ELECRAFT K3 User manual

1
ELECRAFT K3 PROGRAMMER'S REFERENCE
Rev. A, October 10, 2007
Command Set Overview
The K3 firmware provides a wide range of remote control commands. A brief description of each command
appears in Table 1, and full details can be found in the Command Reference section.
Table 1 K3 Control Commands. Note: Commands marked with an asterisk (*) are
new commands, not available on the Elecraft K2.
Name
Description
Name
Description
Name
Description
! , @ *
Direct DSP control
FW
Filter bandwidth and #
RA
RX attenuator on/off
AG *
AF gain
GT
AGC speed and on/off
RC
RIT/XIT offset clear
AI
Auto-info mode
ID
Radio identification
RD
RIT down
AN
Antenna selection
IF
General information
RG *
RF gain
BG
Bargraph level
K2
K2 command mode
RT
RIT on/off
BR *
Baud rate set
K3 *
K3 command mode
RU
RIT up
DB *
VFO B disp. read/write
KS
Keyer speed
RV *
Development use only
DL *
Development use only
KY
Keyboard CW
RX
Receive mode
DM *
Development use only
LD *
Development use only
SM
S-meter
DN
VFO (or menu) down
LK
VFO lock
SQ
Squelch level
DS
VFO A display read/write
MD
Operating mode
SWT/H *
Switch emulation
FA
VFO A frequency
MN *
Menu access
UP
VFO (or menu) up
FB
VFO B frequency
NB
Noise blanker mode
TQ
Transmit query
FN *
Func. encoder control
PA
RX preamp on/off
TT *
Text-to-Terminal
FR
Receive VFO selection
PC
Power output level
TX
Transmit mode (SSB)
FT
Transmit VFO selection
PS *
Power-on/off control
XT
XIT on/off
Some commands emulate front-panel controls, so they can be used to quickly write applications that have a K3
"look and feel." The SWT/SWH commands emulate switch TAP or HOLD. MN directly accesses menu functions.
The DS command reads the VFO A display, including the decimal points, annunciators, and flash/no-flash state of
each annunciator. DB reads the VFO B display, which is fully alphanumeric.
Most of the remaining commands directly read or modify radio parameters, such as the VFO A and B frequencies,
operating mode, keyer speed, power level, and filter bandwidth.
There is often an overlap in command functionality between emulation and parametric commands. For example,
you can select the next operating mode using SW to virtually "tap" the MOD E switch, or you directly set a
specific mode using MD. Another case involves the BG and SM commands. BG reads the bargraph level in either
receive or transmit mode, so it can retrieve the S-meter level, RF output level, or ALC level, depending on the
context. The SM command reads only the S-meter level.
Using a Terminal Program
K3 commands are human readable (text), which means you can experiment with them using a terminal program.
When setting up the terminal program, turn on local echo and local line feed so you can see what you've sent to the
K3. Type commands using lower case so you can easily distinguish K3 responses, which will be in upper case. You
can enter carriage returns before or after commands to create white space. The K3 doesn't provide any text editing
support, so if you make a mistake, don't hit backspace--just type a semicolon (;) and start over.

2
Command Format
Commands sent from the computer to the K3 are considered either GETs or SETs. GET commands are used by the
computer to get information from the K3; the K3 will then provide an appropriate response message (RSP). SET
commands are sent by the computer to change the radio's configuration or initiate an event; in most cases they
supply a data value. A SET can be followed by a GET to verify the new settings, or the auto-info mechanism can be
used for confirmation that something has changed (see AI in the Meta-commands section).
SET commands use two characters, optional data fields, and are terminated with a semicolon [;]. Examples:
KS020; Computer sets CW speed to 20 WPM (data = 020)
MD1; Computer selects LSB mode (data = 1)
Nearly every SET command that supplies a data field has a corresponding GET command, which is just the two-
letter command with no data. The data format of the response (RSP) message from the K3 is usually identical to the
format of the SET data. Exceptions are noted in the command descriptions.
Characters sent to the K3 can use either upper or lower case. The K3 will always respond with upper case.
Extended Commands
Some commands have an alternate data format which provides enhanced functionality. These alternate formats are
referred to as extended commands. For details, see K3 in the Meta-commands section.
Response Time
The K3 will respond to most commands in less than 10 milliseconds. To cover exceptions, we recommend using a
timeout of 100 ms. Some commands have additional timing requirements as explained later.
