[Elecraft] Seeking testers for K3 field-test firmware that fixes synthesizer bug

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi all,

We discovered that a very small percentage of K3s fitted with the new KSYN3A synthesizers have some difficulty communicating with the K3's main MCU. The problem was actually in the main MCU firmware, and it has now been corrected.

We're anxious to get this firmware out to everyone installing new synths, so ideally we would go to beta ASAP. We need to do the usual testing first. Both the old and new synthesizers should work perfectly with the new firmware, and we'll need volunteers with both kinds. 

If you can load the new firmware either tonight or tomorrow and can put in at least 30 minutes of test time (just using the radio normally), please email me directly.

See full release notes below. These cover everything added since rev. 5.10.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *

MCU 5.13 / DSP 2.83 / FPF 1.19, 2-24-2015

* FIXED KSYN3A CONTROL BUG:  On some K3s, a communications error would sometimes occur between the main MCU and KSYN3A, leading to either the main or sub receiver being off frequency. This has been corrected.

* TURNING DIVERSITY OFF DOESN’T TURN OFF THE SUB RX: This applies to both a hold of the SUB switch and the "DV0" host command. The sub must be turned off by tapping SUB. (Also see next item.)

* NEW "DVS" HOST COMMAND: This variation of the "DV" command turns both diversity and the sub RX on/off at the same time. This is useful for operators who want a single switch macro to quickly alternate between sub with diversity ON, and sub OFF. Use K3 Utility to create a switch macro, then assign it to a programmable switch using CONFIG:MACRO n.

* "DT" HOST COMMAND FIX (data sub-mode): The DT set command to select the DATA submode for VFO A now correctly sets the same submode for VFO B. 

* RF board device driver updates. No effect on normal operation.