New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules

[wayne burdick]

Hi all,

K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either transceiver using K3 Utility.

Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded modules.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26

* USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details.

* NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19).

* LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out.

* PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2  turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. .

* MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.)

* LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.)

* 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm.

* UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA command now supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 is available. This applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module installed and preamp 2 enabled (see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above).


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[Chester Alderman]

This is a little confusing to me Wayne. Reading over your below listed
revisions for 5.26, there seems to be nothing pertinent to my 'new' s/n 8850
K3 that I could test and report back?? What did I miss here?

Thanks and 73,
Tom - W4BQF


-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Wayne
Burdick
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 8:30 PM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and
upgraded modules

Hi all,

K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is
the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either
transceiver using K3 Utility.

Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various
updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further
details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as
they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on
a K3, with or without any upgraded modules.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26

* USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If
a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu
entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB
cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control,
digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS"
and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer
applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound
card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external
converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details.

* NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is
installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its
RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for
this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or
RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18
and 19).

* LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted
into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the
digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on
the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used
for line-out.

* PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only
applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also
only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set
to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2
on the applicable band. PRE 2  turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B
module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2
is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external
preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in
low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. .

* MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On
a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation
level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this
menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the
parameter is fixed at 10 dB.)

* LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the
KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The
bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon
OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode
on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting
rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with
frequency.)

* 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade
from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at
100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz
(2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130
dBm.

* UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA command now
supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 is available. This
applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module installed and preamp 2 enabled
(see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above).


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[Lyle Johnson]

Did the new firmware "break" any features or functions you use in your K3?

73,

Lyle KK7P


> This is a little confusing to me Wayne. Reading over your below listed
> revisions for 5.26, there seems to be nothing pertinent to my 'new' s/n 8850
> K3 that I could test and report back??

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[Phil Wheeler-2]

Lyle,

For me the question was is it worth the bother of
upgrading my K3 with this new F/W?  Not apparent
from Wayne's post.

Phil W7OX

On 5/19/15 8:36 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:

> Did the new firmware "break" any features or
> functions you use in your K3?
>
> 73,
>
> Lyle KK7P
>
>
>> This is a little confusing to me Wayne. Reading
>> over your below listed
>> revisions for 5.26, there seems to be nothing
>> pertinent to my 'new' s/n 8850
>> K3 that I could test and report back??

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[Hisashi T Fujinaka]

Sorry to be a pest, but can someone look at the email headers of Wayne's
announcement and see if there's something odd? For some reason I never
get his firmware announcements and I don't even see anhything likely at
the mail server.

Can someone send me the headers?

Thanks.

On Tue, 19 May 2015, Phil Wheeler wrote:

> Lyle,
>
> For me the question was is it worth the bother of upgrading my K3 with this
> new F/W?  Not apparent from Wayne's post.
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 5/19/15 8:36 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote:
>> Did the new firmware "break" any features or functions you use in your K3?
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Lyle KK7P
>>
>>
>>> This is a little confusing to me Wayne. Reading over your below listed
>>> revisions for 5.26, there seems to be nothing pertinent to my 'new' s/n
>>> 8850
>>> K3 that I could test and report back??
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>

--
Hisashi T Fujinaka - [hidden email]
BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee
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[ke9uw]

As for the K3, updates will continue to be for both, I think, and it's worth checking to make sure the K3 doesn't suffer because of the specific K3S additions or changes...even if the update does not add anything for the K3.

[Chester Alderman]

Well I am not going to know that because if the update has nothing pertinent
to my K3, then I am not going to load it on my radio.
73,
Tom - W4BQF


-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Lyle
Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 11:36 PM
Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S
and upgraded modules

Did the new firmware "break" any features or functions you use in your K3?

73,

Lyle KK7P


> This is a little confusing to me Wayne. Reading over your below listed
> revisions for 5.26, there seems to be nothing pertinent to my 'new'
> s/n 8850
> K3 that I could test and report back??

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[Chester Alderman]

I am not 100% sure of this, but I believe firmware updates are loaded to the
Elecraft web page and it is up to us to check for them. I think Wayne's
announcement for 5.26 is a 'special' case. I'm sure someone will correct me
if this is incorrect.