Polling
Since the KIO2 provides a full-duplex interface, the computer can poll the K3 for data at any time. However, we
recommend that TX-mode polling not be used unless necessary. This will prevent any problems with serial I/O that
might be caused if high RF voltages are present on the K3 chassis, such as might occur if grounding is inadequate.
Busy Indication
Most SET commands cannot be safely handled when the K3 is in a busy state, including transmit, direct frequency
entry prompting, and scanning. The K3 will respond with ?; to disallowed commands at such times. The only SET
commands that are allowed unconditionally during busy states are: AI, K2, KS, KY, PC, RX, and SW. In addition,
RC (RIT clear) commands that occur during transmit will return ?; but will still take effect, clearing the RIT/XIT
offset when the K3 next returns to receive mode, however briefly. Finally, during CW message repeat intervals,
RC, RD, and RU are all allowed (RIT clear/down/up). This is useful when listening for off-frequency callers
between repeating CQ messages.
If you need to terminate one of these busy states via computer, use the following commands:
Transmit state RX;
Direct Frequency Entry SW01; (or any other non-digit switch)
Scanning SW01; (or any other switch)

3
Remote Control of Potentiometers
AF GAIN, SUB AF GAIN, RF GAIN, SUB RF GAIN, and MAIN/SUB SQUELCH (if applicable) are controlled
by their potentiometers or by the computer, whichever was changed last.
Meta-commands: AI and K2
The AI and K2 commands do not affect the transceiver's configuration. Instead, these meta commands change the
way other commands behave. During program development, both AI and K2 can be left at their default values. As
the program progresses, you may wish to use these commands to gain access to more advanced features.
The AI and K2 commands can be sent as often as you wish. You can even use them to bracket one or more selected
commands if you don't want to permanently change the mode. For example: K22; FW; K20; selects command
mode K22 just for the benefit of the FW command, then returns to mode K20. (The extended FW response returns
XFIL number and AFIL mode.)
AI (Auto-info mode): The AI meta-command controls how and when the K3 responds to commands:
AI0, No Auto-info: This is the default. No radio information will be automatically reported. (You can still request
specific information using GET commands.)
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 via computer commands. These events include: band change,
mode change, VFO movement, RIT/XIT offset change or clear, and several additional switches (A/B, REV, A=B,
SPLIT, CW REV, RIT, XIT). The IF responses are suppressed during VFO movement. Note: putting the K3 into
auto-info mode 1 (by sending AI1;) causes an initial IF response.
AI2, Auto-Info Mode 2: The K3 sends an appropriate response (FA, FB, IF, GT, etc.) whenever any front-panel
event occurs. This applies to all of the events mentioned for mode AI1, as well as all potentiometer changes except
AF GAIN and RF GAIN, and all switch presses1. In some cases responses are grouped; e.g., pressing switches will
report the present state of several parameters, including the one related to the new event.
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 data format of selected commands, as follows:
K20, Normal mode: This is the default. In this mode, command "extensions" are disabled, such as control of the
audio filter by the FW command. This may simplify program development, and also provides greater compatibility
with existing software.
K21, Normal/rtty_off: Same as K20, except that the MD and IF commands report RTTY and RTTY-reverse modes
as LSB and USB, respectively. This may be useful if your program doesn't support the K3's RTTY mode.
K22, Extended mode: Enables all command extensions. This is the mode we recommend for use with new
application programs or programs that will be modified to function better with the K3.
K23, Extended/rtty_off: Enables all extensions, but like mode K21, alters the nature of the MD and IF commands.
1The only switch combination that causes an auto-info response is AGC OFF (P R E / A T T + A G C ), and only if AI mode 2 or
3 is in effect, as well as K2 mode 2 or mode 3.

4
Command Reference
Note: Commands marked with an asterisk (*) are new commands, not available on the Elecraft K2.
This section describes all K3 GET, SET and RSP (response) command formats. Unless otherwise noted, the GET
format is just the two letters of the command followed by a semicolon. The format for SET and RSP data is
identical unless noted. When K2 Command Mode 2 or 3 is in effect, certain commands have an extended format
(see Meta-commands). Both the basic and extended formats are described in these cases.
! and @ * (Direct Main/Auxiliary DSP control)
Note: These commands are implemented, but full documentation is not yet available.
