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

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wayne burdick

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

Administrator

We've enhanced the KX3 noise blanker, with 15 level settings and improved strong-signal performance. If you experience a lot of QRN at your location and would like to try the field-test firmware release, please email me directly.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Dave Jones

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

Hi Wayne

The firmware loaded ok here using the new KX3 utility. The noise I reported
yesterday (plasma??) was still on 80 & 40 and I was able to confirm that the
noise blanker did at least remove much of the pulse content of the noise with a
setting of between 10 and 12. Unfortunately there was no activity on those bands
at the time so I was unable to see what effect the NB had on the received speach
quality. As luck would have it last night and this morning 80 & 40 were both
quiet QRM wise although what pulse noise was apparent in amongst the atmospheric
noise was eliminated by the NB at a setting of around 7-8.
I checked for the reported error message when recalling a stored frequency but
that was unable to replicate it either with the RCL or STORE functions.
Looking good!
73 Dave VK4FD

Wayne Burdick wrote, on 09/05/13 06:17:

> We've enhanced the KX3 noise blanker, with 15 level settings and improved strong-signal performance. If you experience a lot of QRN at your location and would like to try the field-test firmware release, please email me directly.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

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

Administrator

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

This is now available as a public beta, MCU V1.47 / DSP V1.20, ob the KX3 Software web page.
http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm

Eric
elecraft.com
_..._

On May 8, 2013, at 1:17 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:

wayne burdick

KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.48: Adjustable noise blanker level

Administrator

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.48 (with DSP rev 1.20) is now available. See detailed information below.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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

DETAILS:

The KX3's noise blanking level can now be set using the knob above the NB switch (AF/RF-SQL). When NB is turned on (by HOLDing the NB switch), the present setting (1-15) will be displayed on VFO B for about 3 seconds. To select a new setting, rotate the knob before the display times out. The display will then persist until you tap any switch. A subsequent hold of NB will turn the NB off.

The NB setting is stored per-band, as is the NB's on/off state.

Important notes:

- The noise blanker is intended to reduce the amplitude of repetitive pulse noise with a fast rise time. It will not suppress atmospheric noise. For that, you may want to try NR (noise reduction).

- Noise blankers will cause a certain amount of intermod or shaping of signals when set too aggressively. We minimized this with our new DSP algorithms, but you'll still want to use the lowest effective setting. "NB 1" will do the least blanking and create essentially no artifacts. Settings up through "NB 8" or so will still minimize artifacts. If the noise is really strong, you can go all the way up to 15. These higher settings are great for digging out weak signals, but can modify the sound of strong signals somewhat and cause some pumping on a busy band.

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wayne burdick

KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.50: Enhanced SSB speech compression

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In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.50 (with DSP rev 1.21) is now available. This revision provides a "punchier" SSB transmit signal with higher average power. The transmit signal will still be clean even at the maximum speech compression setting (CMP).

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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

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wayne burdick

KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.54: CW transmit in SSB mode (etc.)

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.54 (with DSP rev 1.21) is now available. This revision allows you to send CW while in SSB mode, useful whenever band conditions or power level favor the use of CW. This is often the case on 6 meters where a QSO might start in SSB but switch to CW quickly as fading occurs. See complete release notes below for instructions on how to enable CW-in-SSB operation.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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 1.54 / DSP 1.21, 7-29-2013

* CW-IN-SSB TRANSMIT ADDED: This feature allows you to send CW while in SSB mode, which can be useful when your SSB signal cannot be copied due to poor conditions. The other station will hear a tone at your CW pitch. To enable CW-in-SSB: Locate the CW WGHT menu entry, then tap ‘1’ (PRE) to alternate between “SSW +CW” (enabled) and “SSB –CW” (disabled). The default is disabled. Important Notes: (1) CW-in-SSB does not yet apply in SPLIT mode. (2) When CW-in-SSB is enabled, tapping the KEYER/MIC knob toggles between keyer speed and mic gain rather than between the two transmit metering scales (CMP/ALC and SWR/RF). The CMP/ALC scale is still shown temporarily whenever CMP or mic gain are adjusted.

* 1-HZ TUNING PRESERVED AFTER APF-OFF: If you were using 1-Hz tuning prior to turning on APF (CW audio peaking filter), 1-Hz tuning will be restored when APF is turned off. Prior to this change, exiting APF would always set the tuning rate to 10 Hz.

