New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

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New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

wayne burdick
Administrator
The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available. All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and faults have been fixed.

We've also added a new feature that allows the KAT500's network settings to automatically track the K3's VFO frequency. The K3 will send frequency information over the K3's AUXBUS line, and the KAT500 will select previously memorized tuner settings as you move across the band, or when you “point and shoot” to work a packet spot.

If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a question to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

Instructions

1. Download the new beta firmware for each device from the applicable software pages on our web site.

NOTE: Follow the instructions for beta firmware releases when installing software in subsequent steps.

2. Using K3 Utility, save your K3's configuration. Then install K3 rev. 4.83.

3. Using KPA Utility, save your KPA500's configuration. Then install KPA500 rev. 1.37.

4. Using KAT500 Utility, save the KAT500's configuration. Then install KAT500 rev. 1.58.

--------

5. (OPTIONAL) Set up the K3 to send VFO information to the KAT500:

(a) Make sure the K3 and KAT500 (and KPA500, if applicable) are connected via the accessory cable. The AUXBUS line must be connected, as well as the four BAND lines, which we use to “qualify” the AUXBUS frequency data. If you've built your own cable and omitted the AUXBUS or BAND lines, you may need more wires for this to work.

(b) At the K3, locate the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry. Tap the numeric keypad '1' button (also labeled "A/B"). You should see “KAT500Y” or “KAT500N” with successive taps. Leave it on "KAT500Y" (the Y means "Yes, send VFO info to the KAT500"). Exit the menu.

(c) Verify that as you tune the K3's VFO, the KAT500 selects the appropriate LC settings. This occurs after you *stop* moving the K3's VFO for about 1/2 second. You should hear one or more relays clicking at the KAT500 when entering segments that have different LC settings.

--------

6. (OPTIONAL) In conjunction with the new VFO tracking feature, you may find it a good idea to “retrain” your ATU on 8 or 10 kHz boundaries on 160 meters, and every 20 kHz on 80 meters, particularly if the antennas have sharp SWR curves.

(a) Use the KAT500 Utility, Configuration tab, Edit Configuration, Erase Memories to erase memories on bands that have sharp SWR curves (e.g. 160 and 80 m).

(b) While you're in the Edit Configuration dialog, make sure the Amplifier Key Interrupt power setting is 1500 for a KPA500. If not, click "Optimize for KPA500", then "Apply".

(c) Change the tuner's mode to MAN. In mode AUTO, the KAT500 will start a "full search tune" whenever the SWR reaches a threshold. If you're pretuned, that should be unnecessary and is probably undesirable. Mode AUTO is useful for remote tuners where it is inconvenient to press the ATU TUNE button when you need to.

(d) Using exciter power only, perform a full search tune at 10 kHz increments on 160 and 20 kHz increments on 80 meters. Do this for frequencies where you don't want the ATU to enter "full search tune" when you next QSY there. This is best done by setting the K3's TUN POWER to about 20 watts, HOLD the K3 TUNE button to generate carrier, then tap the KAT500 TUNE button. It may take a while for a few settings, but often it will start "close" and won't take long at all. It depends on the SWR curve of the antenna on that band.

(e) IMPORTANT: When you first visit a new frequency, the ATU will first "snap in" a setting from a nearby memory. It may be a memory you've used before with a different antenna.  If the setting is inappropriate for the current antenna, the SWR will be high, and in mode AUTO, the tuner will need to retune, which requires more or less constant carrier, not SSB speech, not high speed CW.

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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Bill-3
It works!!!!  I am very pleased with these betawares. I gave my station
a real workout on 40 and 75 today and there was not a single glitch.

If anyone has a problem with the KAT500 going into a tune right in the
middle of a QSO - this is the answer.

Bill W2BLC K-Line


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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

mcduffie
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:43:33 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available.
> All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to
> the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and
> faults have been fixed.

