K4 SOFTWARE RELEASE NOTES =============================================================== ====================== R36 (PRODUCTION) ======================= =============================================================== Dec. 9, 2024 === SUMMARY === This release is functionally identical to R36.BETA4, which has been extensively tested and promoted to production status. There are a few known issues; see the R36.BETA4 release notes below for details. Relative to production release R35, R36 implements full Remote control capability, with only a few features to be completed. It also lays the groundwork for remote control of the K4 from our forthcoming K4/0 control unit and VK4 software. Full details will be posted when available. === FOR FIRST-TIME REMOTE USERS === If you're new to K4-to-K4 remote operation, please refer to the K4's built-in operating manual for a comprehensive introduction and step-by-step setup procedure for both client and server radios. (See REMOTE CONTROL section, accessible from the table of contents.) === FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS === The K4 Programmer's Reference has recently been updated to cover all new and updated commands related to remote operation. Look for revision D3 (or later) of this document on our K4 documentation page. ======================================================== ====================== R36.BETA4 ======================= ======================================================== Nov. 26, 2024 --------------------- KNOWN ISSUES (REMOTE) --------------------- The following issues will be addressed in a future release. - In Client mode, DVR TX monitor level during playback is tracking the AF GAIN control instead of being controlled by the MON knob. - If SUB is ON when a DVR message is played, monitor audio is only output to the LEFT audio channel instead of both audio channels. - In Client mode, CW and FSK memory playback cannot be interrupted by tapping the REC switch. (For additional details on Remote, see full details at R36.BETA3, below.) ---------- BUGS FIXES ---------- - SUB RX AUDIO DURING REMOTE TX: Sub-RX audio no longer incorrectly appears in the right audio channel during transmit via a remote K4. - MAX CLIENTS now shows correct value after power-cycle with any value (i.e., 0 to 4). (Setting MAX CLIENTS to 0 effectively prevents Remote use of your K4.) - PTT/VOX ASSERTION WITH REMOTE DVR MESSAGE PLAY: With a Remote connection, PTT and VOX both now behave the same as they do in Local mode: You can have PTT or VOX asserted, then play a DVR message, and when it finishes, the server radio will still be in TX Mode (if PTT or VOX is still asserted). Previously, playing a message in this situation would result in the server radio exiting transmit. - DVR RECORD CONTINUITY: Previously, DVR record could get canceled unexpectedly, sometimes making it difficult to record a new DVR message while connected to a remote server K4. - DVR MESSAGE TX EQ: DVR messages are now correctly stored with *non-equalized* (FLAT) audio. TX EQ is applied only on playback. -------------- FOR DEVELOPERS -------------- - RX; command now correct terminates DVR message playback in all cases. - RA-; command now works correctly in all cases. ====================================================== ====================== R36.BETA3 ===================== ====================================================== Sept. 30, 2024 === SUMMARY === Over the course of several field-test versions since R36.BETA2, we've used the experience gained to greatly improve client-side radio behavior in all modes. See full list of changes below. The K4 now has a convenient, reliable, and integrated solution for remote control, allowing you and you remote partners to share excellent RF locations and antenna systems. This release also lays the groundwork for remote control of the K4 from our forthcoming K4/0 control unit and VK4 software. Full details will be posted when available. === FOR FIRST-TIME REMOTE USERS === If you're new to K4-to-K4 remote operation, please refer to the K4's built-in operating manual for a comprehensive introduction and step-by-step setup procedure for both client and server radios. (See REMOTE CONTROL section, accessible from the table of contents.) === FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS === The K4 Programmer's Reference has recently been updated to cover all new and updated commands related to remote operation. Look for revision D2 (or later) of this document on our K4 documentation page. ------------------------------------------------ IMPROVEMENTS TO REMOTE OPERATION SINCE R36.BETA2 ------------------------------------------------ - DVR MESSAGE TRANSMIT FUNCTIONS NOW AVAILABLE with remote connection. - MAJOR REVISIONS TO RX/TX SEQUENCING IN K4 REMOTE: Eliminated audio artifacts, cleaned up timing, and improved QSK. (Note: Internet latency changes the sound of QSK, but it's still effective.) CW message repeat can now be interrupted in the delay between message transmissions. - REDUCED RX AUDIO LATENCY; IMPROVED AUDIO QUALITY AND DROP-OUT RECOVERY. Increased data flow max timeout to 10 seconds. Taken together these changes will help smooth remote operation over erratic internet connections. - EXTERNAL FSK KEYING OF CLIENT NOW WORKS: PTT action is passed to the server. Also, the FSK decode pin is now always enabled in FSK D mode. - ANTENNA NAME DISPLAY AND ENABLED ANTENNA CONFIG is now working in remote. - CORRECT ANTENNA NAMES USED IN REMOTE: If a server K4 had no named antennas, but the client did, client would see its own names in Remote mode. Now, the client will see only generic antenna names (e.g. ANT1/2/3) when connected to a server without named antennas. - RX DYN. OPTIMIZATON menu entry now working in remote. - MOUSE L/R BUTTON QSY MENU ENTRY now working in remote. ----------------------- FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ----------------------- The following control commands have been added or improved since R36.BETA2. See Programmer's Reference rev. D2 or later for full command descriptions. === NON-REMOTE === - Added RA+ RA- RA/ commands (attenuator control). - XVTR support for FA set command added. (Previously, FA144200000; would go to 54 MHz.) - APF audio peak setting was getting lost. - DAMSm; saves last recording to Voice Memory m (see full DA command description). - ACM, ACS, ACT; Specifies accessible antenna options in MAIN/SUB/TX ANT CFG (for use with RX ANT, SUB ANT, and ANT switches, respectively). Default antenna names can be recovered using ACN1~; or ACNn ; where n can be 1 to 5. === REMOTE === - DO; command (DIGOUT1 pin control) support added. - IF; command response now returns correct state when connected to a remote. - MI; command no longer changes mic input when in DATA mode; always forces MI2. - RRC1; - sets connection limit to 1 - RL; - Returns currently selected software release (see RLP; RLF; etc.) === NEW BUFFER / LATENCY SETTING COMMANDS === In a high latency scenario (slow or unstable connection) you will need to adjust some buffer/latency settings to account for the random large jitter for a better overall quality experience. On the CLIENT radio, you can adjust the desired RX audio buffer size: SL6; is the max (~686ms). On the SERVER radio, there are two settings, one for TX audio, one for CW: SL6; as above for Phone. Then for CW, KZLnnn; where n is 1 to 999 ms. Example: KZL750; for 750 ms. ---------------------- K4 REMOTE KNOWN ISSUES ---------------------- - LOGGING CONSIDERATIONS FOR REMOTE CONTACTS: Be careful logging contacts when switching between local and remote. Your radio has the same LAN IP address and COM port numbers whether operating locally or connected to a remote server. Your logger can't tell the difference but your logs need to document the actual locations of the active radio. - Frequency memories: The current implementation saves quick memory (and GP memory) data on the client radio for each individual server to which you connect, based on the target radio's serial number. It creates a different freqMemory in a sub-directory for each remote K4 to which you connect. So, if you connect to a server first, then reprogram all the per-band quick memories, they will be stored and usable on the client whenever connected. - TX / MAIN RX / SUB RX functions: During Remote operation, most functions apply to the SERVER radio. In the future an asterisk (*) will be added to all functions that apply to the server. - XVTR menu functions not yet implemented over remote. ====================================================== ====================== R36.BETA2 ===================== ====================================================== May 3, 2024 ***** K4 REMOTE NOW AVAILABLE ***** ***** SEE FEATURES LIST BELOW ***** --------- BUG FIXES --------- - NON-FT RADIOS UNABLE TO DO REMOTE CONNECTION: In rev R36.BETA1, one of the Remote host commands ("RRT;") was blocked for non-FT radios. ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - REMOTE SETTINGS BUTTON ADDED TO LCD: There's a new button ("globe" icon) in the lower left-hand corner of the LCD, next to the "?" (INFO) button. Tap this to access the client or server settings screens. Refer to the REMOTE feature details below, and the REMOTE section of the manual, for details on client and server setup. - REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION (AKA "REMOTE"): The new Remote feature allows you to easily control a K4 transceiver anywhere in the world over the Internet. The K4 can act as either a client or server, and no additional hardware or interface devices are required beyond a router at each end. Additional client devices and software are in development, including our K4/0 remote front panel unit, VK4 Windows application, and a third-party iOS app. (Additional client software applications may be developed in the future, thanks to the K4's large host command set and streaming capability.) - REMOTE FRONT PANEL EMULATION DOCUMENTATION: The latest K4 operating manual includes a comprehensive section on setting up Remote. Please read this section carefully if you plan to use your K4 as a Remote server or client. To get to the REMOTE section, start at the Table of Contents (under "III. Operation"), then click on REMOTE near the bottom of the list. - "TX MONITOR LEVEL, REMOTE" MENU ENTRY: This menu entry sets Remote TX monitor audio level *only* for CW M1..M4 message play and FSK/PSK tones. It does not affect normal paddle-sent CW sidetone in Remote, which is regenerated locally at the client K4. - "RX AUDIO GAIN BOOST" MENU ENTRY: This menu entry allows users who prefer high overall audio output to specify up to 6 dB of additional gain. NOTE: The default setting (0 dB) is generally recommended. Higher settings should be used only if the maximum AF GAIN setting is not adequate for the operator. (The max of 6 dB is intended to reduce the possibility of AF-stage clipping on strong signals.) - AGC THRESHOLD can now be set to values 2 and 3. These lower thresholds may be useful for those who prefer more aggressive AGC on weaker signals, such as on quiet bands or with preamps OFF. - DIVERSITY-ON BUG FIX: When diversity is turned on, we no longer copy preamp, attenuator, or RF gain settings from VFO A to VFO B. This was creating extra work for operators, especially on 160 m. (Also applies on band change with diversity already ON.) - FSK TRANSMIT BANDWIDTH NOW MUCH NARROWER: Now using controlled sigmoidal tone-shift method to greatly reduce FSK TX bandwidth. ----------------------- FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ----------------------- === K-POD COMMANDS === - K-POD LED AND AUX COMMANDS IMPLEMENTED: These include KPLEDROFF/ON, KPLED1OFF/ON...KPLED4OFF/ON, and KPOUT1OFF/ON..KPOUT3OFF/ON. Note that because the 4th LED is not used by the KPOD, it can be turned on and off without sending the KPod the "KPLEDROFF" command. === SERVER K4 SOFTWARE UPDATE COMMANDS === Basic server K4 setup is now done via the server setup screen, including password and max connected clients. But you may still wish to use commands from the list below to remotely switch between releases and update your K4's software. RLP; Select Production version RLX; Select Prior Production version RLB; Select Beta version RLF; Select Field Test version (RLN; Select Nightly version; developer-enabled K4s only) RL; Returns currently selected release (RRP; RRF; etc.) PS88; Update currently-selected release to latest PS89; While connected to a server, update the firmware on the server to the currently selected release on the server. RRThost:port?password; Connect client to server (host is IP address or hostname of the server) RRN; Disconnect RRPmypassword -- set Password RRP; - display current Password CC; ClientConnectedCount: Returns -1 you are a client, if 0 if no clients connected, any other number is indicates how many clients are connected RS; query Remote Set state. RS1; enables remote set. This only affects commands that are client-only such as MLxnnn; Full list TBD. RS0; disable remote set RS/; - Toggle between RS0; and RS1; mode ---------------------- K4 REMOTE KNOWN ISSUES ---------------------- - DVR FUNCTIONS NOT YET IMPLEMENTED. - XVTR MENU FUNCTIONS NOT YET IMPLEMENTED. - FREQUENCY MEMORIES: The current implementation saves quick memory (and GP memory) data on the client radio for each individual server to which you connect, based on the target radio's serial number. It creates a different freqMemory in a sub-directory for each remote K4 to which you connect. So, if you connect to a server first, then reprogram all the per-band quick memories, they will be stored and usable on the client while connected. They do not change any other quick memory, including the clients "normal, unconnected" memories. Then you can use them on the client. This behavior is unexpected and may change in the future. - TX / MAIN RX / SUB RX functions: During Remote operation, these usually apply to the SERVER radio. In the future an asterisk (*) will be added to all functions that apply to the server. - LOGGING CONSIDERATIONS FOR REMOTE CONTACTS: Be careful logging contacts when switching between local and remote. Your radio has the same LAN IP address and COM port numbers whether operating locally or connected to a remote server. Your logger can't tell the difference but your logs need to document the actual locations of the active radios. ============================================================ ====================== R35 (PRODUCTION) ==================== ============================================================ March 7, 2024 ---- NOTE ---- This release accommodates minor changes made by the manufacturer of the K4's LCD. It is otherwise identical to R34. Current users of R34 (beta or production) do not need to load R35, but doing so is OK and will have no impact on operation. ============================================================ ====================== R34 (PRODUCTION) ==================== ============================================================ Sept. 15, 2023 ---- NOTE ---- The release notes below are a merge of all R33 beta 1/2/3/4 release notes, showing everything that has changed since the R33 production release. ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - SUPPLY OVER-VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT: If the K4's supply voltage is found to be excessive, an alert will be displayed. If the condition persists, the radio will be powered off for safety purposes. Note: Max supply voltage is specified as 15 V. - ADDED "TX MONITOR METHOD, VOICE" menu entry: When this menu entry is set to "Fast", all speech processing effects and delays are removed from the voice monitor. - UPDATED BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL TO REV C29: This edition includes a number of corrections suggested by K4 users. - AGC SPEED SETTINGS: AGC speed (slow/fast) is now correctly stored per-mode rather than per-VFO or per-band. (Also see related bug fix below.) - NEW APF BANDWIDTH: The CW audio peaking filter now has three settings: 30, 50, and 150 Hz. The new 150 Hz setting allows APF to be used with faster code speeds. - THREE QSK METHODS: The TX QSK Method menu entry now has three settings. Method 1 is unchanged from the last production release; it uses slightly longer mute times to create the cleanest possible QSK. Method 2 is the same as the original, except that it uses a new DSP algorithm that results in a bit more recovered audio. Method 3 is is the same as Method 2, except that some users report that it provides reduced artifacts (as compared to Method 2) when using the internal keyer at speeds of 47 WPM or higher. NOTE: With all three settings, the primary goal is to eliminate "clicks," "thumps," or other artifacts that may occur when operating near very strong signals (S9+). Such a signal must be present within +/- 2 kHz of the K4's VFO setting in order to evaluate the various QSK methods. Otherwise there are no artifacts at all. --------- BUG FIXES --------- - "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" BUG: When doing AF RECord, this message would be displayed if the recording filled the 90-second buffer. - MESSAGE CHAIN/REPEAT FIX: CW/FSK/PSK chained and repeated messages are now correctly spaced. - DETECTION OF ESC ON LOCAL KEYBOARD: With a local keyboard plugged into the K4 for TX text entry, the ESC key now properly terminates messages. - DIV LED now turns on if diversity is in effect at power-on. - SOFTWARE UPDATE FIX: 'Check for Updates' now correctly updates all release selections with the latest revision numbers. - TRANSMIT STATUS INFORMATION FIXED: Previously, in some cases power output would be displayed incorrectly, e.g. showing a nonzero value during receive. - MSG REPEAT TRUNCATION FIXED: Previously, repeating a message with more than 24 characters would result in truncation of some portion of the message. Messages can now be up to 60 characters. - ELIMINATED "MOTORBOATING" (4 Hz cycling of transmitter when MIC gain = 80). - ELIMINATED VOICE MODE POWER SPIKES: Previously, asserting PTT could lead to a brief spike in output power ahead of normal transmit audio. - XVTR CONFIGURATION: Transverter configurations are now correctly maintained after software updates. - XVTR QUICK MEMORIES: These now function correctly. - DVR "NO RECORDED MESSAGE" bug fixed. - DVR VOICE MESSAGE PLAYBACK CLICKS: The beginning and ending of buffers are now truncated by 21 ms to help mask any mic clicks recorded in the message. - DVR CHAINING: Sometimes when chaining multiple messages, one of them may not have played, but the radio would have stay keyed up for the remaining time as if it were playing. - AGC SETTINGS: A/B VFO swaps and copies no longer result in loss of the operator's AGC speed setting. Similarly, settings are no longer lost when the text decoder is used. - TX ANTENNA SELECTION: TX ANT settings that are invalid, such as XV OUT on an HF band, are no longer allowed. Previously, it was possible to inadvertently get into this state with a remote-control command. - TX GAIN SETTINGS: In rare cases, per-band transmit gain calibration data was becoming altered as a side-effect of a band change, swap, etc. This should no longer occur. ----------------------- FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ----------------------- - RU/RD COMMANDS: These encoder up/down simulation commands now work when the RIT/XIT offset knob is assigned to an alternate function. - ADDED FC COMMAND VARIANT: The existing "FC;" command centers the panadapter. You can now provide an offset of up to +/- 99999 Hz, e.g. "FC-5000;". This might be useful when optimizing the panadapter presentation for a given band segment. NOTE: Nonzero panadapter offsets do not apply to tracking mode. - KY command no longer inserts spaces unexpectedly (example: KY A;KY A; now sends AA not A A). RELATED NOTE: The KY command has a 60 character limit. Any KYR command used for MSG RPT operation has a 60 character limit for repeat. If your message is longer than 60 characters, then MSG RPT may not behave as expected. - KYW command now always waits before processing the next command (example: KS10;KYW A;KS20;KYW B;FT1;). - RX; command can now kill TX during a KYW wait command. - Added support for MENU toggle,incr,decr commands ( MEnnn./; MEnnn.-; MEnnn.+; ) Toggle command behaves the same as decrement on non-binary menu entries. - UP/DN command: Encoder simulation/emulation performance improved. - External command performance improved: May help resolve "lag" that appeared in R34.B1 compared to R33 with external host applications. - Added RD/RU command alternate set format RD0nnnn; RU0nnnn; for direct Hz adjustment. - Properly implemented RD/RU commands. - Finished XVP command implementation. ============================================================ ====================== R33 (PRODUCTION) ==================== ============================================================ April 11, 2023 ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - MOUSE POINTER SELECTIONS: There are now 3 different mouse pointer sizes and 2 different colors (total of 6 combinations). See MENU: Mouse Pinter Size, LCD and MENU: Mouse Pointer Size, Ext. Mon. - OPERATING MANUAL REVISED: The built-in operating manual is now at rev. C27. It includes the new T/R related menu entries (see below) and various other updates. --------- BUG FIXES --------- - CW RECEIVE ARTIFACTS DURING T/R ELIMINATED: In previous releases, keying the K4 in the presence of large signals, especially while driving an external amplifier, could cause "pops" or "clicks" in the K4's audio on key-up. This has been corrected via fixed bugs and two new menu entries (see NEW MENU ENTRIES section, below). - CLICKS ON CHANGE IN MODE/BAND/ETC. ELIMINATED: In previously releases, changing some settings resulted in audible clicks, especially when in FM mode. - FM SQUELCH RANGE RESTORED: The original FM squelch range has been restored. Previously, the NB filters were being incorrectly applied in FM mode. - SSB BANDWIDTH ERRORS CORRECTED: SSB receive bandwidth is no longer subject to erroneous narrowing by NB filters under any circumstances. The NB filters are now applied optimally for QRM rejection purposes in all modes. - MENU PARAMETER VALUES ADJUST CORRECTLY: In the last FT release, parameters wrapped on all menu entries as VFO A was rotated. They now have stops at the low and high ends of their ranges. The values also now go UP with clockwise rotation. - MANUAL NOTCH LOSS OF AUDIO FIXED: Previously, using manual notch could cause loss of receiver audio in CW mode with certain bandwidth settings. ---------------- NEW MENU ENTRIES ---------------- TX DLY, Unkey to Receive Sets the delay time in milliseconds from KEY OUT going high (end of external amp keying) to return to receive mode. This parameter is intended to compensate for amplifier T/R switching noise on key-up, which can cause audible receive artifacts such as "clicks" or "pops." This is especially true when keying in the presence of multiple large received signals (e.g., in a pileup). Use the smallest value that eliminates audible receive artifacts on key-up. Settings from 5-10 are sufficient for most amps. For the KPA1500, a delay value of 5 ms is typically used. The best value can be determined experimentally while keying the K4 in TEST mode, which keys the K4 and the amplifier without producing RF output. This should be done while one or more large signals are within a few kHz of the K4's VFO frequency. (Lacking such signals, artifacts are not likely to be heard.) NOTE: Settings from 0-15 are applied in such a way as to still allow for QSK operation, though settings at the higher end of this range may interact with CW timing. Settings from 16-60 will not affect CW timing even at the highest code speeds, but they do not allow for full QSK, even when QSK mode is selected. TX QSK Method This parameter has a subtle effect on the way CW QSK sounds. Mode 1 (default) is optimized for best overall listening experience, and is recommended for most operators. Mode 2 provides full QSK up to somewhat higher code speeds. ======================================================= ====================== R33.BETA1 ====================== ======================================================= February 16, 2023 ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - MOUSE WHEEL USE: When hovering the mouse cursor over the buttons associated with the three multi-function knobs, you can now use the mouse wheel to change the parameters. - NOISE BLANKER ENHANCEMENT: We've beefed up the filtering associated with the noise blanker and are