Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 192, Issue 20

[Elecraft mailing list]

Regarding K4 Updates:

Chuck KE9UW has a good idea. What he is really suggesting is that the K4 be remotely operated by an iPad with the K4 control panel replicated on the touch screen. We know that Flex Radio has this with the 6400/6600 series. Will this be available with the K4?

W9DBR



Sent from my iPad

> On Apr 19, 2020, at 4:38 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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> Today's Topics:
>
>   1. K-4 capabilities (Art Suberbielle)
>   2. Re: KX2 sluggish/intermittent VFO display (ab2tc)
>   3. Re: K-4 capabilities (Doug Turnbull)
>   4. KX-2 ATU not working (Peter West)
>   5. KX2 With W9RAN "Versatile T/R Switch" for SDR (James Bennett)
>   6. Re: K3 Utility vs macOS Catalina (David Ferrington, M0XDF)
>   7. Re: K-4 capabilities (Ken B)
>   8. Re: KATxxx Remote Tuner (Jim Brown)
>   9. Re: K-4 capabilities (Mike VE3YF)
>  10. Re: KATxxx Remote Tuner (David Gilbert)
>  11. Re: KATxxx Remote Tuner (David Gilbert)
>  12. Re: K-4 capabilities (Doug Turnbull)
>  13. Re: K-4 capabilities (Barry LaZar)
>  14. Re: K4 capabilities (Ralph Parker)
>  15. Re: K4 capabilities (David Bunte)
>  16. K4 (RALPH TURK)
>  17. Some K4 updates from the engineering department (Wayne Burdick)
>  18. Re: K-4 capabilities (Wayne Burdick)
>  19. Re: Some K4 updates from the engineering department
>      (Richard Zalewski)
>  20. Re: Some K4 updates from the engineering department
>      (hawley, charles j jr)
>  21. Re: Some K4 updates from the engineering department (Rick NK7I)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:35:34 -0500
> From: Art Suberbielle <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft list <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID:
>    <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> As we all await the arrival of the K-4, I'm wondering if the radio will
> "remember" all of the settings per band. Specifically, I use different RF
> settings per band and have to remember to reset the RF as I go from 160 to
> 20, for example. Will these settings and AF gain, etc be recalled per band?
>
> Wayne, et al, tell us more about what you've been doing on the software
> design side of the K-4 while "on vacation" at home?
>
> 73,
> Art KZ5D
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 09:49:40 -0700 (MST)
> From: ab2tc <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX2 sluggish/intermittent VFO display
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Hi,
>
> This doesn't sound like an encoder problem to me. Encoders have no memory,
> so if the radio eventually responds to the encoder pulses and displays the
> correct frequency after a delay, that delay must have occurred in the
> microcontroller itself or possibly in the display module if it is an
> "intelligent" one. To me it sounds if the KX2 microcontroller occasionally
> gets overloaded and sluggish in responding to inputs.
>
> Do you have anything connected to any ports, such as serial port, AUX port,
> etc.? Pardon my ignorance on the KX2 here but most Elecraft radios, even the
> smaller ones, have ports like these. I have seen in the past (maybe not with
> an Elecraft product) radio brought to its knees from hyperactivity on a
> serial port. Disconnect everything that is not essential to local (sitting
> in front of) radio operation and see if the problem goes away.
>
> AB2TC - Knut  
>
>
>
> Lyle Johnson wrote
>> All encoders in the KX2 are soldered you the control panel board.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Lyle KK7P
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Apr 19, 2020, at 3:57 AM, Heinz Baertschi &lt;
>
>> heinz.baertschi@
>
>> &gt; wrote:
>>>
>>> ?
>>> Thanks Tom, interesting to know.
>>>
>>> *When troubleshooting it would still be of great help to know how the KX2
>>> encoder is connected to the main bord - plugged in or soldered?*
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Heinz HB9BCB
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Tommy wrote
>>>> I have seen the same on my KX2, while dialing it seems to freeze at
>>>> times for a second or so at a time. Even after being on only a few
>>>> minutes. Kind of annoying but not too worrying to me. At least for now.
>>>> Serial # 01927
>>>>
>>>> 73 de Tom KB2SMS
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>> On 4/18/20 10:44 AM, Heinz Baertschi wrote:
>>> <snip>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 3
>> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 16:57:57 -0000
>> From: "Doug Turnbull" <[hidden email]>
>> To: "'Art Suberbielle'" <[hidden email]>,    "'Elecraft list'"
>>    <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
>> Message-ID: <014401d6166b$ad2c1f30$07845d90$@net1.ie>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>>
>> Wayne,
>>    In these times of lockdown some of us are buoyed up with the prospect of
>> the new K4.     Well some of the fortunate who are waiting for early
>> delivery.    It is a bit like waiting for Santa as a kid.   When a toy
>> catalogue came in the door I devoured it; well maybe these catalogues are a
>> thing of the past.   Nonetheless, anything you can tell us about this radio
>> just gives us something to look forward to.    I see from the back of QST
>> that the Kenwood TS 890S has some pretty nice features and impressive
>> specifications.    It will be most interesting to see how the K4 stacks up.
>> Will Porsche surpass Jaguar again and claim pole position?     The K4 is a
>> big hope for the future.    Tell us what you can, we need bedtime stories to
>> fall asleep dreaming over.
