Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
Installed already this morning the new Beta FW 3.25 in my K3 # 2192 and the difference is day and night,not only the NR works great now but also the low freq end on Rx audio extended down to 40Hz on SSB and AM as well.When NR is enabled now the audio remains with the same quality,only reduce the level a little bid but the noise is gone more than 50 percent at least,and the best of all is that I don't hear anymore the hollow sound that all NR has in other radios,it sounds natural,great job Wayne,day by day we all like this radio more and more,73 to all AD4C "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits".. -- Albert Einstein --- On Wed, 8/12/09, wayne burdick wrote: From: wayne burdick Subject: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc. To: "Elecraft Reflector" Cc: elecraft...@yahoogroups.com, elecr...@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 7:49 PM K3 beta-test firmware revision 3.25 (with DSP rev. 2.21) is now available. There are several new features and significant improvements in this revision; see release notes below. Please send problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. Beta firmware load instructions can be found at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm 73, Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 3.25 / DSP 2.21, 8-11-2009 New Features: * NOISE REDUCTION (NR) IMPROVEMENTS: Our new NR algorithm has less impact on signal strength, and should no longer make some weak signals “disappear” due to over-processing. We may fine-tune the algorithm in future releases, based on operator evaluation, but we’ve have good reports from early testers.. * VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION: Some operators have reported hearing noise on 60, 10, or 6 meters when tuning the VFO under very quiet conditions. If you experience this, try the following: In the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, tap ‘1’ until you see “SPI 2” (the default is “SPI 1”). This alters the timing of data sent to the synthesizer, which in turn changes the spectrum of SPI-bus signal noise. It has no impact on performance. You will also need to add two resistors and two diodes to the bottom of the RF board (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). * AUTOMATIC RECEIVER FRONT END PROTECTION: If the K3 is operated too close to high-power transmitters, it’s possible to damage some receiver components. While this rarely happens, we’ve taken steps to prevent it by sensing a high-current condition at the mixer post-amplifier (Q8/Q9) and automatically turning off the preamp and, if necessary, turning on the attenuator. You will need to add one jumper wire on the bottom of the RF board (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). If you don’t add the jumper, operation will be unchanged; firmware can sense whether or not you’ve installed the jumper. * 10-HZ PASSBAND SHIFT STEPS (EXPERIMENTAL): If CONFIG:PB CTRL is set to SHIFT=.01 for a given operating mode, the SHIFT control will provide .01 kHz (10 Hz) steps rather than the original .05 kHz (50 Hz). Especially useful with narrow filter bandwidths. This feature is experimental and has some limitations at present: Applies to CW and DATA only; LOCUT/HICUT cannot be used when 10-Hz SHIFT steps are in effect; WIDTH steps remain 50 Hz in all cases. Not compatible with spur removal function yet (CONFIG: SIG RMV); signals mapped out may reappear. * CW SPEED DISPLAYED WITH DECODED CW TEXT: If the TEXT DEC switch parameter is set to WPM CHK (using VFO B), the speed of on-air CW signals will be shown, along with a small window of CW text. You might see “18w. CQ…”, where “18w.” means 18 WPM. Both text decode and WPM display accuracy can be improved by using narrow filtering and by careful adjustment of the “THR” (threshold) parameter (set with VFO A when the TEXT DEC switch is pressed). * RF GAIN CALIBRATION: The K3’s hardware AGC circuitry can now be calibrated. This may improve both S-meter and RF GAIN control accuracy. To do RF GAIN calibration, use revision 1.2.7.24 or later of K3 Utility (use the RF GAIN calibration function, under Configuration). This