Wayne,

Can you give us the rundown on how much, if any, improvement those of us who use
a non-E radio should see when using the KAT/KPA500 combo?  Are there any
enhancements we will see with these firmware updates?  I have seen some random
retuning for what seemed like no good reason.  For that reason, I run in manual
mode after making sure it is tuned right for where I am in the bands.

Any special procedures for us?  I probably won't do the updates until they are
non-beta, but would like to know what's coming.

Gary
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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

wayne burdick
Administrator

On Feb 13, 2014, at 6:33 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:43:33 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>
>> The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available.
>> All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to
>> the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and
>> faults have been fixed.
>
> Wayne,
>
> Can you give us the rundown on how much, if any, improvement those of us who use
> a non-E radio should see when using the KAT/KPA500 combo?  Are there any
> enhancements we will see with these firmware updates?  I have seen some random
> retuning for what seemed like no good reason.  For that reason, I run in manual
> mode after making sure it is tuned right for where I am in the bands.

All of the problems with retuning that we know of have been corrected, regardless of transceiver type.


>
> Any special procedures for us?  I probably won't do the updates until they are
> non-beta, but would like to know what's coming.

Just install the KPA500 and KAT500 updates, and skip the "Optional" sections I described in my email.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Paul DeFelice
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
Hi Wayne,

I'm not at home now so I won't be installing the beta firmware until later
this month. I use a vertical for 80 meter CW work and a loop for 75 meter
phone.  I was wondering if "memorized tuner settings" include the capability
of selecting a different antenna within the same band by tracking frequency?

 

73,

Paul K9NU

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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Dick Dievendorff-4
It does not.

73 de Dick, K6KR

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Paul DeFelice
Sent: Friday, February 14, 2014 6:32 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking
of K3 VFO & other improvements

Hi Wayne,

I'm not at home now so I won't be installing the beta firmware until later
this month. I use a vertical for 80 meter CW work and a loop for 75 meter
phone.  I was wondering if "memorized tuner settings" include the capability
of selecting a different antenna within the same band by tracking frequency?

 

73,

Paul K9NU

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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Rick WA6NHC
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
I've used it for a few days now, no issues.  Everything simply works and better than before.

Well done!

