KX3 "FAST-PLAY" field-test firmware now available (rev. 2.11)

[wayne burdick]

Several KX3 users have now tested the new "fast-play" feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand.

The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page:

   ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/

(If it's a bit slow, note that FTP directories can take awhile to open.)

Make sure you have the latest release of KX3 Utility before loading the new firmware into your KX3.

If you haven't loaded new KX3 firmware in awhile, you might have a temporary issue with MCU/DSP firmware compatibility that affects the load process. If have any difficulty with the normal one-click firmware load:

1. Select "Advanced" mode within KX3 Utility.

2. Check the box to load just the MCU code, then click the send button.

3. When the MCU load completes (possibly with DSP error code), check the box to load just the DSP code, and click send. On completion of

Here are the details on fast-play:

FAST MESSAGE PLAY

A long-hold of MSG (~3 sec) puts the KX3 into FAST PLAY mode. In this mode, the BAND+, BAND-, and FREQ_ENT switches can be used to play/repeat messages 1, 2, and 3 immediately, without the need to first tap MSG. To turn off fast play, hold MSG for ~3 seconds again, or turn the KX3 off and back on.

Notes:

(1) In voice modes (using the built-in DVR), only messages 1 and 2 are available, corresponding to BAND+ and BAND- in fast-play.

(2) At present, message chaining (starting another message while one is already in progress) is only available in CW modes (with both normal and fast-play).

73,
Wayne
N6KR


______________________________________________________________
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]

[Heinz Baertschi]

A hugely useful feature!
To make perfect (e.g. for SOTA use) would it be possible to interpret empty message memories as non FAST-PLAY?
This would allow to use e.g. BAND+/- for quick band changes and FREQ ENT for 1-touch message play/repeat without toggling back and forth FAST-PLAY mode.

73,
Heinz HB9BCB

[Kenneth Christiansen]

Hi to the group.
I updated my KX3 to this "FAST-PLAY" firmware just hours before field day started. I made 118 QRP battery contacts using the Fast-Play feature and had no troubles with the download or the firmware. I was able to leave most of the cables between my computer and the KX3 disconnected. I did use the KX3 to USB interface so the N3FJP software could log my frequency for each contact. I found by using FAST-PLAY on the KX3 that I did not have to touch the mouse as N3FJP just kept doing what I wanted and the KX3 was handy beside the computer. A touch of 2 buttons completed most contacts. The built in paddle was used about twice during the entire contest. Once again thanks Wayne as I considered this a wonderful improvement to the firmware.

Sent from my iPad

> On Jun 27, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Several KX3 users have now tested the new "fast-play" feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand.
>
> The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page:
>
>   ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/
>
______________________________________________________________
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]

[wayne burdick]

Thanks for the report, Ken. I'm glad it's working well.

Wayne
N6KR

On Jun 30, 2014, at 1:44 PM, Kenneth A Christiansen <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hi to the group.
> I updated my KX3 to this "FAST-PLAY" firmware just hours before field day started. I made 118 QRP battery contacts using the Fast-Play feature and had no troubles with the download or the firmware. I was able to leave most of the cables between my computer and the KX3 disconnected. I did use the KX3 to USB interface so the N3FJP software could log my frequency for each contact. I found by using FAST-PLAY on the KX3 that I did not have to touch the mouse as N3FJP just kept doing what I wanted and the KX3 was handy beside the computer. A touch of 2 buttons completed most contacts. The built in paddle was used about twice during the entire contest. Once again thanks Wayne as I considered this a wonderful improvement to the firmware.
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Jun 27, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Several KX3 users have now tested the new "fast-play" feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand.
>>
>> The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page:
>>
>>  ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/
>>

______________________________________________________________
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]

[G]

Is there any documentation? All I could find was the firmware, and since
I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my KX3 it would give me
something to do to pass the time.


On 07/04/2014 04:55 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Thanks for the report, Ken. I'm glad it's working well.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> On Jun 30, 2014, at 1:44 PM, Kenneth A Christiansen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Hi to the group.
>> I updated my KX3 to this "FAST-PLAY" firmware just hours before field day started. I made 118 QRP battery contacts using the Fast-Play feature and had no troubles with the download or the firmware. I was able to leave most of the cables between my computer and the KX3 disconnected. I did use the KX3 to USB interface so the N3FJP software could log my frequency for each contact. I found by using FAST-PLAY on the KX3 that I did not have to touch the mouse as N3FJP just kept doing what I wanted and the KX3 was handy beside the computer. A touch of 2 buttons completed most contacts. The built in paddle was used about twice during the entire contest. Once again thanks Wayne as I considered this a wonderful improvement to the firmware.
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>>> On Jun 27, 2014, at 2:05 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> Several KX3 users have now tested the new "fast-play" feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand.
>>>
>>> The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page:
>>>
>>>  ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/
>>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

[wayne burdick]

MCU 2.11 / DSP 1.30, 6-26-2014

* FAST MESSAGE PLAY: A long-hold of MSG (~3 sec) puts the KX3 into FAST PLAY mode. In this mode, the BAND+, BAND-, and FREQ_ENT switches can be used to play/repeat messages 1, 2, and 3 immediately, without the need to first tap MSG. To turn off fast play, hold MSG for ~3 seconds again, or turn the KX3 off and back on. Notes: (1) In voice modes (using the built-in DVR), only messages 1 and 2 are available, corresponding to BAND+ and BAND- in fast-play. (2) At present, message chaining is only available in CW modes (with both normal and fast-play).