procedure calibrates both main and sub receivers. A signal source is required. Future firmware revisions will further improve accuracy, using the calibration data stored by this procedure. Misc. Improvements: * "SK" IS NO LONGER DISPLAYED IN RESPONSE TO NOISE DURING CW DECODE. Incorrect characters are now displayed as ‘*’. * 6 METER SCANNING NO LONGER PROHIBITED. Scanning is limited to the 6-m U.S. ham band (50-54). Exception: In some countries the K3 won’t operate on 6 m at all. * TTY CENTER FREQ NOW DISPLAYED CORRECTLY: In FSK-D and AFSK-A modes, rotating SHIFT now shows the exact center pitch (when indicated by an asterisk). The four available center pitches are 1000, 1360, 1530, and 2210 Hz. Previously the pitch was rounded down to the nearest 50 Hz. For S
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
You know I even told myself about that parameter but then talked myself out of thinking it was that because I was under the impression that that feature was in play regardless of if AGC was on or off. But you are correct that has fixed the issue. Apologize for the increased bandwidth for my ignorance. Its 2:17AM here perhaps it is time that I get some rest I'm a bit too rummy to be operating it seems! ~Brett (KC7OTG) On Sat, 2009-08-15 at 10:07 +0100, John Lemay wrote: > Brett > > There's one more parameter to check: "AF LIM" > > If you set this to small numbers (say 1 to 5) you will get almost no audio > with AGC OFF. > > Hope it's as simple as that ? > > Regards > > John G4ZTR > > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net > [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brett Howard > Sent: 15 August 2009 09:54 > To: wayne burdick > Cc: Elecraft Reflector > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR,10-Hz SHIFT > steps, Received CW WPM display,VFO noise reduction, etc. > > Strange operation here... AGC-S seems to work as it should and AGC-F as > expected but if I turn AGC off my rig does silent. I'm still able to > see the S-meter swinging to the signal that I was listening to. > > Current settings are as follows: > AGC Decay = Soft > AGC Hold = 0.00 > AGC Pulse = Normal > AGC Slope = 10 > AGC Threshold = 7 > AGC-F = 120 > AGC-S = 20 > > I've made a few changes to this setup and I'm unable to get a sound out > with AGC off. > > I've performed the SPI clock mod and the extreme signal protection mods. > > I've tested with both AF and RF gains maxed and the output it still > silent. I've also fully swiped the range several times to rule out a > dirty pot. > > Can anyone else reporduce this with 3.25? > > ~Brett (KC7OTG) > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature > database 4336 (20090814) __ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature > database 4336 (20090814) __ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
Brett There's one more parameter to check: "AF LIM" If you set this to small numbers (say 1 to 5) you will get almost no audio with AGC OFF. Hope it's as simple as that ? Regards John G4ZTR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Brett Howard Sent: 15 August 2009 09:54 To: wayne burdick Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR,10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display,VFO noise reduction, etc. Strange operation here... AGC-S seems to work as it should and AGC-F as expected but if I turn AGC off my rig does silent. I'm still able to see the S-meter swinging to the signal that I was listening to. Current settings are as follows: AGC Decay = Soft AGC Hold = 0.00 AGC Pulse = Normal AGC Slope = 10 AGC Threshold = 7 AGC-F = 120 AGC-S = 20 I've made a few changes to this setup and I'm unable to get a sound out with AGC off. I've performed the SPI clock mod and the extreme signal protection mods. I've tested with both AF and RF gains maxed and the output it still silent. I've also fully swiped the range several times to rule out a dirty pot. Can anyone else reporduce this with 3.25? ~Brett (KC7OTG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4336 (20090814) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4336 (20090814) __ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
