K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software

[Barry N1EU]

My list of displayed parameters was just a first proposal.  If AGC params can't be displayed because of the command set implementation, then we can shorten the list I suppose.

As far as why I'd want to display AGC hold, DCY, SLP and THR - these are dynamic settings that I want to change depending on my operation (S&P vs running, etc) and on condx.  I'm sure many operators would want the ability to display these without digging into the menu.  It seems like programming could easily accomplish this with a nifty onscreen display taking up perhaps 5-10% of the monitor's screen.  And it could be configurable so you'd display just the set of parameters YOU want to see; i.e., leave off AGC if you don't want to see it.

73,
Barry N1EU

proposed:
shift (numeric)
width (numeric)
power
compression
mic gain
sub preamp
sub antenna selection
sub shift
sub width
AF Limit
AGC hold
AGC DCY
AGC SLP
AGC THR

Dick Dievendorff wrote

Barry asked for the ability to display AGC parameters.  These values are
currently read by accessing menus and reading them from the VFO A display
area.  During that menu access, another application might send an UP or DN
command, which could change one of the AGC parameters.  That's my only
point.  New single-command queries could solve that particular issue.

I don't know the list of K3 commands that LP-Bridge blocks. I don't know how
LP-Bridge uses its knowledge of what one application is doing to influence
the commands permitted by another.  I'm using the TelepostInc.com LPB html
help page as my source of info on what LP-Bridge does.

LP-Bridge offers a useful subset of the K3 Command set to many applications.
But it's the LP-Bridge virtualization that these applications see, and
that's different from the K3 programmer's reference command set.  This is a
very useful subset, but arguably insufficient for the requested application.

Dick, K6KR




-----Original Message-----
From: Julian Moss [mailto:[e-mail]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 3:40 PM
To: Dick Dievendorff
Cc: Wayne Burdick; [e-mail]; [e-mail]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software

Perhaps the solution is to make it possible to obtain information
about the state of things that an operator might want to change
without having to open a menu?

Barry asked for some specific information to be displayed on-screen.
He was not even requesting the ability to change those items from the
computer. Perhaps there could be an "extra information" command that
reported the current state of various settings that are not displayed
on the K3 screen but which an operator can readily change and would
want to check on? I'm not sure why he wanted to see AGC configuration
settings as I would not consider those to be something that is
normally changed during operation. Many operators probably never
change those settings.

On 23/12/2009, Dick Dievendorff <[e-mail]> wrote:
> I agree.  Several subset cases can be shared within the scope of
LP-Bridge's
> virtualization of the K3.  I just don't know where the edge is...  Opening
a
> menu is perhaps not something you'd want to do with multiple applications
> running.
>
--
Julian, G4ILO
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com

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[Joe Malloy]

In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number #584
acting "flaky".  Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe I'm
missing something (?).  No matter what I do, the rig is limited to 12 W
(or so it says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous times in
software, I've removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked the circuit
breaker with a VOM out of circuit, I've tried another power supply, and
so on.  No joy.  Before I contact Elecraft I'd like to hear the
collective wisdom of the group -- what else can I try to get things working.

Tnx and MC!

73,

Joe, W2RBA


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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> As we head into 2010, we'd like to refresh the master firmware list  
> based on your input. Items already on the list have priority, of  
> course, but this is a great opportunity to let us know what else is  
> missing or could be improved.

1) Implementation of Yaesu-style VFO/Sub RX/Audio Mixer control:

                  Left           Right
     FR0       VFO A/Main      VFO A/Main      ; "normal"
     FR1       VFO A/Main      VFO A/Sub Rx    ; "diversity"
     FR2       VFO A/Main      VFO B/Sub Rx    ; "dual"
     FR3       VFO B/Sub Rx    VFO B/Sub Rx    ; "transceive B"  

     FR "number"/"level" appears as the "v" byte in the IF status.

2) Eliminate the prohibition against using the FM filter for
   AM/ESSB transmit.

3) Monitor level by mode and by headphones/speakers

4) Set/Get for TX EQ and RX EQ to allow directly reading/setting
   all 8 bands are one time).

