Elecraft

beta firmware

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ve3dvy

beta firmware

I see new Beta firmware available MCU 5.54 / DSP 2.88 / FPF 1.26,
9-24-2016

it says it now has TX monitor to Line out. I thought it already
did this. have always used the line out connection it to record
messages for F keys for contests and QSorder for N1MM always captured
my audio via the line out.

David Moes
VE3SD

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Don Wilhelm

Re: beta firmware

David,

TX Monitor to Line Out somehow disappeared after MCU 5.38 and is not
present in 5.50. It was restored in MCU 5.54.
Download the beta and try it out.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2016 8:23 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> I see new Beta firmware available MCU 5.54 / DSP 2.88 / FPF 1.26,
> 9-24-2016
>
> it says it now has TX monitor to Line out. I thought it already
> did this. have always used the line out connection it to record
> messages for F keys for contests and QSorder for N1MM always captured
> my audio via the line out.

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ve3dvy

Re: beta firmware

In reply to this post by ve3dvy

That explains it. I must have missed a few updates.

David Moes
VE3SD

> --- Original message ---
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] beta firmware
> From: Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]>
> To: <[hidden email]>, <[hidden email]>
> Date: Sunday, 02/10/2016 9:05 AM
>
> David,
>
> TX Monitor to Line Out somehow disappeared after MCU 5.38 and is not
> present in 5.50. It was restored in MCU 5.54.
> Download the beta and try it out.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 10/2/2016 8:23 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>>
>>
>> I see new Beta firmware available MCU 5.54 / DSP 2.88 / FPF 1.26,
>> 9-24-2016
>>
>> it says it now has TX monitor to Line out. I thought it already
>> did this. have always used the line out connection it to record
>> messages for F keys for contests and QSorder for N1MM always captured
>> my audio via the line out.
>

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Nr4c

Re: beta firmware

In reply to this post by ve3dvy

Somewhere prior to 5.50 they shut this off. Ver 5.51 and higher returned it, at fixed level.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Oct 2, 2016, at 8:23 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
>
> I see new Beta firmware available MCU 5.54 / DSP 2.88 / FPF 1.26, 9-24-2016
>
> it says it now has TX monitor to Line out. I thought it already did this. have always used the line out connection it to record messages for F keys for contests and QSorder for N1MM always captured my audio via the line out.
>
>
> David Moes
> VE3SD
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

Don Wilhelm

Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by ve3dvy

David and all,

You might want to check the Firmware page of the Elecraft website
frequently to keep up with updates. Look at the release notes for both
the production and beta firmware to see if there is anything that
interests you - if so, download it.

There are several on this reflector who are not familiar with the
difference between Elecraft production firmware and beta firmware, and
many are reluctant to install beta firmware.

IMHO, beta firmware is just as good as production level, but has not had
as much testing by customers who bring to the plate the variety of
configurations possible - different loggers and control applications
working in concert with the radio and remote control applications that
pose additional potential for unforeseen problems to crop up. Releasing
beta versions to customers allows that firmware to be tested under a
variety of conditions that are not possible by a select few early testers.

There is no fixed time between a beta release and when it is promoted to
production level at Elecraft. If there is a flurry of customer requests
for a new function, it can be a matter of days, but if there is not a
high demand for the new or improved functions, it can be weeks. If you
want the new function or problem fix, download and install the beta
version.

If you want a function that is included in the beta version, go ahead
and download it, unzip and install it in your K3 (or K3S, KX3, KX2). If
you encounter a problem, report it and revert to the production level or
whatever level you have saved on your computer. Yes, it is just that easy.