Strange operation here... AGC-S seems to work as it should and AGC-F as expected but if I turn AGC off my rig does silent. I'm still able to see the S-meter swinging to the signal that I was listening to. Current settings are as follows: AGC Decay = Soft AGC Hold = 0.00 AGC Pulse = Normal AGC Slope = 10 AGC Threshold = 7 AGC-F = 120 AGC-S = 20 I've made a few changes to this setup and I'm unable to get a sound out with AGC off. I've performed the SPI clock mod and the extreme signal protection mods. I've tested with both AF and RF gains maxed and the output it still silent. I've also fully swiped the range several times to rule out a dirty pot. Can anyone else reporduce this with 3.25? ~Brett (KC7OTG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
> Good but any hope for 1 dB S-meter resolution? Use Utility and issue !bd; You'll get BD(xx)00(42)00(yy) xx is indeterminate. yy is a signed hex byte that should represent dBm at the Rx antenna jack. So yy=93 -> -109 dBm yy=B4 -> - 76 dBm and so forth. It may be that you need to have the S Meter set up for ABS mode for this to be accurate. 73, Lyle KK7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
Is there a way to determine if the software is properly detecting the extreme signal RX protection wire other than injecting an extreme signal and seeing if it turns off the preamp? ~Brett On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM, wayne burdick wrote: > K3 beta-test firmware revision 3.25 (with DSP rev. 2.21) is now > available. There are several new features and significant improvements > in this revision; see release notes below. > > Please send problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. Beta firmware > load instructions can be found at > > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > * * * > > MCU 3.25 / DSP 2.21, 8-11-2009 > > New Features: > > * NOISE REDUCTION (NR) IMPROVEMENTS: Our new NR > algorithm has less impact on signal strength, and should no > longer make some weak signals “disappear” due to over-processing. > We may fine-tune the algorithm in future releases, based on > operator evaluation, but we’ve have good reports from early testers. > > * VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION: Some operators have reported > hearing noise on 60, 10, or 6 meters when tuning the VFO under > very quiet conditions. If you experience this, try the following: > In the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, tap ‘1’ until you see “SPI 2” > (the default is “SPI 1”). This alters the timing of data sent to the > synthesizer, which in turn changes the spectrum of SPI-bus > signal noise. It has no impact on performance. You will also need to > add two resistors and two diodes to the bottom of the RF board > (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). > > * AUTOMATIC RECEIVER FRONT END PROTECTION: If the K3 is > operated too close to high-power transmitters, it’s possible to damage > some receiver components. While this rarely happens, we’ve taken > steps to prevent it by sensing a high-current condition at the mixer > post-amplifier (Q8/Q9) and automatically turning off the preamp and, > if necessary, turning on the attenuator. You will need to add one > jumper wire on the bottom of the RF board (see application note > on our K3 modifications web page). If you don’t add the jumper, > operation will be unchanged; firmware can sense whether or not > you’ve installed the jumper. > > * 10-HZ PASSBAND SHIFT STEPS (EXPERIMENTAL): > If CONFIG:PB CTRL is set to SHIFT=.01 for a given operating mode, > the SHIFT control will provide .01 kHz (10 Hz) steps rather than the > original .05 kHz (50 Hz). Especially useful with narrow filter > bandwidths. > This feature is experimental and has some limitations at present: > Applies to CW and DATA only; LOCUT/HICUT cannot be used when > 10-Hz SHIFT steps are in effect; WIDTH steps remain 50 Hz in all cases. > Not compatible with spur removal function yet (CONFIG: SIG RMV); > signals mapped out may reappear. > > * CW SPEED DISPLAYED WITH DECODED CW TEXT: If the TEXT > DEC switch parameter is set to WPM CHK (using VFO B), the speed of > on-air CW signals will be shown, along with a small window of CW text. > You