++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Note: See also "K2_Waynes_Rel_2_Firmware_Topics" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 13:09:44 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question concerning KIO2 The upcoming Version 2 firmware release for the K2, which is included with the KIO2 for all K2s shipped prior to its release, includes a new programmable CW keying delay for those keying external amplifiers and transverters. No hardware change will be required to your existing AMP keying kit. You will just need to set the CW delay in the K2's menu to a longer delay time. In the existing firmware before 2.0 this delay parameter only adds delay to the RX mute line, not the 8R line used for external keying. In Ver. 2.0 and later it will also delay the 8R line in an identical manner. The new firmware also provides three additional programmable transverter bands. Each band can be set up to display the actual transverter frequency, select an IF between 7 and 28 mHz, adjust the frequency to correct for transverter offsets and to limit the K2s power to a fixed value on each transverter band. We will be posting a more detailed description of the new firmware release on our web page later this week. 73, Eric WA6HHQ ======= Henning Bock wrote: > I picked up the AMP KIT with my > basic kit. But I'm not satisfied with > the AMP KIT while trvtr and linear are heavily qsk clicking with #1444 > in cw mode. > Can anyone (maybe one of the FTs) tell me if this problem may be solved > using one of the signals put out by the KIO2? > Is there further transverter support in FW 2.0 which is supplied together > with the KIO2? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 22 Jun 2001 11:10:34 -0500 From: "Tom Whiteside" Subject: [Elecraft] K2 PSK and the new firmware I made John KI6WX Grebenkemper's simple PSK31 IMD improvement mod to the SSB board and have been having fun making a few Q's with PSK31. I'm an absolute newbie to this mode and far from an expert but maybe it is useful to describe the process a bit. I benefited from reading the ap notes from WA7SPY and AA4PB. The new firmware supports a new "r" digital mode that makes PSK with the K2 a dream - now you get 4 new independent filters and these were very easy to setup for PSK31. The regular PSK frequency graphs work like Spectrogram - I just brought the program up, set FL2 to 1.2, FL3 to 0.6 and FL4 to 0.2 and then centered each filters response for the PSK program's default center frequency - piece of cake. The firmware uses the CW Rev function in "r" mode to toggle between "r" and "r-reverse" just like CW and You program both sets of filters as with "CW" and "CW-Rev". So now you can optimize filters for PSK31 without goofing up your SSB settings. There is a new "Fine Rit" facility selected by depressing the RIT and XFIL keys that gives you the ability to really fine tune where you are - I have not played with that much but it looks like a very useful addition given the need to shift the frequencies by small numbers of Hertz. My cables at this point are primative - Using one shielded cable from the audio output to the mic input on the sound card and a shielded cable from the left sound card speaker output to an adapter I made up for the K2 mic input. Seems to work ok - I will probably take WA7SPY's advice and put a resistor divider to make this less touchy. One LED solid with an occasional flicker of the next one on the ALC display seemed the best in terms of power output and garbage on the signal. K5LN helped by watching my signal on his setup - peaking the input for maximum power output seemed to correlate nicely with minimizing the garbage. Maybe someone else has a more scientific approach. While I'm at it, let me mention that I love the new firmware and the KIO2!!! Having the computer interface keeping track of where you are as well as clicking on packet spots is just wonderful... I've used it with DX4Win and TR with excellent results. TR has a feature that lets you use the left and right shift keys to move the RIT around without taking your hands off the keyboard for Kenwood radios and this works super with the K2. Now my K2 is easier to use contesting than my Yaesu FT1000D! The new CAL PLL with just one band is nice and now is just super accurate. I had no complaints before but the K2 did not track my FT1000D precisely - there were little scallops in frequency errors between the two radios. With the new firmware and a bit of anal C22 tweaking, they now exactly track with no scallops. The firmware also has some CW enhancements with longer messages, ability to dink with the weighting and a wonderful "Fast Play" feature that lets you assign front panel keys to be "one press" CW messages. No more hitting double keys for messages! And there are several keymappings to chose from. Bet y'all wish you had that this weekend! There are other nice things about the firmware and KIO2 but time to head out for Field Day setup! Hope you all have fun and a safe FD! 72 Tom Whiteside N5TW Georgetown, TX +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 20:36:49 -0700 From: "Robert Fanfant" Subject: [Elecraft] Rev. 2 K2 F/W Upgrade!!!! Gotta say to the group that this new upgrade is really worth it. I have just recently discovered that my frequency woes are cured with this one upgrade!! My original frustration was that I would align my K2 using a frequency counter to within 10Hz of the desired frequency, only to find that I was off by more than 120Hz some time