ELECRAFT K-Pod User manual

ELECRAFTÒK•POD
CONTROL PANEL
OWNER’S MANUAL
Rev F, October 27, 2021
Copyright © 2021, Elecraft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
E740285

Elecraft manuals with color images may be downloaded from
www.elecraft.com.
Note Regarding K3/K3SReferences
Text referring to the K3 also pertains to the K3Sunless otherwise noted.
Key to Symbols and Text Styles
Important – read carefully
Operating tip
CONFIG:SQ MAIN
Transceiver menu entries

2
Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3!
In the Box..................................................................................................................................................3!
Installation.................................................................................................................................................3!
Placing the K-Pod ................................................................................................................................................ 3!
Adjusting the Knob Drag..................................................................................................................................... 3!
Data Connection................................................................................................................................................... 4!
Optional Power Connection (K3 Only) ............................................................................................................... 5!
USB Interface....................................................................................................................................................... 5!
Auxiliary Outputs................................................................................................................................................. 5!
Controls and Indicators.............................................................................................................................5!
Operating the K-Pod .................................................................................................................................6!
Feedback Tone..................................................................................................................................................... 6!
Controlling a K4 or K3 Transceiver from the K-Pod .......................................................................................... 6!
K-Pod Tuning Knob Functions........................................................................................................................ 6!
Using Switch Functions ................................................................................................................................... 6!
Setting Up K-Pod Switch Functions – K4 ....................................................................................................... 6!
Setting Up K-Pod Switch Functions – K3 ....................................................................................................... 7!
Sample Macros..................................................................................................................................................... 7!
Contest Operation Macros ............................................................................................................................... 7!
DXing Macros.................................................................................................................................................. 8!
DXpedition Macros.......................................................................................................................................... 9!
Data Mode Macros........................................................................................................................................... 9!
General-Use Macros ...................................................................................................................................... 10!
K4-Specific Macros ....................................................................................................................................... 10!
Controlling K-Pod LEDs and Auxiliary Outputs....................................................................................11!
Controlling K-Pod LEDs ................................................................................................................................... 11!
Controlling K-Pod Auxiliary Outputs................................................................................................................ 12!
Examples........................................................................................................................................................ 12!
Using the K-Pod with PC Software Applications.............................................................................................. 13!
Firmware Upgrades................................................................................................................................. 14!
Connecting the K-Pod To your Computer......................................................................................................... 14!
Customer Service and Support................................................................................................................15!
Appendix A: Modifying Earlier K3S/K3 Transceivers to Power the K-Pod via the Data Connector...16!
Parts and Tools Required................................................................................................................................... 16!
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................... 16!
Removing the K3 or K3S Front Panel Assembly .......................................................................................... 16!
Installing the Modification and Reassembling the Transceiver..................................................................... 18!
Appendix B: Data Cable Wiring............................................................................................................19!
Appendix C: Macro Basics .....................................................................................................................20!
Using K4 Macros ............................................................................................................................................... 20!
Other K4 Control Commands ........................................................................................................................ 20!
Using K3 Macros ............................................................................................................................................... 21!
K3 Switch Emulation Commands.................................................................................................................. 21!
K3 Knob Function Control Commands......................................................................................................... 22!
Other K3 Control Commands ........................................................................................................................ 22!