As far as firmware levels go, the revision level will remain the same if
the beta version is promoted to production level - in other words, if
revision 5.54 is determined to be adequate for production, it will still
be revision 5.54.
This production/beta revision there is a perfect example of the revision
numbering. The production level is 5.50, but the current beta is 5.54.
What happened to 5.51, 5.52 and 5.53?
Those versions were released as beta, but either there was a problem
reported by some of the early users, or it was further modified to add
some additional function. Since the current beta is 5.54, it will be
the one advanced to production level unless it is succeeded by a higher
beta revision. Revisions 5.51, 5.52 and 5.53 will not ever be
production level. In other words, if 5.54 needs to be "fixed", the
fixed version will be higher than 5.54.

There should be no fears about beta firmware "breaking your radio"
because it has been initially tested in-house and by Firmware Field Testers.

I am surprised that the TX monitor out of LINE OUT was not discovered
between MCU 5.40 and 5.50. My only conclusion is that those who used
that function did not upgrade and observe the absence.

An additional comment - use the firmware release notes to update your
list of menu functions in the manual - for instance, MCU 5.40 added an
option to the menu list for PA TEMP.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2016 10:20 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> That explains it. I must have missed a few updates.
>
> David Moes
> VE3SD

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NK7Z

Re: Notes on beta firmware

On Sun, 2016-10-02 at 18:32 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> David and all,

> There are several on this reflector who are not familiar with the
> difference between Elecraft production firmware and beta firmware, and
> many are reluctant to install beta firmware.

Hi Don,

A quick question for you:

Lets say I am on 5.5, and I do a save via the K3 Utility software. I
then update to 5.54. OK I am on 5.54, and my last save of the radio was
while under 5.5.

Now lets say I hate 5.54, and I want to revert. Can I just tell the K3
Utility to revert back to the previous save, or do I have to re-point
the updating software at a version of 5.5, then load the firmware?

I guess this boils down to-- is the K3 radio snapshot software, a full
reversion, or is it just configuration settings reversion?

Hope that makes sense...
--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

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ve3dvy

Re: Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Im sort of a don't fix what ain't broke. From time to time I look at the updates to see if there is anything jucy or effect‎s my operation and only do the updates then why update firmware if it offers nothing to my personal operations.

One thing about this Beta update is the Fixed level on TX monitor to the line out. One thing I didn't like is that the line out was tied to the front panel monitor level and when recording messages or recording QSOs. The level would be low as I kept the monitor low at least for Phone. It would be nice if the monitor level in future to the line out is independent from the front panel contol.

Original Message
From: Don Wilhelm
Sent: Sunday, October 2, 2016 6:32 PM
To: [hidden email]
Reply To: [hidden email]
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Notes on beta firmware

David and all,

You might want to check the Firmware page of the Elecraft website
frequently to keep up with updates. Look at the release notes for both
the production and beta firmware to see if there is anything that
interests you - if so, download it.

There are several on this reflector who are not familiar with the
difference between Elecraft production firmware and beta firmware, and
many are reluctant to install beta firmware.

IMHO, beta firmware is just as good as production level, but has not had
as much testing by customers who bring to the plate the variety of
configurations possible - different loggers and control applications
working in concert with the radio and remote control applications that
pose additional potential for unforeseen problems to crop up. Releasing
beta versions to customers allows that firmware to be tested under a
variety of conditions that are not possible by a select few early testers.

There is no fixed time between a beta release and when it is promoted to
production level at Elecraft. If there is a flurry of customer requests
for a new function, it can be a matter of days, but if there is not a
high demand for the new or improved functions, it can be weeks. If you
want the new function or problem fix, download and install the beta
version.

If you want a function that is included in the beta version, go ahead
and download it, unzip and install it in your K3 (or K3S, KX3, KX2). If
you encounter a problem, report it and revert to the production level or
whatever level you have saved on your computer. Yes, it is just that easy.