Wayne
N6KR


On Jul 5, 2014, at 2:26 AM, G <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Is there any documentation? All I could find was the firmware, and since
> I am anxiously awaiting the delivery of my KX3 it would give me
> something to do to pass the time.
>
>
> On 07/04/2014 04:55 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Thanks for the report, Ken. I'm glad it's working well.
>>
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>> On Jun 30, 2014, at 1:44 PM, Kenneth A Christiansen <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi to the group.
>>> I updated my KX3 to this "FAST-PLAY" firmware just hours before field day started. I made 118 QRP battery contacts using the Fast-Play feature and had no troubles with the download or the firmware. I was able to leave most of the cables between my computer and the KX3 disconnected. I did use the KX3 to USB interface so the N3FJP software could log my frequency for each contact. I found by using FAST-PLAY on the KX3 that I did not have to touch the mouse as N3FJP just kept doing what I wanted and the KX3 was handy beside the computer. A touch of 2 buttons completed most contacts. The built in paddle was used about twice during the entire contest. Once again thanks Wayne as I considered this a wonderful improvement to the firmware.

______________________________________________________________
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]

[Heinz Baertschi]

Wayne,

As suggested in my recent post it would be very useful if the KX3 user himself could decide which of the 3 switches he would donate for fast play!?

73,
Heinz HB9BCB



> Am 05.07.2014 um 18:06 schrieb Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
>
> MCU 2.11 / DSP 1.30, 6-26-2014
>
> * FAST MESSAGE PLAY: A long-hold of MSG (~3 sec) puts the KX3 into FAST PLAY mode. In this mode, the BAND+, BAND-, and FREQ_ENT switches can be used to play/repeat messages 1, 2, and 3 immediately, without the need to first tap MSG. To turn off fast play, hold MSG for ~3 seconds again, or turn the KX3 off and back on. Notes: (1) In voice modes (using the built-in DVR), only messages 1 and 2 are available, corresponding to BAND+ and BAND- in fast-play. (2) At present, message chaining is only available in CW modes (with both normal and fast-play).
>
>
> Wayne
> N6KR

______________________________________________________________
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]

[G]

Wayne,

That is awesome! Another reason I went with the KX3, upgradable
firmware. While most rigs can upgrade their firmware no one is going
outside the norm.

Now just time to decide if I should sell the TS-2000 LE to get the
KXPA100 :)

Thanks for the description. I look forward to getting it loaded up.


On 07/05/2014 12:37 PM, Heinz Bärtschi wrote:

> Wayne,
>
> As suggested in my recent post it would be very useful if the KX3 user himself could decide which of the 3 switches he would donate for fast play!?
>
> 73,
> Heinz HB9BCB
>
>
>
>> Am 05.07.2014 um 18:06 schrieb Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>:
>>
>> MCU 2.11 / DSP 1.30, 6-26-2014
>>
>> * FAST MESSAGE PLAY: A long-hold of MSG (~3 sec) puts the KX3 into FAST PLAY mode. In this mode, the BAND+, BAND-, and FREQ_ENT switches can be used to play/repeat messages 1, 2, and 3 immediately, without the need to first tap MSG. To turn off fast play, hold MSG for ~3 seconds again, or turn the KX3 off and back on. Notes: (1) In voice modes (using the built-in DVR), only messages 1 and 2 are available, corresponding to BAND+ and BAND- in fast-play. (2) At present, message chaining is only available in CW modes (with both normal and fast-play).
>>
>>
>> Wayne
>> N6KR

______________________________________________________________
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]

[Sven Ladegast]

Hello Wayne,

I have tested this great feature on the weekend and it works really nice!

Just a hint: When the CW decoder is enabled and fast play is switched
on, the hint text on the VFO B display becomes mixed up with the currect
CW decoder text. It would be nice if decoder text is suppressed until
the hint text display is over.

vy 73!

Sven, DJ2AT
______________________________________________________________
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]

[wayne burdick]

Oops. Thanks for catching this, Sven.

Wayne
N6KR


On Jul 13, 2014, at 8:08 AM, Sven Ladegast <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hello Wayne,
>
> I have tested this great feature on the weekend and it works really nice!
>
> Just a hint: When the CW decoder is enabled and fast play is switched on, the hint text on the VFO B display becomes mixed up with the currect CW decoder text. It would be nice if decoder text is suppressed until the hint text display is over.
>
> vy 73!
>
> Sven, DJ2AT



______________________________________________________________
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]