AG * (AF Gain; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: AGnnn; where nnn is 000-255. Note: Manually rotating the AF GAIN pot on the K3
“captures” this parameter. (Note: To be extended to work with sub receiver as well.)
AI (Auto-Information; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: AIn; where nis 0-3. See Meta-commands for details.
AN (Antenna Selection; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: ANn; where nis 1 for antenna 1, and 2 for antenna 2.
BG (Bargraph Read; GET only)
RSP format: BGnn; where <nn> is 00 (no bars) through 10 (bar 10) if the bargraph is in DO T mode, and 12 (no
bars) through 22 (all 10 bars) if the bargraph is in BAR mode. Reads the S-meter level on receive. Reads the
power output level or ALC level on transmit, depending on the RF/ A LC selection. Also see SM command.
BR * (Serial I/O Baud Rate; SET only)
SET format: BRn; where <n> is 0 (4800 b),1 (9600 b), 2 (19200 b), or 3 (38400 b). Note: The K3 firmware
download utility automatically sets the K3 to 38400 baud for downloads, then restores the baud rate to the user’s
selection (made using the K3’s CONFIG:RS232 menu entry).
DB * (VFO B Display Read/Write; GET/SET)
GET format: DB; (no data). Returns text displayed on VFO B. If there are no decimal points or colons in the
display, 7 characters are returned. Up to two decimal points OR two colons may be used, so up to 9 ASCII
characters may be returned.
There are two SET formats with different functions:
DBnn; where <nn> is one of the avaiable VFO B alternate display mode (00=normal, 01=time, 02=date, 03=supply
voltage, 04=supply current, 05=PA heatsink temp, 06=front panel temp, 07=PLL1 voltage, 08=PLL2 voltage,
09=AFV [see Service Manual], 10=dBV [see Service Manual]).
DBn; where <n> is an ASCII character to send to VFO B, entering at the right end of the display and scrolling left
as additional characters are entered. This can be used to create scrolling messages to alert the operator to something
regarding the computer, send extended help text, insert a newsfeed, report a DX spot, etc.
DL * (Reserved for K3 development use only)
DM * (Reserved for K3 development use only)

5
DN (Move VFO or Menu Entry/Parameter Down; SET only)
Basic SET format: DN; (no data). Results in a fixed 10-Hz change in operating frequency or one unit scroll or
parameter change in menu.
Extended SET format: DNn;. where nis 1 (10 Hz), 2 (20 Hz), 3 (50 Hz), or 4 (1 kHz).
DS (VFO A Display Read; GET only)
GET format: DS; (no data). Returns everything needed to reproduce the information shown on the VFO A display.
The format of K3's response message is: DSttttttttaf; where <tttttttt> is the LCD text and decimal point data, <a>
is annunciator data, and <f> is annunciator flash data. These fields are detailed below.
Note: To be updated to work correctly with the K3.
TEXT and decimal point data: This field contains 8 bytes, with values from 0x30 to 0xFF (hexadecimal). The
first of the eight bytes is the left-most displayed character. Bit 7 (MSB) of each byte is used to indicate whether the
decimal point to the left of each character is on (1) or off (0)2. The remaining 7 bits (b6-b0) contain an ASCII
character that corresponds to the displayed character.
Some ASCII characters cannot be shown on a 7-segment display (e.g., 'X', 'M'). The K3 uses these characters as
placeholders for special characters that can be displayed, in some cases lower-case versions of letters to enhance
display readability. For this reason, the characters returned by the DS command must sometimes be converted to
other characters by the software application. Table 2 shows all of these conversions. The table assumes that the
decimal-point flag (bit 7) has been cleared from the text-field characters.
Table 2 DS response character conversions (bit 7 cleared).
DS chr.
Convert to
DS chr.
Convert to
DS chr.
