[Elecraft] Firmware development

[Walter Underwood]

It would be nice to see the two remaining “not implemented” features appear in the KX3, especially S-meter absolute mode. I’m not sure there is much demand for addressing multiple transverters.

https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/E740163E%20KX3%20Owner%27s%20Manual%20Errata%20C5-3.pdf

I know of some other small open requests for the KX3, but these two are features.

I don’t expect to see larger new features. For example, it would be great to see synchronous AM detection, and I have no doubt that the DSP is capable of that, but I’m not holding my breath.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Nov 25, 2020, at 2:04 AM, David Wilcox via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
> 
> I would venture to say that most hams (especially those recently licensed) don’t and can’t utilize all the features of even an older K3, let alone one with all the enhancements.  The K4 is so far beyond the “average” ham in its ability that unless you are an electronics guru with an EE you won’t need, much less understand, all the neat things it can do.  
> 
> I am not disparaging the K3, K3S, or the K4 but whatever version you might have or want it will do the job 95% of the time.  I love my upgraded K3s but still haven’t scratched the surface of what it will do.  I could spend the rest of my life exploring all the features of my fine radio (I have all of Fred Cady’s books) but there are other avenues of enjoyment in ham radio that I am pursuing. This IS a hobby and it has been my go to in times of good and bad since 1960.  Cheaper than a psychiatrist and less trouble than a mistress. 
> 
> What I have said above may not apply to the top of the list contester as that is a field all to itself. Those guys and gals may notice the difference in some of the enhancements to the K line in a pileup, but that’s another rabbit hole.
> 
> Dave K8WPE since 1960.
> 
> David J. Wilcox’s iPad
> 
>> On Nov 24, 2020, at 11:03 PM, Bill Frantz <frantz at pwpconsult.com> wrote:
>> 
>> While I agree with Skip here, my agreement is based on practicality, not physical ability. The internal K3 hardware design is quite modular, and replacing the DSP boards for the main and sub receivers should be straight forward. We have seen how the K3 can be improved by replacing boards. Upgrading the DSP is just another kind of new board.
>> 
>> BUT, designing, coding, and manufacture engineering these boards is a big project. The boards will be quite expensive. How many people are likely to upgrade? And, we already have the K4, built to remain competitive in the market. The K4 is probably a better radio than the mythical upgraded K3. The upgrades to the K3 are also likely to cost more than a K4. All these considerations make this project a non-starter. As I said, practical considerations.
>> 
>> 73 Bill AE6JV
>> 
>>> On 11/24/20 at 6:03 PM, k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) wrote:
>>> 
>>> 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.
>> 
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Bill Frantz        | Security is like Government  | Periwinkle
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>> 
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