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Richard E Neese

Re: KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.54: CW transmit in SSB mode (etc.)

is there a way to add a option under the firmware to show what the
current batt charge status is ?
so you know if you need to charge or not.

also I have a 12v 4.58 amp power supply I am using and I get a lower
supply warning when I try to
charge the batt with the radio in standby mode ....

should 4.58 amp 12v not be enough to charge ? I use the supply to run
the radio and get no issue
sexecpt when I put it in batt charge mode...
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Richard E Neese

Re: KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.54: CW transmit in SSB mode (etc.)

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

would also be a nice option to see a symbol to show if your on batt or
plugged-in like on a laptop.
but I have a feeling this is a short coming of the lcd and firmware ?

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DL6OAP

Re: KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.54: CW transmit in SSB mode (etc.)

In reply to this post by Richard E Neese

Hi Richard,

If it really is 12 V, the voltage might be too low. I don't have the manual for the charger at hand in the moment, but I think it says it would like to see 13.8(?) V or something very close to this.

Vy 73

Ralf, DL6OAP

Am 31.07.2013 um 14:37 schrieb Richard Neese <[hidden email]>:

> is there a way to add a option under the firmware to show what the current batt charge status is ?
> so you know if you need to charge or not.
>
> also I have a 12v 4.58 amp power supply I am using and I get a lower supply warning when I try to
> charge the batt with the radio in standby mode ....
>
> should 4.58 amp 12v not be enough to charge ? I use the supply to run the radio and get no issue
> sexecpt when I put it in batt charge mode...
> ______________________________________________________________
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Matt Zilmer

Re: KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.54: CW transmit in SSB mode (etc.)

In reply to this post by Richard E Neese

You can view the battery voltage using DISP, then dialing to the BT
entry with VFO B.

Your power supply voltage may be set too low to use for charging the
internal battery pack. If you could raise this voltage to 13.0V or
higher, you wouldn't see the warning when trying to charge.

4.5A at 12V is plenty to run your KX3, but that voltage isn't high
enough to allow the charging circuit to operate. Just raise the PS
output voltage if possible. With that supply, you will be able to
charge at the same time as operating the KX3 in any mode.

See the owner's manual section, "KXBC3 Internal NiMH Charger" on p24.

73,
matt W6NIA

=-=

On Wed, 31 Jul 2013 08:37:43 -0400, you wrote:

>is there a way to add a option under the firmware to show what the
>current batt charge status is ?
>so you know if you need to charge or not.
>
>also I have a 12v 4.58 amp power supply I am using and I get a lower
>supply warning when I try to
>charge the batt with the radio in standby mode ....
>
>should 4.58 amp 12v not be enough to charge ? I use the supply to run
>the radio and get no issue
>sexecpt when I put it in batt charge mode...
>______________________________________________________________
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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wayne burdick

CW transmit in SSB mode is also available on the K3

Administrator

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Just a reminder that the K3 also has CW-in-SSB capability. It is activated the same way as on the KX3: Go into the CW WGHT menu entry and tap '1' to switch to "SSB+CW".

This feature is documented in the menu listings in both owner's manuals.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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wayne burdick

KX3 Beta firmware rev 1.57: ATU tuning and RX improvements

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.57 (with DSP rev 1.22) is now available. This revision has improved ATU tuning, better SSB RX characteristics at narrow filter bandwidths, and eliminates a weak 12-kHz audio spur heard by some operators.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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 1.57 / DSP 1.22, 8-17-2013

* 12-kHz AUDIO SPUR ELIMINATED: Some operators reported hearing a very weak 12-kHz tone at the headphone jack, even with the volume turned all the way down. This tone has now been suppressed by an additional 20 dB (approx.).

* “WEAVER MODE” SSB RECEIVE IMPROVED: When the high end of the KX3’s SSB receive passband is set below about 2.4 kHz using the PBT control, the DSP switches to “Weaver” demodulation mode. This allows roofing filter FL2 to be used. In previous releases, Weaver demodulation had poor opposite-sideband image rejection; this has been corrected. Note: It is not necessary to re-do RXSBNUL calibration.

* ATU IMPROVEMENTS: Tapping ATU TUNE now recalls stored LC settings for the current VFO frequency prior to tuning, avoiding auto-tuning from scratch in most cases. Also, ATU settings are now reloaded (if necessary) when the A/B, A>B, REV, FREQ ENT, or SPLIT switches are used. This increases the likelihood that the ATU will be kept tuned during receive, improving sensitivity, without having to transmit first. Previously, only XMIT, TUNE and band changes would force an ATU settings reload.

