[Elecraft] Difficulty with K3 Utility RS232 Interface

[K2ZLS]

Hi  Don,

> The K3Utility versions are not related to firmware upgrades (only one 
> exception that I recall)
> AND
> A saved configuration file will NOT reload a previous version of the 
> firmware - it will only reload menu settings, like AGC settings and such.
>
> So ... in the event of a firmware upgrade failure, a saved 
> configuration file will be of no benefit for getting the K3 
> operational again - the firmware must be loaded before a configuration 
> can be restored.
>
> Firmware loads do not change menu entries and setup data!
> Configuration restore only restores menu entries and setup data!

In that context, you are absolutely right,  but ... It takes the Utility 
file to make it all happen and each FW level has a specific Utility file 
to load it and save THAT version of the Configuration file.  So they  
ARE  tied together in that respect.  All I have pointed out is the LEVEL 
of the Utility file that was used to load each FW revision and when it 
changed.  I am NOT saying they are compatible,  as there will be 
improvements and new configurations.  There seems to be CONFUSION  as to 
what parts of the Configuration file are relevant in an upgrade.  That's 
another story.

   It gets even better.  Suppose you have several config files saved and 
its time to upgrade,  what  do you do?    Well the answer now is,  you 
have to choose which file (you can have only ONE)  that you want to be 
the BASE file and reload it back to the K3 using the OLD Utility file .  
Then,  load the NEW FW file using the NEWEST level of Utility (they may 
not be the same),  into the K3.    The K3 will  "suck up"  most of the 
defaults that it finds already resident, with the exceptions that you 
have noted,  and the rest will be your responsibility to re-enter.   
That's the current state of confusion as I understand it.

  So, all I presented was a way for ELECRAFT to supply the 4 versions of 
Utility files necessary to LOAD earlier FW versions.  PERIOD.

  Richard,  remember Software Defined Radios are the wave of the 
future.      Hang in there!

73's 
Tony   K2ZLS