5) SL/SL$; and SH/SH$; to allow direct Set/Get of LO cut and
   HI cut frequencies.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 


 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 1:02 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector; [hidden email];
> [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and
> application software
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> As you probably know, we keep a list of firmware features and  
> improvements to be added as time permits. Many of the most-requested  
> changes were made over the past several months, keeping pace
> with the  
> demands of the fall/winter contest season. (A few that come to mind:  
> switch sequence automation via macros, improved DVR interaction with  
> PTT, main/sub audio mixing, improved NR, lockable transmit controls,  
> and many enhanced remote-control commands.)
>
> As we head into 2010, we'd like to refresh the master firmware list  
> based on your input. Items already on the list have priority, of  
> course, but this is a great opportunity to let us know what else is  
> missing or could be improved. Our goal is to make the K3 as easy to  
> use as possible, while providing the advanced features you need for  
> specific operating situations.
>
> We're also planning a renewed effort to assist application software  
> developers. If your ideas for improvements involve changes to
> both K3  
> firmware and a favorite application, we'll pass it along to the  
> developers and work with them closely.
>
> We're making great progress on the P3 Panadapter and other new  
> products. There will be some surprises in 2010 :)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> I don't think all such cases can handled in reality. Programs doing  
> menu manipulation should capture the full attention of the
> radio.

Menu manipulation should be minimized:  Add Set/Get commands for
TX EQ and RX EQ, Time set, Date Set, Mic Select.  

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 6:21 PM
> To: Dick Dievendorff
> Cc: <[hidden email]>; <[hidden email]>; Julian,G4ILO
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and
> application software
>
>
> I don't think all such cases can handled in reality. Programs doing  
> menu manipulation should capture the full attention of the
> radio. The  
> user should be instructed to turn everything else off in this case.
>
> Wayne
>
> ----
> http://www.elecraft.com
>
> On Dec 23, 2009, at 2:38 PM, "Dick Dievendorff" <[hidden email]>  
> wrote:
>
> > If one program opens a menu, and another program sends a VFO "UP"
> > command,
> > is the second program's UP command deferred somehow because
> the first
> > program has a menu open?
> >
> > If one program sends a frequency change command, will the second
> > program be
> > aware of that new frequency without polling?
> >
> > My point is that the programs must cooperate, and that's not always
> > possible.
> >
> > Dick
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Dick Green WC1M [mailto:[hidden email]]
> > Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 2:31 PM
> > To: 'Dick Dievendorff'; 'Julian, G4ILO'; [hidden email]
> > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application
> > software
> >
> > Dick,
> >
> > LP-Bridge acts as a traffic cop that allows multiple programs to
> > share the
> > K3 COM port without interfering with each other. It opens
> the K3 COM  
> > port
> > and sends various commands to obtain a continous flow of commonly-
> > sought
> > status information. It intercepts status commands from multiple  
> > programs
> > attached to virtual COM ports and routes the appropriate status  
> > information
> > to them. When a program sends a command to the K3 that elicits a  
> > specific
> > reponse, the response is sent back to that program only.
> >
> > 73, Dick WC1M
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:[hidden email]]
> >> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 3:35 PM
> >> To: 'Julian, G4ILO'; [hidden email]
> >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application
> > software
> >>
> >> Would the loggers object to receiving responses to
> commands that they
> > didn't
> >> issue?
> >>
> >> Dick, K6KR
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: [hidden email]
> >> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
> Julian, G4ILO
> >> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 12:28 PM
> >> To: [hidden email]
> >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application
> > software
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Dick Dievendorff wrote:
> >>>
> >>> Would you dedicate the K3's serial port to this function?  Instead
> >>> of a
> >>> contest logger?
> >>>
> >>
> >> Why would you need to, given LP-PAN, VSPE etc?
> >>
> >> -----
> >> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> >> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
> >> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
> >> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
> >>
> >> --
> >> View this message in context:
> >>
> >
> http://n2.nabble.com/K3-needs-survey-firmware-and-application-software
> > -tp420
> >> 9832p4210432.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:[hidden email]
> >>
> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> >>
> >
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> >
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[Thomas Norff]

Joe,

have you checked the 'internal information '  ?