Note: If you switch to a different antenna, such as when taking the KX3 into the field, you may want to clear old ATU LC settings for one or more bands prior to doing new auto-tunes. To do this, locate the ATU MD menu entry, then hold CLR (hold function of the OFS/B knob). You can change bands from within this menu entry using BAND +/-.

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John Oppenheimer

K3 ATU tuning improvements

Will the recent KX3 ATU Improvements also be added to the K3?

John KN5L

> * ATU IMPROVEMENTS: Tapping ATU TUNE now recalls stored LC settings for the current VFO frequency prior to tuning, avoiding auto-tuning from scratch in most cases. Also, ATU settings are now reloaded (if necessary) when the A/B, A>B, REV, FREQ ENT, or SPLIT switches are used. This increases the likelihood that the ATU will be kept tuned during receive, improving sensitivity, without having to transmit first. Previously, only XMIT, TUNE and band changes would force an ATU settings reload.
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David Pratt

Re: K3 ATU tuning improvements

I agree, John, I do find that my K3 does not appear to save its ATU
settings and seems to do a complete retune each time I press the ATU
TUNE button.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, John Oppenheimer <[hidden email]> writes
>Will the recent KX3 ATU Improvements also be added to the K3?
>
>John KN5L
>
>> * ATU IMPROVEMENTS: Tapping ATU TUNE now recalls stored LC settings
>>for the current VFO frequency prior to tuning, avoiding auto-tuning
>>from scratch in most cases.

--
+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
| David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. |
| Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

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Fred Smith-2

Re: K3 ATU tuning improvements

This is really a great improvement for my KX3 and I would love to see it
ported to the K3 if possible. I'm positive that there are many new updates
coming for the flagship of the line the K3 to come. There is nothing on the
market to compete with it and Elecraft has been the only company that
continues firmware upgrades on a regular basis. That alone (firmware updates
& support) was 90% on my buying decision when I switched from my FTDX-5000MP
and now have most every product they sell.

Firmware has slowed for the K3 but I'm sure it has not reached its peak for
sure I will be waiting for more soon.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of David Pratt
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 12:29 PM
To: John Oppenheimer
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 ATU tuning improvements

I agree, John, I do find that my K3 does not appear to save its ATU settings
and seems to do a complete retune each time I press the ATU TUNE button.

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, John Oppenheimer <[hidden email]> writes
>Will the recent KX3 ATU Improvements also be added to the K3?
>
>John KN5L
>
>> * ATU IMPROVEMENTS: Tapping ATU TUNE now recalls stored LC settings
>>for the current VFO frequency prior to tuning, avoiding auto-tuning
>>from scratch in most cases.

--
+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
| David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. |
| Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
+ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

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wayne burdick

KX3 internal ATU module may be entering bypass mode on power-up

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

A KX3 owner reported that on power-up, his KXAT3 internal ATU was being placed in bypass mode even when it had been in AUTO. I just confirmed this behavior and have correct it. The problem may exist in the latest beta release (1.57).

If you have have seen this symptom and can test the fix this evening, please email me directly. Let me know which revision of KX3 firmware you're presently using (use the FW REVS menu entry).

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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wayne burdick

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.61: SSB, ESSB, and AM improvements, etc.

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.61 (with DSP rev 1.23) is now available. See release notes below.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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 1.61 / DSP 1.23, 8-31-2013

* AM TRANSMIT IMPROVED: Depth of modulation increased.

* SSB SPEECH COMPRESSION IMPROVED: Significant cleanup of opposite-sideband intermodulation (IMD) products with speech compression turned on.

* ESSB MODE IMPROVED: Speech compression is now automatically disabled when ESSB mode is turned on. This completes the ESSB implementation. To turn on ESSB, use the TX ESSB menu entry. Tap ‘1’ to turn ESSB on/off; use VFO A to adjust the transmit bandwidth from 3.0 to 4.0 kHz. (These menu changes cannot be made while in transmit mode.)

* ROOFING FILTER USE CONFIGURABLE IN SSB MODE: Roofing filter FL2 (3 kHz) can now be inserted when the upper edge of the receive passband is either 2.4 kHz (original value) or 2.9 kHz. When the passband edge is higher than this point, FL1 is used (wide filter). If the KXFL3 filter option is not installed, FL1 is always used.

