Elecraft

K3S Power On / PTT

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Marco HB9CAT

K3S Power On / PTT

I configured my K3s to use DTR to key CW, (CONFIG:PTT-KEY to “Off-RTS”) and configured my logging program (Dxlog.net) accordingly; the COM port I’m using is the K3s virtual serial related to the USB connection. Everything worked fine.

Later on I unplugged the K3s to use it in another location, where I’ve just connected power and antenna (no USB); right after powering it up it went to TX, USB RTS was probably in an undefined state being interpreted as high so it keyed CW.
I knew that might be the problem so I tried to access the CONFIG:PTT-KEY menu: there was no way to get there while the K3s was stuck in TX, as usual I got to the the “FW Revs” default config menu but I couldn’t move to the other menus.

The only possible solution has been to get hold of a PC, install USB drivers and set RTS low.

Question: is there any alternative power-up sequence to enter a sort of safe mode allowing me to change configuration ?

Thanks

Marco HB9CAT

P.S.: all firmware revisions are the latest
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Guy Olinger K2AV

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

See if there's a smartphone app that breaks out a usb to which you've
plugged in the power cable. I'm going to look for one now.

Otherwise you've put yourself in a very interesting box. Need to turn off
that dtr for moving. :>)

73, Guy K2AV

On Saturday, August 8, 2015, Marco HB9CAT <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I configured my K3s to use DTR to key CW, (CONFIG:PTT-KEY to “Off-RTS”)
> and configured my logging program (Dxlog.net) accordingly; the COM port I’m
> using is the K3s virtual serial related to the USB connection. Everything
> worked fine.
>
> Later on I unplugged the K3s to use it in another location, where I’ve
> just connected power and antenna (no USB); right after powering it up it
> went to TX, USB RTS was probably in an undefined state being interpreted as
> high so it keyed CW.
> I knew that might be the problem so I tried to access the CONFIG:PTT-KEY
> menu: there was no way to get there while the K3s was stuck in TX, as usual
> I got to the the “FW Revs” default config menu but I couldn’t move to the
> other menus.
>
> The only possible solution has been to get hold of a PC, install USB
> drivers and set RTS low.
>
> Question: is there any alternative power-up sequence to enter a sort of
> safe mode allowing me to change configuration ?
>
> Thanks
>
> Marco HB9CAT
>
> P.S.: all firmware revisions are the latest
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <javascript:;>
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Lyle Johnson

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Marco HB9CAT

This problem is fixed in the latest beta firmware for the K3/K3S. Until
then, it is best to set PTT-KEY to OFF-OFF before taking the K3/K3S to a
location without USB connectivity.

73,

Lyle KK7P

On 8/8/15 10:31 AM, Marco HB9CAT wrote:

> I configured my K3s to use DTR to key CW, (CONFIG:PTT-KEY to “Off-RTS”) and configured my logging program (Dxlog.net) accordingly; the COM port I’m using is the K3s virtual serial related to the USB connection. Everything worked fine.
>
> Later on I unplugged the K3s to use it in another location, where I’ve just connected power and antenna (no USB); right after powering it up it went to TX, USB RTS was probably in an undefined state being interpreted as high so it keyed CW.
> I knew that might be the problem so I tried to access the CONFIG:PTT-KEY menu: there was no way to get there while the K3s was stuck in TX, as usual I got to the the “FW Revs” default config menu but I couldn’t move to the other menus.
>
> The only possible solution has been to get hold of a PC, install USB drivers and set RTS low.
>
> Question: is there any alternative power-up sequence to enter a sort of safe mode allowing me to change configuration ?
>
> Thanks
>
> Marco HB9CAT
>
> P.S.: all firmware revisions are the latest
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Marco HB9CAT

In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read the
manual several times. These discussions then raise the question, "is
there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to factory default
values? I may have overlooked this. However the product not having a
Master Reset I view is a major shortcoming of the product.

If its there, I'd specifically like to know more.