-------------------------------------------------
use:

OM * (Option Module Query; GET Only)
RSP format: OM APXSDFf-----; where any of the letters APXSDFf, if present,
indicate installed and detected
option modules (see list below). The positions of the letters are fixed. If
a module is not present, its letter is
replaced by a dash (-). For example, if only a PA and sub receiver were
installed, "OM;" would return "OM -P-S--
------;". The five dashes at the end are reserved for future module letters.
Option List: The letters (and associated positions) in the OM string refer
to the following option modules:
A = ATU (KAT3), P = PA (KPA3), X = XVTR and RX I/O (KXV3), S = Sub Receiver
(KRX3), D = DVR
(KDVR3), F = Band-Pass Filter module, main (KBPF3), and f = Band-Pass Filter
module, sub (KBPF3).
--------------------------------------------------

During initialisation all installed modules are detected ... independent
what you have configured
If your module is dead i would expect this to be reflected in the OM output.

vy 73
Thomas, DM7TN
K3/100 #78

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of jmalloy
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number #584
acting "flaky".  Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe I'm missing
something (?).  No matter what I do, the rig is limited to 12 W (or so it
says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous times in software, I've
removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked the circuit breaker with a VOM
out of circuit, I've tried another power supply, and so on.  No joy.  Before
I contact Elecraft I'd like to hear the collective wisdom of the group --
what else can I try to get things working.

Tnx and MC!

73,

Joe, W2RBA


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[Joe Subich, W4TV-4]

> 1)  External ground that automatically puts the K3 into a low
> power CW tune mode.  This is normally a command from an external
> auto-tuner that comes after an amplifier.

Agreed, with a configurable power level.  This would provide
compatibility with the Yaesu Quadra "TF" function.

Also a digital pulse output with the ATU Tune tap if the KAT3 is
not installed or not enabled.  This would allow triggering the
tune function in external auto-tuners (e.g., Icom AH-3 and AH-4).

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Phil &
> Debbie Salas
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:24 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and
> application software
>
>
> For external amplifier and external high power auto-tuner
> use, I'd like to
> see the followiong:
>
> 1)  External ground that automatically puts the K3 into a low
> power CW tune
> mode.  This is normally a command from an external auto-tuner
> that comes
> after an amplifier.
>
> 2)  When the low power tune mode input is externally supplied
> (from a remote
> autotuner), you should have the option of disabling the
> amp-key output of
> the K3 since you want to tune your autotuner with low power.  
> This is not
> necessary with some autotuners.  As an example, you can pass
> the amp-key
> from the K3 thru the MFJ-998 and the MFJ-998 unkeys the amp
> for you before
> it starts to tune.  But other autotuners (like the LDG
> AT1000PRO) don't have
> this feature.
>
> 3)  Power level saved per antenna per band.  I have my
> amplifier set up on
> ANT2, since my amp doesn't have 6 meters.  This way I can
> operate barefoot
> on ANT1 thru 6 meters.  When I put the amp in-line I use
> ANT2.  If the power
> could be saved differently on ANT2, then I could properly set
> the amp drive
> per band and it would always be correct.
>
>
> 73,
> Phil - AD5X
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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[Joe Malloy]

Thanks for the suggestion, Ed, but I don't see any hint of carbon on
either the plug or the receptacle pins that connect the KPA to the rest
of the radio.  Do you know -- or does anybody know? -- what sort of
"quick check" of voltages I could measure to check whether the KPA is
functional?

Thanks again, Ed!

73,

Joe M.

On 12/23/2009 7:43 PM, Ed K1EP wrote:

> This happened to me.  The connector between the KPA and the vertical
> board failed. The contact carbonized. Once one of the six starts to
> fail, the others take up the extra current and then they fail. If you
> disassemble the KPA you will notice the blackening of the six pins that
> carry the PA current. Replacement of both the male and female connector
> is required. If you loosen the connection and wiggle things around, you
> might get enough friction to get it to run for a little, but it will
> eventually fail again.
>
>
> At 12/23/2009 07:38 PM, you wrote:
>> In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number #584
>> acting "flaky". Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe I'm
>> missing something (?). No matter what I do, the rig is limited to 12 W
>> (or so it says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous times in
>> software, I've removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked the circuit
>> breaker with a VOM out of circuit, I've tried another power supply, and
>> so on. No joy. Before I contact Elecraft I'd like to hear the
>> collective wisdom of the group -- what else can I try to get things
>> working.

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[Dick Dievendorff]

I believe the OM; query returns the result of the configuration menu
settings. The KPA3 menu setting should be "PA NOR".

Dick, K6KR


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thomas Norff
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:20 PM
To: 'jmalloy'
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

Joe,

have you checked the 'internal information '  ?

