[Elecraft] New K3 Beta Firmware Release, Rev. 4.81 (misc. improvements)

[Wayne Burdick]

K3 firmware rev. 4.81 (with DSP rev 2.82) is now available as a beta release. Highlights of this release:

* RIT can now be turned on/off during transmit: (Note: If RIT is turned on or off during transmission of a CW character, the length of one code element may be affected. This will be corrected in a future release.)

* 10 and 18 MHz are now available as transverter I.F. bands. 10 MHz is particularly useful as an I.F. for VLF and LF transverters, e.g. for the 600-MHz band (~475 kHz). This is because 10 MHz OCO's (oven-controlled oscillators) are relatively inexpensive, and can serve as the local oscillator for a home-built transverter.

* That pesky RTTY 45/75 baud bug has been fixed. The FSK-D/AFSK-A baud rate is now global, meaning that one setting applies in all cases. The band rate is set by holding DATA MD, selecting FSK-D or AFSK-A using VFO B, then selecting the baud rate using VFO A.

* RTTY/FSK transmit improved: In FSK-D mode using an PC-generated FSK input, the K3 no longer exhibits DSP errors (ERR DSE) or loss of communications. Previously, these may have occurred when the K3 was sent too many serial (RS232) commands.

* A number of bugs in Remote Rig mode have been fixed. See release notes (accessible from within K3 Utility) for a full list.

* You can now set the crystal filter lower edge in CW mode to 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 kHz above zero beat. The default is 0.2 kHz. The 0.1-kHz selection provides enhanced bass response, but may allow you to hear a low-pitched opposite-sideband signal when you're tuned near very strong signals. The 0.3-kHz selection may be preferred by some operators in extremely strong-signal environments. To change the setting: Select CW mode, then go into MENU:RX EQ and tap '0' (CWT) to choose the desired XFIL LO value.

For instructions on how to load K3 beta firmware, see:

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

73,
Wayne
N6KR