might see “18w. CQ…”, where “18w.” means 18 WPM. Both text > decode and WPM display accuracy can be improved by using narrow > filtering and by careful adjustment of the “THR” (threshold) parameter > (set with VFO A when the TEXT DEC switch is pressed). > > * RF GAIN CALIBRATION: The K3’s hardware AGC circuitry can now be > calibrated. This may improve both S-meter and RF GAIN control accuracy. > To do RF GAIN calibration, use revision 1.2.7.24 or later of K3 > Utility (use the > RF GAIN calibration function, under Configuration). This procedure > calibrates > both main and sub receivers. A signal source is required. Future > firmware > revisions will further improve accuracy, using the calibration data > stored > by this procedure. > > Misc. Improvements: > > * "SK" IS NO LONGER DISPLAYED IN RESPONSE TO NOISE > DURING CW DECODE. Incorrect characters are now displayed as ‘*’. > > * 6 METER SCANNING NO LONGER PROHIBITED. Scanning is limited > to the 6-m U.S. ham band (50-54). Exception: In some countries the K3 > won’t > operate on 6 m at all. > > * TTY CENTER FREQ NOW DISPLAYED CORRECTLY: In FSK-D > and AFSK-A modes, rotating SHIFT now shows the exact center > pitch (when indicated by an asterisk). The four available center > pitches are 1000, 1360, 1530, and 2210 Hz. Previously the pitch was > rounded down to the nearest 50 Hz. > > For Software Developers: > > * "RO" COMMAND (RIT/XIT OFFSET READ/SET) ADDED. This > command provides a more direct way to set up the RIT/XIT offset, > as an alternative to “RU” and “RD”. Set/Response format: > ROs; where s is +/-, and is -. > > > --- > > http://www.elecraft.com > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
wayne burdick wrote: > > > * 10-HZ PASSBAND SHIFT STEPS (EXPERIMENTAL): > If CONFIG:PB CTRL is set to SHIFT=.01 for a given operating mode, > the SHIFT control will provide .01 kHz (10 Hz) steps rather than the > original .05 kHz (50 Hz). Especially useful with narrow filter > bandwidths. > This feature is experimental and has some limitations at present: > Applies to CW and DATA only; LOCUT/HICUT cannot be used when > 10-Hz SHIFT steps are in effect; WIDTH steps remain 50 Hz in all cases. > Not compatible with spur removal function yet (CONFIG: SIG RMV); > signals mapped out may reappear. > > Thanks Wayne, This is a welcome feature for PSK31 ops, I often shift and narrow the passband to center on a signal when conditions are poor or there are a lot of strong signals on the waterfall. Having the 10 Hz resolution really helps. But... (there's always a "but", isn't there? ;-) ) When set to 10 Hz steps, the range of the passband shift range is greatly reduced -- 1.28 to 1.72, as opposed to 0.40 to 2.20 when set to 50 Hz steps. Hope this will be corrected in the final release version. 73, Paul WW2PT -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-FIRMWARE%2C-Rev.-3.25%3A--Improved-NR%2C-10-Hz-SHIFT-steps%2C-Received-CW-WPM-display%2C-VFO-noise-reduction%2C-etc.-tp3433559p3438913.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
Good but any hope for 1 dB S-meter resolution? / SM2EKM wayne burdick wrote: > > * RF GAIN CALIBRATION: The K3’s hardware AGC circuitry can now be > calibrated. This may improve both S-meter and RF GAIN control accuracy. > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
This is a welcome update for all K3 owners. I just wanted to thank everyone at Elecraft for listening to your customers and implementing these needed features and fixes. A special thanks to Lyle for being patient, and listening to all of our suggestions and criticisms. Also a big thank you to Wayne for remembering our "VFO noise" plight; I doubt you would remember our conversation over the phone several months ago, but I'm glad you did not forget this issue. 