Elecraft KX3 Programmers Reference - Manual (Page 4)

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Meta-commands: AI, K2 and K3
Meta-commands change the behavior of other commands to provide automatic responses or compatibility with
older application software. In general they should not be embedded in K3 or KX3 front-panel switch macros, as
they may adversely affect software applications that control meta-command modes. The Command Reference
section explains when to use them with specific commands.
AI (Auto-info mode): The AI meta-command can be used to enable automatic responses from the K3 to a
computer in response to K3 front panel control changes by the operator. Application software may use AI1 or AI2
mode as an alternative to continuous polling. (Not appropriate for switch macros.)
AI0, No Auto-info: This is the default. The PC must poll for all radio information using GET commands; the
K3 will not send any information automatically.
AI1, Auto-Info Mode 1: The K3 sends an IF (info) response within 1 second when any frequency or mode-
related event occurs, either manually (at the radio itself) or when the PC sends commands. These events
include: band change, mode change, VFO movement, RIT/XIT offset change or clear, and several additional
switches (e.g., A/B, REV, A=B, SPLIT, CW REV, RIT, XIT). IF responses are suppressed during VFO
movement. Notes: (1) putting the K3 into auto-info mode 1 (by sending AI1;) causes an initial IF response.
(2) The K3 can be placed into AI1 mode without a PC by setting CONFIG:AUTOINF to AUTO 1. The user
may do this to support non-PC devices that make use of auto-info, such as a SteppIR antenna controller.
Application software can check for unexpected IF responses and turn AI off if required.
AI2, Auto-Info Mode 2: The K3 sends an appropriate response (FA, FB, IF, GT, MD, RA, PC, etc.) whenever
any front-panel event occurs. This applies to all of the events mentioned for mode AI1, and ultimately to all
rotary control changes and switch presses. At present only a subset of controls generate responses.
AI3, Combination: This is similar to mode AI2 and is provided only for compatibility with existing programs.
K2 (K2 command mode): The K2 meta-command modifies the set/response format of some commands. Avoid
using this command in switch macros.
K20, K2 Normal mode: This is the default; K2 command extensions are disabled.
K21, K2 Normal/rtty_off: Same as K20, except that MD and IF report RTTY and RTTY-reverse modes as LSB
and USB, respectively. This may be useful with programs that don’t support a separate RTTY mode.
K22, K2 Extended mode: Enables all K2 command extensions.
K23, K2 Extended mode/rtty_off: Enables all K2 extensions, but like K21, alters the MD and IF commands.
K3 (K3 command mode): The K3 meta-command modifies the set/response format of some commands. Avoid
using this command in switch macros.
K30, K3 Normal mode: This is the default; K3 command extensions are disabled.
K31, K3 Extended Mode: Enables all K3 command extensions (see, for example, FW). Typically, K3
applications will place the K3 in K31 mode except when K30 mode is needed due to the use of certain
commands.