now applying it optimally in all modes. This means you can turn the blanker on and not observe audio artifacts from strong signals elsewhere in the band. To take advantage of this change, use the NB LEVEL control to set the filtering option to NARROW on all bands for both VFO A and B. Also see note below. NOISE BLANKER TIP: Use the noise blanker only when necessary. As with most blankers, the K4's can cause some artifacts when strong signals are present. If you're using the rig on a busy band and need the NB, bring up the NB LEVEL control panel and select NARROW NB filtering. This setting optimizes filtering ahead of the blanker algorithm. If the noise has a fast rise time and can only be mitigated using the WIDE or NONE NB filter settings, and you hear audio artifacts due to strong signals, try reducing front-end gain by adjusting preamp and attenuator settings. --------- BUG FIXES --------- - MENU PARAMETER CHANGE: Menu parameters can all now be correctly adjusted with both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the VFO A knob. Previously some parameters were missing values as the knob was rotated. - CW QSK IMPROVEMENTS: This release greatly reduces audio artifacts heard during K4 CW keying while another very strong station is transmitting +/- 5 kHz from the K4's VFO frequency. Extremely strong signals very close to (but outside) your receive passband may still require front-end gain reduction, as usual The primary cause of this was a limiter function that was unintentionally activated during T/R switching. In addition to this change, we've added the equivalent of narrow roofing filters ahead of the DSP's receiver stages. These filters approximately track your regular filter settings (BW control). To get the most out of this protective filtering, simply narrow the normal BW setting (see details above). ============================================================ ==================== R32 (PRODUCTION) ====================== ============================================================ December 13, 2022 ------------ NEW FEATURES ------------ - SSB/ESSB TRANSMIT AUDIO LOW-FREQUENCY RESPONSE IMPROVED: The nominal SSB transmit audio low-frequency rolloff can now be moved down from about 200 Hz to 100 Hz. (Amplitude at 100 Hz then increases by nearly 20 dB.) This selection is made using the new "TX Audio LF Cutoff, SSB" menu entry. IMPORTANT NOTES: (1) The 100 Hz selection is *always* applied in ESSB mode. (2) In addition to using this new SSB setting, you can control the transmit passband in all modes using TX EQ. (3) If you use USB or LSB for audio DATA modes such as PACTOR that require fast turnaround times, you should not use the 100 Hz SSB setting, because it slows turnaround by about 20 milliseconds. (The high-performance digital filter required to obtain a lower passband has additional "taps," resulting in greater delay.) --------- BUG FIXES --------- - KPA1500 / KPA500 LOSS OF BUTTON PRESSES: In previous releases, some amp front panel button presses could be missed by the K4 due to the concurrent handling of other band-change activity. - RADIO LOCKUP DURING VFO MOVEMENT AT ~5600 KHZ: One operator discovered a radio lockup when moving the VFO in the vicinity of 5600-5620 kHz. This was due to incorrect lookup of ATU LC segment data, which has now been corrected. ----------------------- FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ----------------------- - The "TQX;" command now bypasses other command processing delays to provide a more real-time response during "TX;" / "RX;" command transitions. ========================================================= ====================== R32.BETA1 ======================== ========================================================= November 14, 2022 ===== BUG FIXES ===== - TERMINATION OF DVR MESSAGES no longer causes occasional loss of mic audio. - REPEATER OFFSETS are now correctly applied to VFO B when in SPLIT. - IMPROVED EEPROM DATA VERIFICATION. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS & MACRO USERS ===== - DUPLICATE "TX;" COMMAND while in transmit mode no longer exits transmit. - ADDED "EE0;" command to reset all radio state and menu parameters to defaults, with the exception of factory calibration data. - ADDED "TQX" GET COMMAND (extension to "TQ" TX status query): If the GET query is "TQ;", then the K4 is considered to still be in transmit mode during the S-meter holdoff time (300 ms), even though receive audio can be heard. If the GET query is "TQX;", then the S-meter holdoff time is not considered to be part of the transmit state. This allows an application to find out more quickly when actual RF transmit has ended, which may result in a more responsive user interface (when playing DVR messages, for example). - ADDED "AG$+nnn" (AF gain increment/decrement). - ADDED "VC" command to properly handle configuration of per-mode coarse tuning steps. "VT" command also improved to correctly handle A/B VFO swaps, etc. - IMPROVED "#HWFC" command to allow modification of waterfall color mode for both panadapters on the external monitor. =================================================================== ==================== RELEASE R31 (PRODUCTION) ===================== =================================================================== October 11, 2022 ===== NEW FEATURES AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES ===== CW-IN-SSB: If the "CW TX in SSB Mode OK" menu parameter is set to YES, then CW may be transmitted when the K4 is in LSB or USB mode. This applies to the built-in keyer, external keying, and the "KY;" remote control command. (NOTE: In SSB modes, the M1..M4 message switches are assigned to voice DVR play, so they cannot be used for CW-in-SSB messages. However, CW messages can still be sent in this case by creating macros with the desired text. These macros can then be assigned to programmable switches.) ALL-MODE SQUELCH DISABLE/ENABLE: New menu entry "RX All-Mode Squelch" can be used to enable or disable the main/sub squelch controls in modes other than FM. The default is DISABLED for non-FM modes. DVR RECEIVE RECORD AND PLAY: This feature is now fully implemented. To record receive audio, hold the AF REC switch (upper right-hand corner of the front panel). The blue DVR icon will flash slowly. To play back recorded audio, hold the AF PLAY switch. This will bring up the AF PLAY window, which allows you to select A (main) or B (sub) or both for playback, start/stop play, jump forward/backward 5 seconds, or use the VFO knob to scroll through the buffer. The buffer recording position in seconds is shown as well. When playing back recorded audio, the blue DVR icon flashes quickly. (Also see SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS section for related remote control commands.) TX MONITOR AUDIO RECORDING: When the DVR receive record feature is active, your transmit monitor audio is also recorded (sidetone in CW mode, otherwise voice or data audio). MAIN/SUB RECEIVE AUDIO MIXING (for SO2V, etc.): You can now control how main and sub receiver audio are mixed to create left- and right-channel audio. This is useful for SO2V (single-operator, dual-VFO) operation or other special purposes. To select a mix setting, use the "RX Audio Mix with SUB ON" menu entry. The default setting is "L=A,R=B". This means that Left audio includes only VFO A (main) and Right audio includes only VFO B (sub). There are various other settings that reverse or mix the receivers. The setting "L=A,R=-A" puts inverted-polarity main audio on the right channel; this is useful as a binaural audio effect. The mix settings can be invoked using remote control commands via direct K4 switch macros or a host computer; see SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS section below. (NOTE: The MIX setting is not to be confused with the BALANCE setting. Balance controls the volume of audio sent to the left and right channels, regardless of how the mix is set up or whether the sub RX is turned on.) RTTY TX NOISE IMMUNITY: We now send a LTRS or FIGS character at the beginning of each KY packet to ensure that the receiving operator's radio is in the right shift condition for the first regular character in the packet. KPA1500 