>>
>>                                   73 Doug EI2CN
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On
>> Behalf Of Art Suberbielle
>> Sent: Sunday 19 April 2020 16:36
>> To: Elecraft list <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
>>
>> As we all await the arrival of the K-4, I'm wondering if the radio will
>> "remember" all of the settings per band. Specifically, I use different RF
>> settings per band and have to remember to reset the RF as I go from 160 to
>> 20, for example. Will these settings and AF gain, etc be recalled per band?
>>
>> Wayne, et al, tell us more about what you've been doing on the software
>> design side of the K-4 while "on vacation" at home?
>>
>> 73,
>> Art KZ5D
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>>
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 4
>> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:59:47 -0400
>> From: Peter West <[hidden email]>
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [Elecraft] KX-2 ATU not working
>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii
>>
>> I can hear the ATU in my KX-2 running when the ATU button is pushed but it is not changing the SWR. An Elecraft T1 works and lowers the SWR. Any thoughts or is this a mail-in repair solution?
>>
>> 73 - Peter - VE3HG
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 5
>> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:18:03 -0700
>> From: James Bennett <[hidden email]>
>> To: Elecraft Reflector Reflector <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: [Elecraft] KX2 With W9RAN "Versatile T/R Switch" for SDR
>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=utf-8
>>
>> Hi All - wondering if any of you KX2 (or even KX3) owners have built and are using the W9RAN "Versatile T/R Switch for SDRs and Vintage Radios? featured on page 30 of the December 2018 issue of QST?
>>
>> I enjoy the P3 that I use with my K3 and sure miss ?seeing? the band when I use the little QRP rig here in the shack. I have an RSPplay RSPpro2 SDR connected to a Mac Mini and a 32? monitor and would like to share my antenna system between the SDR and the KX2. This would allow me to ?look" at a particular band with the SDR and then tune the KX2 to a desired spot I found on the SDR.
>>
>> I got the T/R Switch kit from W9RAN on Saturday and have not yet started building it. Based on the schematic in QST, it appears that as built, one cannot listen to the KX2 receiver; the antenna is connected to the SDR until the transmitter is keyed. I thought maybe I could jumper pins 14 and 11 at the T/R relay on the board, or use a coax Tee so that the KX2 would always be connected to the antenna.
>>
>> Thoughts??
>>
>> Jim / W6JHB
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 6
>> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 18:23:41 +0100
>> From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]>
>> To: John Woodard <[hidden email]>
>> Cc: Don Putnick <[hidden email]>, ElecraftList
>>    <[hidden email]>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Utility vs macOS Catalina
>> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
>> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=utf-8
>>
>> Sorry, if someone mentioned this, but the original KUSB uses a Prolific chipset.
>> That?s always been temperamental. Plugable.com have drivers for 10.15.3 but you have to buy them and I haven?t tried them.
>>
>> 73 de David, M0XDF
>> The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. -- Albert Einstein
>>
>> On 28 Mar 2020, at 16:08, John Woodard <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Don,
>>  I just upgraded to 10.15.4 and launched K3 Utility. It loaded fine, but
>> I noticed that the options under the Configuration and Calibration tabs
>> were grayed out. I switched to the Port tab and selected Test
>> Communications. When I got the positive response back from the K3, the
>> options under Configuration and Calibration were no longer grayed out.
>> Everything seems to be working fine now.
>>
>> 73 de John, WK8A
>>
>>> On Fri, Mar 27, 2020 at 7:05 PM Don Putnick <[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> I'm working with Rob at Elecraft on this, but I'm trying to gather more
>>> data for us. When I open the K3 Utility under Catalina, nothing is
>>> displayed. If I go down to the dock, right click on the utility, then
>>> select "Show all windows", the utility main screen opens. BUT if I click on
>>> the screen, it closes immediately. The KAT500 Utility works just fine, so I
>>> don't think its the usb-to-serial cable or the driver. And the K3 Utility
>>> works correctly under macOS Sierra. Anyone else experiencing this?
>>> 73 Don NA6Z
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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>>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
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>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
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>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm <http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm>
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
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>> Message delivered to [hidden email] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 17:27:02 +0000 (UTC)
> From: Ken B <[hidden email]>
> To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>,    'Art Suberbielle'
>    <[hidden email]>,    'Elecraft list' <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Anxiously awaiting it.? ?There was promises of more and frequent conversation unless I am mistaken.? ?I paid for it in full and am not going to cancel it but would like more information
> Thank youWB8PKK
>
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
>
>  On Sun, Apr 19, 2020 at 1:09 PM, Doug Turnbull<[hidden email]> wrote:   Wayne,
> ? ? In these times of lockdown some of us are buoyed up with the prospect of
> the new K4.? ? Well some of the fortunate who are waiting for early
> delivery.? ? It is a bit like waiting for Santa as a kid.? When a toy
> catalogue came in the door I devoured it; well maybe these catalogues are a
> thing of the past.? Nonetheless, anything you can tell us about this radio
> just gives us something to look forward to.? ? I see from the back of QST
> that the Kenwood TS 890S has some pretty nice features and impressive
> specifications.? ? It will be most interesting to see how the K4 stacks up.
> Will Porsche surpass Jaguar again and claim pole position?? ? The K4 is a
> big hope for the future.? ? Tell us what you can, we need bedtime stories to
> fall asleep dreaming over.
