[Elecraft] New K3/K3S Beta Firmware, rev. 5.26: Support for K3S and upgraded modules

Wed May 20 13:29:45 EDT 2015

The new firmware would be required for a K3 IF you add any of the newly 
upgraded K3S pieces to your K3, such as the new KIO3, KXV3B or KAT3A.

73, Ross N4RP

On 5/20/2015 10:32 AM, Phil Wheeler wrote:
> Wayne,
>
> It's unclear what impact, if any, this firmware will have on the K3. 
> All the specifics listed below appear to be K3S related.
>
> I usually load beta versions *only* if the test/change relates to some 
> feature I really want. If no changes for K3, no reason for me to load it.
>
> Is there any reason a K3 needs this version for improved performance, 
> functionality, etc.?
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
> On 5/19/15 5:29 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> K3 beta firmware rev. 5.26 is now available on our K3 software page. 
>> This is the first combined K3/K3S firmware release. It can be loaded 
>> into either transceiver using K3 Utility.
>>
>> Some firmware features and changes apply only to the K3S, or to the 
>> various updated internal modules, as described in the release notes 
>> below. (Further details will be provided in the K3S owner's manual 
>> and other documents as they are made available.) We appreciate any 
>> firmware testing you might do on a K3, with or without any upgraded 
>> modules.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>> * * *
>>
>> K3/K3S MCU rev. 5.26
>>
>> * USB COMPUTER PORT FOR COMBINED CONTROL and DIGITAL AUDIO (K3S, 
>> KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is installed (standard with the K3S), the 
>> CONFIG:RS232 menu entry will have a "USB" setting. If this setting is 
>> used, then a single USB cable can be used between the K3S and a 
>> computer to provide remote control, digitized line-level audio 
>> in/out, and PTT/KEY (via equivalents to the "RTS" and "DTR" signals). 
>> All of these signals are usually recognized by computer applications 
>> that also support RS232. This eliminates the need for a sound card 
>> and associated analog line in/out cables, as well as any external 
>> converter units. Refer to the K3S owner's manual, pgs. 18-20, for 
>> details.
>>
>> * NEW P3 PANADAPTER CABLE SUPPORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a KIO3B module is 
>> installed, then the P3 Panadapter must be connected to the K3S at its 
>> RS232/P3 connector (RJ45). Two different special cables are available 
>> for this purpose, depending on whether a computer will be connected 
>> via USB or RS232 to the K3S and P3. Refer to the K3S owner's manual 
>> for details (pg. 18 and 19).
>>
>> * LINE IN/OUT AUDIO USE WITH USB PORT (K3S, KIO3B): If a plug is 
>> inserted into the LINE IN jack on the K3S, this audio signal will 
>> override the digitized audio line-in data that is present in the USB 
>> cable. LINE OUT on the K3S, however, is always available even if the 
>> USB cable is being used for line-out.
>>
>> * PREAMP 2 and CONFIG:PREAMP2 MENU ENTRY (KXV3B): This menu entry is 
>> only applicable if a KXV3B module is installed (supplied with the 
>> K3S). It also only applies if the current band is 12, 10, or 6 
>> meters. If PREAMP2 is set to ON, then the PRE switch rotates through 
>> settings of OFF, PRE 1, and PRE 2 on the applicable band. PRE 2  
>> turns on the low-noise preamp on the KXV3B module (+20 dB, with a 
>> typical NF of -144 dBm on 12/10/6 meters). When PRE 2 is selected, 
>> the PRE icon will flash slowly. Note: Do not use an external 
>> preamplifier (such as an Elecraft PR6 or PR6-10) when using the 
>> built-in low-noise preamp (PRE 2). This would result in excessive 
>> gain. .
>>
>> * MULTIPLE ATTENUATOR SETTINGS and MAIN:ATTEN MENU ENTRY (K3S RF 
>> BOARD): On a K3S, the MAIN:ATTEN menu entry is used to select the 
>> per-band attenuation level for the ATTN switch (5/10/15 dB). A 
>> shortcut method of accessing this menu entry is to hold the ATTN 
>> switch for about 3 seconds. (On a K3, the parameter is fixed at 10 dB.)
>>
>> * LOW-LOSS ATU BYPASS SETTING (KAT3A): The upgraded internal ATU 
>> option, the KAT3A, includes a very low-loss bypass path via an 
>> additional relay. The bypass relay is engaged when the ATU switch is 
>> used to turn the ATU icon OFF. This setting can be used with closely 
>> matched antennas. ("Bypass" mode on the earlier model KAT3 ATU uses a 
>> minimum-L/minimum-C network setting rather than a relay, result in a 
>> small dissipation loss that varies with frequency.)
>>
>> * 100-500 KHZ SENSITIVITY IMPROVEMENT (KBPF3A): The KBPF3A is an 
>> upgrade from the KBPF3. The lowest-frequency filter in the KBPF3A has 
>> a cutoff at 100 kHz rather than 500 kHz. This improves typical 
>> sensitivity at 137 kHz (2200 meters) to about -120 dBm, and at 472 
>> kHz (600 meters), about -130 dBm.
>>
>> * UPDATED "PA" (PREAMP) REMOTE-CONTROL COMMAND (KXV3B): The PA 
>> command now supports a SET/RESPONSE value of "PA2" whenever preamp 2 
>> is available. This applies on 12/10/6 meters with a KXV3B module 
>> installed and preamp 2 enabled (see CONFIG:PREAMP2 description, above).
>
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