KX3 noise blanker (NB) level now adjustable -- need testers

[wayne burdick]

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.94 (with DSP rev 1.28) is now available. See release notes below.

You'll need the latest version of our KX3 Utility application (1.13.8.24) to download and install firmware. For full instructions on loading beta releases, as well as KX3 Utility, see our KX3 software page:

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

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 1.94 / DSP 1.28, 3-8-2014

* 8.5-9.5 MHz TRANSMIT AND ATU OPERATION IMPROVED: Corrected low power output in this range, which also allows the ATU to function normally. Note: Applies only if the KX3 is enabled for transmit in this range (U.S. “MARS” allocations, etc.).

* KXPA100 POWER SETTING IMPROVEMENT: The KX3’s PWR control can now be adjusted across the 10-watt/11-watt boundary in either direction during transmit (including TUNE mode) without causing a large spike in KXPA100 power output. Also, during TUNE, the “TX” knob function is now always assigned to power output rather than keyer speed or mic gain.

* AGC-OFF AF LIMITER NOW WORKING: Some operators prefer to turn off AGC and control gain manually using the KX3’s RF GAIN control. However, if an extremely strong signal is present with AGC off, audio output can be uncomfortably loud. The KX3 provides an AF limiter for the AGC-off case. Use the AF LIM menu entry to adjust the threshold at which limiting takes place.

For Application Programmers (see the K3/KX3 Programmer’s Reference):

* "PO" (POWER OUTPUT READ) COMMAND NOW USABLE IN QRO MODE (KXPA100 ENABLED): As with the KX3’s bar graph, the “PO” command returns an estimate of KXPA100 power output based on KX3 drive level. (You can use the KXPA100’s “^PF” command to read the amp’s power output more accurately.)

* "OM" COMMAND NOW SHOWS KXAT100 AND KX3-2M OPTIONS: These are represented by the letters ‘T’ and ‘X’ respectively in the “OM” response.

* ATU.X MD MENU ENTRY (KXAT100 ATU MODE) NOW REMOTELY ACCESSIBLE: When the PA MODE menu entry is set to ON, the ATU MD menu entry changes to ATU.X MD to show the mode of the KXAT100 external ATU. The “MP” command can now be used to read (but not set) the KXAT100’s mode in this case. (To change the mode, use the KXPA100’s ^MP command.)


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[wayne burdick]

KX3 beta firmware rev 2.12 (with DSP rev 1.30) is now available. See release notes below.

You'll need revision 1.13.8.24 or later of our KX3 Utility program to download and install firmware. For full instructions on loading beta releases, refer to our KX3 software page:

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

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 2.12 / DSP 1.30, 7-11-2014

• 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 tapped/held 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).

• MORE ACCUTATE KXPA100 “TUNE” POWER OUTPUT (PA ALC FEATURE): More accurate control of the KXPA100’s power output during TUNE from the KX3. This applies to settings from 11 to 70 W (60 W on 6 meters). Above this point, KXPA100 drive is still estimated based on the 75-W factory calibration. This prevents accidental overdrive in conditions sometimes found during full-power portable or mobile operation, such as high SWR, high current, etc. NOTES: (1) PA ALC is enabled by default. To disable PA ALC, locate MENU:PA MODE, then tap ‘1’ (PRE) until you see “PA ALC-”. (2) PA ALC only applies during TUNE, not during normal transmit. Also, if you change bands or adjust PWR, and want to fine-tune the KXPA100’s power output again, you’ll need to do another TUNE. (3) PA ALC does not apply if TUN PWR is in effect, since the TUN PWR limit is 10 W, bypassing the amp.

• KXPA100 TRANSIENT FAULT DISPLAY: Common KXPA100 faults requiring operator notification, such as high SWR, are always reported on the KX3’s display. Transient faults such as serial port errors are normally not displayed, since they rarely impact operation. For diagnostic purposes, such faults can now be displayed as “FAULT nnn” where nnn is a 3-digit number originating from the KXPA100. To enable this mode, go into the KX3’s PA MODE menu entry and tap ‘6’ (DLY) until you see “XFAULT+”.

• FULL SUPPORT FOR PX3 PANADAPTER.

• 40-METER TRANSMIT BUG FIX: The 40-m band-pass filter was being bypassed in transmit mode, due to a change in rev. 1.94 that allowed MARS operation from 8.5-9 MHz. This resulted in an increase in the amplitude of some narrowband 40-meter transmit images, most notably in FSK-D mode. (The low-pass filter setting was correct, though, which made this error hard to detect. Wideband spurious suppression specs were met.)

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[wayne burdick]

KX3 beta firmware rev 2.18 (with DSP rev 1.30) is now available. See release notes below.

You'll need revision 1.13.8.24 or later of our KX3 Utility program to download and install firmware. For full instructions on loading beta releases, refer to our KX3 software page:

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

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 2.18 / DSP 1.30, 8-21-2014

New Features:

* 2-M DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY FROM OTHER BANDS: Range is 120-168 MHz. Note: Sensitivity falls off as you move out of the 144-148 MHz range.

* 2-M TRANSMIT LIMITS: Normally, 2-meter transmit is limited to 144-148 MHz. This can be increased to 141-151 MHz for MARS use. The range can also be limited to 144-146 MHz for KX3 owners outside the U.S. (see separate instruction sheet).

* 2M/4M ANT. JACK PROVIDES OPTIONAL +5VDC DURING TRANSMIT: Many high-band transverters and other gear can use a DC voltage of 3-12 V on the center conductor of the antenna coax to provide T/R switching or other functions. The KX3-2M/-4M module can now place +5VDC (+/- 0.3 V) on the antenna jack if desired. To turn this feature on/off, locate the 2M/4M menu entry and tap ‘2’ (ATTN switch). The parameter will be either TXant 5V- (off) or TXant 5V+ (on). “ant” is displayed as a small antenna symbol.

* KX3-2M ADAPTER SUPPORT (non-ATU): The KX3-2M-ADAPT module provides the physical and electrical interface to the KX3 when there is no ATU installed. If the adapter is installed, make sure the ATU MD menu entry is set to NOT INST.

Bug fixes:

* CW TIMING BUG FROM REV 1.95 CORRECTED: Element lengths with the internal keyer were slightly too short due to a calculation error.

* PL TONE FM DEVIATION ERROR: The PL tone deviation displayed in the menu was about 40% lower than the actual deviation value in effect. Because of this, repeater users should re-check their PL deviation setting. To do this, locate the FM DEV menu entry, then tap ‘1’ to switch to PL DEV. Set the value to 0.35 (kHz)—the new default—unless some other value is applicable.

* CW-IN-SSB IMPROVEMENT: The operator’s specified CW QSK delay is now used during CW-in-SSB, even with external CW keying. (This was already working with the internal keyer.)

* KXPA100 AUTO POWER-ON WITH PX3: If a PX3 and KXPA100 are both in the system, KXPA100 automatic power-on will now work even if the PX3 is turned on first. (Note that at present there is no way to do automatic power-on of the PX3 itself.)

* INCREASE IN ALLOWED TX CURRENT: Allows full-power output on some bands where previously a drop to 5 watts had been observed (with an external 12-14 V supply).

* KX3-2M BAND-CHANGE FIX: With SLEEP enabled, a band change from 2 meters to any other band was causing the 2-m module to be left powered up.


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