Weighted, Soft-Touch Knob
Assignable to VFO A, VFO B, or RIT/XIT Offset, the K-Pod has a heavy, free-spinning knob with a great feel that won’t wear you down during extended operation. It’s attached to a 400-count ball-bearing optical encoder, providing fine-grain frequency control. Friction can be adjusted to individual preference.
You can instantly map the knob to VFO A, VFO B, or RIT/XIT offset using the K-Pod’s rocker switch. Three of the unit’s user-definable LEDs indicate rocker switch position, by default. Switch events can also be audibly reported by the K-Pod’s built-in audio transducer.
8 Programmable Switches
Control existing radio functions or create your own functions. Each of the K-Pod’s tactile-feedback switches (F1-F8) has a programmable tap and hold functions. For example, they can be used to duplicate controls on the radio’s front panel or as hot keys into often-used menu entries.
But the possibilities go well beyond this. When a K-Pod switch is pressed, it can execute a series of one or more commands stored in the transceiver itself. A command sequence can engage complex VFO splits or special receiver settings, play transmit messages, clear the RIT offset, select a receive antenna, toggle diversity reception, etc. The K-Pod manual includes step-by-step instructions for switch programming, with many examples.
USB Port and 3 General-Purpose Outputs
A USB port is provided on the K-Pod for firmware updates and future station control uses. This port can also be used to configure the K-Pod’s switches to perform other special functions, such as activating the unit’s 3 general-purpose outputs. These outputs are open-drain, acting as contact closures to control relays, etc., in other station gear.
