Appendix C: Macro Basics; Using K4 Macros; Other K4 Control Commands - ELECRAFT K POD Owner's Manual

Appendix C: Macro Basics

A macro (short for "macro instruction") consists of a string of one or more transceiver remote-control
commands, each terminated in a semicolon (;). These commands are normally sent from PC software
applications such as HRD or N1MM, both to control the radio and determine its settings. However, remote
control commands – in the form of macros – can also be used to customize switch functions at the radio itself, as
well as those of the K-Pod.
This appendix provides an introduction to creating macros. There are two sections, one for the K4, and one for
the K3.

Using K4 Macros

The K4 provides a built-in macro editor application to create macros and assign them to K4 user-programmable
switches or to the switches on the K-Pod.
As an example, here's how to use the macro editor to create a macro that sets the span of the panadapter to 50
kHz and assigns it to K-Pod switch F1/Tap:
•
enter the K4's macro editor by tapping Fn, then holding the button labeled MACROS
•
use VFO A to scroll to the entry for K-pod.1T (identified in column 1 of the macro editor window)
•
tap on the label field (column 2), then enter the label SPAN 50 using the on-screen keyboard
•
exit the keyboard by tapping ENTER
•
tap on the macro text field, then enter #spn50;
•
exit the keyboard by tapping ENTER
•
exit the macro editor by tapping the curved arrow button
Note: In this case of K-Pod switches, the label you provide is for reference only, and appears only in the macro
editor. If instead you assign a macro to one of the K4's user-programmable LCD button functions (F1...F8), then
the label will replace the F1...F8 button label on the LCD. These are visible during normal operation whenever
you tap Fn.

Other K4 Control Commands

A number of sample macros are provided in this manual, starting on page 7. These are made up of some of the
most commonly used K4 and K3 remote control commands. Table 2 in the next section also lists some
commands that pertain to both the K3 and K4.
Many additional commands are available, each described in detail in the K4 Programmer's Reference, which
is available via the Elecraft manuals page:
https://elecraft.com/pages/manuals-downloads
The K4 remote control command set is, in general, a superset of K3 commands. However, there are
exceptions, most notably in the switch emulation commands. These are addressed in the K4
Programmer's Reference.
ç Semicolon (;) must be included
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