>
> ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? 73 Doug EI2CN
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On
> Behalf Of Art Suberbielle
> Sent: Sunday 19 April 2020 16:36
> To: Elecraft list <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
>
> As we all await the arrival of the K-4, I'm wondering if the radio will
> "remember" all of the settings per band. Specifically, I use different RF
> settings per band and have to remember to reset the RF as I go from 160 to
> 20, for example. Will these settings and AF gain, etc be recalled per band?
>
> Wayne, et al, tell us more about what you've been doing on the software
> design side of the K-4 while "on vacation" at home?
>
> 73,
> Art KZ5D
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message
> delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:41:43 -0700
> From: Jim Brown <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KATxxx Remote Tuner
> Message-ID:
>    <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>> On 4/19/2020 8:51 AM, ab2tc wrote:
>> I totally agree with your last statement about the tuner placement.
>
> The importance of a tuner being at the feedpoint depends entirely on the
> antenna, the frequency(ies), and the feedline. The lower the operating
> frequency, and lower the feedline loss characteristics, and the lower
> the mismatch, a tuner in the shack can work quite well at moderate power
> levels. AD5X, who does product reviews for ARRL, reviewed the "43 ft
> vertical," which is notoriously difficult to match. One solution he
> found was a 4:1 unun at the feedpoint and 1/2-in hardline to the shack.
> For high power on 160 and 80M, he used a tuner at the feedpoint.
>
> Some years ago, I successfully loaded a vertical on 80M that was
> resonant on 160M, hence a VERY high impedance at the feedpoint. The
> feedline was RG8 and only about 40 ft long, so I was able to load it
> quite successfully with a Ten Tec 238 tuner in the shack and a legal
> limit Ten Tec tube amp.
>
> On 60M, I'm currently loading a high 80M dipole fed with 160 ft of RG11
> using the tuner in the KPA1500. The amp, of course, is throttled back to
> less than 100W. I'm not the loudest signal on the band, but I've worked
> into EU and SA in a few evenings on the band.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 17:57:10 +0000
> From: Mike VE3YF <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> Yes getting some more info would be great. I have been bugging the boys
> at Elecraft for an electronic copy of the manual, but nothing yet. I
> have all the cabling done and a spot cleared on the desk beside my
> KPA1500 for either my K4D or K4HD, I too have paid the full amount and
> just waiting for the early May date when California will ultimately
> decide if people can go back to work or will have to stay isolated
> further. I think from reading everything hinges on that time frame.
>
> In the meantime I guess we will have to wait and stare at pictures of
> the K4 Front panel.
>
> --
>
> *73 De Mike*
> *VE3YF
>
> _/http://www.ve3yf.com/_*
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 10
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:11:58 -0700
> From: David Gilbert <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KATxxx Remote Tuner
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>
> I don't think that's actually true in most cases.? For example, a load
> of 35 - j45 gives a 3:1 SWR at the load for 50 ohm coax, and the
> additional line loss at 14 MHz due to SWR over 200 feet of LMR-400
> (moderate cost) is about 0.5 dB.
>
> In most cases with typical antennas and decent feedline, a tuner is more
> about making your rig or amplifier happy, and for that it can be in the
> shack.
>
> Unless of course you're talking about some random piece of wire with a
> 10:1 SWR, but even then the extra loss due to SWR for the 200 feet of
> LMR-400 is less than 2.5 dB at 14 MHz.? The best reason I can think of
> for a tuner in that case is to keep the RF voltage from being excessive
> at high power.? If you're obsessive about 50 ohm matched antennas I
> doubt that is the case for you, and if it was me I'd put the $1,000+
> dollars it would probably cost for a stand alone high power remote tuner
> capable of handling a 10:1 SWR to better use on the antennas themselves.
>
> 73,
> Dave ? AB7E
>
>
>
>> On 4/19/2020 5:40 AM, Richard Thorne wrote:
>> I?m a firm believer in 50 ohm matched antennas, but if a tuner is required it needs to be at the feed point.
>>
>> Rich - N5ZC
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 11
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:16:51 -0700
> From: David Gilbert <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KATxxx Remote Tuner
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>
> Why?? Specifically (numbers please), what would it gain you that would
> be cost effective versus other alternatives?
>
> 73,
> Dave?? AB7E
>
>
>
>
>> On 4/19/2020 8:52 AM, Lyn Norstad wrote:
>>
>> That being said, a ?remote? version of the KAT500 (or a KAT1500) would be of immense interest to me ? so I will follow this thread closely.
>>
>>
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Lyn,
>>
>> W0LEN
>>
>>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 12
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 18:37:15 -0000
> From: "Doug Turnbull" <[hidden email]>
> To: "'Mike VE3YF'" <[hidden email]>,    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID: <016501d61679$8c7b40f0$a571c2d0$@net1.ie>
> Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"
>
> Hello Mike and friends,
>      Well you are not in the EU and do not need to wait for CE approval.
> The start of this process can only begin as I understand with a production
> model.    Until CE approval is obtained Elecraft can not shirt to the EU.
> I am not complaining about EI being in the EU but am anxious.    I suppose
> one could bring one back from the USA on a plane and declare it in the
> airport but there are no flights out of EI to USA for such purposes these
> days.    My radio is also paid for and ultimately it will be the K4HD.
> One can add the "superhet ?" front end later when it becomes available.
