[Elecraft] KDVR3 Firmware request

[Iain MacDonnell - N6ML]

Ed Gray W0SD wrote:
> Maybe the answer for VHF amplifier use is to use some delay between when 
> the K3 keys up before it puts out power and then on the DVR leave a 
> little pause before starting to record, ie no audio should equal little 
> power out on SSB if the background while recording is quite.  Apparently 
> the K3 should stay keyed up until the end of the DVR if the M1, etc. is 
> tapped when in PTT even if there would be a slight pause in it.

Again, the KEY OUT on the K3 engages CONFIG:TX DLY milliseconds before
anything is transmited - see manual page 57. Sorry of I'm missing the
reason you can't use that.


> Can you confirm if you are in PTT and hit M1 does the K3 stayed keyed 
> for the complete DVR recording even if there are some pauses in the 
> recording?

I'm still having strange problems with it dropping out in mid-message,
but it doesn't seem to be related to pauses in the audio. Infact
sometimes the audio drops out and it transmits silence for the remainder
of the message duration. Firmware bugs that need to be ironed out, I'm
sure.


> Thanks for your help.  There are not a lot of them out yet and the 
> information is mostly what has been posted here and of course it will be 
> awhile before I can get one although it looks like the demands is 
> nothing like the KRX3 as I think I seen one associated with a 900 number 
> K3 already.

I got mine yesterday. I'm not telling my K3 s/n, because I might get
lynched :)

     ~Iain



> Iain MacDonnell - N6ML wrote:
>>
>>
>> Ed Gray W0SD wrote:
>>> Do I understand if I am in PTT (not VOX) and I hit M1 the DVR will 
>>> transmit(actually act like it is on VOX although the K3 is set to PTT?
>>
>> Yes, or at least mine does, and I want it that way. It's not really
>> what I'd consider VOX, though - it's activated by pressing the button,
>> not by the audio.
>>
>>
>>> What about if I have used PTT with a foot switch and keyed the K3 and 
>>> the 8877 on two meters and the T/R relay in the amplifier has been 
>>> switched can I tap M1, etc. and send the DVR CQ or other message?
>>
>> I get strange results when I try that. I think the firmware is getting
>> confused. The message starts to play, then cuts out. If I try it a
>> few times, it starts working. If I then go back to just pressing the
>> button, with no PTT, it acts strange for a few attempts too.
>>
>> I think there's a firmware bug, perhaps related to PTT canceling DVR
>> playback. I'm not sure how it's supposed to work if you press the M1
>> button when PTT is already asserted.
>>
>>
>>> If this is true I can make this work.  Obviously I have to be sure to 
>>> activate PTT with my foot switch before hitting M1, etc. or almost 
>>> certainly burn up the T/R relay trying to "hot switch" 1500 watts.
>>>
>>> If this works then I would assume even if I take my foot off the foot 
>>> switch the DVR continues(simulates VOX).
>>
>> Good question. I'd expect the TX to be a logical "AND" of the potential
>> assertions (PTT, VOX (from mic) and CW keys), and it should keep
>> transmitting while ANY of them are still on.
>>
>> The other part of that is that the DVR and mic audio probably should
>> be mixed together in the case where both DVR and PTT are active.
>>
>>
>>> I certainly need to keep my foot on the PTT switch until the DVR is 
>>> finished to prevent burning up the T/R relay if there was a simulated 
>>> VOX drop out.
>>
>> I really think you'd be better off using the KEY OUT from the K3. Is
>> there some reason you can't do that?
>>
>>
>>> So another question if you are in PTT and you hit M1 and it starts 
>>> transmitting(simulates VOX) does the VOX settings such as delay in 
>>> effect.  I have a hard time getting used to things doing VOX like 
>>> action when you are in PTT.
>>
>> Again, I don't think it's VOX - I think it's a separate software TX
>> assertion, but Wayne/Lyle/someone would need to confirm.
>>
>>
>>> You answered my question about CW on SSB in that you can defeat it 
>>> sending CW when in PTT.  I never have read the CW Weight item as I 
>>> don't mess with that on CW so thanks for telling me where it is at.  
>>> It surprised me the other day when I was in SSB with VOX off and I 
>>> accidentally hit the CW key and tripped the protective circuit on the 
>>> Alpha 99 as the amplifier was not set up as I was just listening 
>>> around on different bands thinking since I was not in VOX it would 
>>> not transmit.
>>
>> Yeah, I think a case could be made for requiring VOX or PTT for CW in
>> SSB mode. Maybe it should be a configurable option.
>>
>>
>>> It is a nice feature to be able to transmit CW when in SSB mode and 
>>> the menu item handles the situation well.  I normally will have it so 
>>> it can not send CW but over the years I have seen times where this 
>>> feature would be nice.
>>
>> I've used it as a quick way to tune-up when band-switching in an SSB
>> contest (with a straight-key positioned right next to the amp) :)
>>
>>     ~Iain
>>
>>
>>
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