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K4 Radio Update

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Paul Van Dyke

K4 Radio Update

Greetings...

This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.

I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they made
a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the Linux
operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers are
beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there will
be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.

Keep Well

Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
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NK7Z

Re: K4 Radio Update

Hi Paul,

I want to check my understanding of what you just said:

For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft,
triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:

> Greetings...
>
> This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
>
> I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they made
> a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
> major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the Linux
> operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers are
> beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
> affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there will
> be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.
>
> Keep Well
>
> Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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Paul Van Dyke

Re: K4 Radio Update

I believe you are correct, only Eric can tell you the exact. I would
rather have it that way, It would tick me off immensely if they just
passed through and the possible bug would show up later. They are more apt
to play their cards a lot closer than many other manufacturers

Paul KB9AVO

On Sun, Dec 6, 2020, 6:52 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi Paul,
>
> I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
>
> For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft,
> triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
> > Greetings...
> >
> > This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
> >
> > I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they
> made
> > a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
> > major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the Linux
> > operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers are
> > beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
> > affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there will
> > be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.
> >
> > Keep Well
> >
> > Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

NK7Z

Re: K4 Radio Update

Hi Paul,

Not to pick nits, but I would rather have them write code that does not
worry them when the Linux kernel is updated.

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 12/6/20 3:59 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:

> I believe you are correct, only Eric can tell you the exact. I would
> rather have it that way, It would tick me off immensely if they just
> passed through and the possible bug would show up later. They are more
> apt to play their cards a lot closer than many other manufacturers
>
> Paul KB9AVO
>
> On Sun, Dec 6, 2020, 6:52 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>
> Hi Paul,
>
> I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
>
> For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft,
> triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
> > Greetings...
> >
> > This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
> >
> > I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that
> they made
> > a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT
> do a
> > major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in
> the Linux
> > operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field
> testers are
> > beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
> > affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe
> there will
> > be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed
> explanation.
> >
> > Keep Well
> >
> > Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> <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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
> <mailto:[hidden email]>
>

Mark Goldberg

Re: K4 Radio Update

On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 5:14 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Paul,
>
> Not to pick nits, but I would rather have them write code that does not
> worry them when the Linux kernel is updated.

Unfortunately, that is not possible.

I've been working with Linux for decades now. Unfortunately, they
sometimes change stuff in the kernel that you never even guessed would
change that breaks your code. It's the way it is. Sometimes it is for
security reasons. It's just a cost of using Linux. Windows, IOS are no
different. Stuff breaks all the time. At least with Linux you can look
at the source code to see exactly what changed and how to fix your
code. I expect Elecraft will get it sorted out quickly. They are smart
folks.

73,

Mark
W7MLG
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Carl Yaffey

Re: K4 Radio Update

Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they have for now.

> On Dec 6, 2020, at 7:29 PM, Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 5:14 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Paul,
>>
>> Not to pick nits, but I would rather have them write code that does not
>> worry them when the Linux kernel is updated.
>
> Unfortunately, that is not possible.
>
> I've been working with Linux for decades now. Unfortunately, they
> sometimes change stuff in the kernel that you never even guessed would
> change that breaks your code. It's the way it is. Sometimes it is for
> security reasons. It's just a cost of using Linux. Windows, IOS are no
> different. Stuff breaks all the time. At least with Linux you can look
> at the source code to see exactly what changed and how to fix your
> code. I expect Elecraft will get it sorted out quickly. They are smart
> folks.
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Carl Yaffey K8NU
614 268 6353, Columbus OH
http://www.carl-yaffey.com
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Https://www.columbusfolkmusicsociety.org
http://www.timbrewolves.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.folkramblers.carl-yaffey.com
Http:www.clintonvillegrass.com

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k6dgw

Re: K4 Radio Update

Was wondering that myself, Carl. But then, I can think of two broad
reasons:

1. The Linux update fixes a serious flaw that was adversely affecting
the Elecraft FW

2. The update does something that, if capitalized on, would have a
serious positive effect on the Elecraft FW capability/performance

In any case, Wayne and Eric [and the rest of the crew for that matter]
are not neophytes in this business. I'm sure the reasons were good.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 12/6/2020 4:36 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
> Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they have for now.
>
>

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Bill Frantz

Re: K4 Radio Update

In reply to this post by Carl Yaffey

It is a really poor idea to freeze an OS that is connected to
the public Internet. You need to keep up on the security
updates. (Ditto for Windows, MacOS, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD to
mention several.)

73 Bill AE6JV

On 12/6/20 at 7:36 PM, [hidden email] (Carl Yaffey) wrote:

>Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they have for now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz |"Insofar as the propositions of mathematics
refer to
408-348-7900 | reality, they are not certain; and insofar
they are
www.pwpconsult.com | certain, they do not refer to reality.”
-- Einstein

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NK7Z

Re: K4 Radio Update

Hi Bill,

Hopefully Elecraft will be speedy with updates, I am sure they will be,
as they have a superb history of support,

The security aspect was my concern-- freezing the OS is bad, and I doubt
they will do that.

