[Elecraft] New K4 Beta software available -- rev. R38.BETA2

[Wayne Burdick]

This new K4 beta release (see release notes, below) marks a milestone for
our software team: we've now completed integration of the K4 with the K4/0
remote panel. This comes with two side benefits. First, overall K4 Remote
functionality and performance have come a long way since the last BETA.
Second, full K4/0 support also means full support for software-only K4
remote-control solutions. These provide (for example) the ability to
control a K4 from a mobile device.

(Third-party developers: see "FOR DEVELOPERS" in the release notes, as well
as the K4 Programmer's Reference.)

Completing planned K4/0 and Remote work also means we'll be catching up on
other features and bug fixes. Our tireless Field Testers have helped us
identify and prioritize these (thanks, guys).

We recommend the new beta software for all K4 users, even if you're not
sure if the changes pertain to your use of the rig. We'll be closely
monitoring test results to see if the beta can be promoted to production
status.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


========================================================
====================== R38.BETA2 =======================
========================================================

Feb. 24, 2026

------------
NEW FEATURES
------------

- FULL SUPPORT FOR K4/0 REMOTE CONTROL PANEL. Note: Completion of
K4-to-K4/0 support also directly benefits all third-party K4-Remote
software applications.

- MANUAL NOTCH NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL DATA MODES.

- NOISE REDUCTION (NR) NOW AVAILABLE IN ALL DATA MODES.

- REMOTE TX PARAMETERS DISPLAYED AT CLIENT: TX parameters for the server K4
are now displayed in the status area of a client K4 or K4/0.

- LOCAL/REMOTE BUTTON ON CLIENT ALL-PARAMS DISPLAY: To access this, tap the
status area of the LCD, lower-left-hand corner. When Remote is selected,
voltage/current/temperature values shown apply to the remote server.

---------
BUG FIXES
---------

- TX METERS & BAR GRAPH: These no longer get "stuck" or flicker excessively
when using a paddle/key after XMIT/PTT asserted.

- Resolved remaining RIT/XIT display issue with GHz frequencies.

- Eliminated low output/high PA current drain on MARS frequencies around
8.6 and 18.3 MHz

- Eliminated DVR play delay when returning to RX mode.

- MONitor level no longer defaults to 5 when the K4 makes a Remote
connection.

- Cleaned up T/R artifacts that primarily affected CW operation during
Remote operation.

- TX Gain Cal via TUNE defaults to OFF.

- VFO Coarse Tuning menu entry fixed for Remote case. (Menu entry is client
only. Do not update remote unless RSET is active.)

- Transmit condition (at server) correctly terminates on remote client
disconnect.

- On transverter bands at GHz frequencies, RIT/XIT adjustment no longer
causes large frequency steps.

- Remote: Default audio encode mode is now set when the last client
disconnects from the server.

- Remote connection issues: (1) A K4 acting as a client no longer accepts
connections on port 9204 / 9205. (2) As a side effect of #1, a K4 will no
longer be able to connect to itself. (3) A K4 that has a connected client
is not allowed to connect to another K4 (i.e., the RRT command will fail
with "RRT!;").

--------------
FOR DEVELOPERS
--------------

- DARC; command now clears AF PLAY display timestamps. DARC; forces the DAP
idle.

- PO command AI responses being send to clients not in AI mode.

- Added support for RROn; command. Controls remote dialog popups with globe
icon.

- SP command sent to server updates client as well.

- SQ+/- now working correctly. SQ- doesn't wrap.

- EC command is forwarded to remote server.

- MO command correctly opens menu on local client.

- Added support for SQ-; SQ+; SQ/; commands.

- Added support for RG/; toggle on/off. Toggles between previous nonzero
value and zero.

- Added RG-; RG+ incr/decr commands.

--
Elecraft, Inc.