[Elecraft] Firmware development

[Fred Jensen]

Welcome Tim,

There's an inescapable rule in electronic product development: Once you 
commit to a physical design in year XXXX, it will be a design that uses 
the parts of year XXXX forever.  I think XXXX about 2006 or so for the 
K3 [mine is S/N 642 and that's about when I bought it].  Yes, the 
firmware can be upgraded over time, but only within the constraints of 
2006 components [like memory and CPU].  There is also the fact that 
eventually, you will run out of bells, whistles, and horns for updates.  
The K3 hit that point some time back.  Elecraft had fixed all or nearly 
all of the bugs, they'd supported all of the add-on accessories, and I'm 
fairly sure the MCU is approaching it's limits.

The K4 is a 2018-ish design.  The first rule above still applies. It has 
a vastly improved computer and massive amounts of memory however, and 
that will undoubtedly be filled slowly with "features."  In 2028-2030, 
it will likely be where the K3 is today.

73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 11/23/2020 9:35 PM, Tim Neu wrote:
> Hello, all,
>
> I'm a brand new and generally satisfied Elecraft KX2 user.
>
> I'm just wondering what sorts of features are in the oven for future
> versions of firmware.   SDR code is neat because it can add new features;
> but that really only is a benefit if cooks are in the kitchen.   How long
> will new features be developed?
>
> Also wondering if there are any ways for the programming community to help
> contribute to new features.
>
> It would be interesting to see more digital modes supported with the
> integrated digital interface. JS8?   I'm not sure what is possible on such
> a small radio.   What are the physical hardware limitations?
>