[Elecraft] K3 Firmware Rev. 3.97: new DSP NB algorithm, improved TX INHibit, accurate S-meter w/AGC off, etc.

[Wayne Burdick]

K3 beta-test firmware revision 3.97 (with DSP rev. 2.58) is now  
available. This revision has several significant improvements; see  
release notes below. (Note that "QRQ" mode -- enhanced high-speed CW  
-- will be in the next release.)

Please send any questions to k3support at elecraft.com. For instructions  
on how to load beta firmware, see:

      http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 3.97 / DSP 2.58, 5-9-2010

* TX INHIBIT IMPROVEMENT: If TX INH is active (see
CONFIG:TX INH), voice monitor and CW/DATA tones are disabled,
giving the operator audible feedback about inhibited status to
supplement the flashing “TX” icon.

* DSP NOISE BLANKER IMPROVED: A new algorithm has
been added that makes the DSP NB more effective on
some types of noise. Odd-numbered DSP NB levels (t1-1,
t1-3, t1-5, etc.) apply the new algorithm, while even-numbered
levels use the original. To avoid unwanted interaction between
the NB and on-air signals, always use the lowest effective setting.

* CW KEYING ARTIFACT WITH AFX/DELAY ELIMINATED:
The “DELAY” settings of AFX previously created a small audio
artifact when listening to CW keying in the presence of background
noise or signals.

* AGC-OFF S-METER IMPROVEMENT: Turning AGC off no longer
results in a drop in the S-meter reading. This was most noticeable
in the presence of strong band noise.

* K144XV S-METER NOW ACCURATE: The S-meter reading is
now adjusted to account for RX gain when the K144XV is in use.

* TX NOISE GATE IMPROVED: The voice transmit noise gate
now uses a downward expander rather than simple gating.
See TX GATE menu entry for further details.

* MANUAL NOTCH: Pitch now defaults to 1000 rather than 2000 Hz.
This starting point is a better compromise between CW and SSB.

* ESSB ON/OFF COMMAND: The new “ES” control command
can be used to turn ESSB on/off via a switch macro or from a
software application. The K3 must also be in LSB or USB mode
before ESSB ON takes effect. (See K3 Programmer’s Reference.)

* BN REMOTE CONTROL COMMAND (BAND CHANGE):
Previously this command was “GET only”, returning the
present band number (00-24). It can now be used as a SET
command to switch to the desired band. For example, BN00;
switches to the last-used frequency on 160 m. Note: VFO B
will also be restored to its last frequency used on the new band,
except in the case where CONFIG:VFO IND is set to YES.