KX3 BETA firmware release (rev 1.06) -- major improvements in all areas

[wayne burdick]

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.06 (with DSP rev 0.92) is now available. This  
is major update from the current production release (0.99). The  
release notes for 1.06, below, show all changes since rev 0.99,  
organized into new features and bug fixes. Dozens of volunteers have  
been pounding on intermediate field-test releases for several weeks --  
thanks, guys.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application to download and install  
firmware. For full instructions, refer to our KX3 software page:

    http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm

We recommend that all KX3 owners install the new firmware. We hope to  
promote it to a full-production release on Monday.

Thanks,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 1.06/DSP 0.52, 6-28-2012
NEW FEATURES (since rev. 0.99):

* AGC IMPROVED:  AGC attack/decay now uses precision log/antilog  
functions (same as in the latest K3 firmware release).

* NOISE PULSE REJECTION: The KX3 can now detect high-amplitude noise  
pulses (as from appliances or florescent lamps) and remove them before  
they pin the S-meter. To enable this feature, locate the AGC*THR menu  
entry, tap ‘6’ (DLY ), and set AGC PLS to NOR.

* AUTOSPOT TUNES RIT:  If RIT is on, AUTO-SPOT fine-tunes only the RIT  
offset, leaving VFO A’s frequency untouched. (Auto-spot applies to CW  
and PSK-D modes; it is enabled by turning on CWT. Tap SPOT to auto-
spot.)

* VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION (VFO NR and RX SHFT): Both the VFO NR and  
RX SHFT menu entries can be set per-band. Using them together  
virtually eliminates VFO tuning noise. This is typically needed only  
on 6 meters. Note: With RX SHFT set to 8.0, dual watch is not  
available on that band. This restriction will be removed in a future  
firmware release.

* TX COMPRESSION DISABLED in DATA-A and AFSK-A modes.

* RX EQ AND TX EQ DISABLED in DATA-A and AFSK-A modes.

* CW TEXT DECODE IMPROVED: CW text decode now includes a user-settable  
threshold, improving copy and better rejecting noise. To turn on CW  
decode:  Hold TEXT, then rotate VFO B to select a receive signal  
threshold (RX THR1-9). For weak signals, use low thresholds (RX  
THR1-3). With strong signals, medium thresholds (RX THR4-6) provide  
better copy. At very high code speeds, the highest thresholds work  
best (RX THR7-9). Next, turn on CWT (CW tuning aid). Tune VFO A until  
the middle CWT segment flashes in time with the incoming CW. If  
necessary, further adjust the RX THR level to provide best copy. Tips:  
A narrow bandwidth setting (0.1 to 0.2 kHz) should be used if the band  
is noisy. Signals with a good signal/noise ratio and well-spaced CW  
elements will have the lowest error rate. When the KX3 detects a non-
Morse character code, it displays an asterisk (*).

* MORSE CODE AUDIO USER INTERFACE CHANGES:  MENU:SW TONE can be set to  
CODE nn (where nn is the desired code speed) to provide CW feedback on  
all controls. This is intended primarily for use by blind operators.  
Enhancements: Tap DISP to hear the operating mode followed by the kHz  
digits of the VFO A frequency (e.g., if you’re on 14040.0 CW, you’ll  
hear “C 040”). Changing bands or recalling a frequency memory sends  
the MHz digits as well (e.g. “C 14040”). Most of the rotary controls  
now report their settings (DLY, CMP, KEYER, MIC, PWR, and MON). Many  
additional improvements are planned, as well as a guide to touch-only  
use of the KX3.

BUG FIXES (since rev 0.99):

* POWER-OFF/ON SWITCHING: We’ve seen a few cases where the KX3 could  
not be turned on after being turned off. This should no longer occur.

* AUTO-SPOT now works correctly even if coarse VFO tuning was in effect.

* UNEXPECTED PREAMP TURN-OFF when some controls were used: fixed.

* INTERMITTENT TX ALC BAR GRAPH LEVEL: fixed.

* LOSS OF RX AUDIO IN SSB MODE @ BANDWIDTH ~2.40 kHz: fixed.

* TX EQ now works correctly. In some cases it was having no effect.

* DUAL WATCH BUG: The dual-watch feature was staying partially engaged  
at all times with DUAL RX set to AUTO, even when VFOs were tuned out  
of dual watch range. This resulted in some “ghost” signals at certain  
offsets. Fixed.

* MANUAL NOTCH is no longer turned off when you “normalize” the  
passband.

* FREQUENCY MEMORY FIXES: A channel-scan group can now include memory  
#00. Also, recalling an unprogrammed memory no longer locks VFO A.


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