later. After spending countless hours aligning the K2 only to find the same problem again & again, I called up Gary. Gary stated that this was a known behaviour of the K2 when aligning at one band edge, then checking checking the frequency at the other band edge. He then went on to say "But Rev. 2 of the F/W will get you to within +/- 20 Hz!!". All I can say is that you guy's at Elecraft did very well. I'm finding only a +/-10Hz deviation in my K2 across all of the bands!!! Job well done!!! - -rob K2#1406 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 28 Jun 2001 15:08:38 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Subject: [Elecraft] K2 revision 2 firmware release Revision 2 is a major upgrade to the K2 firmware, with many new features and improvements (see summary below). All of the new features are accessed from a secondary menu, allowing you to decide which features to use. The original configuration menu and basic K2 operation remains unchanged. All K2's shipped since the beginning of last month's Dayton Hamvention will receive this upgrade at no charge. Also, if you order the KIO2 option, the firmware upgrade is included. New features summary: * Computer control of the K2 via RS-232 (requires KIO2 option) * Up to three fully-programmable bands for use with transverters * User-selectable RTTY/Data mode with four independent crystal filter settings * Fast Play (one-button) CW message playback, using your choice of switches * VFO dial calibration of typically +/- 20 Hz across the entire tuning range * Four RIT/XIT ranges--up to +/- 4.8 kHz * Independent or per-band storage of SPLIT, RIT, and XIT configuration * Four different configurations for the RATE switch (VFO tuning rate) * Squelch (OFF or adjustable level, 1-10) * External amplifier/transverter relay switching control (for CW) For more details, see: www.elecraft.com/k2fw2.htm 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 7 Jul 2001 11:32:23 -0400 From: "George Anestis" Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KIO2 Ideosyncrousy ?? > noticed that when switching bands there is a noticable delay between the > time > that the digital display changes frequency, and the relays (band pass and > auto > tuner) switch......where-as before the option install, the frequency change > and > the clicking of relays was nearly instantaneous. The delay seems to be about > 1 or 2 seconds. Is this normal or have I goofed something up ??? The radio > seems to operate perfectly otherwise. Fred, I noticed this change of timing, too, and it is the new firmware version that is responsible. I installed the v2.01b firmware first, before assembling the KIO2, and that was one of the first things I noticed. > > Also, I now have to crank the sidetone level nearly to the "positive stop" > to > get it to a hear-able level......I would imagine this is normal, since we > have > changed the sidetone audio path during the KIO2 modifications??? > I didn't notice any difference in my sidetone level after the new firmware OR the addition of the KIO2. In my case, I have an old rev. A control card which required the "cut & add" modification (my K2 is #518). That might make a difference? > By the way: I have found that the KIO2 option performs perfectly with > either the Log-EQF, OR Logic 5 logging programs. I'm using Log-EQF, too, and on a 2nd machine I use Win-EQF. Both work just fine, as you note. The only "strangeness" I've encountered so far after the new firmware and KIO2 is that one feature isn't working as it should. If I try to use 8R HOLD mode, I can't enter "tune" mode. The rig goes into Hi Current warning mode, and I hear a "hissing" sound. If I don't release the tune function quickly, the devices on the AuxBus seem to become unavailable (can't see several options in the menu anymore) until I cycle power and then all is well again. I suspect that RF is getting into something it shouldn't be. Using the old 8R Normal mode, there is no problem at all....so I have just been monitoring here to see if I'm the only one with this symptom. :>) 73 - George - W3ANX K2 #518 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sat, 7 Jul 2001 09:46:15 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim Apple Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KIO2 Ideosyncrousy ?? The band change delay is unrelated to the KIO and is designed to limit wear on the relays. It's part of the base changes in 2.01b I did not modify my sidetone level after the install. 73's - - Jim +++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 21:12:54 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Cal PLL "Info 232"?? Hi Steve, This indicates that you don't have the frequency counter connected to test point 1 (VCO), or that you're not on 40 meters. It could also indicate a malfunctioning counter probe (or probe plugged in backwards). The error message is mentioned in the K2 rev. 2 firmware installation instructions, but we'll also add it to the main manual. 73, Wayne, N6KR Steve Ratzlaff wrote: > > Hi. > About 2 seconds into the Cal PLL run, gives this error message. My > manual does not list this message. > Anyone know what this means? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Fri, 13 Jul 2001 11:41:56 -0700 From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New K2's ...a question. All current K2s are shipping with the latest firmware (2.01). 