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!

3
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.

4
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

5
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).

7
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;

8
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;

9
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

10
Suggested Macro Label:
PSK
Command Sequence:
Switch to Data Mode A. Switch to PSK D. Set bandwidth to 250Hz. Turn
on Fine tuning for ease of tuning. Turn on RIT so received station tuning
can be adjusted without changing transmit frequency.
Macro:
K3: MD6;DT3;IS 0600;BW0025;SWT49;RT1;
K4: MD6;DT3;IS 0600;BW0025;VT0;RT1;
General-Use Macros
Return Settings to Normal
Suggested Macro Label:
Cleanup
Command Sequence:
Exit SPLIT (transmit on VFO A). Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT
setting. Unlink VFOs. Turn off squelch. Set both VFOs on same
frequency. Set filter and preamp settings the same for both VFOs. Noise
blanker off. Sub receiver or dual watch off. Both VFOs unlocked.
Macro:
K3: FT0;RT0;XT0;LN0;SQ000;SWT13;SWT13;SWH58;
NB0;NB$0;SB0;LK0;LK$0;
K4: FT0;RT0;XT0;LN0;SQ000;AB3;SWH58;
NB0;NB$0;SB0;LK0;LK$0;
Enable Diversity Reception
Suggested Macro Label:
Divrsty
Command Sequence:
Clear split operation. Unlink VFOs. Unlock VFOs. Enable sub receiver.
Clear any RIT setting.
Macro:
K3: FT0;LK0;LK$0;SB1;DV1;RC;
K4: FT0;LK0;LK$0;SB1;DV1;RC;
Clear RIT
Suggested Macro Label:
RIT Clr
Command Sequence:
Clear RIT
Macro:
K3: RC;
K4: RC;
K4-Specific Macros
Please refer to the K4 Programmer’s Reference for descriptions of the commands used in these macros. These
illustrate just a few of the dozens of commands available.
Save a screen shot of the current LCD display to a USB flash drive
Suggested Macro Label:
SCRN SV
Macro:
SS0;
Toggle diversity mode and SUB RX on and off
Suggested Macro Label:
DIVSUB
Macro:
DV\;

11
Toggle the value of a binary (ON/OFF or YES/NO) menu setting like MENU:Speaker + Phones
Suggested Macro Label:
SPK+PH
Macro:
MO72;UP;MO00;
Turn receive attenuator ON, both MAIN and SUB, 6 dB
Suggested Macro Label:
ATT MS ON
Macro: RA06;RA$06;
Turn both receive attenuators OFF, both MAIN and SUB
Suggested Macro Label:
ATT MS OFF
Macro: RA00;RA$00;
Toggle last receive attenuator setting ON and OFF, both MAIN and SUB
Suggested Macro Label:
ATT MS OFF
Macro: RA/;RA$/;
Controlling K-Pod LEDs and Auxiliary Outputs
Commands are provided to control the K-Pod’s LEDs, as well the Auxiliary Outputs at its AUX OUT connector.
These commands can be added to the macros stored in the transceiver. The transceiver stores the state of all K-
Pod LEDs and Auxiliary outputs so they are restored to their last condition after a power off/on cycle. So you
need not send them again once set, although you may include them in your macros to be resent to ensure the
LEDs or auxiliary outputs are in the desired state.
When testing these commands by executing them directly in the K3 Utility Program Command
Tester/K3 Macros window, a delay of up to 2 seconds may occur before the change is reflected at the K-
Pod, instead of the about 200 ms normally experienced when the command is part of a macro executed by
pressing a switch at the K-Pod.
Place these command at the beginning of a macro string to be sure they are acted upon even if the K4
or K3 is performing a lengthy operation such as a band change.
Controlling K-Pod LEDs
By default, LEDs 1, 2 and 3 indicate the rocker switch position (VFO A, VFO B, or RIT/XIT, respectively). By
contrast, LED 4 is always under user control. The following commands are used:
KPLED4ON; turns LED 4 on KPLED4OFF; turns led 4 off
The command KPLEDROFF; overrides control of LED’s 1, 2 and 3 so you can assign them to other uses as
with LED 4. Note that you can place all three LEDs under your control, or leave all three controlled by the
rocker switch; you cannot reassign only one or two of them.
Once you have overridden rocker switch control of the LEDs with KPLEDROFF; you can control LEDs 1
through 3 with the commands KPLEDnON; and KPLEDnOFF; where n is the number of the LED 1, 2 or 3.
Use the command KPLEDRON; to resume rocker switch control over LEDs 1, 2 and 3.

