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Remote Control of the K3
With appropriate software, any computer with an
RS232 port (or a USB-to-RS232 adapter) can be
used to control the K3. Connections needed for
RS232 communications are coveredon pg. 18.
Third-party logging and contesting software is
available for various computers and operating
systems. Most applications written for the K2
should work with the K3, and some provide K3-
specific features.
For a list of K3-compatible software applications,
including configuration requirements, please visit
www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm
Remote-Control Commands
The K3 has a rich set of remote-control commands,
including many commands that directly controlthe
two DSPs. With appropriate software, various
extensionsto DSP functionality can be made
available to the operator, including customized
filters, fine control over noise reduction, per-mode
parametric EQ, absolute level metering in dB, and
unique tuning aids.
K3 remote-control commands use ordinary ASCII
text, so they can be easily tested using a terminal
emulator. For example, the command “FA;” returns
the current VFO A frequency. Usingthe same
command, you can set the VFO A frequency, e.g.
“FA00007040000;” sets the VFO to 7.040 MHz.
Many new commands are provided in addition to
the core set of commands supported by the K2.
Some existing commands have been updatedto
directly control the sub receiver (e.g., “AG$;”,
which controls sub AF gain). Please refer tothe K3
Programmer’s Referencefor further details.
Panadapter/Spectrum Scope Control
The K3’s “FI;” remote-control command can be
used from a panadapter (also known as a spectrum
scope) to determine the exact frequency of the K3’s
first I.F.This can automatically compensate for
crystal filter offsets, passband shift, etc.
Remote Power On/Off
A remote-control system can pullthe POWER ON
line to ground (ACC connector, pg. 18)to turn the
K3 ON. To turn it OFF, the controller must send
the K3 a “PS0;” remote-control commandvia the
RS232 interface, then deactivate the POWER ON
signal. This sequence ensures that nonvolatile
memory is updated correctly before shut-down.
Automatic Antenna Control
Some antenna control units(e.g., those used with
SteppIR™ antennas) can track the K3’s band and
frequency by watching for “IF;” (rig information)
packetsfrom the transceiver. Some computer
logging/contesting applications set upthe K3 to
output these messages periodically, allowing the
antenna control unit to “eavesdrop.”
If you’re not using such software, or if you’re not
using a computer at all, you can still set up the K3
to output “IF;” packets periodically by setting
CONFIG:AUTOINF to AUTO 1. The packets are
sent once per second while the VFO frequency is
being changed, as well as on any band change.
If you’re using logging/contesting software,
check with the manufacturer before setting
AUTOINF to AUTO 1. Some applications may
not be tolerant of unsolicited “IF;” packets.
CW/DATA Terminal Applications
The K3 directly supports CW/PSK31/RTTY ASCII
text transmit and receive via its RS232 port. Our K3
Utility application includes a simple Terminal
functionthat letsyoutry out these modes using
your computer’s keyboardand monitor.
You can also use a genericterminal program of any
type to emulate this same functionality. Here are the
low-level commands you’ll need:
Receive: If a “TT1;” (text-to-terminal) command is
sent to the K3, it will route received and decoded
CW/DATA text to the a terminal program, in
addition to showing the text on the K3’s VFO B
display.
Transmit:Text can be transmitted using “keying”
packets (e.g., “KY {text};”). Up to 24 characters
can be sent in each packet.
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