>
>                                    73 Doug EI2CN
>
> PS this is what happens to one who is cocooned.   Over 70s in EI are not
> even supposed to leave their property to go grocery shopping
> ;  this is something neighbours are expected to do.  
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email] <[hidden email]> On
> Behalf Of Mike VE3YF
> Sent: Sunday 19 April 2020 17:57
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
>
> Yes getting some more info would be great. I have been bugging the boys at
> Elecraft for an electronic copy of the manual, but nothing yet. I have all
> the cabling done and a spot cleared on the desk beside my
> KPA1500 for either my K4D or K4HD, I too have paid the full amount and just
> waiting for the early May date when California will ultimately decide if
> people can go back to work or will have to stay isolated further. I think
> from reading everything hinges on that time frame.
>
> In the meantime I guess we will have to wait and stare at pictures of the K4
> Front panel.
>
> --
>
> *73 De Mike*
> *VE3YF
>
> _/http://www.ve3yf.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]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 13
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 14:41:28 -0400
> From: Barry LaZar <[hidden email]>
> To: Art Suberbielle <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft list <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID:
>    <CAGzZ2ZDgMYmdCjrsMhgVW=[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> And, how will I be able to interface CW Skimmer for contesting? Will there
> be a I&Q output available in MME format as there will be no IF.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
>> On Sun, Apr 19, 2020, 12:37 PM Art Suberbielle <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> As we all await the arrival of the K-4, I'm wondering if the radio will
>> "remember" all of the settings per band. Specifically, I use different RF
>> settings per band and have to remember to reset the RF as I go from 160 to
>> 20, for example. Will these settings and AF gain, etc be recalled per band?
>>
>> Wayne, et al, tell us more about what you've been doing on the software
>> design side of the K-4 while "on vacation" at home?
>>
>> 73,
>> Art KZ5D
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 14
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:44:54 -0700
> From: Ralph Parker <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 capabilities
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
>> In the meantime I guess we will have to wait and stare at pictures of
> the K4 Front panel.
>
> While anxiously waiting in line for the KPA500 to be released, I printed out a picture of the front panel
> of the '500, cut it out and placed it on the shelf where the '500 would go. Then I could pretend that
> the station was complete.
> Almost as good as the real thing!
>
> VE7XF
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 15
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 15:08:05 -0400
> From: David Bunte <[hidden email]>
> To: Ralph Parker <[hidden email]>
> Cc: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 capabilities
> Message-ID:
>    <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Ralph -
>
> I love that story. When I was in high school I saw a full page photo of the
> Hallicrafters SX-101A in CQ Magazine. I cut out that photo and had it taped
> to my desk while I finished saving for that beast of a receiver.
>
> Dave - K9FN
>
> On Sun, Apr 19, 2020 at 2:46 PM Ralph Parker <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>>> In the meantime I guess we will have to wait and stare at pictures of
>> the K4 Front panel.
>>
>> While anxiously waiting in line for the KPA500 to be released, I printed
>> out a picture of the front panel
>> of the '500, cut it out and placed it on the shelf where the '500 would
>> go. Then I could pretend that
>> the station was complete.
>> Almost as good as the real thing!
>>
>> VE7XF
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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]
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 16
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 13:31:07 -0600 (MDT)
> From: RALPH TURK <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] K4
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Wayne et all
> My only concern before I order a K4 is how it will work with two high power
> AM transmitters near me.
> 10KW day,1kw night  KVOI south of me and a 50kw day only KUAT AM north of me.
> At some time, I will need to borrow or rent a k4 for a week and see how it behaves
> The majority of my operation is between 2-3.5 Mhz, 4 to 7mhz,  7.3-10mhz, 11mhz to14mhz.
> I also use my radio on most ham bands.  I currently use a K3 with all bells and 1000MP
> The MP seems to handle the intermod better then the k3
> The intermod is not caused within the radios but cause by rusty chainlink fence, poor power line
> grounds etc.  My antennas are not the problem.  I tried a sharp cutoff filter for everything below
> 3.5mhz.  No positive measurable results.
>
> Ralph, W7HSG, AFA9RT
> 520-444-6610
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 17
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:46:21 -0700
> From: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Some K4 updates from the engineering department
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> Greetings from locked-down California.... I hope everyone, near and far, is staying safe!
>
> I thought I'd take a break from playing with the K4 and tweaking firmware to give everyone a status report from the engineering side. (Eric has been keeping everyone informed about how Elecraft has been affected by the pandemic more generally.)
>
> These musings are in no particular order. I hope they help satisfy those who recently posted with questions, info-cravings, etc.
>
> * * *
>
> Reference Oscillator
>
> The K4 includes a stable internal TXCO, standard, as well as the ability to lock to an external 10 MHz reference. We just completed a round of testing on this feature.
>
> The internal TCXO is accurate to within +/- .28 ppm with no calibration and no external reference connected. There's a menu entry for dialing this in as tight as +/- .02 PPM (+/- 1 Hz at 50 MHz). Connecting an external reference will hold it even closer, and of course keep it there over an even wider temperature range.
>
> Panadapter Controls
>
> Thanks to the efforts of our [working-at-home] software team, the panadapter controls just keep getting better. When you tap DISPLAY, you're presented with 14 easy to use display functions. But we took things a step further by allowing you to specify whether to adjust the current parameter on LCD, EXT, or both (when an external monitor is attached), and on main, sub, or both (when in dual-display mode). You can independently specify single or dual-pan for LCD and external monitor. For example, you could have dual-Pan on a large HDMI monitor, while setting the LCD to monitor just main or sub RX.