Convert to
<
L
M
N
X
C-bar
>
dash
Q
O
Z
C
@
space (blank)
V
U
[
R-bar
K
H
W
I
Annunciator data: This field is a single byte whose value is between 0x80 and 0xFF. Bit 7 is always 1. The other
7 bits indicate the on/off states of the 8 annunciators. Only 7 bits are needed because the VFO A state is always the
opposite of VFO B state. The bits are defined as follows:
B7: Always 1 B3: 1=ATT on
B6: 1=NB on B2: 0=VFO A selected, 1=VFO B selected
B5: 1=ANT2 selected B1: 1=RIT on
B4: 1=PREAMP on B0: 1=XIT on
Annunciator flash data: This field is a single byte whose value is between 0x80 and 0xFF. Bit 7 is always 1. The
other 7 bits indicate the flash/non-flashed states of the 8 annunciators, providing useful status information (such as
whether the transceiver is operating in SPLIT mode). The bits are defined as follows:
B7: Always 1 B3: 1=ATT flashing (not used)
B6: 1=NB flashing (LO THR) B2: 1=active VFO flashing (SPLIT mode)
B5: 1=ANT2 flashing (not used) B1: 1=RIT flashing (RIT/XIT range > minimum)
B4: 1=PRE flashing (not used) B0: 1=XIT flashing (RIT/XIT range > minimum)
FA and FB (VFO A/B Frequency; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: FAxxxxxxxxxxx; or FBxxxxxxxxxxx; where xxxxxxxxxxx is the frequency in Hz. Example:
FA00014060000; sets VFO A to 14060 kHz. The first two digits (00-99 GHz) and the last digit (0-9 Hz) are
2Decimal point flash status can be obtained directly; use LK for VFO lock, IF for scan on/off, and GT for AGC on/off.

6
ignored. If the specified frequency is in a different amateur band than the present one, the K3 will change to the
new band, and will automatically report the new values of parameters that may have changed3. If the specified
frequency is over 30 MHz and is within a valid transverter band (as specified by the operator using the K3's
T RN 1- 3 menu entries), the K3 will switch to that transverter band. If the specified frequency is one that the K3
VFO cannot be tuned to4, the K3 will switch to the amateur band closest to the requested one, and the last-used
VFO A and VFO B values for that band will be retrieved.
FN * (Function Encoder control; GET/SET)
Note: This command has not yet been fully specified. It will allow read/set of the four multifunction controls.
FR (RX VFO Assignment and SPLIT Cancel; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: FRn; where nspecifies the receive/transmit VFO: 0 for VFO A and 1 for VFO B.
Sending an FR SET command always cancels SPLIT mode.
FT (TX VFO Assignment and optional SPLIT Enable; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: FTn; where nspecifies the transmit-mode VFO assignment: 0 for VFO A, 1 for VFO B.
If the transmit VFO is not the same as the receive VFO, the K3 will by definition be in SPLIT mode.
FW (Filter Bandwidth and Number; GET/SET)
Basic SET format5: FWxxxx; where xxxx is 0-9999 but is ignored. The next available crystal filter is selected.
Basic RSP format: FWxxxx; where xxxx is the approximate bandwidth in Hz if the mode is CW. If the mode is
SSB or RTTY, xxxx is 0000 ("narrow") when the CW filter is selected, and 2500 ("wide") if OP1 is selected.
Extended SET format: FWxxxxn; where xxxx is ignored, and nis 1-4 for selecting FL1-FL4.
Extended RSP format: FWxxxxnm; where xxxx is the bandwidth in Hz, nis the filter number, and mis the
audio filter mode (0-2). Example: a response of FW040031; indicates a 400-Hz bandwidth crystal filter, filter FL3;
and an audio filter mode of 1 (AF1). The range of KAF2 modes is 0-2, where 0 is OFF (2.5 kHz LPF only), 1 is
AF1 (first stage of CW band-pass filter) and 2 is AF2 (second stage of CW band-pass filter).
Note: the audio filter mode can only be changed by using the AFI L switch or the equivalent SW switch emulation
command.
GT (AGC Time Constant; GET/SET)
Basic SET/RSP format: GTnnn; where nis 002 for fast AGC and 004 for slow AGC.
Extended SET/RSP format: GTnnnx; where nis defined as above, and xis 0 (AGC off) or 1 (AGC on).
ID (Transceiver Identifier; GET only)
RSP format: IDnnn; where nnn is 017. This command is provided only for compatibility with existing software,
which may use ID in order to distinguish between transceivers. New or modified software should send the K2
command to the transceiver; if a K2n; response is received, the computer must be connected to a K3.
IF (Transceiver Information; GET only)
RSP format: IF[f]*****+yyyyrx*00tmvspb01*; where the fields are defined as follows:
[f] operating frequency, excluding any RIT/XIT offset (11 digits; see FA command)
* represents a space (BLANK, or ASCII 0x20)
+ either "+" or "-" (sign of RIT/XIT offset)
yyyy RIT/XIT offset in Hz (range is -9990 to +9990 Hz when computer-controlled)
3The parameters sent on band change include IF (includes new mode), FA, FB, FR, FT, PA, RA, AN, GT, FW, and NB.