73, Eric kx4rgc wrote: > > I have a friend contemplating a K2 .....he is wondering > does it include the latest version of the firmware (software) or is it an > option? > > Tnx and 73 ! > Greg KX4R > K2 #1542 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 16:14:25 -0700 From: lhlousek Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Rev 2.01 FW I installed the KIO2 and REV 2.01 firmware K2 1818. TOO COOL! It's is awesome having my K2 connected to the 6 meter transverter and squelched (new feature) while displaying and monitoring 50.125 MHz (new feature) for activity. I have the transverter on Ant 2 and all other bands on Ant1 so the antennas and ATU automatically switch when I select 50 MHz (new feature, sorta). I have the K2 transverter drive set to a fixed 4 watts (new feature). What I would prefer rather than a fixed level would be a limit. That way I could choose to turn down the power at will but still not have to worry about accidentally overdriving the transverter. Among the many other new features I also like the reversed rates. When I hit the rate button it now increments 1000, 100, and 10 rather than 10, 100, 1000 Hz. There are other rate choices as well. The new cal PLL routine is great. Set it anywhere in 40 meters, start the routine, and it is done in about 5 minutes. No need to switch bands, tune to the low end and run the routine on each band. And, it is much more accurate. I had to cheat a little though. I used my back-up transceiver to set the 4 MHz oscillator by listening in CW mode and matching the side tone to the signal. I ran cal PLL. When I transmitted into a dummy with the K2 and tuned in with the back-up rig all bands were 40 Hz or more high. I went back and decreased the frequency of the 4 MHz oscillator a few Hz and tried again. After a couple of trials I got it right on 40 meters. It varied up to +/- 50 Hz depending on band. With the old routine it was off as much as 350 Hz. Not sure why I had to offset the 4 MHz oscillator but that's the way it worked out. [Note: I did the above using my back-up transceiver which is synthesized, tunes and displays in .625 Hz steps and has a TXCO. Because the same rig was used to set the 4 MHz oscillator and measure the K2's tx freq the measurements are internally consistent. All frequency comparisons were done with the K2 transmitting (BFO not in the loop) in CW mode and beating the side tone against the signal. The radio was tuned until there was less than one beat per second between the signal and side tone which matches frequencies to better than 1 Hz.] I haven't tried the KIO2 yet. I'm waiting to download K2 remote. I guess I could try K2 voice but I'm not sure I want my radio talking to me just yet (especially in Eric's voice!)....now if it was in CW it would be a different story. Lou W7DZN ++++++++++++++++++++++ From: Charles Greene Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 firmware topics: RTTY mode and FINE RIT At 03:39 PM 7/30/2001 -0700, Michael Studer wrote: >I don't suppose it drops or controls the RF output power as well? I >believe that the maximum recommend RF output power in digital modes is 5 >watts. It would be nice if that limit were enforced in the rtty mode via >the firmware. > >Mike, We kicked around the power control during field testing, but that introduces IMD. Just set your power knob to 6 watts and set your drive to 5 watts. 73, Chas, W1CG +++++++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 19:49:08 -0700 From: Vic Rosenthal Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Filter question Tom Mc wrote: > > > All the cw filters were off by the same, just more noticable on the > tighter of course. Here's a theory, which can be confirmed later when Wayne and Eric check in: when you select a filter, you also select a BFO frequency that you've set to center the signal in the passband. Since these frequencies may differ, the process also computes an offset to the VCO so that the signal pitch stays the same (within 10 Hz) when you switch filters. I suspect that this offset is calculated with reference to the VFO linearization table that is generated when you do CAL PLL. Therefore, if you do CAL PLL you also need to redo CAL FIL. 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA +++++++++++++++++ Date: Tue, 02 Oct 2001 13:34:12 -0500 From: Tom Hammond =?iso-8859-1?Q?N=D8SS?= Subject: Re: [Elecraft] re new firmware Ken: >hi i have noticed since installing the new firmware in my k2 that half >of the first morse character sent from the memory is missing that is the >first c is sent -. and rest of memory message sounds great. is this a >bug? Well... I'm pretty sure it's not a FEATURE!!! But I merely took it a fact of having installed the new firmware. I re-programmed my memories and everything's A-OK now. Tom Hammond N0SS ++++++++++++++++++ Date: Wed, 03 Oct 2001 06:00:41 -0400 From: kenneth m cubilo Subject: [Elecraft] re firmware thanks to all who replied to my question. i have re entered the cw memories and it works excellant 73 ken w8ob +++++++++++++++++ Date: Sun, 07 Oct 2001 18:35:51 -0700 From: Wayne Burdick Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Couple of wonderments Hi Steve, -- snip -- > And - before installing the latest firmware I had programmed for > scanning the phone subbands of 75 thru 10; after installing v.2+ I > noticed the programmed scans had evaporated. The EEPROM storage space gets reinitialized when you install revision 2 firmware, because the EEPROM addresses changed to accomodate the new CAL PLL data tables. You can simply re-program your scanning frequencies, etc. -- snip -- 73, Wayne N6KR +++++++++++++++++++