>
> Stereo Audio
>
> Receive audio provides independent left and right channels for both headphones and external speakers. When used in single-receive mode, this allows you to use simulated stereo or "pitch mapping"-- both very effective at relieving listening fatigue. I've been using this a lot in DXing and QRP work. Full stereo also comes into play in diversity mode, when listening to pileups, or just monitoring two separate bands. Even with a basic K4, the two receivers can be set to any two bands, and you can operate cross-band split. The K4D adds a second set of band-pass filters and a second A-to-D converter to greatly improve out-of-band rejection when monitoring different bands.
>
> Receive Antenna Controls
>
> We recently made some improvements in this area. In addition to main RX ant and sub RX ant selection switches, there are now separate icons showing which antennas are in use: one for main RX, one for sub RX, and one for TX antenna. Main and sub receivers default to the TX antenna, but you can select any of the antenna jacks for assignment to each receiver independently. This updates the icons accordingly. You can also assign names to antenna ports using a pop-up alphanumeric keyboard. On my K4, I have names for the three antennas connected to my KAT4 ATU, as well as "SIG GEN" for the RX ANT IN 1 jack and "LOOP" for RX ANT IN 2.
>
> RF Gain Controls
>
> The ATTN switch brings up a selection tool that allows you to turn the attenuator on/off and select attenuation from 0 to 21 dB in 3-dB steps. (As with all receive and transmit controls, these settings are stored per-band and per-receiver.) You can also dial in per-receiver RF GAIN (0 to -60 dB, with digital readout) and preamp setting (off/pre1/pre2). All gain settings are now taken into account when calculating S-meter and panadapter reference levels.
>
> Miscellaneous Controls
>
> Compared the the K3S, the K4 has numerous additional controls, resulting in a lot less use of the menu. Each receiver has a collection of per-mode settings (tap MAIN RX or SUB RX, respectively), as does the transmitter (tap the TX button). There are dedicated switches for TUNE LP (user-specified low-power TUNE setting), REM ANT (for future control of remote antenna switches, rotators, etc.), VFO B>A (in addition to the usual A>B), AUTO spot (in addition to SPOT), PF1-PF4 (plus another 14 user functions, Fn 1-14, via a touch function), and a separate audio BALance knob function, the behavior of which could be adapted to various operator needs in the future.
>
> Touch Controls
>
> We're sure you'll find, as we have, that the K4's touch screen interface is fast and convenient to use. To capitalize on this, we've been adding new touch features. To highlight a few: Tapping the RIT/XIT offset window turns RIT on/off (per receiver). Tapping the antenna icons brings up their selection widgets, with planned custom behavior for quick A/B testing. The Status Area of the LCD normally shows time and date, but you can tap it to select from various alternatives, including system parameters (like supply voltage/current) or per-receiver absolute signal levels in dBm. Tapping the per-RX filter graphics switches between per-mode FL1/2/3 settings.
>
> * * *
>
> I have to admit that it's frustrating to be sequestered at home, making only the occasional quick trip to the office or to visit coworkers. Work, like life, has become more challenging for all of us. But the good news for everyone waiting for a K4 is that a handful of testers are using them every day, so that when you do get your hands on one, it'll be rock-solid.
>
> Believe me, we're just as anxious for that day to arrive as you are. Maybe more :)
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 18
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:48:06 -0700
> From: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
> To: Barry LaZar <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Art Suberbielle <[hidden email]>,    Elecraft Reflector
>    <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K-4 capabilities
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> This is definitely planned.
>
> Wayne
>
>
>> On Apr 19, 2020, at 11:41 AM, Barry LaZar <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> And, how will I be able to interface CW Skimmer for contesting? Will there
>> be a I&Q output available in MME format as there will be no IF.
>>
>> 73,
>> Barry
>> K3NDM
>>
>>> On Sun, Apr 19, 2020, 12:37 PM Art Suberbielle <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> As we all await the arrival of the K-4, I'm wondering if the radio will
>>> "remember" all of the settings per band. Specifically, I use different RF
>>> settings per band and have to remember to reset the RF as I go from 160 to
>>> 20, for example. Will these settings and AF gain, etc be recalled per band?
>>>
>>> Wayne, et al, tell us more about what you've been doing on the software
>>> design side of the K-4 while "on vacation" at home?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Art KZ5D
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 19
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 12:53:39 -0700
> From: Richard Zalewski <[hidden email]>
> To: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some K4 updates from the engineering
>    department
> Message-ID:
>    <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Thank you very much.  More updates like this will make your bankers (those
> that pre-ordered) feel a lot better.  Please keep it up and Stay Safe!
>
> Richard
> *W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
> J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV
>
>
> *Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*
>
>
>> On Sun, Apr 19, 2020 at 12:47 PM Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Greetings from locked-down California.... I hope everyone, near and far,
>> is staying safe!
>>
>> I thought I'd take a break from playing with the K4 and tweaking firmware
>> to give everyone a status report from the engineering side. (Eric has been
>> keeping everyone informed about how Elecraft has been affected by the
>> pandemic more generally.)