73 de James K2QI On Wed, Aug 12, 2009 at 3:49 PM, wayne burdick wrote: > K3 beta-test firmware revision 3.25 (with DSP rev. 2.21) is now > available. There are several new features and significant improvements > in this revision; see release notes below. > > Please send problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. Beta firmware > load instructions can be found at > > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > * * * > > MCU 3.25 / DSP 2.21, 8-11-2009 > > New Features: > > * NOISE REDUCTION (NR) IMPROVEMENTS: Our new NR > algorithm has less impact on signal strength, and should no > longer make some weak signals “disappear” due to over-processing. > We may fine-tune the algorithm in future releases, based on > operator evaluation, but we’ve have good reports from early testers. > > * VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION: Some operators have reported > hearing noise on 60, 10, or 6 meters when tuning the VFO under > very quiet conditions. If you experience this, try the following: > In the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, tap ‘1’ until you see “SPI 2” > (the default is “SPI 1”). This alters the timing of data sent to the > synthesizer, which in turn changes the spectrum of SPI-bus > signal noise. It has no impact on performance. You will also need to > add two resistors and two diodes to the bottom of the RF board > (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). > > * AUTOMATIC RECEIVER FRONT END PROTECTION: If the K3 is > operated too close to high-power transmitters, it’s possible to damage > some receiver components. While this rarely happens, we’ve taken > steps to prevent it by sensing a high-current condition at the mixer > post-amplifier (Q8/Q9) and automatically turning off the preamp and, > if necessary, turning on the attenuator. You will need to add one > jumper wire on the bottom of the RF board (see application note > on our K3 modifications web page). If you don’t add the jumper, > operation will be unchanged; firmware can sense whether or not > you’ve installed the jumper. > > * 10-HZ PASSBAND SHIFT STEPS (EXPERIMENTAL): > If CONFIG:PB CTRL is set to SHIFT=.01 for a given operating mode, > the SHIFT control will provide .01 kHz (10 Hz) steps rather than the > original .05 kHz (50 Hz). Especially useful with narrow filter > bandwidths. > This feature is experimental and has some limitations at present: > Applies to CW and DATA only; LOCUT/HICUT cannot be used when > 10-Hz SHIFT steps are in effect; WIDTH steps remain 50 Hz in all cases. > Not compatible with spur removal function yet (CONFIG: SIG RMV); > signals mapped out may reappear. > > * CW SPEED DISPLAYED WITH DECODED CW TEXT: If the TEXT > DEC switch parameter is set to WPM CHK (using VFO B), the speed of > on-air CW signals will be shown, along with a small window of CW text. > You might see “18w. CQ…”, where “18w.” means 18 WPM. Both text > decode and WPM display accuracy can be improved by using narrow > filtering and by careful adjustment of the “THR” (threshold) parameter > (set with VFO A when the TEXT DEC switch is pressed). > > * RF GAIN CALIBRATION: The K3’s hardware AGC circuitry can now be > calibrated. This may improve both S-meter and RF GAIN control accuracy. > To do RF GAIN calibration, use revision 1.2.7.24 or later of K3 > Utility (use the > RF GAIN calibration function, under Configuration). This procedure > calibrates > both main and sub receivers. A signal source is required. Future > firmware > revisions will further improve accuracy, using the calibration data > stored > by this procedure. > > Misc. Improvements: > > * "SK" IS NO LONGER DISPLAYED IN RESPONSE TO NOISE > DURING CW DECODE. Incorrect characters are now displayed as ‘*’. > > * 6 METER SCANNING NO LONGER PROHIBITED. Scanning is limited > to the 6-m U.S. ham band (50-54). Exception: In some countries the K3 > won’t > operate on 6 m at all. > > * TTY CENTER FREQ NOW DISPLAYED CORRECTLY: In FSK-D > and AFSK-A modes, rotating SHIFT now shows the exact center > pitch (when indicated by an asterisk). The four available center > pitches are 1000, 1360, 1530, and 2210 Hz. Previously the pitch was > rounded down to the nearest 50 Hz. > > For Software Developers: > > * "RO" COMMAND (RIT/XIT OFFSET READ/SET) ADDED. This > command provides a more direct way to set up the RIT/XIT offset, > as an alternative to “RU” and “RD”. Set/Response format: > ROs; where s is +/-, and is -. > > > --- > > http://www.elecraft.com > > > ___
[Elecraft] K3 FIRMWARE, Rev. 3.25: Improved NR, 10-Hz SHIFT steps, Received CW WPM display, VFO noise reduction, etc.