73,
Tom - W4BQF


-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of
Hisashi T Fujinaka
Sent: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 12:16 AM
To: Phil Wheeler
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S
and upgraded modules

Sorry to be a pest, but can someone look at the email headers of Wayne's
announcement and see if there's something odd? For some reason I never get
his firmware announcements and I don't even see anhything likely at the mail
server.

Can someone send me the headers?

Thanks.


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[Grant Youngman]

It’s right where it’s supposed to be — http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm <http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm>

Grant NQ5T


On May 20, 2015, at 7:55 AM, Chester Alderman <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I am not 100% sure of this, but I believe firmware updates are loaded to the
> Elecraft web page and it is up to us to check for them. I think Wayne's
> announcement for 5.26 is a 'special' case. I'm sure someone will correct me
> if this is incorrect.
>
> 73,
> Tom - W4BQF
>

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[Phil Wheeler-2]

Wayne,

It's unclear what impact, if any, this firmware
will have on the K3. All the specifics listed
below appear to be K3S related.

I usually load beta versions *only* if the
test/change relates to some feature I really want.
If no changes for K3, no reason for me to load it.

Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for
improved performance, functionality, etc.?

73, Phil W7OX

On 5/19/15 5:29 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded into either transceiver using K3 Utility.
>
> Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded modules.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> * * *
>
> K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26
>
> * USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for details.
>
> * NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual for details (pg. 18 and 19).
>
> * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the USB cable is being used for line-out.
>
> * PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2  turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive gain. .
>
> * MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.)
>
> * LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.)
>
> * 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm.
>
> * UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA command now supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 is available. This applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module installed and preamp 2 enabled (see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above).

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[Guy Olinger K2AV]

For those thinking of hanging back and living with your K3's, there is a
benefit to the Elecraft community by doing the firmware beta's even if you
don't see anything in it for yourself in a given release.

Elecraft is committed to backward compatibility. By beta testing all the
F/W releases, you help insure backward compatibility. You help detect that
a change for a K3S does not break a K3. When you get right down to it,
particularly if you make any hardware improvements in your K3, most of the
firmware is shared.

"What's in it for me" is a legal response, it's allowed, your choice. But
is it the long term best response, the overall best response, the community
best response?

Good Luck all, and 73,     Guy K2AV




On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 7:58 AM, ke9uw <[hidden email]> wrote:

> As for the K3, updates will continue to be for both, I think, and it's
> worth
> checking to make sure the K3 doesn't suffer because of the specific K3S
> additions or changes...even if the update does not add anything for the K3.
>
>
>
> -----
> Chuck, KE9UW
> --
> View this message in context:
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-K3-K3S-Beta-Firmware-rev-5-26-Support-for-K3S-and-upgraded-modules-tp7603339p7603353.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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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[Elecraft mailing list]

Professional software QC engineers refer to
this as "regression testing", to ensure that
the software involved continues to operate as
it did in the previous release as tested/released
on the available hardware at that time.

There are no documented changes for the K3, therefore
you should not see any difference in the behavior of a
K3 when testing this beta firmware on it.

If you do not wish to test a beta deployment of an
upcoming firmware release, then don't install and test it.

If you'd like to help Elecraft verify that the changes made
to the firmware behave as expected, then I'm sure they'd
appreciate it if you'd install it and try it out.

I just wish Yahoo! would do the same thing for its mail software!
(I continually see problems in the formatting of my posts
the list from my Yahoo! web account; please bear with me/it)

73 de N1HO
      From: Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for
improved performance, functionality, etc.?


 
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[ke9uw]

FYI, I installed the Utility beta and the K3 beta (2010 vintage) and all seems to function as expected.

[Phil Wheeler-2]

I really am not looking for opinions or comments
on the social benefits of beta testing. As a
former manager of space system software programs
and a current beta tester of computer operating
systems, I do understand the purpose of beta testing.

My question was to Wayne and Elecraft, specifically:

"Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for
improved performance, functionality, etc.?"

I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to
contribute to the greater good. Nor do I plan to
spend time loading software from which I will see
a change only if there was a problem in that
particular beta version (which has happened).