>>
>> These musings are in no particular order. I hope they help satisfy those
>> who recently posted with questions, info-cravings, etc.
>>
>> * * *
>>
>> Reference Oscillator
>>
>> The K4 includes a stable internal TXCO, standard, as well as the ability
>> to lock to an external 10 MHz reference. We just completed a round of
>> testing on this feature.
>>
>> The internal TCXO is accurate to within +/- .28 ppm with no calibration
>> and no external reference connected. There's a menu entry for dialing this
>> in as tight as +/- .02 PPM (+/- 1 Hz at 50 MHz). Connecting an external
>> reference will hold it even closer, and of course keep it there over an
>> even wider temperature range.
>>
>> Panadapter Controls
>>
>> Thanks to the efforts of our [working-at-home] software team, the
>> panadapter controls just keep getting better. When you tap DISPLAY, you're
>> presented with 14 easy to use display functions. But we took things a step
>> further by allowing you to specify whether to adjust the current parameter
>> on LCD, EXT, or both (when an external monitor is attached), and on main,
>> sub, or both (when in dual-display mode). You can independently specify
>> single or dual-pan for LCD and external monitor. For example, you could
>> have dual-Pan on a large HDMI monitor, while setting the LCD to monitor
>> just main or sub RX.
>>
>> Stereo Audio
>>
>> Receive audio provides independent left and right channels for both
>> headphones and external speakers. When used in single-receive mode, this
>> allows you to use simulated stereo or "pitch mapping"-- both very effective
>> at relieving listening fatigue. I've been using this a lot in DXing and QRP
>> work. Full stereo also comes into play in diversity mode, when listening to
>> pileups, or just monitoring two separate bands. Even with a basic K4, the
>> two receivers can be set to any two bands, and you can operate cross-band
>> split. The K4D adds a second set of band-pass filters and a second A-to-D
>> converter to greatly improve out-of-band rejection when monitoring
>> different bands.
>>
>> Receive Antenna Controls
>>
>> We recently made some improvements in this area. In addition to main RX
>> ant and sub RX ant selection switches, there are now separate icons showing
>> which antennas are in use: one for main RX, one for sub RX, and one for TX
>> antenna. Main and sub receivers default to the TX antenna, but you can
>> select any of the antenna jacks for assignment to each receiver
>> independently. This updates the icons accordingly. You can also assign
>> names to antenna ports using a pop-up alphanumeric keyboard. On my K4, I
>> have names for the three antennas connected to my KAT4 ATU, as well as "SIG
>> GEN" for the RX ANT IN 1 jack and "LOOP" for RX ANT IN 2.
>>
>> RF Gain Controls
>>
>> The ATTN switch brings up a selection tool that allows you to turn the
>> attenuator on/off and select attenuation from 0 to 21 dB in 3-dB steps. (As
>> with all receive and transmit controls, these settings are stored per-band
>> and per-receiver.) You can also dial in per-receiver RF GAIN (0 to -60 dB,
>> with digital readout) and preamp setting (off/pre1/pre2). All gain settings
>> are now taken into account when calculating S-meter and panadapter
>> reference levels.
>>
>> Miscellaneous Controls
>>
>> Compared the the K3S, the K4 has numerous additional controls, resulting
>> in a lot less use of the menu. Each receiver has a collection of per-mode
>> settings (tap MAIN RX or SUB RX, respectively), as does the transmitter
>> (tap the TX button). There are dedicated switches for TUNE LP
>> (user-specified low-power TUNE setting), REM ANT (for future control of
>> remote antenna switches, rotators, etc.), VFO B>A (in addition to the usual
>> A>B), AUTO spot (in addition to SPOT), PF1-PF4 (plus another 14 user
>> functions, Fn 1-14, via a touch function), and a separate audio BALance
>> knob function, the behavior of which could be adapted to various operator
>> needs in the future.
>>
>> Touch Controls
>>
>> We're sure you'll find, as we have, that the K4's touch screen interface
>> is fast and convenient to use. To capitalize on this, we've been adding new
>> touch features. To highlight a few: Tapping the RIT/XIT offset window turns
>> RIT on/off (per receiver). Tapping the antenna icons brings up their
>> selection widgets, with planned custom behavior for quick A/B testing. The
>> Status Area of the LCD normally shows time and date, but you can tap it to
>> select from various alternatives, including system parameters (like supply
>> voltage/current) or per-receiver absolute signal levels in dBm. Tapping the
>> per-RX filter graphics switches between per-mode FL1/2/3 settings.
>>
>> * * *
>>
>> I have to admit that it's frustrating to be sequestered at home, making
>> only the occasional quick trip to the office or to visit coworkers. Work,
>> like life, has become more challenging for all of us. But the good news for
>> everyone waiting for a K4 is that a handful of testers are using them every
>> day, so that when you do get your hands on one, it'll be rock-solid.
>>
>> Believe me, we're just as anxious for that day to arrive as you are. Maybe
>> more :)
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 20
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:10:51 +0000
> From: "hawley, charles j jr" <[hidden email]>
> To: Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some K4 updates from the engineering
>    department
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
>
> When I read about the touch controls, I suddenly had an image in my mind of a small touch tablet on the desk that had all the controls on it that were on the K4 display.
> Kind of a touch panel Kpod...