4That is, a frequency at which the VCO would lose lock on a typical K3.
5The K3's limited support for the basic FW command is provided only for compatibility with existing application software.
New or modified software should use the extended version of the command.

7
r 1 if RIT is on, 0 if off
x 1 if XIT is on, 0 if off
t 1 if the K3 is in transmit mode, 0 if receive
m operating mode (see MD command)
v receive-mode VFO selection, 0 for VFO A, 1 for VFO B
s 1 if scan is in progress, 0 otherwise
p 1 if the transceiver is in split mode, 0 otherwise
bbasic RSP format: always 0
extended RSP format: 1 if the present IF response is due to a K3 band change and 0 otherwise
The fixed-value fields (space, 0, and 1) are provided for syntactic compatibility with existing software.
K2 (K2 Command Mode; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: K2n; where nis 0-3. Also applies to the K3; see Meta-commands for details.
K3 * (K3 Command Mode; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: K3n; where nis 0-1. If n is 1, K3-specific extensions to existing commands are enabled. Not
needed for new commands that are unique to the K3.
KS (Keyer Speed; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: KSnnn; where nnn is 009-050 (9-50 WPM).
KY (CW or CW-to-DATA Keying from Text; GET/SET)
SET format: KY*[text]; where *is a BLANK (ASCII hex 0x20) and [text] is 0 to 24 characters.
Basic RSP format: KYn; where nis 0 (CW text buffer not full) or 1 (buffer full).
Extended RSP format: KYn; where nis 0 (buffer < 75% full), 1 (buffer > 75% full), or 2 (buffer completely
empty AND transmit of previous string is complete.
The following keyboard characters are mapped to CW "prosigns":
(KN +AR =BT %AS *SK
In addition to the prosigns, three special characters can be inserted anywhere in the KY command text:
< puts the K3 into CW TEST mode, until a '>' character is received
> returns the K3 to CW OPERATE mode
@ immediately terminates any keyboard-CW transmit that was in progress (TBD)
LD * (Reserved for K3 Development use only)
LK (VFO Lock; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: LKn; where nis 0 (VFO unlocked) or 1 (locked).
MD (Operating Mode; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: MDn; where nis 1 (LSB), 2 (USB), 3 (CW), 4 (FM), 5 (AM), 6 (RTTY), 7 (CW-REV), or 9
(RTTY-REV). In K2 command modes 1 and 3 (K21 and K23), the RSP message converts modes 6 and 7 (RTTY
and RTTY-REV) to modes 1 and 2 (LSB and USB). This may be useful with existing software applications that
don't handle the K2's or K3’s RTTY modes correctly.
NOTE: This command doesn’t yet distinguish between the K3’s 4 data modes (DATA A, AFSK A, FSK D,
PSK D).

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MN * (Menu Selection; SET Only)
SET format: MNnnn; where nnn is shown in Table 3. MN commands can be sent in any order to scroll through
a desired set of entries. To exit the menu, send “MN255;”. To change the parameter, use “UP;” and “DN;”. There’s
no need to specify MAIN vs. CONFIG; this is determined by the K3 when the menu entry is selected. Also, MAIN
and CONFIG are not flashed at the K3 when menu items are accessed remotely. NOTE: Use MN072 to turn on
TECH MD (and turn it back off after remote menu access is complete). Otherwise MN will skip tech mode menu
entries.
Table 3 MN command values for menu entry selection. <nnn> is permanently associated with the indicated menu
function, remaining constant even if entries are added or moved later. Unused values (--) may be assigned to future
entries. <md> is the data mode pertaining to a menu entry: CW, SB (LSB/USB), DT (DATA), AM, or FM. <pwr>
is LP (QRP), HP (QRO), or MW (0 to 2 mW, using the KXV3 transverter I/O jacks).