73,
Rick wa6nhc

Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable

> On Feb 13, 2014, at 1:43 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available. All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and faults have been fixed.
>
> We've also added a new feature that allows the KAT500's network settings to automatically track the K3's VFO frequency. The K3 will send frequency information over the K3's AUXBUS line, and the KAT500 will select previously memorized tuner settings as you move across the band, or when you “point and shoot” to work a packet spot.
>
> If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a question to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> * * *
>
> Instructions
>
> 1. Download the new beta firmware for each device from the applicable software pages on our web site.
>
> NOTE: Follow the instructions for beta firmware releases when installing software in subsequent steps.
>
> 2. Using K3 Utility, save your K3's configuration. Then install K3 rev. 4.83.
>
> 3. Using KPA Utility, save your KPA500's configuration. Then install KPA500 rev. 1.37.
>
> 4. Using KAT500 Utility, save the KAT500's configuration. Then install KAT500 rev. 1.58.
>
> --------
>
> 5. (OPTIONAL) Set up the K3 to send VFO information to the KAT500:
>
> (a) Make sure the K3 and KAT500 (and KPA500, if applicable) are connected via the accessory cable. The AUXBUS line must be connected, as well as the four BAND lines, which we use to “qualify” the AUXBUS frequency data. If you've built your own cable and omitted the AUXBUS or BAND lines, you may need more wires for this to work.
>
> (b) At the K3, locate the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry. Tap the numeric keypad '1' button (also labeled "A/B"). You should see “KAT500Y” or “KAT500N” with successive taps. Leave it on "KAT500Y" (the Y means "Yes, send VFO info to the KAT500"). Exit the menu.
>
> (c) Verify that as you tune the K3's VFO, the KAT500 selects the appropriate LC settings. This occurs after you *stop* moving the K3's VFO for about 1/2 second. You should hear one or more relays clicking at the KAT500 when entering segments that have different LC settings.
>
> --------
>
> 6. (OPTIONAL) In conjunction with the new VFO tracking feature, you may find it a good idea to “retrain” your ATU on 8 or 10 kHz boundaries on 160 meters, and every 20 kHz on 80 meters, particularly if the antennas have sharp SWR curves.
>
> (a) Use the KAT500 Utility, Configuration tab, Edit Configuration, Erase Memories to erase memories on bands that have sharp SWR curves (e.g. 160 and 80 m).
>
> (b) While you're in the Edit Configuration dialog, make sure the Amplifier Key Interrupt power setting is 1500 for a KPA500. If not, click "Optimize for KPA500", then "Apply".
>
> (c) Change the tuner's mode to MAN. In mode AUTO, the KAT500 will start a "full search tune" whenever the SWR reaches a threshold. If you're pretuned, that should be unnecessary and is probably undesirable. Mode AUTO is useful for remote tuners where it is inconvenient to press the ATU TUNE button when you need to.
>
> (d) Using exciter power only, perform a full search tune at 10 kHz increments on 160 and 20 kHz increments on 80 meters. Do this for frequencies where you don't want the ATU to enter "full search tune" when you next QSY there. This is best done by setting the K3's TUN POWER to about 20 watts, HOLD the K3 TUNE button to generate carrier, then tap the KAT500 TUNE button. It may take a while for a few settings, but often it will start "close" and won't take long at all. It depends on the SWR curve of the antenna on that band.
>
> (e) IMPORTANT: When you first visit a new frequency, the ATU will first "snap in" a setting from a nearby memory. It may be a memory you've used before with a different antenna.  If the setting is inappropriate for the current antenna, the SWR will be high, and in mode AUTO, the tuner will need to retune, which requires more or less constant carrier, not SSB speech, not high speed CW.
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo Groups Links
>
> <*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
>    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elecraft_K3/
>
> <*> Your email settings:
>    Individual Email | Traditional
>
> <*> To change settings online go to:
>    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elecraft_K3/join
>    (Yahoo! ID required)
>
> <*> To change settings via email:
>    [hidden email]
>    [hidden email]
>
> <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>    [hidden email]
>
> <*> Your use of Yahoo Groups is subject to:
>    http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/
>
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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Stephen G4SJP
My experience too.  It all works extremely well.

Thanks!