>
> Jack BMW Motorcycles
> Chuck KE9UW
> [hidden email]
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
>> On Apr 19, 2020, at 2:46 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> ?Greetings from locked-down California.... I hope everyone, near and far, is staying safe!
>>
>> I thought I'd take a break from playing with the K4 and tweaking firmware to give everyone a status report from the engineering side. (Eric has been keeping everyone informed about how Elecraft has been affected by the pandemic more generally.)
>>
>> These musings are in no particular order. I hope they help satisfy those who recently posted with questions, info-cravings, etc.
>>
>> * * *
>>
>> Reference Oscillator
>>
>> The K4 includes a stable internal TXCO, standard, as well as the ability to lock to an external 10 MHz reference. We just completed a round of testing on this feature.
>>
>> The internal TCXO is accurate to within +/- .28 ppm with no calibration and no external reference connected. There's a menu entry for dialing this in as tight as +/- .02 PPM (+/- 1 Hz at 50 MHz). Connecting an external reference will hold it even closer, and of course keep it there over an even wider temperature range.
>>
>> Panadapter Controls
>>
>> Thanks to the efforts of our [working-at-home] software team, the panadapter controls just keep getting better. When you tap DISPLAY, you're presented with 14 easy to use display functions. But we took things a step further by allowing you to specify whether to adjust the current parameter on LCD, EXT, or both (when an external monitor is attached), and on main, sub, or both (when in dual-display mode). You can independently specify single or dual-pan for LCD and external monitor. For example, you could have dual-Pan on a large HDMI monitor, while setting the LCD to monitor just main or sub RX.
>>
>> Stereo Audio
>>
>> Receive audio provides independent left and right channels for both headphones and external speakers. When used in single-receive mode, this allows you to use simulated stereo or "pitch mapping"-- both very effective at relieving listening fatigue. I've been using this a lot in DXing and QRP work. Full stereo also comes into play in diversity mode, when listening to pileups, or just monitoring two separate bands. Even with a basic K4, the two receivers can be set to any two bands, and you can operate cross-band split. The K4D adds a second set of band-pass filters and a second A-to-D converter to greatly improve out-of-band rejection when monitoring different bands.
>>
>> Receive Antenna Controls
>>
>> We recently made some improvements in this area. In addition to main RX ant and sub RX ant selection switches, there are now separate icons showing which antennas are in use: one for main RX, one for sub RX, and one for TX antenna. Main and sub receivers default to the TX antenna, but you can select any of the antenna jacks for assignment to each receiver independently. This updates the icons accordingly. You can also assign names to antenna ports using a pop-up alphanumeric keyboard. On my K4, I have names for the three antennas connected to my KAT4 ATU, as well as "SIG GEN" for the RX ANT IN 1 jack and "LOOP" for RX ANT IN 2.
>>
>> RF Gain Controls
>>
>> The ATTN switch brings up a selection tool that allows you to turn the attenuator on/off and select attenuation from 0 to 21 dB in 3-dB steps. (As with all receive and transmit controls, these settings are stored per-band and per-receiver.) You can also dial in per-receiver RF GAIN (0 to -60 dB, with digital readout) and preamp setting (off/pre1/pre2). All gain settings are now taken into account when calculating S-meter and panadapter reference levels.
>>
>> Miscellaneous Controls
>>
>> Compared the the K3S, the K4 has numerous additional controls, resulting in a lot less use of the menu. Each receiver has a collection of per-mode settings (tap MAIN RX or SUB RX, respectively), as does the transmitter (tap the TX button). There are dedicated switches for TUNE LP (user-specified low-power TUNE setting), REM ANT (for future control of remote antenna switches, rotators, etc.), VFO B>A (in addition to the usual A>B), AUTO spot (in addition to SPOT), PF1-PF4 (plus another 14 user functions, Fn 1-14, via a touch function), and a separate audio BALance knob function, the behavior of which could be adapted to various operator needs in the future.
>>
>> Touch Controls
>>
>> We're sure you'll find, as we have, that the K4's touch screen interface is fast and convenient to use. To capitalize on this, we've been adding new touch features. To highlight a few: Tapping the RIT/XIT offset window turns RIT on/off (per receiver). Tapping the antenna icons brings up their selection widgets, with planned custom behavior for quick A/B testing. The Status Area of the LCD normally shows time and date, but you can tap it to select from various alternatives, including system parameters (like supply voltage/current) or per-receiver absolute signal levels in dBm. Tapping the per-RX filter graphics switches between per-mode FL1/2/3 settings.
>>
>> * * *
>>
>> I have to admit that it's frustrating to be sequestered at home, making only the occasional quick trip to the office or to visit coworkers. Work, like life, has become more challenging for all of us. But the good news for everyone waiting for a K4 is that a handful of testers are using them every day, so that when you do get your hands on one, it'll be rock-solid.
>>
>> Believe me, we're just as anxious for that day to arrive as you are. Maybe more :)
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 21
> Date: Sun, 19 Apr 2020 13:13:13 -0700
> From: Rick NK7I <[hidden email]>
> To: "hawley, charles j jr" <[hidden email]>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <[hidden email]>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Some K4 updates from the engineering
>    department
> Message-ID: <[hidden email]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> Simpler yet, use an appropriate size  (for your desk) tablet to manage the K4.  Then take that with you when you?re in another room, traveling, etc.
