[Elecraft] New KX3 Beta Firmware, rev. 2.70: Various improvements

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi all,

Beta firmware rev. 2.70 is now available on our KX3 software page. See release notes below for details. 

For instructions on installing beta releases, refer to our KX3 software page. (Beta releases are not automatically recognized by KX3 Utility.)

73,
Wayne
N6KR

* * *


MCU 2.70 / DSP 1.49, 2-17-2017

* AM TX BANDWIDTH INCREASED: The AM transmit bandwidth is now approximately 100-4000 Hz (was 100-3000). TX EQ can be used to further shape the passband.

* AM TX ALC IMPROVEMENTS: Fixed a bug in the AM power-control algorithm that was causing power output to start too high, then decrease over time when the operator is speaking. In addition, peak power output is now displayed, rather than power/4 (25%). This is intended to make the operator aware of the actual output from the radio, which accounts for the observed current drain, stress on dummy loads or antennas, etc.

* SCANNING WORKS WITH FREQUENCIES BELOW 1.0 MHz. Previously, scanning would stall in this case.

For software developers:

* DT, FR, and FT HOST COMMANDS DISALLOWED IN TX MODE: Previously, these commands (data submode, unsplit, and split) could be sent to the K3 during transmit from software applications. This could sometimes cause side effects such as muting of transmit audio in DATA modes.

* RIT CLEAR SWITCH UPDATES RIT OFFSET AT PX3 PANADAPTER.

* POWER-OUTPUT CONTROL COMMAND (“PC”) FIXED: The PC command now correctly handles the KX3’s power ranges (up to 12 W or 15 W depending on band).

* PSK31/PSK63 SELECTION (ETC.) VIA REMOTE COMMAND: When the DATA submode is being modified under remote control, a software application can now select between PSK31/PSK63 using the UP/DN control commands. Similarly, UPB/DNB can be used to select the desired TEXT decode mode (DEC OFF, TX ONLY, RX THRn). To determine the current state of any of these parameters, use the DS or DB commands. Refer to the Programmer’s Reference.