-------------------------------------------------
use:

OM * (Option Module Query; GET Only)
RSP format: OM APXSDFf-----; where any of the letters APXSDFf, if present,
indicate installed and detected
option modules (see list below). The positions of the letters are fixed. If
a module is not present, its letter is
replaced by a dash (-). For example, if only a PA and sub receiver were
installed, "OM;" would return "OM -P-S--
------;". The five dashes at the end are reserved for future module letters.
Option List: The letters (and associated positions) in the OM string refer
to the following option modules:
A = ATU (KAT3), P = PA (KPA3), X = XVTR and RX I/O (KXV3), S = Sub Receiver
(KRX3), D = DVR
(KDVR3), F = Band-Pass Filter module, main (KBPF3), and f = Band-Pass Filter
module, sub (KBPF3).
--------------------------------------------------

During initialisation all installed modules are detected ... independent
what you have configured
If your module is dead i would expect this to be reflected in the OM output.

vy 73
Thomas, DM7TN
K3/100 #78

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of jmalloy
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number #584
acting "flaky".  Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe I'm missing
something (?).  No matter what I do, the rig is limited to 12 W (or so it
says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous times in software, I've
removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked the circuit breaker with a VOM
out of circuit, I've tried another power supply, and so on.  No joy.  Before
I contact Elecraft I'd like to hear the collective wisdom of the group --
what else can I try to get things working.

Tnx and MC!

73,

Joe, W2RBA


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[Bill VanAlstyne W5WVO]

Dick,

I experienced this same problem exactly on my SN 888, complete with
intermittency of the symptom. After some consultation with Elecraft tech
support, they sent me a KPAIO3 board -- the board that the KPA3 connects through
and that contains the 12VDC sensor circuitry. Unfortunately, I haven't been able
to get to installing it as yet. It's on the list for when I return from holiday
vacation out of town. My bet is that this will cure the problem. I'll let the
list (and Elecraft tech support) know when I swap it out and try it. Should be
first week of January, possibly end of December.

Bill W5WVO


Dick Dievendorff wrote:

> I believe the OM; query returns the result of the configuration menu
> settings. The KPA3 menu setting should be "PA NOR".
>
> Dick, K6KR
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thomas Norff
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:20 PM
> To: 'jmalloy'
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3
>
> Joe,
>
> have you checked the 'internal information '  ?
>
> -------------------------------------------------
> use:
>
> OM * (Option Module Query; GET Only)
> RSP format: OM APXSDFf-----; where any of the letters APXSDFf, if
> present, indicate installed and detected
> option modules (see list below). The positions of the letters are
> fixed. If a module is not present, its letter is
> replaced by a dash (-). For example, if only a PA and sub receiver
> were installed, "OM;" would return "OM -P-S--
> ------;". The five dashes at the end are reserved for future module
> letters. Option List: The letters (and associated positions) in the
> OM string refer to the following option modules:
> A = ATU (KAT3), P = PA (KPA3), X = XVTR and RX I/O (KXV3), S = Sub
> Receiver (KRX3), D = DVR
> (KDVR3), F = Band-Pass Filter module, main (KBPF3), and f = Band-Pass
> Filter module, sub (KBPF3).
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> During initialisation all installed modules are detected ...
> independent what you have configured
> If your module is dead i would expect this to be reflected in the OM
> output.
>
> vy 73
> Thomas, DM7TN
> K3/100 #78
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of jmalloy
> Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:38 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3
>
> In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number
> #584 acting "flaky".  Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe
> I'm missing something (?).  No matter what I do, the rig is limited
> to 12 W (or so it says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous
> times in software, I've removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked
> the circuit breaker with a VOM out of circuit, I've tried another
> power supply, and so on.  No joy.  Before I contact Elecraft I'd like
> to hear the collective wisdom of the group -- what else can I try to
> get things working.
>
> Tnx and MC!
>
> 73,
>
> Joe, W2RBA
>
>
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[Ignacy]

1. NTCH within AGC
2. Manual NTCH narrower (like in IC-7000)
3. DUAL PB with adjustable Q so that it works closer to audio filters (current Q mostly too low).  

[N8LP]

Here are some answers to some of the questions posed about LP-Bridge behavior...

1. LPB responds to all application "GET" commands from memory, without passing the commands to the K3. This happens asynchronously from up to five applications at the same time. Each application only sees responses to its own queries, unless the user has checked the "AI1" or "AI2" options for that virtual port.

