[Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on 80-20 m, and PSK63 mode

[Don Lewis (KI4D)]

After uploading the new firmware to my SN#01741 KX-3 yesterday, I tried to
crank the power up to 15 watts on the dial, and found that 12 watts was as
high as it would display on 40 meters.  The unit was being powered by Pro
Audio Engineering PAE-Kx33.  Anyone else have this problem?

Don, KI4D

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne
Burdick
Sent: Saturday, January 9, 2016 12:00 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Cc: KX3 at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on
80-20 m, and PSK63 mode

KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38 is now available on our KX3 software page:

    http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm

See instructions on this page for loading beta releases.

This release includes two new features:

The new 15-watt level applies only to 80-20 meters, and is still considered
somewhat experimental. Several dozen field testers have been using it with
excellent results, but we can't guarantee that every KX3 will actually put
out a full 15 W. Supply voltage is one limiting factor. We strongly
recommend the use of 13.8-14 V whenever possible. This is especially
important when you're driving an external amplifier and using one of the
linear modes (SSB, AM, PSK-D, or audio data modes).

PSK63 is twice as fast as PSK31. Rather than copy it on the KX3's VFO B
display, you may want to use the Terminal function of KX3 Utility, or use a
PX3 with text decode turned on. This data mode is especially popular in
Europe.

Rev. 2.38 also corrects a problem with some KX3-4M (70 MHz) modules that had
lower than normal power output.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

MCU 2.38 / DSP 1.37, 01-03-2016

. POWER OUT NOW 15 WATTS MAX, 80-20 M: On 80-20 meters, the PWR control can
now be set as high as 15 W (max is still 12 W on other bands). Supply
voltage must be over 12.8 V on key-down as indicated by the KX3's voltage
display (tap DISP, rotate VFO B). Note: The KX3 will automatically reduce
power as required if current, SWR, or temperature is excessive, or if supply
voltage is too low. If a band other than 80-20 m is selected, power output
will be cut back to 12 W max. It must then be manually set above 12 W after
switching to 80-20 m.

. PSK63 MODE ADDED: Tap DATA, rotate VFO B until PSK D is displayed, then
use VFO A to select 31 or 63 baud. The default is PSK31.  

. 4-METER POWER OUTPUT IMPROVED: Changed IF band-pass filter configuration
to increase drive level on 4 meters. This should improve 4-meter power
output in cases where it was marginal due to filter rolloff.


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