[Elecraft] Fwd: K3 Failed DSP Firmware Download

[R. Kevin Stover]

Don and all,

It isn't the K3 utility's problem either.
Just how is the utility's supposed lack of robustness affect the
connection between radio and computer? It doesn't.

The entire planet has been sold a bill of goods concerning laptops,
mostly because of the "gee whiz" factor. They are compromised
computers. They are comparatively expensive, they are slower, they are
more prone to physical damage, They have almost zero expansion ability.
The newest ones don't have MCMCIA slots anymore. If you don't know what
you are doing they are a nightmare to fix.How many laptop owners out
there haven't had key caps pop off the keyboard?

I don't understand folks who have no compunction about spending $4K on
a box full of parts that if the assembly instructions are followed and
they have a minimum of mechanical ability will become the K3. Yet, some
of these same folks balk and squeal about adding a $10 serial port card
to their computers. Amazing.

Anything USB based is going to be dependent on the quality of the
drivers associated with it. Doesn't matter computer platform or OS. If
you get crappy drivers the device is going to be unreliable at best.
This is why I'm glad Elecraft hasn't succumbed to the uniformed pressure
to add a USB hub to the K3. The day they do is the day they become
responsible for every sniggeling little problems that pops up because of
drivers.

On Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:07:17 -0500
Don Wilhelm <w3fpr at embarqmail.com> wrote:

>   Don,
> 
> I have trouble blaming the problem on the K3 when the real problem
> lies with the Operating System and properly operating drivers (or
> lack thereof) for the USB to serial adapters.
> 
> Use of a desktop computer for the hamshack is quite desirable IMHO - 
> mine sits under the desk and the monitor, keyboard and mouse takes up 
> less space than a laptop.  If the particular desktop does not come
> with serial ports, there are cards available that will add native
> serial ports to a desktop.  Laptops are quite another story, although
> PCMCIA serial port cards are available and should be more reliable
> than USB to serial adapters.

-- 
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H