ELECRAFT K-Pod User manual

ELECRAFTK•POD
CONTROL PANEL
OWNER’S MANUAL
Rev D, October 17, 2016
Copyright © 2016, Elecraft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
E740285

2
Key to Symbols and Text Styles
Important –read carefully
Operating tip
CONFIG:SQ MAIN
Typical K3/K3Smenu entry

3
Contents
Key to Symbols and Text Styles...............................................................................................................2
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................5
In the Box .................................................................................................................................................5
Installation ................................................................................................................................................5
Placing the K-Pod ...............................................................................................................................................5
Adjusting the Knob Drag....................................................................................................................................5
Data Connection.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Optional Power Connection................................................................................................................................7
USB Interface to PC............................................................................................................................................7
Auxiliary Outputs................................................................................................................................................7
Controls and Indicators.............................................................................................................................7
Operating the K-Pod.................................................................................................................................8
Controlling a K3S/K3 from the K-Pod ...............................................................................................................8
Contest Operation Macros............................................................................................................................... 8
DXer Macros................................................................................................................................................... 9
DX-Pedition Macros ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Data Mode Macros........................................................................................................................................ 11
General Use Macros...................................................................................................................................... 11
Controlling the K-Pod LEDs and Auxiliary Outputs........................................................................................12
Examples of Controlling the Auxiliary Outputs............................................................................................12
Controlling your PC from the K-Pod................................................................................................................13
Firmware Upgrades ................................................................................................................................14
Connecting the K-Pod To your Computer ........................................................................................................14

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Customer Service and Support.......................................................................................................................... 15
Technical Assistance..................................................................................................................................... 15
Repair / Alignment Service...........................................................................................................................15
Appendix A: Modifying Earlier K3S and K3 Transceivers to Power the K-Pod through the Data
Connector................................................................................................................................................16
Introduction....................................................................................................................................................... 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: K3S/K3 Macro Basics.......................................................................................................20
Switch Macros...................................................................................................................................................20
Knob (Encoder) Macros....................................................................................................................................21
Other Macros.....................................................................................................................................................21
Elecraft manuals with color images may be downloaded from
www.elecraft.com.

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Introduction
The K-Pod control panel is an ideal companion to your Elecraft K3 or K3Stransceiver, 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.
Switch functions can be easily set up using K3 Utility to perform diverse functions such as selecting
bands, modes, frequencies, or power levels; sending messages; clearing RIT; changing tuning rates, etc.
Many 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
K3S/K3 Data Cable, 6P6C Connectors, 30” (76 cm), E980326
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 the K3Sor K3 VFO A knob.
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 of move it slightly away to
reduce the friction.

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Data Connection
Connect the supplied data cable between the RADIO connector on the K-Pod and the data connector on your
K3Sor K3. The K3S/K3 data connector is on the bottom of the K3S/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. K3S/K2 Data Connector

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Optional Power Connection
If you are not powering the K-Pod through the data 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 K3S/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 to PC
This connector is not used currently except that it will power the K-Pod if connected to a live USB port. Future
firmware updates will allow you to program the K-Pod and interface the K-Pod directly with your personal
computer.
Auxiliary Outputs
A 3.5 mm tip-ring-ring-shield connector provides three programmable outputs to control external devices. Each
output is an open drain connection to a ring contact that can handle up to 50 Vdc at 100 mA.
Controls and Indicators

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Operating the K-Pod
Controlling a K3S/K3 from the K-Pod
Your K3Sor K3 must be equipped with firmware version 5.54 or later and your K-Pod
must be equipped with firmware version 1.06 or later. See your K3Sor K3 owner’s manual
for how to check and download the firmware. See Firmware Upgrades on page 14 to check
and update your K-Pod firmware.
Connecting the data cable to you K3S/K3 (see Data Connection, page 6) immediately gives you control
over the K3S/K3VFOs and OFS (RIT/XIT) controls depending upon the position of the rocker switch.
Also the LEDs indicate the control selected: D1 for VFO A, D2 for VFO B and D3 for RIT/XIT (OFS).
Other functions are controlled from the K-Pod using macros stored in the K3S/K3 transceiver. Macros are
very simple to create and store. If you are not familiar with the process, a primer for creating macros to
emulate operating the remaining K3S/K3 front panel switches and controls is provided in Appendix C
(page 20).
Some popular macros are provided below, ready to be stored in your K3Sor 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.
Click on Write to K3 to store the macros in the K3.
Macros are launched at the K-Pod using tap and hold presses of switches F1 through F8 just as you tap
and hold front panel switches on your K3S/K3:
Holding switches F1 through F8 for 1/2 second or more launches K3S/K3 macros 1 through 8.
Tapping switches F1 through F8 (holding for less than 1/2 second) launches K3S/K3 macros 9
through 16.
The following sample macros are divided into groups popular for contesting, chasing DX and operating a
DX-pedition station in CW or SSB modes. In addition are sample macros for RTTY and PSK operation and
general macros that are useful in any operating environment. To use them, copy the desired macros into the K3
Utility Macro editor as described above. The suggested macro label may be changed as long as you observe the
seven-character limit described above. The Command Sequence lists the commands included in each macro in
the order they execute.
Contest Operation Macros
Transfer VFO B to VFO A Including Filter Selection and Preamp Setting,
Suggested Macro Label:
B>A
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:
SWT11;SWT13;SWT11;

9
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. Move VFO B up 2 kHz. Clear any RIT setting. Clear
any XIT setting. Lock the VFO A frequency.
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB5;RT0;XT0;LK1;
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. Transmit on VFO A. Turn on RIT. Clear any XIT
setting. Clear any RIT offset. Normalize any filter shift.
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT0;RT1;XT0;RC;SWH58;
DXer 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. Enable split. Set xmit frequency up 2
kHz. Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A
frequency. Toggle filter bandwidth.
Macro:
MD3;SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB5;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;
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. Enable split. Set xmit frequency up 5
kHz. Clear any RIT setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A
frequency. Toggle filter bandwidth.
Macro:
MD3;SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;
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. Enable split. Set xmit frequency up 5 kHz. Clear any RIT
setting. Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO A frequency. Toggle filter
bandwidth. Set bandwidth to 2.1 kHz
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;BW0210;

10
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. Set bandwidth to 2.1 kHz
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UPB7;RT0;XT0;LK1;SWT58;BW0210;
DX-Pedition 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. Set receive frequency up 2 kHz. Clear any RIT setting.
Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO B (xmit) frequency.
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UP5;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. Clear any RIT setting.
Clear any XIT setting. Lock VFO B (xmit) frequency.
Macro:
SWT13;SWT13;FT1;UP7;RT0;XT0;LK$1;
Set VFO A on VFO B Frequency
Suggested Macro Label:
B = A
Command Sequence:
Transfer VFO B frequency to A .Copy VFO A frequency. Transfer VFO
B frequency to A.
Macro:
SWT11;SWT13;SWT11;