This however now brings up the question of what happens if Elecraft goes
out of business. Hopefully not, but it has to be looked at...

They could then Open Source the code for the rig at that point... Maybe
put the source in escrow now, against that eventuality, and keep the
escrow updated with current code...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 12/6/20 4:53 PM, Bill Frantz wrote:

> It is a really poor idea to freeze an OS that is connected to the public
> Internet. You need to keep up on the security updates. (Ditto for
> Windows, MacOS, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD to mention several.)
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 12/6/20 at 7:36 PM, [hidden email] (Carl Yaffey) wrote:
>
>> Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they
>> have for now.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz |"Insofar as the propositions of mathematics refer to
> 408-348-7900 | reality, they are not certain; and insofar they are
> www.pwpconsult.com | certain, they do not refer to reality.” -- Einstein
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Rick Bates, NK7I

Re: K4 Radio Update

In reply to this post by k6dgw

Usually any kernel update has to do with security issues (that's a very
broad stroke) so freezing it would leave security gaps or known issues.

Then there are files that constantly seem to update (i.e. the time zone
files are a constant state of update; who knew it was so tough to figure
zone changes?).

And there may be improved drivers for the hardware, which may break
things relying on eccentricities of the old driver... Or drivers for
new hardware since the last release instead of the generic driver that
was used.

I randomly update my linux machines, no pattern at all but months apart
is a fair guess. They don't have many ports or services available so
while they're still attacked, so far, there haven't been any successful
break ins. I also split the duties to various computers around the
house (the router knows all and puts one linux box in the DMZ and it's
secure enough to handle it). Without knowing what I did, the end user
doesn't have a clue what machine or OS I'm using.

Sometimes even the version (and support) have had a major update, which
may change a lot of things in one pass. That's not always good.

Often the audio breaks because the app used to manipulate or process the
audio is deprecated; so scripts or similar that call the apps must be
adapted...

It's an evolving OS as any other, which means changes.

I'm sure Elecraft will stay on top of it. Keep the faith. Their name
and rep is on the line and they treat things in that manner.

73,
Rick NK7I

On 12/6/2020 4:49 PM, Fred Jensen wrote:

> Was wondering that myself, Carl. But then, I can think of two broad
> reasons:
>
> 1. The Linux update fixes a serious flaw that was adversely affecting
> the Elecraft FW
>
> 2. The update does something that, if capitalized on, would have a
> serious positive effect on the Elecraft FW capability/performance
>
> In any case, Wayne and Eric [and the rest of the crew for that matter]
> are not neophytes in this business. I'm sure the reasons were good.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> On 12/6/2020 4:36 PM, Carl Yaffey wrote:
>> Hmmm. Not sure why they don’t “freeze” the version of Linux that they
>> have for now.
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Rick Bates, NK7I

Re: K4 Radio Update

In reply to this post by NK7Z

The shortest answer is: That's not possible. It's an evolving OS like
any other; change is inevitable.

Rick NK7I

On 12/6/2020 4:13 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

> Hi Paul,
>
> Not to pick nits, but I would rather have them write code that does
> not worry them when the Linux kernel is updated.
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 12/6/20 3:59 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
>> I believe you are correct, only Eric can tell you the exact. I would
>> rather have it that way, It would tick me off immensely if they just
>> passed through and the possible bug would show up later. They are
>> more apt to play their cards a lot closer than many other manufacturers
>>
>> Paul KB9AVO
>>
>> On Sun, Dec 6, 2020, 6:52 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]
>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>>     Hi Paul,
>>
>>     I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
>>
>>     For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft,
>>     triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
>>
>>     73, and thanks,
>>     Dave (NK7Z)
>>     https://www.nk7z.net
>>     ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>>     ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
>>     ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>>
>>     On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
>>      > Greetings...
>>      >
>>      > This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
>>      >
>>      > I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that
>>     they made
>>      > a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT
>>     do a
>>      > major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in
>>     the Linux
>>      > operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field
>>     testers are
>>      > beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have
>> adverse
>>      > affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe
>>     there will
>>      > be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed
>>     explanation.
>>      >
>>      > Keep Well
>>      >
>>      > Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
>>      > ______________________________________________________________
>>      > Elecraft mailing list
>>      > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>      > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>      > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>     <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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>      >
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>     Elecraft mailing list
>>     Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>     Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>     Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>> <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]
>>     <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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wayne burdick

Re: K4 Radio Update

Administrator

In reply to this post by NK7Z

This is not correct.

For technical reasons, we've been using a somewhat outdated Kernel during the past year's development. (This simplified some logistics for the team, while having virtually no impact on K4 users.) All current users are getting updated along with our development team, and it was completely painless. It'll all be history by the end of next week. A one-time reckoning.

Now that we've gotten this task out of the way, all future upgrades should go very smoothly. In the vast majority of cases only the application code will be updated.

And don't worry: as a user of the K4, you won't have to even think about linux OS issues, linux commands, and other arch-nerdly stuff. Updates are essentially one-click (maybe two).

It's a radio, not a computer....