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Controlling K-Pod Auxiliary Outputs
Three auxiliary outputs are available at the tip and ring connections on the K-Pod AUX OUT connector
referenced to the shield (ground). Each output can handle up to 50 Vdc and sink up to 100 mA.
Output 1 is the tip connection, output 2 is the first ring behind the tip and Output 3 is the second ring. Each
output is controlled independently
In the off state each output is a high impedance (open drain) circuit. When turned on each output is a closure to
ground that can be used to activate a relay, etc.
To turn an output on, use the command KPOUTnON; where n is the output number 1, 2 or 3.
To turn an output off, use the command KPOUTnOFF; where n is the output number 1, 2 or 3.
Examples
1. Control an external device such as an external antenna switch, amplifier, transverter, etc. with
Auxiliary Output 1 and have a K-Pod LED light when it is on.
Turn on the external device with Auxiliary Output 1 and light LED 4 by tapping F1 on the K-Pod:
KPOUT1ON;KPLED4ON;
Turn off the external device and LED 4 by holding F1 on t he K-Pod:
KPOUT1OFF;KPLED4OFF;
Unlike LED 4 (above), using LEDs 1, 2 or 3 requires that you shut off control of the rocker switch of
those LEDs. The associated macros would be:
KPOUT1ON;KPLEDROFF;KPLEDnON;
and
KPOOUTOFF;KPLEDnOFF;
where n is 1 through 3 corresponding to D1 through D3 on the K-Pod.
To restore normal operation of LEDs D1 through D3 with the rocker switch, send:
KPLEDRON;
2. Turn the K4/K3 RIT function on and off at the K-Pod and have LED D4 on when RIT is active.
The process is identical to Example 1 except that, instead of a command to turn an Auxiliary Output on
and off, you use a command to activate RIT.
Turn RIT and LED 4 on:
RT1;KPLED4ON;
Turn RIT and LED 4 off:
RT0;KPLED4OFF;
You can put both commands on the same K-Pod switch (one tap, one hold) and use other LEDs as
described in Example 1.
Any function you control at the K4/K3 can be associated with an LED in the same way. Also, you can
combine functions, controlling a function at the K4/K3 and a K-Pod output, such as:
KPOUT1ON;RIT1;KPLED4ON;
to turn on RIT at the K4/K3 and activate Auxiliary Output 1. Similarly:
KPOUT1OFF;RIT0;KPLED4OFF;

13
will turn on RIT and turn Auxiliary Output 1 off.
Using the K-Pod with PC Software Applications
When a K-Pod is connected to a computer via the USB interface, the computer will recognize it as a human
interface device such as a keyboard or mouse. This may be useful for many applications both in amateur radio
and beyond.
Software applications that use the K-Pod may require modification in order to access the K-Pod’s knob,
switches, etc. If you are a software developer, please contact Elecraft directly for details.

14
Firmware Upgrades
New features and improvements are available to K-Pod owners via firmware upgrades as they become available.
To obtain our free firmware download application, K-Pod Utility, visit this web page:
https://elecraft.com/pages/k-pod-remote-control-module-firmware-and-utility
Connecting the K-Pod To your Computer
Be sure you have the K-Pod Utility program installed on your computer, but do not run the Utility Program until
instructed to do so.
Figure 3. Connecting the K-Pod to Your Computer to Update Firmware.
When you insert the USB connector the green ON LED should
light and LED D4 should blink (see Figure 4). D4 may blink slowly
at first until your computer recognizes the K-Pod, then D4 will start
blinking rapidly. The K-Pod is now ready to receive firmware. If
D4 is on but not blinking, you did not have both the F1 and F4
switches depressed when you plugged in the USB cable.
Start the K-Pod Utility program on your computer. On the main
screen near the center is Installed in K-Pod giving you the version
of the firmware currently installed and under Available the version
of any new firmware.
To update your firmware, click on Copy New Files from Elecraft.
When the download is complete, click on Send New Firmware to
K-Pod to update the K-Pod. When the download is complete, you
can reconnect the K-Pod to your K4 or K3 transceiver.
Figure 4. LED display when K-Pod is
Communicating with Computer.

15
Customer Service and Support
Technical Assistance
You can send e-mail to [email protected] and we will respond quickly - typically the same day Monday
through Friday. Telephone assistance is available from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Pacific time (weekdays only) at
831-763-4211. Please use e-mail rather than calling when possible since this gives us a written record of the
details of your problem and allows us to handle a larger number of requests each day.
Repair / Alignment Service (We want to make sure everyone succeeds!)
If necessary, you may return your Elecraft product to us for repair or alignment. (Note: We offer unlimited email
and phone support to get your kit running, so please try that route first as we can usually help you find the
problem quickly.)
IMPORTANT: You must contact Elecraft before mailing your product to obtain authorization for the
return, what address to ship it to and current information on repair fees and turn around times. (Frequently we
can determine the cause of your problem and save you the trouble of shipping it back to us.) Our repair location
is different from our factory location. We will give you the address to ship your kit to at the time of repair
authorization. Packages shipped to Elecraft without authorization will incur an additional shipping charge for
reshipment to our repair depot.
Elecraft's 1-Year Limited Warranty
This warranty is effective as of the date of first consumer purchase (or if shipped from factory, date product is shipped to
customer). It covers both our kits and fully assembled products. For kits, before requesting warranty service, you should
fully complete the assembly, carefully following all instructions in the manual.
Who is covered: This warranty covers the original owner of the Elecraft product as disclosed to Elecraft at the time of
order. Elecraft products transferred by the purchaser to a third party, either by sale, gift or other method, who is not
disclosed to Elecraft at the time of original order, are not covered by this warranty. If the Elecraft product is being bought
indirectly for a third party, the third party's name and address must be provided to Elecraft at time of order to insure
warranty coverage.
What is covered: During the first year after date of purchase, Elecraft will replace defective or missing parts free of
charge (post-paid). We will also correct any malfunction to kits or assembled units caused by defective parts and materials.
Purchaser pays inbound shipping to Elecraft for warranty repair. Elecraft will pay shipping to return the repaired
equipment to you by UPS ground service or equivalent to the continental USA and Canada. Alaska, Hawaii and outside
U.S. and Canada actual return shipping cost paid by owner.
What is not covered: This warranty does not cover correction of kit assembly errors. It also does not cover misalignment;
repair of damage caused by misuse, negligence, or builder modifications; or any performance malfunctions involving
non-Elecraft accessory equipment. The use of acid-core solder, water-soluble flux solder, or any corrosive or conductive
flux or solvent will void this warranty in its entirety. Also not covered is reimbursement for loss of use, inconvenience,
customer assembly or alignment time, or cost of unauthorized service.
Limitation of incidental or consequential damages: This warranty does not extend to non-Elecraft equipment or
components used in conjunction with our products. Any such repair or replacement is the responsibility of the customer.
Elecraft will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to any
loss of business or profits.

