LED to flash instead of illuminate constantly when
> transmitting in test mode. This would not annoy anyone who has engaged test
> mode to prevent accidental transmission, but would highlight the fact that
> the rig is not actually transmitting when the PTT or key is pressed.
>
> -----
> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham
> Directory    http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3
> --
> View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-identify-when-in-TEST-mode-tp2286777p2289741.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Bob Naumann W5OV]

G4ILO said:

"For the red TX LED to flash instead of illuminate constantly **when
transmitting**". (Asterisks added for emphasis).

He did not say to have it flash continuously while in test mode ... only if
you tried to transmit.

I don't think this would annoy anyone but I have to agree with my old friend
KR2Q that using the VFO B display to report that you are in test mode only
you try to transmit might be the best solution as it would not preclude or
cover up anything meaningful on the display.

73,

Bob W5OV


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[Doug Faunt N6TQS [phone]]

Err, Julian's proposal was for the TX LED to flash if you were trying to
transmit while in Test mode.  If you're just using the rig for an RX,
you'll not see that light.

Some people have their metering to reflect SWR/ALC, so the K3 power
indicator isn't the best indicator.

Me, I have no problem with the existing setup, but Julian's proposal
is as good as any.  Before I transmit intentionally, I look there
anyway to see where I'm transmitting, since my rig is likely to be in
SPLIT.  I tend to leave the rig in Test mode, anyway, so I don't
transmit unintentionally.  With a key, a mike, a footswitch and several
ways for software to TX, the cats have way too many ways to turn on
the TX.

73, doug

   Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2009 10:26:29 -0700
   From: Bob Cunnings <[hidden email]>

   I would annoy me if the red TX LED flashes continuously while in test
   mode since I engage it when using the K3 in receiver only mode (e.g.
   when listening around, so as to not accidentally transmit on top of a
   monitored QSO). I find that the flashing TX icon is sufficient
   indication of test mode. As one of those who always monitor power
   output to confirm transmission, I also observe that in test mode zero
   power out is indicated on the K3 front panel bar graph when I key
   down. What more is necessary?

   Bob NW8L

   On Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 9:40 AM, Julian, G4ILO <[hidden email]> wrote:
   >
   > Thinking some more about this, it seems to me the most logical indication
   > would be for the red TX LED to flash instead of illuminate constantly when
   > transmitting in test mode. This would not annoy anyone who has engaged test
   > mode to prevent accidental transmission, but would highlight the fact that
   > the rig is not actually transmitting when the PTT or key is pressed.
   >
   > -----
   > Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
   > http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham
   > Directory    http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3
   > --
   > View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3%3A-identify-when-in-TEST-mode-tp2286777p2289741.html
   > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
   >
   > ______________________________________________________________
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   >
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[Bob Cunnings NW8L]

Oh, sorry, I didn't read Julian's message correctly. As a CW op, I see
that in CW mode the TX LED flashes when transmitting in test mode,
following the keying. I fear that the whole point of the discussion
was lost on me, it's about an indication when using PTT modes.

While we are at it, I've argued before that if test mode is selected,
it should persist through a power cycle. Like you, I normally keep the
rig in test mode, and I'd rather not have to put it into test mode
every time I power up, as I must do now. It's like the safety on a gun
- if I put it on, I want it to remain that way until I explicitly
change it. That discussion, some time back (on this list), ran aground
on the shoals of the "then I won't notice that tx is disabled when I
next power up" objection, which led right into the present topic "how
can the test mode be more loudly annunciated". The result that time
was a change to make the TX icon blink more rapidly, which works for
me.

This is certainly a subject that arouses great interest!

Bob NW8L


On Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 10:45 AM, Doug Faunt N6TQS [phone]
<[hidden email]> wrote:

> Err, Julian's proposal was for the TX LED to flash if you were trying to
> transmit while in Test mode.  If you're just using the rig for an RX,
> you'll not see that light.
>
> Some people have their metering to reflect SWR/ALC, so the K3 power
> indicator isn't the best indicator.
>
> Me, I have no problem with the existing setup, but Julian's proposal
> is as good as any.  Before I transmit intentionally, I look there
> anyway to see where I'm transmitting, since my rig is likely to be in
> SPLIT.  I tend to leave the rig in Test mode, anyway, so I don't
> transmit unintentionally.  With a key, a mike, a footswitch and several
> ways for software to TX, the cats have way too many ways to turn on
> the TX.
>
> 73, doug
>

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[Julian, G4ILO]

Bob Cunnings wrote

Oh, sorry, I didn't read Julian's message correctly. As a CW op, I see
that in CW mode the TX LED flashes when transmitting in test mode,
following the keying.

That's a good point. I didn't think of that. I don't use full QSK, so it doesn't blink for me. Probably the red LED is hard wired to some transmit supply voltage, which would make the idea impractical anyway.