ANTENNA SELECTION FROM K4 FRONT PANEL: One use for the new "EC" remote control command is to create a macro that allows the K4's REM ANT switch to alternate between ANT1 and ANT2 at the KPA1500. A serial control cable is required. See "FOR DEVELOPERS," below. CW DECODE SPEED RANGES: There are now three CW decode speed ranges: 8-45, 8-60, and 8-90 WPM. These are selected using the text decode setup window (tap MAIN RX or SUB RX, then tap TEXT DECODE). The faster decode ranges should only be used when decoding high-speed CW. At other times the 8-45 setting should be used to provide additional noise immunity. LINE IN LEVELS INCREASED: The LINE IN settings now have an increased parameter range. To set LINE IN level, tap the TX function button, then tap LINE IN. AUTO PANADAPTER REF LEVEL: AUTO-REF baseline tracking and behavior on A/B VFO swaps (etc.) improved. PANADAPTER DATA ACCESSIBLE FOR USE WITH PC SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS: (NOTE: This information is not applicable to use of the K4 itself. It is intended to alert users of third-party applications that they will benefit from this feature once the applications are updated.) The K4 now supplies "dB-per-bin" data (signal amplitude at each point in a panadapter spectral sweep). This can be used with PC software applications to create virtual K4 panadapter displays. Software developers should refer to the "Streaming Data" section of the Programmer's Reference, rev. C7 or later, for information on the associated K4 data protocol. ===== BUG FIXES ===== DVR TX MESSAGE PLAY: On rare occasions, a TX message (M1..M4) would fail to play. This has been corrected. CW QSK ISSUES: Eliminated large audio artifacts observed when transmitting with strong receive signals nearby. These could occur at LINE OUT and/or when using message play. MONITOR LEVEL IN DATA MODE can now be directly adjusted using the MON control. This setting is now separate from the speech monitor level. MONITOR LEVEL GRANULARITY IN ALL MODES is now improved at the low end, allowing lower levels to be specified. TX MONITOR LINE OUT LEVEL now works correctly (see TX Monitor Level, Line Out menu entry). FANS ENABLED IN THE FUNCTION: The fan speed will now be set to "SLOWER" whenever possible when the UPDATE function is in use. The only time the fans will be completely turned off is during RF or REF module firmware updates. In both cases the RF module--which controls the fans--is held in reset, turning the fans off. These updates take a most a minute or two. MISC: - Corrected power-up settings (e.g. "K4D" icon). - Monitor level, TEST mode, and CW shift properly restored on exit from UPDATE or BACKUP, as well as on power-up. - Removed extraneous tail-end "dead air" from TX DVR messages. - Fixed Log40M / OmniRig problem (lockup related to NVRAM setting). - Fixed incorrect DATA monitor level after mode change/split/VFO swap. - Corrected mini-pan loss of frequency synch with RIT ON. - Fixed cases where turning on SUB RX text decode caused a window formatting error. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== DB/BIN TRANSPORT SPECIFICATION: This specification has now been released. Available on request. NEW OR UPDATED COMMANDS (refer to the K4 Programmer's Reference for details): - LB (LPA BIAS SET COMMAND): Send "LB1;" to start LPA bias calibration (may take up to 60 seconds; typical is 15 to 20 seconds). On completion, either an LB0 (success) or LB2 (failure) response is returned. This command should only be used if the LPA bias is suspected to be incorrect. See programmer's reference rev. C7 or later for further details, including a way to test LPA bias current at the K4's front panel. - EC (echo) command enables sending commands to an amplifier like a KPA1500 over RS232. Requires cable from K4 RS232 jack to KPA1500 XCVR SERIAL jack. Examples: (1) Alternate between ANT1 and ANT2 on a KPA1500 (EC ^AN0;). (2) Swap the the amp between OPER and STBY (EC ^BPT18;). - DA command extended (digital audio). Can now be used to play and record receive and transmit audio. - #FPS command getter added. Also changed #FPS range to 1 to 24 frames/sec. - MORE ON dB/BIN DATA STREAMING: Some users of the K4's dB/bin data reported data rates that were too high for their monthly bandwidth limits. Users can now issue commands to specify whether to receive only a subset of the four streams (pan A, pan B, mini pan A, mini pan B) rather than all four as at present. For example, if only main pan A is enabled, the data rate will be reduced by 75%. Reducing the frame rate can also drastically cut bandwidth. - MX command added. Specifies left/right audio mixing to be used when the sub RX is turned on. See "MAIN/SUB RECEIVE AUDIO MIXING" above. The default is "MXA.B;" (Left = main, Right = sub). The programmer's reference also describes the relationship between the MX, FX, and BL commands. - ML command now works correctly in DATA mode (see MONITOR LEVEL bug fix above). - #MP$ command now has a -1 state ("Invalid; can not be turned on") in addition to 0=off and 1=on. - ES/ toggle command added (toggles ESSB mode on/off). - #AR0 command now works as documented. - TD command can now specify 1- or 3-line text decode window (TD220; or TD221, respectively). - Re-center both VFOs when turning TRACKing mode on. - 125 Hz rounding error in frequency marker rendered with certain spans. - Mouse Wheel not working on MACROS widget. - Tapping REC doesn't always cancel a CW macro message. - Menu->External Monitor does not switch from Panadapter Mode to Mirroring K4 LCD - Properly detect missing KPA4 and/or KRX4 modules when forcing MENU to NOT_INST at startup. ========================================================= ==================== RELEASE 30 ========================= ========================================================= June 14, 2022 * * * IMPORTANT NOTE * * * THIS RELEASE INCLUDES CESSB AND THE NEW NARROW CW FILTERS. For full details, please refer to the notes for release 29. (RX DVR record/play is still being refined.) CW QSK IMPROVED: Reduced audible QSK artifacts caused by nearby signals. MINI-PAN FIX: Corrected a case where the mini-pan could not be displayed. TOUCH CONTROLS: Improved reliability of LCD touch interface. LOW-PASS FILTER/RECEIVER CONFLICTS: Corrected receive audio loss that could occur due to invalid antenna selections. 6 meters was the band most likely to be affected. ============================================================== ==================== RELEASE 30Beta2 ========================= ============================================================== June 1, 2022 ===== BUG FIXES ===== CW-REVERSE TEXT DECODE: This is now working correctly. CW-REVERSE MINI-PAN: There is no longer any unusual pixellation in CW-R mode. TOUCH PANEL: Touch panel controller functions improved to eliminate errors/lockups. RX AUDIO OUTPUT: Further corrections now in place to eliminate loss of audio. MSG RPT in CW mode no longer continues to flash when a message is interrupted with a paddle or key. ALC/POWER/SWR meters should no longer show "stale" values. PAN FREEZE feature now completed. MINI-PAN doesn't flicker on/off at times when it is touched but is not available. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== #FRZn; is now working properly Added #FRZ; getter Added #FRZ/; toggle #FRZn changes now sent to clients Added MI/; toggle command Added new LOG; command to copy logs to any installed USB flash drive ============================================================== ==================== RELEASE 30Beta1 ========================= ============================================================== May 16, 2022 ===== FUNCTIONAL CHANGES ===== ALL RTTY MARK/SPACE TONE PAIRS FULLY IMPLEMENTED: All 8 mark/space tone pairs (MENU:FSK Mark Tone) are now fully implemented, with the correct offsets and filter bandwidths, including MENU:FSK Dual-Tone RX Filter. RTTY 75 BAUD and PSK63 IMPLEMENTED: You can now use both 45 and 75 baud RTTY (FSK mode), as well as PSK31 and PSK63 (PSK mode). To change the selection, tap MAIN RX > TEXT DECODE, then select the desired baud rate. ===== BUG FIXES ===== REFERENCE MODULE FIRMWARE LOAD: The REF module now loads correctly in all cases when updating firmware. AUDIO DROPOUTS: Loss of audio, typically at power-up, has been corrected. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== NEW OR IMPROVED COMMANDS: DARC; command added (clear DAP recording buffers) DR$; command added (data rate, e.g. RTTY 45/75 and PSK31/63) DW; command added (TX data bandwidth) PP command GET handler added (per-band power) BN^; next band stack command added #DSM1 command fixed (LCD display mode, spectrum + waterfall) Sending AutoRef menu values when changed via #AR; command OV$; getter added (ADC/COR overflow) #SPM; getter added (span adjust mode; always returns 0) PC010; (power control) now correctly sets power to 10 watts ME43; command (menu parameter get/set) now returns IP address ES0; and ES1; getters added to get SSB and ESSB bandwidth without requiring a mode change New toggle commands: #DSM/; #WFH/; #MP/; #VFA/; #VFB/; #CUR$/; #PKM/; =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 29 =================== =================================================== March 22, 2022 NOTE: The RX DVR feature (AF REC/AF PLAY) has been deferred until Release 31 in order to complete implementation and field testing. ===== FUNCTIONAL CHANGES ===== ENHANCED SPEECH COMPRESSION & CESSB: Speech compression has been dramatically improved. Controlled Envelope Single Sideband (CESSB) has also been implemented. Together, these boost average talk power by up to 8 dB, with virtually no RF overshoot or in-band distortion. Any nonzero setting of CMP also engages CESSB. Compression also now applies to Extended Single Sideband (wide transmit bandwidths). TX NOISE GATE: This feature is available in all voice modes. Set up using MENU:TX Noise Gate Threshold. Default is OFF. If a non-zero value is selected, mic audio will be suppressed during transmit when it is below the given threshold. NEW NARROW CW FILTERS: We've added new CW filtering for the 50/100/150/200 Hz settings -- the highest-performance narrow filters we've ever offered. These filters have much steeper skirts, yet exhibit minimal ringing. They're enabled by default, but can be turned off using the RX CW IIR Filters menu entry. When they're off, the filters will be the same as they are now (FIR). These filters are centered on 50 Hz pitch increments, which means that the narrowest filter width (50 Hz) slightly favors 50 Hz increments of the sidetone PITCH setting. For example, if you were using a 530 Hz sidetone, consider using 500 or 550 Hz instead. ALL-MODE SQUELCH: Main and sub receiver squelch can now be used in all modes. The settings are independent. NOISE BLANKER QRM FILTERING: Noise blankers can be compromised by strong nearby signals. If you hear artifacts, use the NB LEVEL control to turn NB QRM filtering on, then retry different NB levels. NB filtering removes strong signals in the IF demodulation passband (typically 2 to 20 kHz from the VFO frequency) while having a minimal effect on blanking effectiveness. There are 3 NB filter settings: NARROW: K4 bases NB filter on regular RX bandwidth (as low as 1 kHz) WIDE: K4 applies a 5 kHz NB filter NONE: pre-NB filtering off (BW ahead of NB ~24 kHz) NOTE: The NARROW and WIDE settings may reduce effectiveness on some noise types, so use NONE when there's no QRM. NEW AM DEMODULATOR: Our new AM demodulator provides excellent audio fidelity, with up to 5 kHz audio bandwidth and enhanced pre-demodulator filtering. IMPROVED FM DEMODULATOR. VFO CURSOR OFF-SCREEN ICONS: The panadapter now provides color-coded arrows (A=blue, B=green) that appear if the associated VFO frequency is off-screen. The arrow shows the off-screen direction. VFO COARSE TUNING RATES (PER-MODE): Added a new menu entry, VFO Coarse Tuning, that specifies which of four per-mode tuning rates is to be used when the KHZ switch function is selected. (This is equivalent to the K3's COARSE switch function.) For example, in SSB mode, the "KHZ" tuning rate options are 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 kHz. When the user-specified KHZ rate is selected, the VFO digit underline changes from white to gold. These selections also apply to the RIT control whenever RIT is *OFF* and MENU:RIT Knob Alt Function is set to VFO CRS. Tapping VFO digits to select a tuning rate overrides the KHZ tuning rate. NEW TRANSMIT MONITOR LINE-OUT MODES: Menu entry "TX Monitor Level, Line Out" sets the level of the transmit monitor signal (sidetone or voice) at the LINE OUT analog jack as well as digital line out (USB-B jack). At the default setting ("=MON"), the LINE OUT TX monitor level reflects the setting of the regular XMTR-MON knob function. Rotating VFO A counter-clockwise from here will select "OFF" mode (no TX monitor line out signal). The other available settings (numeric) will scale the LINE OUT transmit monitor function upward, which is useful for some external devices such as audio recorders. (These values will also prevent K4 switch tones from being heard at LINE OUT.) Max TX monitor LINE OUT level is about 2 Vpp. TX BAR GRAPH FLICKER ELIMINATED: Previously, the power and SWR bar graphs exhibited rapid cycling or flickering in voice modes. VOX-OFF WARNING IN CW MODE: If you send CW with VOX turned off (and PTT/XMIT not asserted), you'll now get a warning about not putting out any RF. You may ignore the warning if you're simply testing the keyer, sidetones, etc. STUCK-KEY WARNINGS: Individual warnings are provided for all "stuck-key" situations on power-up, including PTT, KEY IN, DOT, and DASH. DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSOR (DAP) VOLTAGE REPORTS: The DAP now correctly reports its various supply voltages and temperature. To see these, use Status/All Param. AM/FM VOX DELAY CORRECTED: These modes now use the voice VOX delay setting. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== (Refer to rev. C1 or later of the K4 Programmer's Reference) NB COMMAND CHANGE: The NB command format has changed to NBnnmf, where nn is the NB level, m is 0/1 (off/on), and f is the pre-NB filter mode (0=NONE, 1=NARROW, 2=WIDE). See description of filter settings above. NEW COMMANDS: AG/ AF gain toggle BL AF balance DA digital audio DW data TX bandwidth (DATA & AFSK modes) PB DVR playback VT$ VFO tuning step #CUR$ VFO Cursor Display Mode #PKM/ toggle panadapter peak mode #VFA/B added toggle commands ME43 COMMAND FIXED: This now correctly returns the radio's IP address. PB0 COMMAND TERMINATES DVR PLAY. XT/ TOGGLE COMMAND FIXED: This command now correctly toggles XIT on/off. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 28 =================== =================================================== JAN. 5, 2022 ****************************************** NOTE: IF YOU USE NON-FLAT TRANSMIT EQ, you will need to re-adjust the settings after loading this software release. This is further described under BUG FIXES, below. ****************************************** ===== FUNCTIONAL CHANGES ===== AUDIO OUTPUT IMPROVED BY 10 DB: In previous releases, maximum audio output may have been as much as 10 dB lower than the target value with some combinations of the AGC slope and threshold menu settings. Now, maximum AF output is pre-compensated for AGC behavior. This results in a minimum speaker output of about 1.5 W into 4 ohms and 1.0 W into 8 ohms. (The new AF output specification will be at 1 W rather than 2 W.) S-METER NOW 6 dB PER S-UNIT: S-meter calibration now matches the more common industry standard. (Previously it was 5 dB per S-unit.) With this change, each tic mark of the S-meter graphic represents 3 dB. DVR (DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER): The DVR can now be used for transmit voice message record/play. There are 8 messages (2 banks of 4). Tap REC, then follow on-screen prompts. Messages can be played without on-air transmit by using transmit test mode (TEST switch). Maximum message length is 90 seconds. NEW BACKUP/RESTORE FUNCTION: Tap Fn, then hold BACKUP. This brings up the backup/restore screen. You can select whether to backup or restore five categories of data, including General Configuration, Frequency Memories, PF Key and K-Pod Macros, CW/PSK/FSK messages, DVR messages, and Diagnostic Logs. SEPARATE TX MONITOR LINE-OUT LEVEL CONTROL: Use TX Monitor Level, Line Out menu entry. Applies to both sidetone and voice monitoring, as well as to both analog and digital line out. ICON CHANGE FOR RX DYNAMIC RANGE OPTIMIZATION: The original icon, a visual hybrid of 'D' and 'R', was judged too cryptic by users. The new icon is "DR+", allowing the operator to for search for it in the operating manual. BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL UPDATED TO REV. C12. Covers all recent changes. ===== BUG FIXES ===== TX EQ SLIDERS NOW +/- 16 dB: The EQ sliders had been incorrectly set to +/- 4 dB. If you use non-flat EQ, you may need to do a one-time readjustment of the sliders. ELIMINATED DUAL IP ADDRESSES for the radio. This occurred very rarely. MENU IP ADDRESS FIELD EXPANDED: The parameter field now accommodates 12-digit IP addresses. ELIMINATED LOSS OF AUDIO on power-up (rare). VFO STEP RATE PRESERVED across power-downs. TX METERS STAY ON IF SPLIT TURNED ON/OFF WHILE TRANSMITTING. SBC DATE CORRECTED ON 3V BATTERY SWAP. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== ADDED VO$ COMMAND (VFO OFFSET). This can be used to directly offset either VFO by a specified amount. ADDED XVTR SUPPORT FOR BN+; and BN-; commands. FI$; COMMAND AI RESPONSE NOW SENT ON BAND CHANGE. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 26 =================== =================================================== 26 OCTOBER 2021 NOTE: If you experience any issues after a software update, please do the update a second time. This is usually because your K4 has not been updated recently. The software update application itself is subject to change, and a second attempt will complete any pending steps. LCD FLICKER REDUCED: LCD DC-DC converter PWM frequency changed to 15 kHz to greatly reduce likelihood of artifacts at low brightness settings. (Was 19 kHz.) MESSAGE PLAY CANCEL: In CW mode, cancelling message play would sometimes result in the orange message-play icon remaining on. TX ALC MENU ENTRY: TX ALC should only be turned off under very specific circumstances; most users will never need to do this. To prevent unintentional changes to the MENU:TX ALC setting, the user is given an opportunity to cancel an ALC OFF action. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 25 =================== =================================================== 14 OCTOBER 2021 ===== FUNCTIONAL CHANGES ===== NORMALIZED RECEIVER PASSBAND INDICATION: When the filter passband is normalized for the main or sub receiver, its passband graphic acquires two small "wings". (Same as the K3, etc.) To normalize the passband, hold the FILTER knob (NORM function). DIGOUT1 MENU ENTRY: DIGOUT1 is an open-drain output that can be used to control external equipment. It is stored per-band. On the 160-6 meter bands it is also stored separately per-antenna if a KAT4 ATU is installed. The default is OFF (floating), while ON = pull the line to ground (0 V). Max load current in the ON state is 15 mA; max. load voltage in the OFF state is 25 V DC. The menu entry shows/changes the DIGOUT1 setting on the present band (and antenna if 160-6 m). SELECTABLE DATE FORMAT: The desired date format (EU or US) can now be selected using the DATE/TIME set controls. To access this, first tap in the date/time/status area (above the "?" Button on the LCD), then hold the DATA/TIME "Set" button. MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY format can be selected independent of the other controls in this window. LINE OUT RIGHT-CHANNEL AUDIO (SUB RX) EQUALS LEFT CHANNEL (MAIN) WHEN SUB IS OFF. 3 dB RECEIVER GAIN ADDED TO BOTH RECEIVERS WHEN SPLITTER IS IN: When the sub RX is on and sharing the same antenna as the main RX, we now add 3 dB of IF (DSP) gain to compensate for the loss of the 3 dB splitter. TX INHIBIT CHANGES: The TX Inhibit icon now continuously reflects the state of the TX INH signal (ACC jack, pin 7) rather than only during transmit. Also, when MENU:TX Inhibit is set to OFF, pin 7 correctly outputs a logic high (5 V) at all times. RX ANT OUT ON BASIC K4: The RX ANT OUT jack can now be used on a basic K4 (one without the KRX4 2nd RX module) in both the SUB RX ON and OFF conditions. Previously, the sub RX icons and controls were not reflecting the fact that, on a basic K4, the main and sub receivers always share the same antenna. This in turn was preventing the sub RX from being configured properly for RX ANT OUT usage. ===== BUG FIXES ===== SUB RX GAIN NOW SAME AS MAIN RX: Previously, the same signal injected into both receivers would produce a signal level 3 to 6 dB higher in the sub RX (as indicated by both the S-meter and panadapter). This was due to an incorrect ADC gain setting in the sub. EXTERNAL MONITOR STUCK ON ELECRAFT LOGO: The external monitor should no longer freeze on a logo screen after a display mode change. LOSS OF QSK SETTING ON MESSAGE PLAY CANCEL: Fixed. A/B REVERSE CONTROL NOW ONLY SWAPS VFO FREQUENCIES: Previously, A/B reverse ("REV" switch) swapped all settings of VFOs A and B. Swapping only the frequencies makes this operation much faster. ESSB MODE AND SSB/SSB BANDWIDTHS SAVED: These settings are now correctly saved/restored across power-downs. REAR-PANEL MIC BIAS SHUTOFF FIXED: Rear panel mic bias is no longer being turned off when rear panel headphones are plugged in/unplugged. CW AUTO-TUNE WORKS IN CW-REVERSE MODE. HIGH-SIGNAL PANADAPTER ARTIFACTS ELIMINATED: Under some high-signal conditions, a comb pattern or "Christmas tree" effect may have been overlaid on spectral peaks. This was due to signal leakage in the FFT/decimation algorithm. The effect has now been completely eliminated. OVERALL DATA FLOW STABILITY IMPROVED: Previously, in very rare cases, the panadapter may have stopped updating due to an issue with memory allocation. MULTIPLE IP ADDRESS PROBLEM: Corrected a situation where the radio could claim to have two separate IP addresses. ===== FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS ===== REMOTE CONTROL COMMAND IMPROVEMENTS: DO; command added WM; command added. See also ME0027; (Wattmeter Cal in MENU) RG; response bug fix CP; response bug fix GT$; response bug fix REF; no longer case sensitive TEF; no longer case sensitive IS$9xxx; now supported as FP$~; alias SD; command improvements *Added SD1; SD0; setter for setting QSK *Added SD; getter for current mode *Added SDm; getter for provided mode VG; command improvements *Added VG; getter for current mode *Added VGm; getter for provided mode VX; command improvements *Added VX1; VX0; setter VOX for current mode *Added VX; getter for current mode *Added VXm; getter for provided mode SM; command bug fixes *SM; now properly returns 0000-0015 in K30; meta-mode. *SM; now properly returns 0000-0021 in K31; meta-mode. *SM; returns 00-42 in K41; meta-mode. *Note, for SM; auto-information; set AI4;SM1; =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 22 =================== =================================================== 8-10-2021 BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL UPDATED: Now at rev. C9. Among other changes, includes important note about Bose QC35 and similar headphones that are capacitively coupled. These will work with the rear-panel phones jack as-is, but for use with the front panel jack, a resistor to ground from the tip signal is needed to provide headphone insert detection. SCREEN CAPTURE IMPROVEMENT: There is no longer any need to remove and reinsert the USB flash drive after every screen shot. TX EQ NOT APPLIED IN DATA MODES. FSK/PSK MONITOR LEVEL ADJUSTABLE: FSK/PSK monitor level is now equal to the DATA monitor level, not by the CW sidetone level. It can be set separately by holding {XMTR}.MON. FSK/PSK MONITOR LEVEL VIA PADDLE VS. FSK IN: When FSK/PSK characters are sent using the keyer paddle, the FSK/PSK monitor tones will be 12 dB below the CW sidetone volume, as before. But when FSK/PSK transmit is initiated via XMIT, PTT, or a KY command, the monitor volume will be set based on the DATA monitor level (cf.dataMonLevel). VFO CURSORS TUNE SMOOTHLY ON PANADAPTER: Some users had observed jitter in the panadapter cursors while tuning the VFO. TRANSVERTER BANDS > 2.1 GHz BEHAVE CORRECTLY AT PANADAPTER: Previously, use of transverter band frequencies above 2.147 GHz would cause the panadapter