[Elecraft] Re: New K3 Firmware: SSB TX improvements, several new features

[wayne burdick]

Left out the full release notes! See below.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 1.75 / DSP 1.57, 3-6-08

   * SSB TRANSMIT Improvements:

     This is the first phase of our effort to provide SSB transmit 
performance and usability
     consistent with operator expectations. Changes include:

        - Higher signal-to-noise ratio at both mic jacks, as well as 
LINE IN
        - More responsive, easier-to-use transmit-mode metering (CMP, 
ALC, SWR, POWER)
        - Much lower distortion with CMP set to 0 (for audio data modes, 
high-fidelity speech)
        - More effective ("punchier") speech compression (when CMP is 
greater than 0)

     (Planned for next release:  Improved low-frequency response, 
adjustable TX passband.)

     Note on MIC gain setup:  To properly adjust MIC gain, first set CMP 
to 0, then adjust
     MIC gain for about 5 bars on the ALC meter (it should not hit 6 
bars during normal speech).
     Then set CMP for the desired compression amount.

   * 2 USER-DEFINED "NORM" filter setups for each mode:

     Now, in addition to the K3's "NORM" values, you can save two of 
your own often-used filter
     setups in each mode, and recall them using the NORM function. The 
new NORM values
     are named ALT1 and ALT2. To save a filter setup, hold NORM until 
you see "<- SAV ->"
     (3 seconds), then rotate the knob left or right to save it as ALT1 
or ALT2. (The arrows to the
     left and right of "SAV" are a reminder that you can rotate the knob 
left or right go get to the
     "ALTernate" filter memories.) To recall, hold NORM until you see 
"<- NOR ->" (about
     1/2 second), then rotate the knob left or right to recall ALT1 or 
ALT2. (If you just release
     the knob without rotating it, you'll get the original "NORM" value, 
e.g. 400 Hz in CW mode.)
     Note: Whenever you normalize the filter passband via NORM, ALT1, or 
ALT2, two "wings"
     appear on the DSP filter passband graphic. Moving any DSP control 
makes the wings
     disappear, as a reminder that the passband is no longer normalized.

   * RIT/XIT OFFSET DISPLAY MODE Added: This is especially handy for 
those using RIT
     during contesting. Tap DISP, then rotate VFO B until you see "0.00" 
(after time and date).

   * VFO LINKING: Holding the "SUB" switch links/unlinks the two VFOs. 
When linked,
     VFO A is the master, and turning it moves both VFOs the same 
amount. VFO B can be
     set to the same frequency by tapping A>B, or it can be offset a 
fixed amount from VFO A.
     Setting them to the same frequency will permit diversity receive 
with the subreceiver.

   * ATU MATCHING Improved: If you tap ATU TUNE a second time on the same
     band/antenna within 5 seconds, a more extensive search is used that 
may result in a
     lower SWR. The original (fast) algorithm is unchanged. Further 
improvements are planned.

   * DUAL PASSBAND Bandwidth Restore: On exit from DUAL PB, the 
previously used
     CW bandwidth is restored.

   * Tapping multifunction encoder knobs briefly displays the present 
value
     (SHIFT/LO, HI/WIDTH, SPEED/MIC, CMP/PWR). Double-tap to display the 
existing
     parameter (since this switches first to the alternate, then back).

   * SPEAKER "popping" eliminated when using headphones and certain 
combinations of
     features (such as NR).

   * LOCUT/HICUT CONTROL RANGE: DSP controls are better behaved, 
preventing
     "wrap-around" and other reported anomalies.