[Elecraft] KX3 "FAST-PLAY" field-test firmware now available (rev. 2.11)

[Wayne Burdick]

Several KX3 users have now tested the new "fast-play" feature (see operating details below), so we're making the firmware available for those who don't mind working with a field-test release. It'll be a great feature for Field Day, but you'll want to get it downloaded and tested before hand. 

The rev. 2.11 firmware can be found on this page:

   ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/firmware/beta/

(If it's a bit slow, note that FTP directories can take awhile to open.)

Make sure you have the latest release of KX3 Utility before loading the new firmware into your KX3. 

If you haven't loaded new KX3 firmware in awhile, you might have a temporary issue with MCU/DSP firmware compatibility that affects the load process. If have any difficulty with the normal one-click firmware load:

1. Select "Advanced" mode within KX3 Utility.

2. Check the box to load just the MCU code, then click the send button.

3. When the MCU load completes (possibly with DSP error code), check the box to load just the DSP code, and click send. On completion of 

Here are the details on fast-play:

FAST MESSAGE PLAY

A long-hold of MSG (~3 sec) puts the KX3 into FAST PLAY mode. In this mode, the BAND+, BAND-, and FREQ_ENT switches can be used to play/repeat messages 1, 2, and 3 immediately, without the need to first tap MSG. To turn off fast play, hold MSG for ~3 seconds again, or turn the KX3 off and back on. 

Notes: 

(1) In voice modes (using the built-in DVR), only messages 1 and 2 are available, corresponding to BAND+ and BAND- in fast-play. 

(2) At present, message chaining (starting another message while one is already in progress) is only available in CW modes (with both normal and fast-play).

73,
Wayne
N6KR