2. LPB forces the K3 into AI2 and K31 meta modes. There are optional check boxes for each virtual port to change the AI behavior on a per-application basis, as mentioned above. Making adjustments at the K3 will not generate commands to any application unless its virtual port has the "AI1" or "AI2" option checked. There is no provision for accommodating K30 meta-commands.

3. The only commands that LPB allows to propagate to the K3 are SET commands. Normally, this is not a problem, but there is a chance that two applications could conflict in this regard when accessing menu data. This is complicated by timing considerations. This should be a rare occurrence, but I can see possible cases where it could be a problem. For instance, if a program uses periodic VFO UP or DN commands to implement scanning and then a second program starts a menu access operation during the scan. I would have to think through all the combinations, but it seems that the operator's limitation of only having one mouse and one free hand would limit the cases where a problem could exist.

4. LPB will not allow use of the K3 Utility through a virtual port for safety reasons.

I am considering adding code to lock out SET commands from other virtual ports once one app sends a MNnnn; command, until the MN255; command is sent. This could cause other problems, though. It would be better if the UP/DN commands associated with the menu functions could be changed to menu specific special commands, like UPM and DNM, as opposed to using the regular VFO UP/DN commands. This of course would become an issue with existing programs.

73,
Larry N8LP



<quote author="Dick Dievendorff">
Barry asked for the ability to display AGC parameters.  These values are
currently read by accessing menus and reading them from the VFO A display
area.  During that menu access, another application might send an UP or DN
command, which could change one of the AGC parameters.  That's my only
point.  New single-command queries could solve that particular issue.

I don't know the list of K3 commands that LP-Bridge blocks. I don't know how
LP-Bridge uses its knowledge of what one application is doing to influence
the commands permitted by another.  I'm using the TelepostInc.com LPB html
help page as my source of info on what LP-Bridge does.

LP-Bridge offers a useful subset of the K3 Command set to many applications.
But it's the LP-Bridge virtualization that these applications see, and
that's different from the K3 programmer's reference command set.  This is a
very useful subset, but arguably insufficient for the requested application.

Dick, K6KR

[Jim AB3CV]

As another mentioned, a digital signal out when the ATU is uninstalled or
disabled and Tune is tapped to allow activation of an external tuner would
be very nice to have. I use a remote tuner (T1) at my antenna base and the
internal tuner in the K3 as well at times.

73

jim ab3cv
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[Jim AB3CV]

On Wed, Dec 23, 2009 at 9:23 PM, Jim Miller <[hidden email]> wrote:

> As another mentioned, a digital signal out when the ATU is uninstalled or
> disabled and Tune is tapped to allow activation of an external tuner would
> be very nice to have. I use a remote tuner (T1) at my antenna base and the
> internal tuner in the K3 as well at times.
>
> 73
>
> jim ab3cv
>
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[Julius Fazekas n2wn]

I'd second this one Dick!

Best Wishes for the Holidays to all!
73,
Julius

Dick Green WC1M-2 wrote

My wish is to be able to change any setting while transmitting. Most
important, I would like to be able to change Width, Shift, Hi, Lo, RIT/XIT,
RIT/XIT on/off, and RIT/XIT CLR. I'd also like to be able to change EQ, VOX
and AGC parameters, though those are less important.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Wayne Burdick [mailto:[e-mail]]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 1:02 PM
> To: Elecraft Reflector; [e-mail];
[e-mail]
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software
>
> Hi all,
>
> As you probably know, we keep a list of firmware features and
> improvements to be added as time permits. Many of the most-requested
> changes were made over the past several months, keeping pace with the
> demands of the fall/winter contest season. (A few that come to mind:
> switch sequence automation via macros, improved DVR interaction with
> PTT, main/sub audio mixing, improved NR, lockable transmit controls,
> and many enhanced remote-control commands.)
>
> As we head into 2010, we'd like to refresh the master firmware list
> based on your input. Items already on the list have priority, of
> course, but this is a great opportunity to let us know what else is
> missing or could be improved. Our goal is to make the K3 as easy to
> use as possible, while providing the advanced features you need for
> specific operating situations.
>
> We're also planning a renewed effort to assist application software
> developers. If your ideas for improvements involve changes to both K3
> firmware and a favorite application, we'll pass it along to the
> developers and work with them closely.
>
> We're making great progress on the P3 Panadapter and other new
> products. There will be some surprises in 2010 :)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>


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[Julius Fazekas n2wn]

Application software - I have a KRC2 and I would like it to know the difference between 6m and 10m. In fact it would be nice to get away from the fixed bands per relay and instead map bands and potentially sub-bands to relays via the utility. The new KRC2 firmware can apparently manage this but unfortunately the KRC2 setting utility can not yet program it. It would be great to have an update to that.