73,
Wayne
N6KR

> On Dec 6, 2020, at 3:51 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Paul,
>
> I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
>
> For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft, triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
>> Greetings...
>> This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
>> I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they made
>> a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
>> major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the Linux
>> operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers are
>> beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
>> affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there will
>> be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.
>> Keep Well
>> Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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Grant Youngman-2

Re: K4 Radio Update

That’s the best simple statement of fact I’ve seen on-line all day!

Grant NQ5T

> It's a radio, not a computer....
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>

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NK7Z

Re: K4 Radio Update

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Thanks Wayne for clearing that up... I was getting worried there...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 12/6/20 9:41 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> This is not correct.
>
> For technical reasons, we've been using a somewhat outdated Kernel during the past year's development. (This simplified some logistics for the team, while having virtually no impact on K4 users.) All current users are getting updated along with our development team, and it was completely painless. It'll all be history by the end of next week. A one-time reckoning.
>
> Now that we've gotten this task out of the way, all future upgrades should go very smoothly. In the vast majority of cases only the application code will be updated.
>
> And don't worry: as a user of the K4, you won't have to even think about linux OS issues, linux commands, and other arch-nerdly stuff. Updates are essentially one-click (maybe two).
>
> It's a radio, not a computer....
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>> On Dec 6, 2020, at 3:51 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Paul,
>>
>> I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
>>
>> For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft, triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
>>
>> 73, and thanks,
>> Dave (NK7Z)
>> https://www.nk7z.net
>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>>
>> On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
>>> Greetings...
>>> This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
>>> I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they made
>>> a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
>>> major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the Linux
>>> operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers are
>>> beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
>>> affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there will
>>> be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.
>>> Keep Well
>>> Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
>>> ______________________________________________________________
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>> ______________________________________________________________
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Paul Van Dyke

Re: K4 Radio Update

Thank you Wayne, as you have a far better understanding of what is going
on
wIthin the K4.

Paul. KB9AVO

On Mon, Dec 7, 2020, 1:11 AM Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Thanks Wayne for clearing that up... I was getting worried there...
>
>
>
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>
> On 12/6/20 9:41 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> > This is not correct.
> >
> > For technical reasons, we've been using a somewhat outdated Kernel
> during the past year's development. (This simplified some logistics for the
> team, while having virtually no impact on K4 users.) All current users are
> getting updated along with our development team, and it was completely
> painless. It'll all be history by the end of next week. A one-time
> reckoning.
> >
> > Now that we've gotten this task out of the way, all future upgrades
> should go very smoothly. In the vast majority of cases only the application
> code will be updated.
> >
> > And don't worry: as a user of the K4, you won't have to even think about
> linux OS issues, linux commands, and other arch-nerdly stuff. Updates are
> essentially one-click (maybe two).
> >
> > It's a radio, not a computer....
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Dec 6, 2020, at 3:51 PM, Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi Paul,
> >>
> >> I want to check my understanding of what you just said:
> >>
> >> For whatever reason, a kernel update not triggered by Elecraft,
> triggered a shipment stoppage of the K4s? Is that correct?
> >>
> >> 73, and thanks,
> >> Dave (NK7Z)
> >> https://www.nk7z.net
> >> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> >> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
> >> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> >>
> >> On 12/6/20 3:23 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
> >>> Greetings...
> >>> This to answer more than a few emails I have gotten.
> >>> I just got off the phone with Eric WA6HHQ, and he explained that they
> made
> >>> a few tweeks in some of the features that are in K4. They DID NOT do a
> >>> major rewrite... But at the same time, there was an upgrade in the
> Linux
> >>> operating system, and Eric, Wayne, and many engineers, field testers
> are
> >>> beating up the code to make sure the improvements do not have adverse
> >>> affects or hidden flaws before they resume shipping. I believe there
> will
> >>> be a note, to all, in a week or so, giving a more detailed explanation.
> >>> Keep Well
> >>> Paul Van Dyke - KB9AVO
> >>> ______________________________________________________________
> >>> 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]
> >> ______________________________________________________________
> >> 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]
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>

Christopher Hoover

Re: K4 Radio Update

In reply to this post by Mark Goldberg

Linux kernel changes rarely break userspace.

Kernel drivers are another matter. Internal kernel apis are always subject
to change.

73 de AI6KG

On Sun, Dec 6, 2020, 4:30 PM Mark Goldberg <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On Sun, Dec 6, 2020 at 5:14 PM Dave Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Paul,
> >
> > Not to pick nits, but I would rather have them write code that does not
> > worry them when the Linux kernel is updated.
>
> Unfortunately, that is not possible.
>
> I've been working with Linux for decades now. Unfortunately, they
> sometimes change stuff in the kernel that you never even guessed would
> change that breaks your code. It's the way it is. Sometimes it is for
> security reasons. It's just a cost of using Linux. Windows, IOS are no
> different. Stuff breaks all the time. At least with Linux you can look
> at the source code to see exactly what changed and how to fix your
> code. I expect Elecraft will get it sorted out quickly. They are smart
> folks.
>
> 73,
>
> Mark
> W7MLG
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>
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>