[Elecraft] Software Update for KX3

[Dave Baxter]

Hi.

PSK31/63, RTTY and other non automated person to person data modes are 
still VERY much in use!

Tune around you'll find plenty of MFSK16, Olivia(various versions) Thor, 
Helschriber and other modes in regular use.  But not in the same 
spectrum block as FTx modes, thankfully.   Except on 17m, where just 
about anything else is bulldozed off the air by the FT8 crowd.

Here's a contentious thought.  Ban FTx modes on 17m, as it's not a 
contest band.  (My Tin Hat and Fire extinguisher are ready!)

Many of us out here still preffer the person to person type QSO, not the 
"wham-bam-thank-you-mam" Contest exchange of FTx etc.

WSJTx also has many other automated "contact" modes too, many way much 
better at getting through noise or fading, and not just on HF, many used 
VHF and up, in the high microwave bands too.

And of course, there is JS8Call, a conversational mode based on the way 
FT8 works, it sounds much the same on-air, but is not code compatible.   
It works well, but that's even less used than the other conversational 
modes.  Pitty, as it works very well indeed. (Even allowing repeating 
between stations, and probing to find a path / discovering who can hear 
you and how well.)

And of course full analogue SSTV is still a thing too, not just the web 
interconnected version where in effect only URL's are sent 
"over-the-air".  (Some of the images sent do make one wonder though!)

FT8/FT4 is not the be-all-and-end-all, just the tip of the digimode 
iceberg, should you wish to explore.   (You can't pass emcom traffic 
over FT8 or FT4!   But you could over JS8Call, and of cours the other 
modes supported by Fldigi, MixWin and other software modem software titles.)

Lastly, if you really want to find out how far away you can be heard, 
try WSPR.  Takes a bit more time to do, and is one way only, so no 
instant gratification that seems important to some. (You need to use the 
WSPR Map website.)   I hit Chrischurch in New Zealand, the first time I 
tried it, with 1W of RF out on the 30m band, from here in the UK with a 
"very" compromised antenna some 5 years ago.

There are also other dedicated ultra slow modes, often used at VLF.  
Other systems and methods to explore.

Each to their own though.

The great thing about Ham Radio, is we can explore and experiment.

73 & good DX for all.

Dave G8KBV.

But yes please, if possible CESSB and Sync'AM Reception would be 
wonderful to have.   Again, there is still "Lots" of AM broadcast on 
Shortwave in general, not all of it from China!.

How about a DRM IF output feature?  For external decoders.  (Not sure, 
but ISTR 12kHz being mentioned in the past for that.)

 >><<


On 15/07/2025 17:00, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> Message: 7
> Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2025 22:09:48 -0400
> From: Gwen Patton<ardrhi at gmail.com>
> To: Rick NK7I<rick.nk7i at gmail.com>
> Cc: Elecraft<elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Software Update for KX3
> Message-ID:
> 	<CA+nQa2Mdy2iY-XGhMBUM1MOYtR8deQbhTb_RYy2PYpv8+h-MGA at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Perfectly reasonable. It was just a thought, since PSK is not really being
> used all that much these days. I used to love it, but nowadays I tend to
> use FT8 more.
>
> -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
> 73,
> Gwen, NG3P