Phil W7OX

On 5/20/15 7:49 AM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:

> Professional software QC engineers refer to
>
> this as "regression testing", to ensure that
>
> the software involved continues to operate as
>
> it did in the previous release as tested/released
>
> on the available hardware at that time.
>
>
> There are no documented changes for the K3,
> therefore
>
> you should not see any difference in the
> behavior of a
>
> K3 when testing this beta firmware on it.
>
>
> If you do not wish to test a beta deployment of an
>
> upcoming firmware release, then don't install
> and test it.
>
>
> If you'd like to help Elecraft verify that the
> changes made
>
> to the firmware behave as expected, then I'm
> sure they'd
>
> appreciate it if you'd install it and try it out.
>
>
> I just wish Yahoo! would do the same thing for
> its mail software!
>
> (I continually see problems in the formatting of
> my posts
>
> the list from my Yahoo! web account; please bear
> with me/it)
>
>
> 73 de N1HO
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> *From:* Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
> Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for
> improved performance, functionality, etc.?
>
>

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[Matt Murphy]

It seems like the firmware updates might now be better suited to a
table/matrix than a simple list, considering all the permutations of add-on
boards that may exist in a K3 or K3S.

Maybe dividing the update into the following two sections would add clarity:

- K3S Only
- K3 or K3 with upgraded boards

Even if you skip one update because it doesn't apply to your hardware,
chances are you will benefit from a future update which will include the
firmware changes you decided to skip.  I have found that keeping firmware
up to date is a good practice because it minimizes the changes that you are
making with each subsequent update and makes any issues easier to isolate.

73,
Matt NQ6N

On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I really am not looking for opinions or comments on the social benefits of
> beta testing. As a former manager of space system software programs and a
> current beta tester of computer operating systems, I do understand the
> purpose of beta testing.
>
> My question was to Wayne and Elecraft, specifically:
>
> "Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for improved performance,
> functionality, etc.?"
>
> I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to contribute to the greater good.
> Nor do I plan to spend time loading software from which I will see a change
> only if there was a problem in that particular beta version (which has
> happened).
>
> Phil W7OX
>
> On 5/20/15 7:49 AM, Bayard Coolidge, N1HO wrote:
>
>> Professional software QC engineers refer to
>>
>> this as "regression testing", to ensure that
>>
>> the software involved continues to operate as
>>
>> it did in the previous release as tested/released
>>
>> on the available hardware at that time.
>>
>>
>> There are no documented changes for the K3, therefore
>>
>> you should not see any difference in the behavior of a
>>
>> K3 when testing this beta firmware on it.
>>
>>
>> If you do not wish to test a beta deployment of an
>>
>> upcoming firmware release, then don't install and test it.
>>
>>
>> If you'd like to help Elecraft verify that the changes made
>>
>> to the firmware behave as expected, then I'm sure they'd
>>
>> appreciate it if you'd install it and try it out.
>>
>>
>> I just wish Yahoo! would do the same thing for its mail software!
>>
>> (I continually see problems in the formatting of my posts
>>
>> the list from my Yahoo! web account; please bear with me/it)
>>
>>
>> 73 de N1HO
>>
>> --------------------------------------------------
>> *From:* Phil Wheeler <[hidden email]>
>> Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for
>> improved performance, functionality, etc.?
>>
>>
>>
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[Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT]

Then you should not beta test.

Hopefully someone else will, and they'll catch any bugs that might
affect you in the future.

73 -- Lynn

On 5/20/2015 8:04 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote:
> I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to contribute to the greater
> good. Nor do I plan to spend time loading software from which I will
> see a change only if there was a problem in that particular beta
> version (which has happened).

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[Grant Youngman]

>
> It seems like the firmware updates might now be better suited to a
> table/matrix than a simple list, considering all the permutations of add-on
> boards that may exist in a K3 or K3S.
>
> Maybe dividing the update into the following two sections would add clarity:
>
> - K3S Only
> - K3 or K3 with upgraded boards
>

Why over complicate what should be a straightforward process?  It should be akin to “firmware for dummies”.  Install it, and let it take care of itself.