Entry
<nnn>
Entry
<nnn>
Entry
<nnn>
Entry
<nnn>
ALARM
000
DATE MD
030
--
060
XVx RF
090
IAMBIC
001
DDS FRQ
031
--
061
XVx IF
091
LCD ADJ
002
LIN OUT
032
REF CAL
062
XVx PWR
092
LCD BRT
003
--
033
SQ MAIN
063
XVx OFS
093
LED BRT
004
--
034
SQ SUB
064
XVx ADR
094
MSG RPT
005
--
035
SMTR OF
065
AF GAIN
095
PADDLE
006
KDVR3
036
SMTR SC
066
--
096
RPT OFS
007
--
037
SMTR PK
067
SPLR+PH
097
RX EQ
008
FLx BW
038
SPLT SV
068
VFO B->A
098
TX EQ
009
FLx FRQ
039
SPKRS
069
AGC PLS
099
VOX GN
010
FLx GN
040
SW TEST
070
--
100
ANTIVOX
011
FLx ON
041
SW TONE
071
--
101
WEIGHT
012
FLTX <md>
042
TECH MD
072
--
102
2 TONE
013
FP TEMP
043
TIME
073
PTT KEY
103
AFV TIM
014
FSK POL
044
--
074
VFO CRS
104
--
015
--
045
--
075
AFX MD
105
--
016
KBPF3
046
--
076
106
AGC SLP
017
--
047
TTY LTR
077
107
--
018
KNB3
048
TX ALC
078
108
--
019
KRC2 AC
049
TXGN <pwr>
079
109
AGC HLD
020
KRX3
050
--
080
110
--
021
KXV3
051
--
081
111
--
022
LCD TST
052
--
082
112
KAT3
023
MIC SEL
053
VCO MD
083
113
BAT MIN
024
NB SAVE
054
VFO CTS
084
114
--
025
KPA3
055
VFO FST
085
115
--
026
PA TEMP
056
VFO IND
086
116
TXG VCE
027
RS232
057
VFO OFS
087
117
FW REVS
028
--
058
WMTR <pwr>
088
118
DATE
029
--
059
XVx ON
089
exit menu
255

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NB (Noise Blanker Mode; GET/SET)
SET format: NBn; where n is 0 or 1, but is ignored; the next noise blanker mode is selected.
Basic RSP format: NBn; where nis 0 if the blanker is O F F , and 1 if the blanker is in NB1 or NB2 modes.
Extended RSP format: NBnm; where nis 0, 1, or 2 (O FF , NB1, NB2), and mis the threshold
(0 = HI T HR, 1 = L O THR ). Example: a response of NB21; indicates NB2 mode and LO TH R.
Note: Use SW22; to change the noise blanker threshold.
PA (Receive Preamp Control; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: PAn; where nis 0 (preamp OFF) or 1 (preamp ON). Note: the preamp and attenuator can be
turned on simultaneously under computer control to provide four different RF gain levels. This may be used in lieu
of the industry standard "RG" command. See Remote Control of Potentiometers, and the RA command.
PC (Power Output Level; GET/SET)
Basic SET/RSP format: PCnnn; where nnn is 000-015 or 000-150 watts depending on the POWER range.
Extended SET format: PCnnnx; where nnn is 000-150 (0.1-watt units) or 000-150 (1-watt units) and x is an
optional range selector. If xis supplied, 0 selects the low power range, 1 selects the high-power range.
Extended RSP format: PCnnnx; where nnn is power, and xis 0 (low power range) or 1 (high power range).
Notes: 1. High power range applies only to K3/100, and only if the PA menu entry is on and a high-current supply
is connected. 2. A lower power limit may be in effect for 10/12-meter SSB/RTTY operation (Po2 8 menu entry),
and on trasnsverter bands (menu entries TR N 1-TR N 3). 3. Use SW and DS commands to turn PA on/off in menu.
PS (Transceiver Power Status; GET only)
RSP format: PS1; where 1indicates the transceiver is turned on. This is provided for compatibility with older
software that uses the PS command to see if the transceiver is available.
RA (Receive Attenuator Control; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: RAnn; where nn is 00 (attenuator OFF) or 01 (attenuator ON). Also see PA command.
RC (RIT or FINE RIT Clear; SET only)
SET format: RC; (no data). If FINE RIT mode is enabled, sets FINE RIT offset to zero. Otherwise, sets RIT/XIT
offset to zero, even if RIT and XIT are both turned off (the change will be reflected if RIT or XIT is turned on).
RD (RIT Offset Down 10 Hz, or FINE RIT Offset Down One Unit; SET only)
SET format: RD; (no data). If FINE RIT mode is enabled, moves the FINE RIT offset down by one unit (range is
-15 to +15)6. Otherwise, moves the RIT/XIT offset down 10 Hz, even if RIT and XIT are both turned off (the
change will be reflected if RIT or XIT is turned on). The RIT/XIT offset range under computer control is -9.99 to
+9.99 kHz.
