[Elecraft] Fwd: K3 Failed DSP Firmware Download

[Bob Lanning]

My first time FW upgrade failed too.  The problem?  I use Router a
virtual port defining piece of software microHAM uses for their
product's interfaces to such things as the microKEYER II.
 
In their manual is a warning in Yellow to not perform FW upgrades via
the microKEYER II interface which uses a port in their Router.  Indeed -
don't do it.  microHAM support told me the problem is the Router is
continually polling the radio and interferes with the download.  While
all other features and functions of Elecraft's Utility and Memory Editor
works fine, the FW download does not.
 
I have a desktop PC with no serial ports only lots of USB.  Elecraft
sells a very nice serial RS-232 to USB adapter cable with FTDI chip.
Using the FTDI driver to define a separate USB port as a COM port works
well.  I have also used Prolific drivers for converter cables using
Prolific protocol without any attention.  Both work really well.
 
It will/would be nice to have Elecraft provide a USB port in the radio
like some other manufacturers.  ICOM for instance - absolutely trouble
free and simple.  Copy a file to a thumb drive and stick it in the
radio's USB jack and press Upload.  Also in the case of ICOM's 7800 and
7700, you can plug a USB keyboard in and run RTTY or PSK - from the
keyboard.  No paddle needed.
 
Anyway - microHAM has excellent software and hardware but as they say,
do not attempt to download FW into any radio using an interface with
something like microKEYER II.  So when I want to perform a FW update I
unplug the microKEYER II originating DB-9 from the K3 and plug in the
separate USB/RS232 cable and perform the update.
 
73,
 
Bob - W6OPO