Elecraft K144XV Manual - Manual (Page 20)

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Using External Transverters with the K144XV
The K144XV may be used with higher-frequency converters and the KXV3 interface will provide band data to
control the external transverter. The
CONFIG:XV1 ADR menu selects the band data to be sent. The default for
the K144XV is Int. Trn0 . Int. Trn0 through Int. Trn9 provides band information for external transverters. See
Band Data in the K3 Owner’s manual for details about the data signals.
Firmware Updates
From time to time updated and improved firmware may become available for the K144XV. The latest firmware
may be downloaded from Elecraft and installed using the RS232 interface on the K144XV module (stereo jack),
the serial cable assembly supplied with your K144XV,and the K144XV Utility program with your personal
computer. You will need an RS232 port on your computer and the current Elecraft K144XV Utility program. If
your computer has only USB ports, you can use a USB/RS232 interface. You can obtain one that has been tested
in this application from Elecraft; order the KUSB Universal Serial Bus Adapter. KUSB drivers are available for
Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems. The K144XV Utility program is available free for
downloading from
www.elecraft.com .
Updated program files may be obtained in two ways. You can check the box in the K144XV Utility that says
“Copy new files from Elecraft into local folder.” This will download the latest production released firmware.
Optionally, you can download the new file from the Elecraft web site manually and place it in a local folder,
then browse for it within the K144XV Utility. This is the way to access the latest Beta firmware available from
Elecraft.
Checking Firmware Revision
Turn the K3 off and remove the top cover (see Figure 1 on page 9).
Plug the Serial Cable connector into the RS232 connector on the K144XV module. Connect the other end to
your computer and run the K144XV Utility program.
Turn on your K3 while watching the STATUS LED on the K144XV module. It should flash once,
indicating normal operation and that it is ready for firmware. (If the STATUS LED remains on, the K144XV
module MCU has failed to initialize properly. Refer to refer to Status Light on page 19.)
Enter the letter “V” in the Utility program Command Tester. The K144XV will respond with the version of
the firmware currently installed. Example: “V1.00;” (revision 1.00).
Installing New Firmware
You must have an active internet connection or have downloaded the new firmware to your computer as
described under Using External Transverters with the K144XV
The K144XV may be used with higher-frequency converters and the KXV3 interface will provide band data to
control the external transverter. The
CONFIG:XV1 ADR menu selects the band data to be sent. The default for
the K144XV is Int. Trn0. Int. Trn0 through Int. Trn9 provides band information for external transverters. See
Band Data in the K3 Owner’s manual for details about the data signals.
Firmware Updates, above. Prepare to install new firmware by first performing the steps above under Checking
Firmware Revision, then continue as follows:
Using the Utility program, start the download. The STATUS LED should flash indicating it is loading new
data from the Utility program.