73 Stephen G4SJP


On 14 February 2014 16:23, Rick Bates <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I've used it for a few days now, no issues.  Everything simply works and
> better than before.
>
> Well done!
>
> 73,
> Rick wa6nhc
>
> Tiny iPhone 5 keypad, typos are inevitable
>
> > On Feb 13, 2014, at 1:43 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases
> available. All three must be updated to take advantage of these major
> improvements to the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted
> re-tuning and faults have been fixed.
> >
> > We've also added a new feature that allows the KAT500's network settings
> to automatically track the K3's VFO frequency. The K3 will send frequency
> information over the K3's AUXBUS line, and the KAT500 will select
> previously memorized tuner settings as you move across the band, or when
> you "point and shoot" to work a packet spot.
> >
> > If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a
> question to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
> >
> > * * *
> >
> > Instructions
> >
> > 1. Download the new beta firmware for each device from the applicable
> software pages on our web site.
> >
> > NOTE: Follow the instructions for beta firmware releases when installing
> software in subsequent steps.
> >
> > 2. Using K3 Utility, save your K3's configuration. Then install K3 rev.
> 4.83.
> >
> > 3. Using KPA Utility, save your KPA500's configuration. Then install
> KPA500 rev. 1.37.
> >
> > 4. Using KAT500 Utility, save the KAT500's configuration. Then install
> KAT500 rev. 1.58.
> >
> > --------
> >
> > 5. (OPTIONAL) Set up the K3 to send VFO information to the KAT500:
> >
> > (a) Make sure the K3 and KAT500 (and KPA500, if applicable) are
> connected via the accessory cable. The AUXBUS line must be connected, as
> well as the four BAND lines, which we use to "qualify" the AUXBUS frequency
> data. If you've built your own cable and omitted the AUXBUS or BAND lines,
> you may need more wires for this to work.
> >
> > (b) At the K3, locate the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry. Tap the numeric keypad
> '1' button (also labeled "A/B"). You should see "KAT500Y" or "KAT500N" with
> successive taps. Leave it on "KAT500Y" (the Y means "Yes, send VFO info to
> the KAT500"). Exit the menu.
> >
> > (c) Verify that as you tune the K3's VFO, the KAT500 selects the
> appropriate LC settings. This occurs after you *stop* moving the K3's VFO
> for about 1/2 second. You should hear one or more relays clicking at the
> KAT500 when entering segments that have different LC settings.
> >
> > --------
> >
> > 6. (OPTIONAL) In conjunction with the new VFO tracking feature, you may
> find it a good idea to "retrain" your ATU on 8 or 10 kHz boundaries on 160
> meters, and every 20 kHz on 80 meters, particularly if the antennas have
> sharp SWR curves.
> >
> > (a) Use the KAT500 Utility, Configuration tab, Edit Configuration, Erase
> Memories to erase memories on bands that have sharp SWR curves (e.g. 160
> and 80 m).
> >
> > (b) While you're in the Edit Configuration dialog, make sure the
> Amplifier Key Interrupt power setting is 1500 for a KPA500. If not, click
> "Optimize for KPA500", then "Apply".
> >
> > (c) Change the tuner's mode to MAN. In mode AUTO, the KAT500 will start
> a "full search tune" whenever the SWR reaches a threshold. If you're
> pretuned, that should be unnecessary and is probably undesirable. Mode AUTO
> is useful for remote tuners where it is inconvenient to press the ATU TUNE
> button when you need to.
> >
> > (d) Using exciter power only, perform a full search tune at 10 kHz
> increments on 160 and 20 kHz increments on 80 meters. Do this for
> frequencies where you don't want the ATU to enter "full search tune" when
> you next QSY there. This is best done by setting the K3's TUN POWER to
> about 20 watts, HOLD the K3 TUNE button to generate carrier, then tap the
> KAT500 TUNE button. It may take a while for a few settings, but often it
> will start "close" and won't take long at all. It depends on the SWR curve
> of the antenna on that band.
> >
> > (e) IMPORTANT: When you first visit a new frequency, the ATU will first
> "snap in" a setting from a nearby memory. It may be a memory you've used
> before with a different antenna.  If the setting is inappropriate for the
> current antenna, the SWR will be high, and in mode AUTO, the tuner will
> need to retune, which requires more or less constant carrier, not SSB
> speech, not high speed CW.
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo Groups Links
> >
> > <*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
> >    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elecraft_K3/
> >
> > <*> Your email settings:
> >    Individual Email | Traditional
> >
> > <*> To change settings online go to:
> >    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Elecraft_K3/join
> >    (Yahoo! ID required)
> >
> > <*> To change settings via email:
> >    [hidden email]
> >    [hidden email]
> >
> > <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> >    [hidden email]
> >
> > <*> Your use of Yahoo Groups is subject to:
> >    http://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/
> >
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

ke9uw
My K3-KPA-KAT works great with all three betas and a new Windows utility for KPA. Two solid days and no retuning or faults when I get too into the mic. Thanks Elecraft for all the great help and continuing support.
Chuck, KE9UW
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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Jeffrey Otterson
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
This appears to work very well. The KAT500 following the VFO on the K3 is a
tremendous improvement.  I like it.

Would it be possible to make the ATU TUNE button work with the
KPA500/KAT500 as well?  That, and maybe making the ANT button select
outputs on the KAT500 would pretty much make the K3/KPA500/KAT500 *system*
completely integrated.