*** It would be nice to be able to say switch between LC networks when moving from one end of 160 to the other. Of course, I would go for a remote ATU from Elecraft too (nudge nudge wink wink)

Not asked but new hardware - how about a multiple antenna output board without an ATU? Especially for those of us using HF and 6m beams. The IC7000 has 4 antenna sockets. The K3 has 1.

*** I'll second this too. Kit form would be great.

73,
Julius

[Thomas Norff]

... as always Dick is right ... one nice command lost ... at least for me

Joe,

do you get any ERR ... displayed after switching-on the K3 ?
If not the installed KPA is responding to the internal commands.

Did you check the relay as described in the installation manual of the KPA
----------
Connect a power supply to your K3 and test the fans and KPAIO3 interface
control as follows:
Press the POWER button to turn the K3 on.
Hold CONFIG to select the Configuration menu, then turn VFO B to KPA3.
Normally, the display will
indicate NOT INST (not installed).
Turn the VFO A knob to PAIO ON, then turn it further to PAIO TST. When
moving between ON and
TST, you should hear a relay click on the KPAIO3 board. If you don't, press
the K3 POWER button to
switch it off, then on again and retry the test.
Turn the VFO A knob on past TST to FN1, then FN2, FN3 and FN4. The fans
should start turning at
FN1 and increase speed as you continue to FN4.
Turn the K3 off and disconnect the power supply.
----------

vy 73
Thomas, DM7TN
K3/100 #78

-----Original Message-----
From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 2:27 AM
To: 'Thomas Norff'; 'jmalloy'
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

I believe the OM; query returns the result of the configuration menu
settings. The KPA3 menu setting should be "PA NOR".

Dick, K6KR


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Thomas Norff
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:20 PM
To: 'jmalloy'
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

Joe,

have you checked the 'internal information '  ?

-------------------------------------------------
use:

OM * (Option Module Query; GET Only)
RSP format: OM APXSDFf-----; where any of the letters APXSDFf, if present,
indicate installed and detected option modules (see list below). The
positions of the letters are fixed. If a module is not present, its letter
is replaced by a dash (-). For example, if only a PA and sub receiver were
installed, "OM;" would return "OM -P-S-- ------;". The five dashes at the
end are reserved for future module letters.
Option List: The letters (and associated positions) in the OM string refer
to the following option modules:
A = ATU (KAT3), P = PA (KPA3), X = XVTR and RX I/O (KXV3), S = Sub Receiver
(KRX3), D = DVR (KDVR3), F = Band-Pass Filter module, main (KBPF3), and f =
Band-Pass Filter module, sub (KBPF3).
--------------------------------------------------

During initialisation all installed modules are detected ... independent
what you have configured If your module is dead i would expect this to be
reflected in the OM output.

vy 73
Thomas, DM7TN
K3/100 #78

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of jmalloy
Sent: Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:38 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Problem: ERR 12V and failure(?) of KPA3

In the past few days, I've noticed the KPA3 in my K3 serial number #584
acting "flaky".  Well, today it apparently failed -- or maybe I'm missing
something (?).  No matter what I do, the rig is limited to 12 W (or so it
says); I've switched the KPA3 on and off numerous times in software, I've
removed and reinserted the KPA3, I've checked the circuit breaker with a VOM
out of circuit, I've tried another power supply, and so on.  No joy.  Before
I contact Elecraft I'd like to hear the collective wisdom of the group --
what else can I try to get things working.

Tnx and MC!

73,

Joe, W2RBA


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Boy....the dam and broke....  Spent the lats 45 minutes reading all this stuff.

Here is my very short list.

1.  Power control - Fine and Course  To many turns to get to the power I want.  Especially driving an amp.  I think that others have talked about power control with amplifiers.  In my shack, I would like to set the output more quickly when I have the amp running.

2.  I would like to see a computer program that looks like the front of the K3 with pull down menus for various or all the parameters.  There are some utilities out there that are close.  I would like to see pull down menus so an operator can change parameters quickly instead of going to the menus inside the radio.  It is more a convenience than a real operating issue.