If you frequently encounter QRM in SSB modes, use the 2.9 kHz selection; this will insert FL2 when normal passband settings are used. If QRM is less of an issue or you frequently use ESSB, use the 2.4 kHz selection (original value); this will insert FL1 for normal passband settings. The PBT knob can override either selection (see below).

To select the desired FL2 insertion point: Locate the PBT SSB menu entry. Tap ‘1’ to select either 2.4 or 2.9 kHz using the criteria above.

Impact of FL2 configuration on the NORM function: If 2.4 kHz is selected, NORMalizing the passband (by holding the PBT knob) will select FL1 (wide filter). If 2.9 kHz is selected, NORM selects FL2 (narrow). Impact of FL2 configuration on the PBT I/II functions: When LO-HI CUT is in effect for SSB, the FL2 setting determines when FL2 is inserted as HI CUT (PBT II) is adjusted (2.4 or 2.9 kHz). When WIDTH / SHIFT (NOR) is in effect, the FL2 setting affects both adjustments. For example, with the passband NORMalized, reducing WIDTH (PBT I) inserts FL2 at either 1.7 kHz or 2.8 kHz, for the 2.4 and 2.9 kHz FL2-insert selections, respectively. However, the insertion point for FL2 is also affected by the SHIFT setting (PBT II).

Note on SSB demodulation methods used for FL1 vs. FL2: When FL1 is in selected (wide filter), the KX3 uses conventional SSB demodulation, providing the best overall audio fidelity. When FL2 is selected (3 kHz filter), the KX3 uses “Weaver” SSB demodulation, which introduces a narrow 1.5 kHz notch into the receive passband as part of the DSP algorithm. This notch typically has no impact on speech intelligibility, but it can sound slightly different to an operator who is most concerned about fidelity.

* CURRENT DRAIN LIMITS ADJUSTED: Receive and transmit current drain limits were set a bit too low, occasionally causing an unexpected roll-back of power output or turn-off of the KX3. Note: If rollback of power output still occurs, it is probably because the supply voltage is dipping below 11 V on keydown, or because of excessive transmit current drain, possibly due to a low-impedance load.

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wayne burdick

KX3 PRODUCTION firmware, rev 1.61: Improvements to SSB, ESSB, AM, KXAT3, etc.

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 production firmware rev 1.61 (with DSP rev 1.23) is now available. Since the last production firmware release (1.50), we've made the following major changes:

* AM depth of modulation increased
* SSB speech compression cleaner, more effective
* ESSB implementation finished; CMP turned off automatically
* Roofing filter FL2 usage in SSB receive mode is now configurable (kicks in at 2.9 *or* 2.4 kHz BW)
* Narrow-band SSB receive ("Weaver" mode) has better fidelity
* KXAT3 ATU recalls stored LC settings correctly in all cases
* CW-in-SSB transmit added

See release notes below for the full list of changes.

**************
IMPORTANT NOTE
**************

You'll need the *most recent* version of our KX3 Utility application to download and install the new KX3 firmware. Older versions of KX3 Utility may not load the KX3's DSP firmware correctly, due to increased flash memory requirements.

For instructions on obtaining KX3 Utility, see:

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

Production releases are automatically downloaded from our FTP server when you click "Copy Files from Elecraft".

73,

Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 1.61 / DSP 1.23, 8-31-2013

* AM TRANSMIT IMPROVED: Depth of modulation increased.

* SSB SPEECH COMPRESSION IMPROVED: Significant cleanup of opposite-sideband intermodulation (IMD) products with speech compression turned on.

* CURRENT DRAIN LIMITS ADJUSTED: Receive and transmit current drain limits were set a bit too low, occasionally causing an unexpected roll-back of power output or turn-off of the KX3. Note: If rollback of power output still occurs, it is probably because the supply voltage is dipping below 11 V on keydown, or because of excessive transmit current drain, possibly due to a low-impedance load.

* ESSB MODE IMPROVED: Speech compression is now automatically disabled when ESSB mode is turned on. This completes the ESSB implementation. To turn on ESSB, use the TX ESSB menu entry. Tap ‘1’ to turn ESSB on/off; use VFO A to adjust the transmit bandwidth from 3.0 to 4.0 kHz. (These menu changes cannot be made while in transmit mode.)

