[Elecraft] K3 Beta Firmware Release: Improved CW text decode

[wayne burdick]

K3 beta-test firmware revision 4.58 (with DSP rev. 2.80) is now  
available. This release includes improved built-in CW text decode.

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

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

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

K3 MCU REV. 4.58 / DSP REV. 2.80, 11-7-2012

* KEYER PADDLE ENABLED IN FSK-D/PSK-D MODES ONLY IF TEXT DECODE IS ON:  
Those using FSK-D/PSK-D via with a computer requested that the paddles  
be disabled when the K3's internal text decode is OFF so that hitting  
the paddles accidentally doesn't interfere with PC-based transmission.

* CW DECODE IMPROVED: The CW decode algorithm now includes its own AGC  
system, independent of regular AGC threshold/slope/decay settings.  
Decode of element spaces vs. word spaces adjust slightly to improve  
rate of copy on average code samples.

CW DECODE TIPS:

- Use the TEXT DEC switch and VFO A to set CW decode threshold. We  
recommend using THR 2 or 3 for most signals, and THR 1 for very weak  
signals. These fixed settings usually work better than AUTO.

- Also use TEXT DEC and VFO B to turn on CW decode and select the  
speed range. The CW 5-40 WPM setting is best for all but the fastest CW.

- Use a narrow WIDTH setting (50-250 Hz when possible)

- If the band is noisy, interfering with copy, try turning on the  
noise blanker (NB) first to reduce the level of impulse noise.

- When there is no CW signal above the required threshold, you'll see  
random characters decoded.

- Copy will vary with sending accuracy, fading, signal level,  
interference, and noise. But the addition of separate CW decode AGC  
definitely helps.