16
Appendix A: Modifying Earlier K3S/K3 Transceivers to Power the
K-Pod via the Data Connector
The data connector on a K3S serial number 10787 (kit) or 10801 (factory assembled) or earlier cannot power
the K-Pod through the data cable. This mod describes a simple change that will allow you to power the
K-Pod through the data cable instead of using the separate dc power cable.
The modification involves soldering a resistor onto your K3 or K3Sfront panel board.
If you would like Elecraft to install this modification for you, contact Elecraft technical support at
[email protected] or call 831-763-4211.
Parts and Tools Required
Two resistors are supplied with the kit so you can install the type that is easiest for you:
Use only one of these resistors as described in the following procedure.
Description
Elecraft Part Number
6.8 Ohm, 1/10 W SMD (0603 size).
E850755
6.8 Ohm, 1/8 W Leaded Resistor
You will need the following tools:
1. A temperature-controlled ESD-Safe soldering station and fine solder.
2. #0 and #1 size Phillips screwdrivers. To avoid damaging screws and nuts, do not use a power
screwdriver. Use the screwdriver that best fits the screw in each step.
3. Blade screwdriver (see Figure 7).
4. Diagonal cutters.
5. Fine-tipped needle nose pliers or tweezers are handy for positioning small parts, especially the SMD.
Procedure
Removing the K3 or K3SFront Panel Assembly
A grounded wrist strap and ESD dissipating mat are recommended whenever you
work inside your K3 or K3S. Optionally, touch a bare metal ground frequently while
working.
Disconnect power and all cables from your K3.

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Remove the three screws on the top lip of the front panel (see Figure 5)
Figure 5. Removing the Top Front Panel Screws.
Turn the K3/K3Sover and remove the two screws on the bottom shown in Figure 6
Figure 6. Removing the Bottom Front Panel Screws.
Be sure all five screws have been removed, and then pry the front panel loose as shown in Figure 7. There
are four multi-pin connectors between the front panel assembly and the main chassis. Work carefully, loosening
one end a bit and then the other.
Figure 7. Disengaging the Front Panel Assembly.

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Installing the Modification and Reassembling the Transceiver
Install either the leaded resistor or the SMD resistor across R82 on the back of the front panel assembly as
shown in Figure 8. If installing the leaded resistor, position it as shown to avoid it interfering with the main RF
board when you reassemble the K3/K3S.
The existing resistor R82 is a 10k ohm resistor. The new resistor is 6.8 ohms, so it can
be placed across the 10k ohm resistor with no impact on performance. However, if you
have de-soldering tools and wish to do so, you can remove the existing R82 and replace it
with the 6.8 ohm resistor supplied.
Figure 8. Installing Resistor Across R82.
Inspect the installation carefully for solder bridges and, if the leaded resistor is used, to ensure the leads are
not shorted to any nearby pads.
Replace the front panel assembly. Be sure the two bottom connectors are aligned correctly before you press
the front panel in place, and then replace all five screws. Note that the two round (pan) head screws go on the
bottom and the three flat head screws go on the top.
That completes the modification.

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Appendix B: Data Cable Wiring
You can make your own K3 to K-Pod data cable if you need one with a different length than the cable supplied.
The cable uses two 6P6C modular male connectors and requires 5 conductors.
Do not use a common RJ12 cable unless you modify it to disconnect the wire to pin 1. If
you disconnect the wire at only one end, be sure that end is plugged into your K3.
The connectors are wired pin-to- pin from one connector to the other as shown below:
MALE 6P6C CONNECTOR
PIN
WIRING
MALE 6PC6 CONNECTOR
PIN
1
NO CONNECTION
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6