As far as firmware levels go, the revision level will remain the same if
the beta version is promoted to production level - in other words, if
revision 5.54 is determined to be adequate for production, it will still
be revision 5.54.
This production/beta revision there is a perfect example of the revision
numbering. The production level is 5.50, but the current beta is 5.54.
What happened to 5.51, 5.52 and 5.53?
Those versions were released as beta, but either there was a problem
reported by some of the early users, or it was further modified to add
some additional function. Since the current beta is 5.54, it will be
the one advanced to production level unless it is succeeded by a higher
beta revision. Revisions 5.51, 5.52 and 5.53 will not ever be
production level. In other words, if 5.54 needs to be "fixed", the
fixed version will be higher than 5.54.

There should be no fears about beta firmware "breaking your radio"
because it has been initially tested in-house and by Firmware Field Testers.

I am surprised that the TX monitor out of LINE OUT was not discovered
between MCU 5.40 and 5.50. My only conclusion is that those who used
that function did not upgrade and observe the absence.

An additional comment - use the firmware release notes to update your
list of menu functions in the manual - for instance, MCU 5.40 added an
option to the menu list for PA TEMP.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2016 10:20 AM, [hidden email] wrote:
>
> That explains it. I must have missed a few updates.
>
> David Moes
> VE3SD

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Don Wilhelm

Re: Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by NK7Z

Dave,

You can easily revert to any level that you have stored on your computer.

In the current situation of 5.50 vs. 5.54, if you do not have 5.50 on
your computer, clicking Check Versions Fron Elecraft (or something like
that) in K3 Utility should download 5.50 since the norm is to download
the production version.

If you have a prior version loaded in your computer, you can load that
into the K3, it is just a matter of pointing K3 Utility to the prior
firmware.

So the answer depends on how many firmware revisions are resident on
your computer.
If you want to downgrade several levels, you may have to put the files
in a separate folder and point K3 Utility to that folder.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2016 6:55 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

> On Sun, 2016-10-02 at 18:32 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> David and all,
>> There are several on this reflector who are not familiar with the
>> difference between Elecraft production firmware and beta firmware, and
>> many are reluctant to install beta firmware.
> Hi Don,
>
> A quick question for you:
>
> Lets say I am on 5.5, and I do a save via the K3 Utility software. I
> then update to 5.54. OK I am on 5.54, and my last save of the radio was
> while under 5.5.
>
> Now lets say I hate 5.54, and I want to revert. Can I just tell the K3
> Utility to revert back to the previous save, or do I have to re-point
> the updating software at a version of 5.5, then load the firmware?
>
> I guess this boils down to-- is the K3 radio snapshot software, a full
> reversion, or is it just configuration settings reversion?
>
>

Don Wilhelm

Re: Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by ve3dvy

That would be a request "for the list". While a valid request, it does
not exist in the current firmware.

I have no idea how much programming is involved to do as you request,
but I suspect a new menu entry to control the line out level independent
of the monitor level front panel control would mean an added menu item.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2016 8:11 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
> Im sort of a don't fix what ain't broke. From time to time I look at the updates to see if there is anything jucy or effect‎s my operation and only do the updates then why update firmware if it offers nothing to my personal operations.
>
> One thing about this Beta update is the Fixed level on TX monitor to the line out. One thing I didn't like is that the line out was tied to the front panel monitor level and when recording messages or recording QSOs. The level would be low as I kept the monitor low at least for Phone. It would be nice if the monitor level in future to the line out is independent from the front panel contol.
>
>

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NK7Z

Re: Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

On Sun, 2016-10-02 at 21:47 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Dave,
>
> You can easily revert to any level that you have stored on your
> computer.

Thank you Don...
--
73's, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

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k6dgw

Re: Notes on beta firmware

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Not too long ago, I believe Wayne mentioned here that the K3 was pretty
much maxed out on ROM capacity which doesn't really surprise me. An
awful lot of functionality has been crammed into it since I first built
mine [S/N 642].

73,

Fred K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn

On 10/2/2016 6:52 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> That would be a request "for the list". While a valid request, it does
> not exist in the current firmware.
>
> I have no idea how much programming is involved to do as you request,
> but I suspect a new menu entry to control the line out level independent
> of the monitor level front panel control would mean an added menu item.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR

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