Thanks,

Jeff n1kdo
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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

Don Nesbitt-2
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
A little late with my report but all works quite well -- the tracking is a nice addition - all properly cabled together - no surprises.  Tnx -- 73 es gud dxing -- Don N4HH

ANT <=> KAT500 <=> KPA500 <=> K3 <=> P3 <=> Laptop Computer


________________________________
 From: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>; "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2014 4:43 PM
Subject: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware:  KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements
 

The K3, KPA500, and KAT500 all have new beta firmware releases available. All three must be updated to take advantage of these major improvements to the KAT500 and KPA500. All known problems with unwanted re-tuning and faults have been fixed.

We've also added a new feature that allows the KAT500's network settings to automatically track the K3's VFO frequency. The K3 will send frequency information over the K3's AUXBUS line, and the KAT500 will select previously memorized tuner settings as you move across the band, or when you “point and shoot” to work a packet spot.

If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a question to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

Instructions

1. Download the new beta firmware for each device from the applicable software pages on our web site.

NOTE: Follow the instructions for beta firmware releases when installing software in subsequent steps.

2. Using K3 Utility, save your K3's configuration. Then install K3 rev. 4.83.

3. Using KPA Utility, save your KPA500's configuration. Then install KPA500 rev. 1.37.

4. Using KAT500 Utility, save the KAT500's configuration. Then install KAT500 rev. 1.58.

--------

5. (OPTIONAL) Set up the K3 to send VFO information to the KAT500:

(a) Make sure the K3 and KAT500 (and KPA500, if applicable) are connected via the accessory cable. The AUXBUS line must be connected, as well as the four BAND lines, which we use to “qualify” the AUXBUS frequency data. If you've built your own cable and omitted the AUXBUS or BAND lines, you may need more wires for this to work.

(b) At the K3, locate the CONFIG:KAT3 menu entry. Tap the numeric keypad '1' button (also labeled "A/B"). You should see “KAT500Y” or “KAT500N” with successive taps. Leave it on "KAT500Y" (the Y means "Yes, send VFO info to the KAT500"). Exit the menu.

(c) Verify that as you tune the K3's VFO, the KAT500 selects the appropriate LC settings. This occurs after you *stop* moving the K3's VFO for about 1/2 second. You should hear one or more relays clicking at the KAT500 when entering segments that have different LC settings.

--------

6. (OPTIONAL) In conjunction with the new VFO tracking feature, you may find it a good idea to “retrain” your ATU on 8 or 10 kHz boundaries on 160 meters, and every 20 kHz on 80 meters, particularly if the antennas have sharp SWR curves.

(a) Use the KAT500 Utility, Configuration tab, Edit Configuration, Erase Memories to erase memories on bands that have sharp SWR curves (e.g. 160 and 80 m).

(b) While you're in the Edit Configuration dialog, make sure the Amplifier Key Interrupt power setting is 1500 for a KPA500. If not, click "Optimize for KPA500", then "Apply".

(c) Change the tuner's mode to MAN. In mode AUTO, the KAT500 will start a "full search tune" whenever the SWR reaches a threshold. If you're pretuned, that should be unnecessary and is probably undesirable. Mode AUTO is useful for remote tuners where it is inconvenient to press the ATU TUNE button when you need to.

(d) Using exciter power only, perform a full search tune at 10 kHz increments on 160 and 20 kHz increments on 80 meters. Do this for frequencies where you don't want the ATU to enter "full search tune" when you next QSY there. This is best done by setting the K3's TUN POWER to about 20 watts, HOLD the K3 TUNE button to generate carrier, then tap the KAT500 TUNE button. It may take a while for a few settings, but often it will start "close" and won't take long at all. It depends on the SWR curve of the antenna on that band.

(e) IMPORTANT: When you first visit a new frequency, the ATU will first "snap in" a setting from a nearby memory. It may be a memory you've used before with a different antenna.  If the setting is inappropriate for the current antenna, the SWR will be high, and in mode AUTO, the tuner will need to retune, which requires more or less constant carrier, not SSB speech, not high speed CW.



