The latest beta release for the K4 and K4/0 software includes the
long-awaited Spectral Subtraction Noise Reduction feature (SSNR). Our Field
Testers have found our SSNR algorithm to work very well in all modes,
especially SSB and CW, with many commenting it's the best NR they've used.
We've also implemented a new STARTUP macro capability. This allow users to
customize the K4's power-up behavior. For example, you can have SPLIT
always default to OFF if desired.
This beta release is recommended for all K4 users. Please test using all
bands, modes, and features you normally use, while also giving SSNR a good
workout. For full details see release notes below.
IMPORTANT: If you have both a K4 (or K4D) and K4/0, you'll need to install
new software on both. This is necessary to coordinate access to new
features between the two units.
73,
Wayne
N6KR
===========================================================
====================== K4 R38.BETA3 ======================
====================== K4/0 R3.BETA1 ======================
===========================================================
May 11, 2026
------------
NEW FEATURES
------------
- ADDED SPECTRAL SUBTRACTION NOISE REDUCTION (SSNR): SSNR is a major
enhancement to the K4's receivers, often suppressing background noise to
nearly inaudible levels. In addition to making reception more pleasant,
SSNR can often clarify signals near the noise floor that were highly
degraded. SSNR works in all modes but is especially effect on speech
signals.
TO USE SSNR: Hold the NR LEVEL switch, change the algorithm from "LMS"
(least mean squares, the original NR algorithm) to "SSNR", and select a
level from 1-20. Higher level values will suppress noise to a greater
degree, at the expense of some erosion of weak signals. As with all NR
algorithms, the lowest effective value should be used.
NOTE: In CW mode where weak or tightly packed signals are present, LMS NR
may be preferred. Also, CW copy may be better enhanced by narrowing filter
bandwidths or using APF rather than using NR. Filtering and APF can also be
combined with NR and NB for maximum benefit.
- RIT/XIT OFFSET KNOB SPEED REDUCED: The RIT/XIT offset knob's steps per
turn rate is now set to 50 when VFO A is set for 100, and 100 if VFO A is
set for 200 or 400. This makes fine-tuning of signals easier.
- CLIENT FREQUENCY MEMORIES: The K4/0 (and K4 when used as a remote client)
store their own set of GP and Quick memories internally. Those memories now
apply to every server K4 to which the client connects. Any changes remain
local to the client. Client activity never changes memories stored on the
server. If two clients connect concurrently to the same server, they will
each have their own set of GP and Quick memories. NOTE: When you first
install this update, your *most recent* per-Server Quick Memories will be
saved. Any memories that you save from now on will apply to ALL servers. As
a one-time side effect, GP memories may be replaced by factory defaults,
mostly blank except for 60 m presets.
- NOW PRESERVING STATES OF SPLIT, TEST, VFO LINK, AND VFO LOCK: The new
STARTUP macro (see below) allows full customization of the K4's power-up
state, so we no longer automatically turn these settings off.
- STARTUP MACRO: You can now automatically set up initial conditions each
time the K4 is turned on, if desired, by editing the STARTUP MACRO. Tap Fn,
then select MACROS. Scroll to STARTUP (at the top of the list). To bring up
a text keyboard, tap the empty field at the right end of this selected line
on the screen. You can bypass execution of the startup macro by holding the
REV switch during power-on.
For example, if you want SPLIT to be turned OFF on power-up, enter the
command "ft0;" as the macro command. (A semicolon is required at the end of
each command in the list.) Another typical use of the startup macro is to
jump to a preferred frequency and/or mode. The command "fa14250;md2;" in
the STARTUP macro would set the K4 to 14.250.000, USB mode. Refer to the K4
Programmer's Reference for full details on available control commands.
---------
BUG FIXES
---------
- ANT and RX ANT button configuration tracks server ANT CFG correctly upon
connection. Changes made to ANT CFG while connected do not modify the ANT
CFG of the Server, only the Client, and only temporarily for the duration
of the connection. (Host commands RS2, ACM and ACT may be used to change
Server ANT CFG while remote, if required.)
- DVR message play can now be interrupted via PTT or VOX activation. RF
switching artifacts eliminated from DVR message play.
- Eliminated ALC/CMP metering glitch at start of remote transmission. Also
eliminated false triggering of VOX.
- TX Inhibit status on client now passed correctly.
- RX EQ adjustments on client now adjusting server properly.
- REV button now functions correctly when activated from a K4/0.
- RX command now clears client streaming DVR message.
- Internal storage for frequency memories now based on Client (K4/0) serial
number.
--------------
FOR DEVELOPERS
--------------
- DARS (start voice recording of speaker audio) is now allowed in the
STARTUP macro.
- Updated RS (Remote Set) command:
* Added '2' as a new parameter for experimental mode command tunnel.
RS2; enables a remote set command tunnel which, when enabled,
causes commands to be forwarded to the server radio.
For example, RS2;MG0;RS0; will set MIC GAIN on the server radio to 0
without affecting the client radio.
- Added NRS command for SSNR configuration. Associated change to NR command
(for LMS).
- RX; command interrupts DVR messages sent to server.
- RX; command interrupts KZ commands in progress on server.
- TXPARAMS in status area no longer flickers between 0 and current value.
--
Elecraft, Inc.
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