Even in the existing K3, there are a multitude of configurations possible.  The system manages to keep it all straight — like not trying to turn on the DVR when you don’t have one, or continually berating you to install the KRX3 you don’t have.  This is really no different.

Simple (for US) is best.  Let Elecraft worry about how the internal software machinations sort out the hardware configuration.  They seem to be able to do that pretty well.

Grant NQ5T



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[Don Wilhelm-4]

K3Utility will tell you if the production firmware has been updated, it
is an easy matter to download and install those.
Beta releases are a different matter.  Those will be announced on the
Elecraft reflector (and in the beta section of the Elecraft website),
and if you wish to download a beta version, follow the instructions for
downloading a beta release on the Elecraft website.
Occasionally, Wayne will announce an early beta release (or per-release
if you prefer) asking those interested in trying it to send him an email.

Don't be afraid of the production releases whether you have a K3 or a
K3S, they have had adequate testing.  Beta releases are normally good
because the Field Testers have deemed them OK, but be prepared to report
any problems you may find with them.  The same for any pre-beta versions
that are offered - if you agree to test the pre-beta version, that
places you in the same situation as the Field Testers.

Beta releases have been tested by a number of the Field Test owners, but
are offered to the entire Elecraft community for testing on a greater
variety of configurations.  After success with that beta testing, a
release will be advanced to production status.
Note that the version numbers do not change from pre-beta to beta to
production.  If the firmware is changed, a new version number will be
assigned.  In other words, if 5.26 is OK, it will be moved to production
status, but if not, that number will not appear again, you will see a
higher number in the next release.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/20/2015 8:55 AM, Chester Alderman wrote:
> I am not 100% sure of this, but I believe firmware updates are loaded to the
> Elecraft web page and it is up to us to check for them. I think Wayne's
> announcement for 5.26 is a 'special' case. I'm sure someone will correct me
> if this is incorrect.
>
>

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[Phil Wheeler-2]

I agree with keeping firmware up to date, Matt.  
But that never requires loading beta versions; I
load those only if they provide some new benefit I
want early or want to (and have time to) test as a
beta tester

Phil W7OX

On 5/20/15 8:51 AM, Matt Murphy wrote:

> It seems like the firmware updates might now be
> better suited to a table/matrix than a simple
> list, considering all the permutations of add-on
> boards that may exist in a K3 or K3S.
>
> Maybe dividing the update into the following two
> sections would add clarity:
>
> - K3S Only
> - K3 or K3 with upgraded boards
>
> Even if you skip one update because it doesn't
> apply to your hardware, chances are you will
> benefit from a future update which will include
> the firmware changes you decided to skip.  I
> have found that keeping firmware up to date is a
> good practice because it minimizes the changes
> that you are making with each subsequent update
> and makes any issues easier to isolate.
>
> 73,
> Matt NQ6N
>
> On Wed, May 20, 2015 at 10:04 AM, Phil Wheeler
> <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>>
> wrote:
>
>     I really am not looking for opinions or
>     comments on the social benefits of beta
>     testing. As a former manager of space system
>     software programs and a current beta tester
>     of computer operating systems, I do
>     understand the purpose of beta testing.
>
>     My question was to Wayne and Elecraft,
>     specifically:
>
>     "Is there any reason a K3 needs this version
>     for improved performance, functionality, etc.?"
>
>     I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to
>     contribute to the greater good. Nor do I
>     plan to spend time loading software from
>     which I will see a change only if there was
>     a problem in that particular beta version
>     (which has happened).
>
>     Phil W7OX
>

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[Phil Wheeler-2]

Exactly :-)

That's why I asked about K3 impacts of this beta
software. I only beta test functions which I can
test (for radios) within those I use when
operating--and especially those for which i have a
need. The recent Fixed-Tune mode add to the PX3
comes to mind.

Phil W7OX

On 5/20/15 9:15 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote:

> Then you should not beta test.
>
> Hopefully someone else will, and they'll catch
> any bugs that might affect you in the future.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
>
> On 5/20/2015 8:04 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote:
>> I didn't purchase my Elecraft products to
>> contribute to the greater good. Nor do I plan
>> to spend time loading software from which I
>> will see a change only if there was a problem
>> in that particular beta version (which has
>> happened).

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