>
> Rick NK7I
>
> Smell Czech corruptions are inevitable
>
>> On Apr 19, 2020, at 1:11 PM, hawley, charles j jr <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> ?When I read about the touch controls, I suddenly had an image in my mind of a small touch tablet on the desk that had all the controls on it that were on the K4 display.
>> Kind of a touch panel Kpod...
>>
>> Jack BMW Motorcycles
>> Chuck KE9UW
>> [hidden email]
>>
>> Sent from my iPad
>>
>>>> On Apr 19, 2020, at 2:46 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>> ?Greetings from locked-down California.... I hope everyone, near and far, is staying safe!
>>>
>>> I thought I'd take a break from playing with the K4 and tweaking firmware to give everyone a status report from the engineering side. (Eric has been keeping everyone informed about how Elecraft has been affected by the pandemic more generally.)
>>>
>>> These musings are in no particular order. I hope they help satisfy those who recently posted with questions, info-cravings, etc.
>>>
>>> * * *
>>>
>>> Reference Oscillator
>>>
>>> The K4 includes a stable internal TXCO, standard, as well as the ability to lock to an external 10 MHz reference. We just completed a round of testing on this feature.
>>>
>>> The internal TCXO is accurate to within +/- .28 ppm with no calibration and no external reference connected. There's a menu entry for dialing this in as tight as +/- .02 PPM (+/- 1 Hz at 50 MHz). Connecting an external reference will hold it even closer, and of course keep it there over an even wider temperature range.
>>>
>>> Panadapter Controls
>>>
>>> Thanks to the efforts of our [working-at-home] software team, the panadapter controls just keep getting better. When you tap DISPLAY, you're presented with 14 easy to use display functions. But we took things a step further by allowing you to specify whether to adjust the current parameter on LCD, EXT, or both (when an external monitor is attached), and on main, sub, or both (when in dual-display mode). You can independently specify single or dual-pan for LCD and external monitor. For example, you could have dual-Pan on a large HDMI monitor, while setting the LCD to monitor just main or sub RX.
>>>
>>> Stereo Audio
>>>
>>> Receive audio provides independent left and right channels for both headphones and external speakers. When used in single-receive mode, this allows you to use simulated stereo or "pitch mapping"-- both very effective at relieving listening fatigue. I've been using this a lot in DXing and QRP work. Full stereo also comes into play in diversity mode, when listening to pileups, or just monitoring two separate bands. Even with a basic K4, the two receivers can be set to any two bands, and you can operate cross-band split. The K4D adds a second set of band-pass filters and a second A-to-D converter to greatly improve out-of-band rejection when monitoring different bands.
>>>
>>> Receive Antenna Controls
>>>
>>> We recently made some improvements in this area. In addition to main RX ant and sub RX ant selection switches, there are now separate icons showing which antennas are in use: one for main RX, one for sub RX, and one for TX antenna. Main and sub receivers default to the TX antenna, but you can select any of the antenna jacks for assignment to each receiver independently. This updates the icons accordingly. You can also assign names to antenna ports using a pop-up alphanumeric keyboard. On my K4, I have names for the three antennas connected to my KAT4 ATU, as well as "SIG GEN" for the RX ANT IN 1 jack and "LOOP" for RX ANT IN 2.
>>>
>>> RF Gain Controls
>>>
>>> The ATTN switch brings up a selection tool that allows you to turn the attenuator on/off and select attenuation from 0 to 21 dB in 3-dB steps. (As with all receive and transmit controls, these settings are stored per-band and per-receiver.) You can also dial in per-receiver RF GAIN (0 to -60 dB, with digital readout) and preamp setting (off/pre1/pre2). All gain settings are now taken into account when calculating S-meter and panadapter reference levels.
>>>
>>> Miscellaneous Controls
>>>
>>> Compared the the K3S, the K4 has numerous additional controls, resulting in a lot less use of the menu. Each receiver has a collection of per-mode settings (tap MAIN RX or SUB RX, respectively), as does the transmitter (tap the TX button). There are dedicated switches for TUNE LP (user-specified low-power TUNE setting), REM ANT (for future control of remote antenna switches, rotators, etc.), VFO B>A (in addition to the usual A>B), AUTO spot (in addition to SPOT), PF1-PF4 (plus another 14 user functions, Fn 1-14, via a touch function), and a separate audio BALance knob function, the behavior of which could be adapted to various operator needs in the future.
>>>
>>> Touch Controls
>>>
>>> We're sure you'll find, as we have, that the K4's touch screen interface is fast and convenient to use. To capitalize on this, we've been adding new touch features. To highlight a few: Tapping the RIT/XIT offset window turns RIT on/off (per receiver). Tapping the antenna icons brings up their selection widgets, with planned custom behavior for quick A/B testing. The Status Area of the LCD normally shows time and date, but you can tap it to select from various alternatives, including system parameters (like supply voltage/current) or per-receiver absolute signal levels in dBm. Tapping the per-RX filter graphics switches between per-mode FL1/2/3 settings.
>>>
>>> * * *
>>>
>>> I have to admit that it's frustrating to be sequestered at home, making only the occasional quick trip to the office or to visit coworkers. Work, like life, has become more challenging for all of us. But the good news for everyone waiting for a K4 is that a handful of testers are using them every day, so that when you do get your hands on one, it'll be rock-solid.
>>>
>>> Believe me, we're just as anxious for that day to arrive as you are. Maybe more :)
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
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