K3 beta-test firmware revision 3.25 (with DSP rev. 2.21) is now available. There are several new features and significant improvements in this revision; see release notes below. Please send problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. Beta firmware load instructions can be found at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm 73, Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 3.25 / DSP 2.21, 8-11-2009 New Features: * NOISE REDUCTION (NR) IMPROVEMENTS: Our new NR algorithm has less impact on signal strength, and should no longer make some weak signals “disappear” due to over-processing. We may fine-tune the algorithm in future releases, based on operator evaluation, but we’ve have good reports from early testers. * VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION: Some operators have reported hearing noise on 60, 10, or 6 meters when tuning the VFO under very quiet conditions. If you experience this, try the following: In the CONFIG:VCO MD menu entry, tap ‘1’ until you see “SPI 2” (the default is “SPI 1”). This alters the timing of data sent to the synthesizer, which in turn changes the spectrum of SPI-bus signal noise. It has no impact on performance. You will also need to add two resistors and two diodes to the bottom of the RF board (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). * AUTOMATIC RECEIVER FRONT END PROTECTION: If the K3 is operated too close to high-power transmitters, it’s possible to damage some receiver components. While this rarely happens, we’ve taken steps to prevent it by sensing a high-current condition at the mixer post-amplifier (Q8/Q9) and automatically turning off the preamp and, if necessary, turning on the attenuator. You will need to add one jumper wire on the bottom of the RF board (see application note on our K3 modifications web page). If you don’t add the jumper, operation will be unchanged; firmware can sense whether or not you’ve installed the jumper. * 10-HZ PASSBAND SHIFT STEPS (EXPERIMENTAL): If CONFIG:PB CTRL is set to SHIFT=.01 for a given operating mode, the SHIFT control will provide .01 kHz (10 Hz) steps rather than the original .05 kHz (50 Hz). Especially useful with narrow filter bandwidths. This feature is experimental and has some limitations at present: Applies to CW and DATA only; LOCUT/HICUT cannot be used when 10-Hz SHIFT steps are in effect; WIDTH steps remain 50 Hz in all cases. Not compatible with spur removal function yet (CONFIG: SIG RMV); signals mapped out may reappear. * CW SPEED DISPLAYED WITH DECODED CW TEXT: If the TEXT DEC switch parameter is set to WPM CHK (using VFO B), the speed of on-air CW signals will be shown, along with a small window of CW text. You might see “18w. CQ…”, where “18w.” means 18 WPM. Both text decode and WPM display accuracy can be improved by using narrow filtering and by careful adjustment of the “THR” (threshold) parameter (set with VFO A when the TEXT DEC switch is pressed). * RF GAIN CALIBRATION: The K3’s hardware AGC circuitry can now be calibrated. This may improve both S-meter and RF GAIN control accuracy. To do RF GAIN calibration, use revision 1.2.7.24 or later of K3 Utility (use the RF GAIN calibration function, under Configuration). This procedure calibrates both main and sub receivers. A signal source is required. Future firmware revisions will further improve accuracy, using the calibration data stored by this procedure. Misc. Improvements: * "SK" IS NO LONGER DISPLAYED IN RESPONSE TO NOISE DURING CW DECODE. Incorrect characters are now displayed as ‘*’. * 6 METER SCANNING NO LONGER PROHIBITED. Scanning is limited to the 6-m U.S. ham band (50-54). Exception: In some countries the K3 won’t operate on 6 m at all. * TTY CENTER FREQ NOW DISPLAYED CORRECTLY: In FSK-D and AFSK-A modes, rotating SHIFT now shows the exact center pitch (when indicated by an asterisk). The four available center pitches are 1000, 1360, 1530, and 2210 Hz. Previously the pitch was rounded down to the nearest 50 Hz. For Software Developers: * "RO" COMMAND (RIT/XIT OFFSET READ/SET) ADDED. This command provides a more direct way to set up the RIT/XIT offset, as an alternative to “RU” and “RD”. Set/Response format: ROs; where s is +/-, and is -. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
