[Elecraft] K3 needs survey -- firmware and application software

[Mario Lorenz]

Hi Wayne,

Am 23. Dec 2009, um 10:02:02 schrieb Wayne Burdick:

> As we head into 2010, we'd like to refresh the master firmware list  
> based on your input. Items already on the list have priority, of  
> course, but this is a great opportunity to let us know what else is  
> missing or could be improved. Our goal is to make the K3 as easy to  
> use as possible, while providing the advanced features you need for  
> specific operating situations.

Being the 31th I hope I am not too late with my wishlist :)
Some of them I have already voiced here in the past.

- Pressing the CW hand key without PTT active triggers  external
Amp keyout line. It has been claimed people want it that way, but
no other radio I know does that and I havent seen a rationale
for this...


- Modifying settings while transmitting

- power control: 0 to 100 in one turn..

- The Power Lock feature is useful, but sometimes too inflexible.
In a contest/Fieldday setting, I would like to set limits. I dont
mind the operator using the power control, he might to if he has
to qsy and re-tune the amp, but I'd like configurable limits
as in "dont allow more than XX Watts out" (because more would overdrive
the amp/violate contest rules). A software-only setup with some computer
commands would suffice, these limits dont need to be permanent.

- A watchdog function for computer-enabled PTT (serial command or rts/cts)
that disables PTT after <configurable> seconds of inactivity, activity being
defined as any serial command (including polling) or change of the key line
(CW). This is meant as a safety feature for remote control, where the
computer might crash.

- "Dynamic" VFO fine/coarse tuning. I like having the tuning set to medium,
or even fine. To tune several 10 kHz away, I would either have to move
my hands once (to the other vfo knob), or twice ( switch to coarse,
tune, switch back to fine) or turn the wheel rapidly. I wonder if
the K3 could not detect me turning the vfo wheel continuously, and thus
learn I could never ever be fine-tuning, and increase the tuning rate
dynamically. Thats how other radios behave...


- The long-promised service manual, as my K3 is now out of warranty.

- At least, a current set of schematics, as promised for early december,
including eg. the DSP board changes
 
> We're also planning a renewed effort to assist application software  
> developers. If your ideas for improvements involve changes to both K3  
> firmware and a favorite application, we'll pass it along to the  
> developers and work with them closely.

- Integration of the CW keyer with Win-Test

Hardware:

An KIO replacement board that has a direct computer connection via
USB, with built in sound card function, built in CAT com port
function etc. so that there is only one cable to the PC.
(a variant of this could go into my K2 as well)

Now, 73s, and happy new year,

Mario
-- 
Mario Lorenz                            Internet:    <ml at vdazone.org>
                                        Ham Radio:   DL5MLO at DB0ERF.#THR.DEU.EU
The deorbiting of MIR was brought to you by radio FFH and MIRcrosoft, your
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