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Introduction
The K-Pod control panel is an ideal companion to your Elecraft K4 or K3 transceiver, maximizing convenience
and operating efficiency. It’s small enough to be placed anywhere the action is, typically next to a computer
keyboard. It’s versatile enough to integrate multiple transceiver and station control functions.
Features include:
• A heavy, free-spinning knob that can be assigned to VFO A, VFO B, or RIT/XIT offset.
• Control of 16 functions using tap and hold operation of 8 programmable switches.
• On a K4, switch functions can be set up using the radio’s built-in macro editor. On a K3, the K3 Utility
PC software application can be used. In either case, simple or complex functions may be performed,
such as selecting bands, modes, frequencies, or power levels; sending messages; clearing RIT; changing
tuning rates, etc. Examples are provided in this manual.
Additional capabilities will be provided with future firmware releases, such as direct control of the unit’s three
general-purpose relay drive outputs.
In the Box
• K-Pod module
• DC Power Cable, 2.1 mm Barrel Connector to RCA Connector, 24” (61 cm), E850427
• K3 Data Cable, 6P6C Connectors, 30” (76 cm), E980326
• K4/Computer Data Cable, USB A to B Connector, 36” (91 cm), E850629
• Allen Wrench (for Knob Set Screw), 5/64” (2 mm), E980004
• K3 Modification Kit (for some older K3 Transceivers, see page 16), E850755
Installation
Placing the K-Pod
The K-Pod module may be operated in any position. A built-in tilt stand may be deployed by loosening the two
thumb screws to hold it at a convenient angle (see image on page 1). In addition two threaded holes for 8-32
screws are provided for mounting it on a user-supplied bracket or support.
Adjusting the Knob Drag
Friction to limit the ease with which the knob turns is provided by two felt washers between the knob and the
K-Pod panel, just as is done on K4 and K3 weighted knobs.
To adjust the friction, remove the finger grip to access the set screw holding the knob on the encoder shaft. Place
your thumbs on the center of the knob and pull forward on the edge of the grip to slide it off of the knob. Avoid
using tools since they can scratch the knob finish.
Use the supplied Allen wrench to loosen the set screw and position the knob for the desired friction. A popular
technique is to loosen the knob, lay the K-Pod flat on the desk, and then tighten the set screw. This allows the
amount of friction to be determined by the weight of the knob. Then, if further adjustment is desired, loosen the
set screw again and either press the knob toward the panel to increase the friction or move it slightly away to
reduce the friction.

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Data Connection
K4 Transceiver
Connect the supplied K4/computer USB cable between the USB-B connector on the K-Pod and one of the K4’s
three USB-A connectors. The radio will power the K-Pod via this cable, eliminating the need to provide power
to the K-Pod’s 12-15 VDC connector. A longer USB cable may be substituted if desired.
K3 Transceiver
Connect the supplied data cable between the RADIO connector on the K-Pod and the data connector on your
K3. The K3 data connector is on the bottom of the K3 near the front panel as shown in Figure 2. If you need a
data cable length different from the 30” (76 cm) supplied, you can make your own as shown on page 19.
The data connector on a K3S serial number 10787 (kit) or 10801 (factory assembled) or later will power the
K-Pod through the data cable, eliminating the need for providing power to the 12-15 VDC connector. Earlier
K3Stransceivers or any K3 can be modified to power the K-Pod through the data connector by changing one
resistor inside the K3/ K3S. This is a simple mod that you can do yourself if you are equipped with a suitable
soldering iron (see Appendix A on page 16), or you can have Elecraft do it for you (see Customer Service and
Support on page 15).
Figure 1. Interface Connectors.
Figure 2. K3 Data Connector

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Optional Power Connection (K3 Only)
If you are not powering the K-Pod through the data or USB connector (see above), connect a 9-15 Vdc power
supply to the optional dc power connector shown in Figure 1. The K-Pod requires about 50 mA. This power can
be taken from the switched 12VDC OUT connector on the K3 rear panel. If you are powering other equipment
such as a P3 Panadapter you can use a Y-cable to power both providing you do not exceed the current limit
shown next to the connector. Some older K3 transceivers are limited to a maximum of 0.5A from this connector
and will be labeled that way. A modification kit to increase the current limit to 1A is available, order the
K312VMDKT, or you can have Elecraft do it for you (see Customer Service and Support on page 15).
Also you can power the K-Pod from any 9-15 Vdc power supply capable of providing 50 mA.
USB Interface
The USB interface is used with a K4 transceiver, as well as to update the K-Pod’s firmware. For the latter
purpose it may be connected to any USB-A connector on a PC. For further details, see Firmware Upgrades,
page 14.
Auxiliary Outputs
A 3.5 mm tip-ring-ring-shield (TRRS) connector provides three programmable outputs to control external
devices. Each open-drain output can handle up to 50 Vdc at 100 mA.
Controls and Indicators

