[Elecraft] K4 remote software question

Mon Aug 10 12:12:45 EDT 2020

Steve:

> On Aug 10, 2020, at 10:52 AM, VE6WZ_Steve <ve6wz at shaw.ca> wrote:
> 
> Bob,
> 
> Regarding the remote capability of the K4 I heard the same thing.  I specifically asked in the chat room if Elecraft currently has PC based user interface software to be used with a remote installation. The response from Wayne seems to indicate they do not.  I also ordered the radio a year ago based on correspondence with Elecraft indicating they will have PC control software available at the time of delivery.
> The Elecraft response seems to be that there “should be” a Win4K4 type software package available, and that RemoteHam software ‘"should be able to control the radio”.
> My expectation was that there would be PC based user interface software available that would substantially emulate the K4 front panel display with full waterfall and control functionality.  I would expect some detail about the software, perhaps at least some screenshots and some communication from Elecraft that the software has been tested in the field.  The silence from Elecraft on this topic seems to indicate such software is NOT available.
> 
> Please understand I remain excited about adding the K4 to my remote to hopefully replace the K3s and maybe the Flex 6600, but since I will NEVER even see or touch the K4 when using it (it will be 100km away). I need to fully understand what the control software will look like since without it the radio is useless to me.
> 
> To be clear, before I can accept delivery of the radio, I will need more than “sure, there will be software available to control the radio”.
> Without specific and DETAIL information from Elecraft about this, I will need to cancel my order and request a refund and wait until the remote capabilities are developed in the future.  

I’m certainly sympathetic with your position given the critical importance of remote operation to you.  Back in August 2012 I signed on for the Flex-6700  based on the ethernet connection providing remote operation as was touted when the product was announced at the 2012 Hamvention and the closeout of the special introductory pricing was in August 2012.  SmartSDR was to provide not only remote operation, but full functionality of the panadapter/waterfall display which is a feature that no other manufacturer was promising for remote operation.

The Flex-6700 was delivered to me in November 2013 at installed at my ham station in SE Georgia.  The initial software package was woefully inadequate and though the following SmartSDR software updates through version 1.xx provided enhanced capabilities, it wasn’t until version 2 was announced in May 2017 with the introduction of ’SmartLINK’ that remote capability was added.  Thus, it took five years from product feature announcement to product  feature availability.  Almost all of my operating is done remotely, so I ended up with a very expensive paperweight.  At least I didn’t have to pay for the version 2 software upgrade given that I was an ‘early adopter’ where Flex recognized that those that made early commitments to the 6700 in 2012 were promised that feature. 

That said, I did end up ordering a K3-KPA500-KAT500-K3/I0 and Remote Rig 1258 package in August 2014 at the Huntsville Hamfest given the fact that at least Elecraft had a proven product line that could be operated remotely and I wasn’t getting any younger.  This system has worked amazingly well for remote operation from my station location with limited DSL at the time (768K upload), particularly with the addition of the Remote Rig RC-1216H web-based controller for use with the KPA-500 and a second RC-1216H for the Green Heron rotor controller that allows me to observe/control these devices with any web browser.  I later added the P3 for those times when I am in the shack.  So for three years the Elecraft line was my sole means of operating remotely. I currently have 2MB upload/20 MB download which is good enough for remote use of SmarkSDR.  Currently, I can work both systems independently through a 4O3A Antenna Genius where both systems have access to my antennas.  The Flex system works well but I am limited by my DSL service as to how many panadapters/waterfall displays I can use.  It is the panadapter capability that I miss in the K3 while running remotely.

That said, the Elecraft is still my primary rig for use with my End Feed Half Wave antenna because the KAT500 can handle the KPA500.  Flex/4O3A is yet to release the ’Tuner Genius’ for use with the PGXL (announced in February 2017 and received in May 2018) that is part of the package that was promised to purchasers when I submitted my PGXL order in February 2017.  It is an excellent amplifier, but the lack of the tuner significantly limits the amplifier’s utility for use only with my M-Squared yagi.    Latest word (noted at the QSO Today Virtual Expo) is that the Tuner Genius is in Alpha Testing with the hope that it will be available by the end of the year.  We’ll see.

I don’t doubt for a second the desire of Elecraft to deliver on their vision of remote operation for the K4 as well as other capabilities.  Like everyone else, they’re struggling with external circumstances beyond their control and it will be quite awhile before they are fully back to ’normal’ (whatever that means).  A new product release is incredibly complex and remote operation is likely a lower priority given the ‘all hands on deck’ on getting K4 out to customers.  The question for those with deposits is whether they feel comfortable accepting a product that clearly has a path for future enhancement before those enhancements are available and the current product offering will at least meet a significant portion of their expectations.  If I had been told by Flex that it would be five years before remote capability was actually introduced, I probably would not have made that deposit back in 2012…    ;-)  On the other hand, Elecraft’s proven record to date of producing product after initial product enhancement is certainly stronger that what I’ve experienced with Flex.

FWIW,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
(Currently in Roslindale, MA)

> 
> 73, de steve VE6WZ.
> 
> 
>> After listening to Eric’s EXPO presentation, I thought I heard him say Elecraft would have an API for developers to develop remote software for the K4.  I take that to mean that Elecraft will NOT have their own remote software offering so you must buy a K4/0 until software is available from 3rd parties.   I had understood previously that Elecraft would actually have their own software available around the ship date of the K4 so I’ve been planning for that in my remote project.  I guess I’ll have to switch gears and delay my remote project further.  I was hoping to have it installed this year.
> 
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