Elecraft KX3 firmware v1.06

MCU 1.06 / DSP 0.92

NEW FEATURES (since rev. 0.99):

• AGC IM​PROVED: AGC attack/decay now uses precision log/antilog functions (same as in the latest K3 firmware release).
• NOISE PULSE REJECTION: The KX3 can now detect high-amplitude noise pulses (as from appliances or florescent lamps) and remove them before they pin the S-meter. To enable this feature, locate the AGC*THR menu entry, tap 6 (DLY ), and set AGC PLS to NOR.
• AUTOSPOT TUNES RIT: If RIT is on, AUTO-SPOT fine-tunes only the RIT offset, leaving VFO As frequency untouched. (Auto-spot applies to CW and PSK-D modes; it is enabled by turning on CWT. Tap SPOT to auto-spot.)
• VFO TUNING NOISE REDUCTION (VFO NR and RX SHFT): Both the VFO NR and RX SHFT menu entries can be set per-band. Using them together virtually eliminates VFO tuning noise. This is typically needed only on 6 meters. Note: With RX SHFT set to 8.0, dual watch is not available on that band. This restriction will be removed in a future firmware release.
• TX COMPRESSION DISABLED in DATA-A and AFSK-A modes.
• RX EQ AND TX EQ DISABLED in DATA-A and AFSK-A modes.
• CW TEXT DECODE IMPROVED: CW text decode now includes a user-settable threshold, improving copy and better rejecting noise. To turn on CW decode: Hold TEXT, then rotate VFO B to select a receive signal threshold (RX THR1-9). For weak signals, use low thresholds (RX THR1-3). With strong signals, medium thresholds (RX THR4-6) provide better copy. At very high code speeds, the highest thresholds work best (RX THR7-9). Next, turn on CWT (CW tuning aid). Tune VFO A until the middle CWT segment flashes in time with the incoming CW. If necessary, further adjust the RX THR level to provide best copy. Tips: A narrow bandwidth setting (0.1 to 0.2 kHz) should be used if the band is noisy. Signals with a good signal/noise ratio and well-spaced CW elements will have the lowest error rate. When the KX3 detects a non-Morse character code, it displays an asterisk (*).
• MORSE CODE AUDIO USER INTERFACE CHANGES: MENU: SW TONE can be set to CODE nn (where nn is the desired code speed) to provide CW feedback on switch press. This is intended primarily for use by blind operators. Enhancements: Tap DISP to hear the operating mode followed by the kHz digits of the VFO A frequency (e.g., if youre on 14040.0 CW, youll he​ar “C 040”). Changing bands or recalling a frequency memory sends the MHz digits as well (e.g. “C 14040”). Most of the rotary controls now report their settings (DLY, CMP, KEYER, MIC, PWR, and MON). Many additional improvements are planned, as well as a guide to touch-only use of the KX3.

BUG FIXES (since rev 0.99):

• POWER-OFF/ON SWITCHING: Weve seen a few cases where the KX3 could not be turned on after being turned off. This should no longer occur.
• AUTO-SPOT now works correctly even if coarse VFO tuning was in effect.
• UNEXPECTED PREAMP TURN-OFF when some controls were used: fixed.
• INTERMITTENT TX ALC BAR GRAPH LEVEL: fixed.
• LOSS OF RX AUDIO IN SSB MODE @ BANDWIDTH ~2.40 kHz: fixed.
• TX EQ now works correctly. In some cases it was having no effect.
• DUAL WATCH BUG: The dual-watch feature was staying partially engaged at all times with DUAL RX set to AUTO, even when VFOs were tuned out of dual watch range. This resulted in some “ghost” signals at certain offsets. Fixed.
• MANUAL NOTCH is no longer turned off when you “normalize” the passband.
• FREQUENCY MEMORY FIXES: A channel-scan group can now include memory #00. Also, recalling an unprogrammed memory no longer locks VFO A.