6
Operating the K-Pod
Feedback Tone
An annunciator in the K-Pod produces a brief audible tone whenever switches F1 through F8 are pressed. In
addition, changing the position of the rocker switch produces a brief tone as follows:
Rocker Switch Position
Tone
VFO A
1000 Hz
VFO B
1500 Hz
RIT/XIT
2000 Hz
Controlling a K4 or K3 Transceiver from the K-Pod
Firmware updates may be required:
To use the K-Pod with a K3, the transceiver must be equipped with firmware version 5.54 or later
and the K-Pod must be equipped with firmware version 1.06 or later. Refer to the K3 owner’s
manual for firmware version check and update instructions.
To use the K-Pod with a K4, the K-Pod must be equipped with firmware version 1.09 or later.
Version 1.12 or later is strongly recommended.
See Firmware Upgrades on page 14 for instructions on updating your K-Pod firmware.
K-Pod Tuning Knob Functions
Connecting the K-Pod to the K3 or K4 immediately gives you control over the VFOs and OFS (RIT/XIT)
controls depending upon the position of the rocker switch. Also, by default K-Pod LEDs D1-D3 indicate
the control selected: D1 for VFO A, D2 for VFO B and D3 for RIT/XIT (OFS). These can be
reprogrammed.
When using the K-Pod with a K4, you can configure the K-Pod encoder to use the same
number of counts per turn as the VFO A/VFO B/OFS encoders on the transceiver. Use MENU:
VFO Counts Per Turn to select the desired setting.
Using Switch Functions
Other transceiver functions may be controlled by K-Pod switches. When pressed (tap or hold), these
activate macros (strings of one or more transceiver control commands) stored in the K3 or K4 transceiver
as described below. Macros are simple to create and store. If you’re not familiar with the process, please
refer to the instructions in Appendix C (page 20). Some popular macros are provided below.
K-Pod switch functions are mapped to K4 and K3 macros as follows:
• Holding switches F1 through F8 (pressing for 1/2 second or more) launches K4 macros 1H
through 8H, or K3 macros 1 through 8.
• Tapping switches F1 through F8 (pressing for less than 1/2 second) launches K4 macros 1T
through 8T, or K3 macros 9 through 16.
Setting Up K-Pod Switch Functions – K4
The K4’s built-in macro editor is used to both create custom functions and assign them to switches on the
K-Pod. In the macro editor these are identified as K-pod.1T (switch 1 tap) through K-pod.8H (switch 8 hold).

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To launch the macro editor at the K4, tap Fn in the bottom row of LCD touch controls, then hold MACROS.
Use VFO A to scroll to the desired K-Pod switch, as identified in column 1 in the LCD window. Tap on the
label field (column 2) to assign a label to your macro (for reference). Then tap on the macro field to enter one or
more control commands. See examples below and more detailed instructions in Appendix C.
Setting Up K-Pod Switch Functions – K3
Store the macros you wish to launch from the K-Pod in memory locations 1 through 16 on your K3S/K3
using the K3 Utility program as follows:
• Be sure you have K3 Utility Program rev. 1.16.3.11 or later installed on your personal computer
(older versions will not allow you to store macros 9-16).
• Connect your K3Sor K3 to your personal computer and run the K3 Utility Program.
• Click on the Command Tester/K3 Macros tab.
• In the window that pops up, click on the Edit Macros button
• Enter the macros and macro labels in the spaces provided. Note that your macro label cannot
exceed seven characters including spaces. See sample macros below and in Appendix C.
• Click on Write to K3 to store the macros in the K3.
Sample Macros
The following sample macros are divided into groups popular for contesting, chasing DX and operating a
DXpedition station in CW or SSB modes. In addition are sample macros for RTTY and PSK operation, general
macros that are useful in any operating environment, and several K4-specific macros.
To use them, create and assign the desired macros as described above. (Further details on creating macros can be
found in Appendix C.) The suggested macro label may be changed as long as you observe the seven-character
limit. The Command Sequence lists the commands included in each macro in the order they execute.
Every command used in a macro must be terminated with a semicolon (;)
Contest Operation Macros
Transfer VFO B to VFO A Including Filter Selection and Preamp Setting
Suggested Macro Label:
B>A ALL
Command Sequence:
Exchange VFOA and VFO B frequencies. Copy VFO B to VFO A, Copy
VFO B filter and preamp settings to VFO A.
Macro:
K3: SWT11;SWT13;SWT11;
K4: AB4; (Note: To copy only VFO B frequency to VFO A, use AB1;)
Enter Split Mode and Move the Transmit Frequency (VFO B) up 2 kHz
Suggested Macro Label:
SPLIT+2
Command Sequence:
Copy VFO A frequency to VFO B. Copy VFO A filter and preamp
settings to VFO B. Enter SPLIT. Move VFO B up 2 kHz. Clear any RIT
setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock the VFO A frequency.
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB5;RT0;XT0;LK1;
K4: AB3;FT1;VO$+2000;RT0;XT0;LK1;