to freeze. ADC OVERFLOW FALSE TRIGGERING ELIMINATED: Previously, changing preamp or attenuator settings could cause a spurious ADC overflow indication ("OVF" icon at the right end of the S-meter). PRE3 SETTING PRESERVED ACROSS POWER CYCLES. BUILT-IN OPERATING MANUAL IMAGES CORRECTED: All figures are now correctly formatted, including the illustration of the RX Dynamic Range icon (see Advanced Receive Features section). USB FLASH DRIVES WITHOUT OPERATING SYSTEM PARTITIONS: These are now handled correctly. DURING SOFTWARE UPDATE, EXT. MONITOR MIRRORS LCD. FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS: Switch emulation codes (SW command) now have permanent fixed values, per rev. B12 or later of the K4 Programmer's Reference. Previously, these codes were inadvertently changed as new switch functions were added. SOFTWARE UPDATER SHOWS RELEASE PACKAGE NUMBERS: When the user selects an installation type, the associated "Rnn" release numbers appear beside each type (production, beta, etc.). =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 19 =================== =================================================== 6-23-2021 MAX AF GAIN INCREASED. MAX VOICE MONITOR LEVEL INCREASED. DATA MONITOR LEVEL BUG FIX: Previously, the lowest active level (1) was too loud. Also increased max value. K-POD SWITCH MACRO PROGRAMMING: In the K4's built-in macro editor, K-Pod switches now listed as 1 tap, 1 hold, 2 tap, 2 hold, etc. DYNAMIC RANGE ICON: When MENU:RX Dyn. Range Optimization is set to ON, a new icon appears to the right of the RIT/XIT box. The icon is a hybrid of the capital letters 'D' and 'R'. MORE PROMINENT ADC OVERFLOW INDICATION: In an extreme strong-signal situation, it is possible to reach the highest voltage allowed by the A-to-D converter. In this case the S-meter's "+60" label will change to "OVF" until the condition is resolved. (Previously, the "+" sign in the label simply changed color.) In most cases you won't hear any change in the receive audio when this occurs, especially if it occurs rarely. But if it happens frequently, you may wish to reduce the front-end gain of the affected receiver(s). The K4 can automatically reduce gain incrementally in this situation; set MENU:RX Auto Attenuation to ON. EXTERNAL REFERENCE LOCKING NOW MORE ACCURATE: When locked to an external reference, the K4's VFOs should now be within +/- 1 Hz across the full tuning range. Previously the reading was slightly high, as much as +5 Hz at 50 MHz (0.1 ppm). AGC PULSE REJECT IMPROVEMENTS: Previously, with MENU:AGC Noise Pulse Reject set to ON, AGC was being modulated by noise and signals under some band conditions. Now, the pulse reject threshold moves upward in response to strong signals to prevent this from occurring. Note: In the presence of very strong continuous noise, turn on the noise blanker. It is highly effective in this case even at very low settings. AGC DECAY RANGE EXPANDED: For example, MENU:AGC Decay, Slow can now be set as low as 5 (very slow). TRANSVERTER BANDS: Frequency memories and direct frequency entry now support transverter bands (up to 99 GHz). SOFTWARE UPDATE: Software update function now handles missing internet connection correctly. Save/Restore function handles K-Pod macros. Button debounce improved. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 18 =================== =================================================== 6-8-2021 NEW STATUS DISPLAY -- TIME/TX: There's a new option for the status area display: time (Z) and TX parameters (power and SWR). To select this option, tap the status area (above the "?" Button), then tap TIME/TX. TRANSVERTER BANDS: The K4 now has 12 user-programmable bands for use with external transverters. Transverter bands must be set up prior to use using the XVTR menu entries. The first XVTR menu entry specifies which of the 12 bands is being set up. Once setup is complete, you can tap BAND > XVTR > XVTRn to switch VFO A to a desired transverter band. Tap BAND > HF to go back to the last HF-6 m band. VFO B can be directly set to a transverter band by tapping BSET, then the BAND button. DUAL TRANSVERTER BAND RECEIVE: You can receive on two external transverters simultaneously with a K4D. Set up one to use RX ANT 1 and the other to use XVTR IN/RX ANT 2. RX DYNAMIC RANGE OPTIMIZATION: By default, new menu entry "RX Dyn. Range Optimization" is turned on. This configures the A-to-D converter for best dynamic range. Turning this off may slightly improve sensitivity. At present the setting applies to all bands; in a future release it may be settable per-band. VFO CURSORS CAN BE MOVED DURING TRANSMIT: If you move the VFOs during transmit, the associated panadapter cursors will update, even though the spectrum and waterfall remain frozen. BUILT-IN KEYBOARD UPDATED: All extended punctuation keys are now grouped to the right side of the keyboard. A new key has been added for tilde (~) and single quote ('). FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS: (1) SPLIT is now exited on receipt of and FR0 or FR1 command. (2) Added support for #ARM; #ARA; #AR/;. (3) Added transverter selection and setup commands: XV, XVM, XVR, XVI, XVO, XVP commands. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 17 =================== =================================================== 5-27-2021 DATA-MODE BANDWIDTH RESTORED: Data mode bandwidth is now correctly saved/restored across power cycles. RELEASE NOTES LISTING: When viewing release notes in the software update screen, they now start at the beginning of the listing rather than at the end. RECEIVE IMPROVEMENT: DSP code has been updated to suppress a 12 kHz offset spur that could be observed above the noise floor with an extremely strong signal (S9+40 or so). FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS: Add support for TD/; VT/; (fine toggle) and VT\; (coarse toggle). Added K3 legacy switch translation for SWH49;SWT49; =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 16 =================== =================================================== 5-25-2021 TX DELAY SETTINGS: There is now only one TX DLY menu entry: TX DLY, Key Out to RF Out. The delay range is 5 to 25 ms; default is 8 ms. NOTE: Use the smallest value needed for external amp switching. 5 ms recommended for fast CW QSK speed (this compatible with Elecraft amplifiers). RECEIVE BANDWIDTH: Accuracy of FILTER BW control settings improved. SSB AND ESSB TX BANDWIDTH: Completed TX SSB/ESSB bandwidth controls. Tap TX > ESSB ON|OFF to turn ESSB on or off. The button to the left sets the SSB or TX bandwidth independently. When ESSB is in effect, a "+" sign is added to the LSB or USB mode indicator. Also, speech compression is turned off. NOTE: In regular SSB modes, when speech compression (XMTR > CMP) is set to any value other than 0, the transmit bandwidth is reduced slightly to emphasize mid-range speech components. In a future release this behavior will be adjustable. =================================================== ==================== RELEASE 15 =================== =================================================== 5-24-2021 10-KHZ LCD "WHINE" ELIMINATED. MACRO EDITOR: Added initial support for macro command string creation and editing. Tap Fn, then hold MACRO. Macros can be assigned to PF1-PF4, F1-F8, REM ANT switch, and all 16 K-Pod switches. Refer to K4 Programmer's Reference for command details. Full details on the macro editor will be available in the operating manual on next update. FOR SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS: Added support for "ping" over Ethernet. Added commands NA/; SP/; BS/; TX/; FX/; DV/; DV\;. Added translations for legacy K3 switch emulation commands: SWH11; SWH14; SWT14; SWT16; SWH29; SWT29; SWH32; SWT32; SWT33; SWT34; SWT42; SWT43; SWH50; SWT53; SWH58;. Fixed K-Pod RIT control and screen capture issues. SSB AND ESSB BANDWIDTH: The TX bandwidth can now be set for both SSB and ESSB (Extended SSB). Tap TX > SSB BW to set bandwidth. Tap ESSB to turn ESSB mode on/off. PANADAPTER CURSORS: The cursors in the panadapter spectrum display now extend into the waterfall during VFO movement. SOFTWARE UPDATER UI IMPROVEMENTS: Improved feedback on switches and during software update operations.