3.  In reference to the above...it would also be nice to have "files" saved so that the K3 can be changed on a "per operator" basis for multi-op conditions.  I know my hearing is not the same as the younger guys, so I have to change the EQ.

Now with all this said...there might be software out there that does that anyway, but I cannot keep up with the reflector as much as I want to.  There is a lot of information and opinion flying here...so I might a missed a thing or two.

Still - and excellent radio

Lee - K0WA
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.


In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. -  J. Wolf

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[N2TK]

Is there any way to setup the K3 utility through LP-Bridge to send macros
for the utility program to the K3 without having to close LP-Bridge then
starting the K3 utility program? I understand that you have to close the
LP-Bridge for downloading updates. I guess the same applies to the macros.
But thought I would ask.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Dick Green WC1M
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:31 PM
To: 'Dick Dievendorff'; 'Julian, G4ILO'; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software

Dick,

LP-Bridge acts as a traffic cop that allows multiple programs to share the
K3 COM port without interfering with each other. It opens the K3 COM port
and sends various commands to obtain a continous flow of commonly-sought
status information. It intercepts status commands from multiple programs
attached to virtual COM ports and routes the appropriate status information
to them. When a program sends a command to the K3 that elicits a specific
reponse, the response is sent back to that program only.

73, Dick WC1M

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:[hidden email]]
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 3:35 PM
> To: 'Julian, G4ILO'; [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application
software
>
> Would the loggers object to receiving responses to commands that they
didn't

> issue?
>
> Dick, K6KR
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Julian, G4ILO
> Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 12:28 PM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application

software

>
>
>
>
> Dick Dievendorff wrote:
> >
> > Would you dedicate the K3's serial port to this function?  Instead of a
> > contest logger?
> >
>
> Why would you need to, given LP-PAN, VSPE etc?
>
> -----
> Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
> * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
> * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
> * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html
>
> --
> View this message in context:
>

http://n2.nabble.com/K3-needs-survey-firmware-and-application-software-tp420

> 9832p4210432.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
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[N2TK]

Yes, and be able to select a different group of antennas using ANT1 and ANT2
on the K3 possibly using the DIGOUT1 signal tied into something like the
KRC2. Those who have say two antennas per band can select them from the
front panel of the K3 easily.

N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of AD6XY
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 5:44 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software



There is a lot here about the K3 firmware tweaks - so I will address the
other sides of Wayne's question.

Application software - I have a KRC2 and I would like it to know the
difference between 6m and 10m. In fact it would be nice to get away from the
fixed bands per relay and instead map bands and potentially sub-bands to
relays via the utility. The new KRC2 firmware can apparently manage this but
unfortunately the KRC2 setting utility can not yet program it. It would be
great to have an update to that.

Not asked but new hardware - how about a multiple antenna output board
without an ATU? Especially for those of us using HF and 6m beams. The IC7000
has 4 antenna sockets. The K3 has 1.

Please can we have an XV70 transverter? Many more Eu states are getting 4m.
--
View this message in context:
http://n2.nabble.com/K3-needs-survey-firmware-and-application-software-tp420
9832p4210966.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[srife]

        Some of us are still awaiting the TWO BIG surprises. Got my fingers
crossed.


Stan Rife
W5EWA



-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wayne Burdick
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 12:02 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector; [hidden email];
[hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software

Hi all,

As you probably know, we keep a list of firmware features and  
improvements to be added as time permits. Many of the most-requested  
changes were made over the past several months, keeping pace with the  
demands of the fall/winter contest season. (A few that come to mind:  
switch sequence automation via macros, improved DVR interaction with  
PTT, main/sub audio mixing, improved NR, lockable transmit controls,  
and many enhanced remote-control commands.)

As we head into 2010, we'd like to refresh the master firmware list  
based on your input. Items already on the list have priority, of  
course, but this is a great opportunity to let us know what else is  
missing or could be improved. Our goal is to make the K3 as easy to  
use as possible, while providing the advanced features you need for  
specific operating situations.

We're also planning a renewed effort to assist application software  
developers. If your ideas for improvements involve changes to both K3  
firmware and a favorite application, we'll pass it along to the  
developers and work with them closely.

We're making great progress on the P3 Panadapter and other new  
products. There will be some surprises in 2010 :)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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