73 Bob, K4TAX

On 8/8/2015 12:31 PM, Marco HB9CAT wrote:

Lyle Johnson

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

We save the configuration file at the factory. We recommend that you
save the configuration file using K3 Utility upon receipt of the radio,
and after installing options, loading memories, etc..

With that saved, if you have to do a "master reset" you do an EEINIT and
then load your saved configuration.

73,

Lyle KK7P

> In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read
> the manual several times. These discussions then raise the question,
> "is there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to factory default
> values?

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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3S "Master Reset"

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Bob,

It is in the manual - "Parameter Initialization". That is often
referred to as EE INIT.
It is not recommended unless you have access to a configuration file
that was saved when the K3 (K3S) was operating normally - EE INIT sets
all configuration and menu settings to default, and at least the
configuration items need to be re-entered.

When you get your new K3S, one of the first things to do is to Save the
Configuration - that can be easily and quickly accomplished using K3
Utility.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/8/2015 2:54 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
> In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read
> the manual several times. These discussions then raise the question,
> "is there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to factory default
> values? I may have overlooked this. However the product not having
> a Master Reset I view is a major shortcoming of the product.
>
> If its there, I'd specifically like to know more.
>

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Scott Manthe-2

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Having read several of your posts, I find it unfortunate for you that
you don't even have your K3S yet and you seem to have identified several
major shortcomings. Fortunately, I'm sure there will be hundreds of
opportunities to sell it should you find it is not up to your standards.

The "master reset" feature is on page 72 of the manual. Elecraft calls
it "parameter initialization."

I sincerely hope you find the K3S more acceptable after you receive it
than you have while you've waited.

73,
Scott N9AA

On 8/8/15 2:54 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:

> In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read
> the manual several times. These discussions then raise the question,
> "is there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to factory default
> values? I may have overlooked this. However the product not having
> a Master Reset I view is a major shortcoming of the product.
>
> If its there, I'd specifically like to know more.
>
> 73 Bob, K4TAX
>

Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Lyle Johnson

Thanks Lyle. I do have the K3Utility on the computer and will do just
that..........first thing.

As I stated to another person letting me know of the procedure as listed
in the manual, coming from other brands of radios that do offer a
"Master Reset" I am finding the nomenclature and language, if you will,
of the K3S is quite different.

73 Bob, K4TAX

On 8/8/2015 2:23 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:

> We save the configuration file at the factory. We recommend that you
> save the configuration file using K3 Utility upon receipt of the
> radio, and after installing options, loading memories, etc..
>
> With that saved, if you have to do a "master reset" you do an EEINIT
> and then load your saved configuration.
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
>
>> In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read
>> the manual several times. These discussions then raise the
>> question, "is there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to
>> factory default values?
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>

Marco HB9CAT

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Lyle Johnson

Thanks Lyle,
I tried the beta and it addresses exactly the issue I experienced; tried it out, works fine :-)

For reference in case others experienced the same:
* PTT/KEY USE WITH THE USB PORT IMPROVED: PC applications can activate PTT and KEY at the K3S via the USB port's RTS/DTR signals. However, initial setup of the rig's USB port by the PC may cause pulsed or continuous activation of the transmitter. This can happen if the computer is turned on after the K3S, or if the USB cable is not connected. There is now a "Safe" mode (the default) which disables PTT-KEY transmit until the K3S receives a command via USB, such as a read of the rig's VFO frequency. To turn on safe mode on/off, go into CONFIG:PTT-KEY and tap '1' to select "USB SAFE" or "UNSAFE". Exit the menu and turn the K3S off/on. Applications that use PTT-KEY via USB but never send commands may require "UNSAFE" mode. In this case, unwanted transmit can be avoided by turning the PC on before the K3S.

Marco HB9CAT

-----Original Message-----
From: Lyle Johnson [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: sabato, 8. agosto 2015 20:27
To: [hidden email]; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S Power On / PTT

This problem is fixed in the latest beta firmware for the K3/K3S. Until then, it is best to set PTT-KEY to OFF-OFF before taking the K3/K3S to a location without USB connectivity.

