Elecraft K4 Macros Guide: Programming, Commands, 30 Examples

Elecraft K4 macros are semicolon-separated CAT-style command strings that execute sequentially inside the radio’s firmware.

New to the hobby? Start with our Complete Guide to Ham Radio Fundamentals.

Instead of manually adjusting:

• Mode
• Band
• Filter width
• AGC speed
• Split configuration
• Output power
• Noise reduction

A macro performs the full configuration instantly.

Macros are ideal for:

• CW contest profiles
• DX split operation
• FT8 and digital mode sessions
• Portable QRP transitions
• Emergency net readiness

They eliminate repetitive setup, reduce operator error, and ensure consistent operating behavior.

Elecraft K4 Macro Syntax and Command Structure

Macros use simple command chaining.

General format:

CMD1;CMD2;CMD3;

Execution behavior:

• Commands run left to right
• Each command ends with a semicolon
• Invalid commands are ignored
• No conditional logic is supported
• No built-in delays exist
• Execution is immediate

Example:

MODE CW;CWPITCH 700;CWSPD 25;

This sequence:

1. Selects CW mode
2. Sets pitch to 700 Hz
3. Sets keyer speed to 25 WPM

Macros use the same CAT command architecture defined by Elecraft.

Command order matters. For example, setting FILTER NARROW before selecting MODE CW may behave differently depending on stored filter profiles. Always structure macros logically.

How to Program Elecraft K4 Macros

Step 1: Create the Macro

Use plain text formatting.

Rules:

• Separate commands with semicolons
• Do not add extra punctuation
• Use valid CAT command names

Step 2: Load the Macro

• Save as .txt
• Transfer via USB or SD card
• Import through the K4 macro menu

You can also type macros directly into the K4 macro editor.

Step 3: Assign the Macro

Macros may be assigned to:

• Programmable front panel keys
• Elecraft K-Pod buttons
• Menu-based macro slots

Always test after assigning.

Elecraft K4 CAT Command Categories Used in Macros

Common macro building blocks include:

Mode Control
MODE CW;
MODE LSB;
MODE DATA;
MODE RTTY;

Band Selection
BAND 7.0;
BAND 14.0;

Filter Control
FILTER WIDE;
FILTER NARROW;

AGC Control
AGC FAST;
AGC MED;
AGC SLOW;

CW Configuration
CWSPD 25;
CWPITCH 700;
CWREV ON;

Split Operation
SPLITON;
SPLITOFF;

Power Control
POWER 50;

Signal Processing
NR ON;
NOTCH ON;

These commands form the foundation of all scenario-based macros.

Firmware Compatibility and Upgrade Considerations

Before deploying critical macros:

• Confirm firmware version
• Review release notes for command changes
• Re-test macros after firmware updates
• Verify DATA submode naming

Firmware revisions can occasionally modify command behavior or submode labels. Always validate contest or emergency macros before relying on them.

Interaction With WSJT-X, N1MM+, and Logging Software

Macros execute internally but coexist with external CAT control.

Important considerations:

• Logging software may immediately override frequency
• Mode changes must match digital software configuration
• PTT routing must align with port assignments

For FT8:

MODE DATA;DATA SUBMODE FT8;

Ensure your digital software expects USB DATA and correct audio routing.

For N1MM+ contesting:

Verify that split macros do not conflict with software-driven VFO control.

30 Working Elecraft K4 Macros

Core Control

1. Factory Reset
   RESET;
2. Toggle ATU
   ATUON;ATUOFF;
3. Select VFO A
   VFOA;
4. Select VFO B
   VFOB;
5. Toggle Split
   SPLITON;SPLITOFF;

Band Selection

6. Switch to 40m
   BAND 7.0;
7. Switch to 20m
   BAND 14.0;

Mode Configuration

8. Set CW Mode
   MODE CW;
9. Set LSB
   MODE LSB;
10. Set RTTY
    MODE RTTY;
11. FT8 Setup
    MODE DATA;DATA SUBMODE FT8;FILTER WIDE;
12. Exit Data Mode
    MODE OFF;FILTER NORMAL;
13. PSK31 Setup
    MODE DATA;DATA SUBMODE PSK31;FILTER WIDE;
14. WSJT-X PTT Setup
    PTT DTR;CAT USB;

CW Optimization

15. Enable CW Reverse
    CWREV ON;
16. Set CW Speed 25 WPM
    CWSPD 25;
17. Set CW Pitch 700 Hz
    CWPITCH 700;
18. Enable Keyer
    KEYER ON;
19. Disable Keyer
    KEYER OFF;

Contesting Profile

20. Contest Receive Optimization
    FILTER NARROW;NOTCH OFF;AGC FAST;
21. Enable Dual VFO
    DUAL VFO ON;

Memory Management

22. Store Memory 1
    STORE 1;
23. Recall Memory 1
    RECALL 1;

Signal Processing

24. Toggle Noise Reduction
    NR ON;NR OFF;
25. Enable Notch
    NOTCH ON;
26. Disable Notch
    NOTCH OFF;

Stability and Safety

27. Lock Frequency
    LOCK ON;
28. Unlock Frequency
    LOCK OFF;

Power and Monitoring

29. Set Output Power 50W
    POWER 50;
30. Enable Monitor
    MONITOR ON;

Advanced High-Performance Scenario Macros

DX Split CW Profile

VFOA;SPLITON;MODE CW;FILTER NARROW;AGC FAST;

FT8 Evening Session Profile

MODE DATA;DATA SUBMODE FT8;FILTER WIDE;AGC SLOW;POWER 50;

CW Contest High-Rate Profile

MODE CW;FILTER NARROW;AGC FAST;CWSPD 28;NR OFF;

Emergency Net SSB Profile

MODE LSB;FILTER WIDE;AGC MED;NR ON;POWER 100;

Common Mistakes When Programming K4 Macros

• Forgetting semicolons
• Placing commands in illogical order
• Not retesting after firmware updates
• Conflicting with logging software CAT control
• Overloading one macro with unrelated actions

Keep macros clean and scenario-focused.

Troubleshooting Macro Issues

Macro appears to do nothing
→ Verify syntax and command spelling.

Mode changes but filter does not
→ Confirm filter profile for that mode.

Macro conflicts with logging software
→ Check CAT control priority and software settings.

Unexpected behavior after firmware update
→ Re-test and confirm command names.

Why Elecraft K4 Macros Improve Operating Performance

Well-designed macros provide:

• Faster band transitions
• Instant split activation
• Repeatable contest setups
• Reduced configuration mistakes
• Lower operator fatigue

In contesting and DX pileups, seconds matter. Macros eliminate hesitation and manual adjustment errors.

Final Thoughts

The Elecraft K4D macros engine is one of the most powerful automation systems available in modern amateur radio. When properly designed and tested, macros dramatically improve efficiency, consistency, and competitive performance.

Use the 30 working examples as your foundation. Build scenario-based profiles tailored to your operating style, confirm firmware compatibility, and integrate them into your workflow.

Mastering macros transforms the K4D from a configurable radio into a precision operating system.

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