* ROOFING FILTER USE CONFIGURABLE IN SSB MODE: Roofing filter FL2 (3 kHz) can now be inserted when the upper edge of the receive passband is either 2.4 kHz (original value) or 2.9 kHz. When the passband edge is higher than this point, FL1 is used (wide filter). If the KXFL3 filter option is not installed, FL1 is always used.

If you frequently encounter QRM in SSB modes, use the 2.9 kHz selection; this will insert FL2 when normal passband settings are used. If QRM is less of an issue or you frequently use ESSB, use the 2.4 kHz selection (original value); this will insert FL1 for normal passband settings. The PBT knob can override either selection (see below).

To select the desired FL2 insertion point: Locate the PBT SSB menu entry. Tap ‘1’ to select either 2.4 or 2.9 kHz using the criteria above.

Impact of FL2 configuration on the NORM function: If 2.4 kHz is selected, NORMalizing the passband (by holding the PBT knob) will select FL1 (wide filter). If 2.9 kHz is selected, NORM selects FL2 (narrow). Impact of FL2 configuration on the PBT I/II functions: When LO-HI CUT is in effect for SSB, the FL2 setting determines when FL2 is inserted as HI CUT (PBT II) is adjusted (2.4 or 2.9 kHz). When WIDTH / SHIFT (NOR) is in effect, the FL2 setting affects both adjustments. For example, with the passband NORMalized, reducing WIDTH (PBT I) inserts FL2 at either 1.7 kHz or 2.8 kHz, for the 2.4 and 2.9 kHz FL2-insert selections, respectively. However, the insertion point for FL2 is also affected by the SHIFT setting (PBT II).

Note on SSB demodulation methods used for FL1 vs. FL2: When FL1 is in selected (wide filter), the KX3 uses conventional SSB demodulation, providing the best overall audio fidelity. When FL2 is selected (3 kHz filter), the KX3 uses “Weaver” SSB demodulation, which introduces a narrow 1.5 kHz notch into the receive passband as part of the DSP algorithm. This notch typically has no impact on speech intelligibility, but it can sound slightly different to an operator who is most concerned about fidelity.

* KXPA100/KXAT100 SUPPORT: (1) Tapping ATU TUNE tunes the KXAT100 if applicable. KX3 power output is set to 5.0 watts during auto-tuning, then restored to the user’s selected level. (2) KXPA100 amp/tuner faults are displayed on the KX3 and can be cleared by any switch tap. (3) The FW REVS menu entry shows the KXPA100 firmware revision (rotate VFO A to see all firmware revisions – uC, DSP, PA). Note: All KXPA100 integration features require use of the KX3-to-KXPA100 control cable, and the PA.X MD menu entry must be set to ON.

MCU 1.57 / DSP 1.22, 8-17-2013

* 12-kHz AUDIO SPUR ELIMINATED: Some operators reported hearing a very weak 12-kHz tone at the headphone jack, even with the volume turned all the way down. This tone has now been suppressed by an additional 20 dB (approx.).

* “WEAVER MODE” SSB RECEIVE IMPROVED: When the high end of the KX3’s SSB receive passband is set below about 2.4 kHz using the PBT control, the DSP switches to “Weaver” demodulation mode. This allows roofing filter FL2 to be used. In previous releases, Weaver demodulation had poor opposite-sideband image rejection; this has been corrected. Note: It is not necessary to re-do RXSBNUL calibration.

* ATU IMPROVEMENTS: Tapping ATU TUNE now recalls stored LC settings for the current VFO frequency prior to tuning, avoiding auto-tuning from scratch in most cases. Also, ATU settings are now reloaded (if necessary) when the A/B, A>B, REV, FREQ ENT, or SPLIT switches are used. This increases the likelihood that the ATU will be kept tuned during receive, improving sensitivity, without having to transmit first. Previously, only XMIT, TUNE and band changes would force an ATU settings reload.

Note: If you switch to a different antenna, such as when taking the KX3 into the field, you may want to clear old ATU LC settings for one or more bands prior to doing new auto-tunes. To do this, locate the ATU MD menu entry, then hold CLR (hold function of the OFS/B knob). You can change bands from within this menu entry using BAND +/-.

* KXPA100/KXAT100 SUPPORT: Support for the KXPA100/KXAT100 is incomplete and is presently intended for engineering use only. The PA MODE menu entry should be set to OFF for now.