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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware:

Phil Salas
And I’ll add my input.  Been using the latest firmware and it has worked perfectly.  Been too busy operating to say much.  No false tunes, and the KAT500 tracking of the K3 is outstanding.  

Phil – AD5X
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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware:

Phil Irons
My problem has not been with the firmware, but rather with the
computer/amplifier interface.

I have an old desktop computer running XP Pro SP3.  I installed the
appropriate software from Elecraft per the instructions in the User Manual.
 However, when I tried to connect the amp to the computer using an FTDI
USB-serial interface, my computer crashed--every time.  Not only that, but
with the interface plugged in, it wouldn't reboot, it just kept cycling
through the restart process.

I resolved the problem by doing what I should have done in the first
place--moved the amp closer to the computer and used a straight
serial-serial cable.  In so doing, I was reminded of the weight of the
amplifier!

The Elecraft software indicated that the firmware update was successful;
however, as I am currently antenna-less, courtesy Mother Nature, I'll have
to wait for a while to see the results.

73,

Phil/VE1BVD


On Sun, Feb 16, 2014 at 1:03 PM, Phil & Debbie Salas <[hidden email]>wrote:

> And I'll add my input.  Been using the latest firmware and it has worked
> perfectly.  Been too busy operating to say much.  No false tunes, and the
> KAT500 tracking of the K3 is outstanding.
>
> Phil - AD5X
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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--
Phil & Anne Irons
Sydney, Nova Scotia
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Re: [Elecraft_K3] New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware:

Jim Bennett
Phil -

Sounds like something may be hosed in your Win/XP SP3 or the old desktop itself. I'm running the same Win/XP SP3 (on a Mac, under VMware Fusion) and the Elecraft-supplied USB-Serial cable; works very well.

Jim / W6JHB



On   Monday, Feb 17, 2014, at  Monday, 4:30 AM, Phil Irons wrote:

> My problem has not been with the firmware, but rather with the
> computer/amplifier interface.
>
> I have an old desktop computer running XP Pro SP3.  I installed the
> appropriate software from Elecraft per the instructions in the User Manual.
> However, when I tried to connect the amp to the computer using an FTDI
> USB-serial interface, my computer crashed--every time.  Not only that, but
> with the interface plugged in, it wouldn't reboot, it just kept cycling
> through the restart process.
>
> I resolved the problem by doing what I should have done in the first
> place--moved the amp closer to the computer and used a straight
> serial-serial cable.  In so doing, I was reminded of the weight of the
> amplifier!
>
> The Elecraft software indicated that the firmware update was successful;
> however, as I am currently antenna-less, courtesy Mother Nature, I'll have
> to wait for a while to see the results.
>
> 73,
>
> Phil/VE1BVD
>
>
> On Sun, Feb 16, 2014 at 1:03 PM, Phil & Debbie Salas <[hidden email]>wrote:
>
>> And I'll add my input.  Been using the latest firmware and it has worked
>> perfectly.  Been too busy operating to say much.  No false tunes, and the
>> KAT500 tracking of the K3 is outstanding.
>>
>> Phil - AD5X
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
>
>
>
> --
> Phil & Anne Irons
> Sydney, Nova Scotia
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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Re: New K3/KPA500/KAT500 beta firmware: KAT500 tracking of K3 VFO & other improvements

mcduffie
In reply to this post by wayne burdick
On Thu, 13 Feb 2014 13:43:33 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> If you have any difficulty with the instructions below, please post a question
> to the Elecraft list, or contact customer support.

I didn't expect this, but I'm having a bit of a problem with the beta version.
When I put it in, I could not longer tune many frequencies on 160/80 meters that
I used on a daily basis with the old version (1.41?).  I reloaded it several
times, going through the procedure to reload, etc.  I finally gave up and
reloaded 1.41 and everything was fine again.  Interestingly, it seemed I had the
most problem with the new firmware when I was near, but not on, resonant
frequencies.  Many times, when it will tune at 25 watts, it will not let the amp
turn on.

Gary
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