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Work Stations Calling
Suggested Macro Label:
RUN
Command Sequence:
Copy VFO A frequency to VFO B. Copy VFO A filter and preamp
settings to VFO B. Exit SPLIT (TX on VFO A). Turn on RIT. Clear any
XIT setting. Clear any RIT offset. Normalize any filter shift.
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT0;RT1;XT0;RC;SWH58;
K4: AB3;FT0;RT1;XT0;RC;SW129;
DXing Macros
Calling on CW up 2 kHz
Suggested Macro Label:
CW UP2
Command Sequence:
Set CW Mode. Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp
settings the same for both VFOs. Enter SPLIT. Set xmit frequency up 2
kHz. Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A
frequency. Toggle filter bandwidth.
Macro:
K3: MD3;SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB5;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;
K4: MD3;AB3;FT1;VO$+2000;RT0;XT0;LK1;SW129;
Calling on CW up 5 kHz
Suggested Macro Label:
CW UP5
Command Sequence:
Set CW Mode. Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp
settings the same for both VFOs. Enter SPLIT. Set xmit frequency up 5
kHz. Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A
frequency. Toggle filter bandwidth.
Macro:
K3: MD3;SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;
K4: MD3;AB3;FT1;VO$+5000;RT0;XT0;LK1;SW129;
Calling on SSB up 5 kHz
Suggested Macro Label:
SSB UP5
Command Sequence:
Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp settings the
same for both VFOs. Enter SPLIT. Set xmit frequency up 5 kHz. Clear
any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A frequency. Toggle
filter bandwidth (K3 only). Set bandwidth to 2.1 kHz
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;BW0210;
K4: AB3;FT1;VO$+5000;RT0;XT0;LK1;BW0210;
Calling on SSB up 10 kHz
Suggested Macro Label:
SSB UP10
Command Sequence:
Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp settings the same
for both VFOs. Enable split. Set xmit frequency up 10 kHz. Clear any RIT
setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A frequency. Toggle filter
bandwidth (K3 only). Set bandwidth to 2.1 kHz
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;BW0210;

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K4: AB3;FT1;VO$+10000;RT0;XT0;LK1;BW0210;
DXpedition Macros
Receive 2 kHz above Xmit Frequency
Suggested Macro Label:
RX UP 2
Command Sequence:
Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp settings the
same for both VFOs. Enter SPLIT. Set receive frequency up 2 kHz.
Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO B (xmit)
frequency.
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UP5;RT0;XT0;LK$1;
K4: AB3;FT1;VO$+2000;RT0;XT0;LK$1;
Receive 5 kHz Above Xmit Frequency
Suggested Macro Label:
RX UP 5
Command Sequence:
Set both VFOs on same frequency. Set filter and preamp settings the
same for both VFOs. Set receive frequency up 5 kHz. Enter SPLIT.
Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO B (xmit)
frequency.
Macro:
K3: SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UP7;RT0;XT0;LK$1;
K4: AB3;FT1;VO$+5000;RT0;XT0;LK$1;
Set VFO A on VFO B Frequency
Suggested Macro Label:
B>A
Command Sequence:
K3: Swap A/B, copy A to B, swap back.
K4: Copy VFO B frequency directly to VFO A.
Macro:
K3: SWT11;SWT13;SWT11;
K4: AB1;
Data Mode Macros
RTTY Setup
Suggested Macro Label:
RTTY
Command Sequence:
Switch to Data Mode A. Switch to RTTY. Optional: Enable dual passband.
Macro:
K3: MD6;DT1;SWH29; (see note below)
K4: MD6;DT1;
Note: In the K3 macro, each time the macro is executed, the SWH29
command toggles between dual FSK passband (mark/space) and normal
passband. In the K4, a more straightforward method would be to assign a
PF1..PF4 switch to MENU: FSK Dual-Tone Filter.
PSK Setup