MCU 1.54 / DSP 1.21, 7-29-2013

* CW-IN-SSB TRANSMIT ADDED: This feature allows you to send CW while in SSB mode, which can be useful when your SSB signal cannot be copied due to poor conditions. The other station will hear a tone at your CW pitch. To enable CW-in-SSB: Locate the CW WGHT menu entry, then tap ‘1’ (PRE) to alternate between “SSW +CW” (enabled) and “SSB –CW” (disabled). The default is disabled. Important Notes: (1) CW-in-SSB does not yet apply in SPLIT mode. (2) When CW-in-SSB is enabled, tapping the KEYER/MIC knob toggles between keyer speed and mic gain rather than between the two transmit metering scales (CMP/ALC and SWR/RF). The CMP/ALC scale is still shown temporarily whenever CMP or mic gain are adjusted.

* 1-HZ TUNING PRESERVED AFTER APF-OFF: If you were using 1-Hz tuning prior to turning on APF (CW audio peaking filter), 1-Hz tuning will be restored when APF is turned off. Prior to this change, exiting APF would set the tuning rate to 10 Hz.

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wayne burdick

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.68: SSB power-control improvement and minor bug-fixes

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.68 (with DSP rev 1.23) is now available. See release notes below.

You'll need the KX3 Utility application 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 1.68 / DSP 1.23, 9-24-2013

* LOW POWER (UNDER 1 W) NOW WORKS IN SSB MODE: Previously, with power settings under 1 W, SSB power output could drop to about 0.1 W and stay there.

* ESSB DISALLOWS USE OF CMP (compression): If the user attempts to adjust compression in ESSB mode, the VFO B display shows "N/A" (not available). The KX3's speech ompression algorithm requires the use of normal SSB bandwidths.

* DATA-A/AFSK-A/etc. BUG FIX: The MIC GAIN control now works as expected. In the previous release, adjustment of keyer speed while using the CW-in-SSB feature would leave the MIC GAIN control set to keyer speed when the user switched to an audio data mode.

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KX3 beta firmware rev 1.87: KXPA100 w/low V; better AM BCB sensitivity; Heil HC-6 support

Administrator

In reply to this post by Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

KX3 beta firmware rev 1.87 (with DSP rev 1.28) is now available. See recent 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 1.87 / DSP 1.28, 1-11-2013

* WITH KXPA100 IN, LOW SUPPLY VOLTAGE DOESN’T DROP KX3 TO 5 W: If the KXPA100 is connected via the special control cable, and PA MODE = ON, the KX3 will not drop out of QRO mode and go to 5 W at 11 V, as it does without the amp present. This allows the KX3+amp to be used with somewhat depleted 12-V batteries. The operator should monitor key-down battery voltage (e.g., by using the KX3’s “DISP” function) and reduce target power output if necessary. For example, if the key-down voltage is ~11 V, target power should be set no higher than 40-50 W. If it’s ~10 V, battery life should be conserved by using the KX3 at QRP levels. (To minimize current drain in this case, set PA MODE to OFF.) Some 12-V batteries, such as gel-cells, can be permanently damaged if discharged below about 10.5 V.

MCU 1.84 / DSP 1.28, 1-4-2014

* AM BROADCAST BAND (BCB) RECEIVE OPTIMIZATION: If you have a KXAT3 ATU installed, you can select one of two optimizations for reception below 1300 kHz. While in the ATU MD menu entry, tap ‘1’ (PRE) to select either BCB NOR (the original setting, which reduces the amplitude of received harmonic images), or BCB=160 (a new setting that may improve receive sensitivity by using the 160 meter ATU settings even below 1300 kHz). BCB NOR is recommended unless you need BCB=160 in order to copy a weak AM station. You can also improve sensitivity by using higher preamp gain settings (use the PREAMP menu entry, which is per-band).

MCU 1.81 / DSP 1.28, 12-11-2013

* SUPPORT FOR HEIL HC-6 MIC ELEMENTS: Mic gain can now be set as much as 20 dB higher to support these low-sensitivity elements. NOTE: USE LOW “MON” (VOICE MONITOR) LEVEL IF MIC GAIN IS SET ABOVE 50. Otherwise you may hear acoustic feedback. Also, higher gain settings in general can make any transceiver more susceptible to noise pickup. If this is a problem, consider using a more conventional mic element that has greater output. The Elecraft MH3 has excellent frequency response, comparable to earlier Heil elements, yet it has far higher output than the HC-6.

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