RG * (RF Gain; GET/SET)
Note: This command has not yet been fully specified. It will allow read/set of main/sub RF gain.
RT (RIT Control; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: RTn; where nis 0 (RIT OFF) or 1 (RIT ON).
RU (RIT Offset Up 10 Hz, or FINE RIT Offset Up One Unit; SET only)
Same format as the RD command.
6Applies only when a narrow filter (FL2-4) is selected; no change in FINE RIT offset will occur if FL1 is selected.

10
RV * (Reserved for K3 Development use only)
RX (Receive Mode; SET only)
SET format: RX; (no data). Used to terminate transmit and release PTT only when transmit was initiated using the
TX command. Applies only to SSB and RTTY mode. RX/TX status read is available in the IF response.
SM (S-meter Read; GET only)
RSP format: SMnnnn; where nnnn is 000-0015. Returns 0000 in transmit mode. (0 corresponds to no bars on the
K3 bargraph, and 15 corresponds to 9 bars.) This command is only provided for compatibility with existing
software. New applications should use the BG command, which returns a value that better matches the K3's
bargraph display, and can be used in RX or TX mode.
SQ (Squelch Level; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: SQnnn; where nnn is 000-250. For compatibility with existing software, the SQ parameter uses
different units than the K3's S LC H (squelch level) menu entry. However, the resolution of the squelch setting is
still the same, i.e. it is limited to bargraph levels. To set the equivalent of SL C H O FF, 1, 2, 3, …, use SQ000,
SQ025, SQ050, SQ075, ….
SWT/SWH * (Switch Emulation; SET only)
SET format: SWTnn; (TAP functions) or SWHnn; (HOLD functions). nn is determined from Table 4. Note:
K2 switch emulations and its SW command format are not presently supported by the K3.
Table 4 SW command values for switch emulation. Numeric keypad digits (0-9) are shown in parentheses.
TAP
H OL D
<nn>
TAP
H OL D
<nn>
TAP
H OL D
<nn>
BAND-
VOX
09
FREQ Ent
SCAN
41
CWT (0)
TEXT Dec
40
BAND+
QSK
10
FINE
COARSE
49
AFX, <-
DATA Md
43
MODE-
ALT
17
RATE
LOCK
50
V->M
AF REC
15
MODE+
TEST
18
SUB
n/a
48
M->V
AF PLAY
23
MENU
CONFIG
14
A/B (1)
BSET
11
M1
M1-RPT
21
XMIT
TUNE
16
REV (2)
n/a
12
M2
M2-RPT
31
RX ANT
n/a
25
A->B (3)
SPLIT
13
M3
M3-RPT
35
DISP
METER
08
PRE (4)
ATT
24
M4
M4-RPT
39
ATU Tune
ATU
19
AGC (5)
OFF
27
REC
MSG Bank
37
ANT
ANT Name
26
XFIL (6)
DUAL PB
29
RIT
PF1
45
SHIFT/LO
NORM
58
NB (7)
LEVEL
33
XIT
PF2
47
WIDTH/HI
I/II
59
NR (8)
ADJ
34
CLR
n/a
53
SPD/MIC
DELAY
57
NTCH (9)
MANUAL
32
CMP/PWR
MON
56
SPOT, ‘.’
PITCH
42
UP (Move VFO or Menu Entry/Parameter Up; SET only)
See DN.
TQ (Transmit Query; GET only)
RSP format: TQ0 (receive mode) or TQ1 (transmit mode). This is the preferred way to check RX/TX status since
it requires far fewer bytes than an IF response.
TT * (Text to Terminal; SET only)
SET format: TTn; . Use n=1 to enable all all decoded text to be forwarded to the PC (ASCII). n=0 disables this.

11
TX (Transmit Mode; SET only)
SET format: TX; (no data). Used to initiate transmit (in SSB and RTTY modes only) by pulling PTT low. Use the
RX command to cancel TX. RX/TX status read is available in the IF response.
XT (XIT Control; GET/SET)
SET/RSP format: XTn; where nis 0 (XIT OFF) or 1 (XIT ON).
Change History
Rev A: Adapted from KIO2 Programmer’s Reference