[Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.30: More effective speech compression; 2m/4m CW & SSB improvements

[Wayne Burdick]

KX3 rev. 2.30 is now available for beta test (see release notes below). A number of KX3 owners field-tested this release, and nearly all reported significantly improved SSB speech compression. Those who use CW or SSB modes with the internal KX3-2M or -4M module have confirmed improved CW timing and higher SSB power output.

Instructions for loading beta firmware can be found on our KX3 firmware page:

  http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm

NOTE 1:  If you don't see the new releases on our web site, it's probably because your browser has cached an older page. Just hit your browser's "refresh" button (usually a circular arrow icon).

NOTE 2:  Turn off your PX3 (if applicable) when doing KX3 firmware loads. This requirement will be eliminated in future versions of KX3 Utility.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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MCU 2.30 / DSP 1.32, 12-03-2014

• SPEECH COMPRESSION IMPROVED: Corrected internal DSP stage gain, resulting in higher output levels with compression turned on.

• 2-M/4-M SSB POWER OUTPUT IMPROVED: Max power output improved with and without speech compression turned on. Note: The KX3 will automatically reduce 2-m/4-m power output if safe levels of SWR, current, or temperature are exceeded. (You’ll see HI SWR, HI CUR, or HI TEMP flashed on the VFO B display.) This is more likely to happen when heavy speech compression is used, or when using a whip connected directly to the radio. We recommend reducing power to 2 to 2.5 W as required in this case to avoid the automatic power rollbacks or RFI problems.

• 2-M/4-M CW TIMING IMPROVED: Dot length is now more consistent.

• 4-M/6-M DIRECT FREQ ENTRY FIXED: Direct frequency entry to 6 or 4 meters now works correctly with a KX3-4M module installed.