[Elecraft] Extra keys for the K3 or KX3

[Jan]

A number of hams have discussed wanting more programmable buttons on the 
K3 or KX3, or how to implement an external keyboard for these radios.

There is an alternative, free approach, if you use a logging program 
that passes commands to the radio.  I use Logger32, which has something 
called "Radio Control Panel," that shows a small panoramic display of 
the passband, but which also contains software keys (12, 24, or 36).  
Logger32 passes through commands that are shown in the "Elecraft K3 and 
KX3 Programmer's Reference."  For example, to mimic a memory key, the 
following Logger32 code plus K3 code works:

$command FA00014310000;$   sends the command FA00014310000 to the K3, 
which causes the K3 to go to 14.310 MHz.

The beginning and end $ signs, the semicolon, and the word "command" are 
required by Logger32; the code is specified in the Programmer's Reference.

Here is the code to clear a split:

$command FR0;$   the last character in the programming code is a zero (0).

If you use a logging program that works this way, you need no additional 
hardware and you can get the first button (of 36) programmed in two 
minutes, just to check it out.  FIY, I have a vested interest in 
Logger32--the author gives me 50% of the profit from each sale of the 
program, which is free.  He has not stiffed me yet.

73,
Jan, KX2A