[Elecraft] Firmware Ver 3.30

[Dick Roth, KA1OZ]

Jim Harris wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I've had my K3 (S/N 3431) up and running about two weeks.  It arrived with version 3.30 installed.  I'm understanding from reading here on the reflector that version is beta and is not available for download by K3 owners due to some unforeseen difficulty.  Two points.  So far I've found no major issues other than S-2 noise on 20 meter where it's not present on my IC-756ProIII.  On the other hand I'm somewhat concerned about receiving my radio with unreleased software making me a unknowing test subject.  Should I revert to an earlier version to avoid learning about my new radio with unreleased software that will obviously change in the near future.  Second point, to Elecraft management.  It seems unwise business practice to provide a product to customers that has not gone through necessary testing and release and especially without the customers knowledge.
> 
> If I'm misunderstanding something here please help me understand and I do apologize if I do misunderstand.
> 
> Have a good day and 73.
> 
> Jim, W0EM
> 
> 
[snip]

Hi Jim, and congratulations on getting a K3.  If you are like most of 
us, I think you will find that this rig offers loads of possibilities 
rarely found elsewhere.

Regarding the firmware, the last "official" regular version was 3.14, 
which is still offered on the Elecraft website.  However, the K3, being 
at heart a software defined radio, has challenged the usership to make 
requests and offer suggestions to further add to the value of this fine 
rig.  Thus, the engineers at Elecraft, always in "turbo" mode, have been 
responding with upgrades and updates almost continuously.

Most K3 owners subscribe to this culture of constant improvement.  It 
seems to be exclusive with Elecraft because management and engineering 
is so continually tuned in to the needs and desires of its customer base 
as reflected in the reflector.  Indeed, you will find that Wayne and 
Eric chime in quite frequently, as they always seem to have one eye on 
the list.

Before being released as beta, the firmware is field tested by a small, 
but critical, group of users that thoroughly exercises the coded 
functions and reports back with their findings.  In most cultures, the 
code would be released as "final", but the relationship between Elecraft 
and the usership is so dynamic that seldom is anything settled.  In 
comparison, consider Microsoft releases, which are "final", until the 
next Tuesday patch releases come down the pike.

So, if you would feel more comfortable with a "final" release on your 
K3, you can certainly downgrade to release 3.14, or you can benefit from 
the constant drive towards perfection with 3.30, which you will find 
just peachy.

My 2 cents...


-- 
73,
Dick ka1oz
Middleborough, MA

Radio:  Elecraft K3/100(Kit) SN 859
Antenna:  Titan-DX