73,

Lyle KK7P

On 8/8/15 10:31 AM, Marco HB9CAT wrote:

> I configured my K3s to use DTR to key CW, (CONFIG:PTT-KEY to “Off-RTS”) and configured my logging program (Dxlog.net) accordingly; the COM port I’m using is the K3s virtual serial related to the USB connection. Everything worked fine.
>
> Later on I unplugged the K3s to use it in another location, where I’ve just connected power and antenna (no USB); right after powering it up it went to TX, USB RTS was probably in an undefined state being interpreted as high so it keyed CW.
> I knew that might be the problem so I tried to access the CONFIG:PTT-KEY menu: there was no way to get there while the K3s was stuck in TX, as usual I got to the the “FW Revs” default config menu but I couldn’t move to the other menus.
>
> The only possible solution has been to get hold of a PC, install USB drivers and set RTS low.
>
> Question: is there any alternative power-up sequence to enter a sort of safe mode allowing me to change configuration ?
>
> Thanks
>
> Marco HB9CAT
>
> P.S.: all firmware revisions are the latest
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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 Message delivered to
> [hidden email]

Marco HB9CAT

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Marco HB9CAT

Thanks Lyle,

I tried the beta and it addresses exactly the issue I experienced; tried it
out, works fine :-)

For reference in case others experienced the same:

* PTT/KEY USE WITH THE USB PORT IMPROVED: PC applications can activate PTT
and KEY at the K3S via the USB port's RTS/DTR signals. However, initial
setup of the rig's USB port by the PC may cause pulsed or continuous
activation of the transmitter. This can happen if the computer is turned on
after the K3S, or if the USB cable is not connected. There is now a "Safe"
mode (the default) which disables PTT-KEY transmit until the K3S receives a
command via USB, such as a read of the rig's VFO frequency. To turn on safe
mode on/off, go into CONFIG:PTT-KEY and tap '1' to select "USB SAFE" or
"UNSAFE". Exit the menu and turn the K3S off/on. Applications that use
PTT-KEY via USB but never send commands may require "UNSAFE" mode. In this
case, unwanted transmit can be avoided by turning the PC on before the K3S.

Marco HB9CAT

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: K3S Power On / PTT

In reply to this post by Scott Manthe-2

Part of the "short comings" is largely from the fact I have used radios
from the major 4 companies for many years having been licensed for over
50 years. Each brand and model has or have their own uniqueness. I
don't want to come across in any form as negative or critical of the
Elecraft product. After all, I've spent nearly $4K for a new radio. I
view this as a wee bit more than "lunch money", although if I wanted or
needed other options or configurations, I would have acquired such.

And yes, if I should find issues, be assured they will be investigated
and documented and reported accordingly. Professionally, that's what
I've done in years past with regard to software and firmware based
systems. At the same time, I'm not interested in nit picking the
product. I will take it for what it is and not what I'd like it to be.
There is a significance difference.

One of my favorite sayings: "when one points the finger at someone or
something, they best look down for there's three fingers pointing back
at the more likely cause". I'll accept that on face value.

73 Bob, K4TAX

On 8/8/2015 2:32 PM, Scott Manthe wrote:

> Having read several of your posts, I find it unfortunate for you that
> you don't even have your K3S yet and you seem to have identified
> several major shortcomings. Fortunately, I'm sure there will be
> hundreds of opportunities to sell it should you find it is not up to
> your standards.
>
> The "master reset" feature is on page 72 of the manual. Elecraft calls
> it "parameter initialization."
>
> I sincerely hope you find the K3S more acceptable after you receive it
> than you have while you've waited.
>
> 73,
> Scott N9AA
>
>
> On 8/8/15 2:54 PM, Bob McGraw - K4TAX wrote:
>> In this regard and while waiting on my new K3S to arrive, I've read
>> the manual several times. These discussions then raise the
>> question, "is there no Master Reset" that returns the radio to
>> factory default values? I may have overlooked this. However the
>> product not having a Master Reset I view is a major shortcoming of
>> the product.
>>
>> If its there, I'd specifically like to know more.
>>
>> 73 Bob, K4TAX
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>