[Elecraft] [K3] K3 Util can't connect to serial port

[Paul A. Thompson]

I have been unable to connect to my K3 through the serial port using either
1) 9 pin RS-232 cable direct to laptop serial port or 2) USB to serial port
(FTDI) adapter on either the laptop USB port (running XP) or on the new
Windows 7 desktop machine (no serial ports, so only using the USB).  My K3
is sn 2096, MCU FW is 4.39 and I just downloaded (several times) the K3
Utility from elecraft.com.  When I try to connect to the port (Test Conn),
it runs through all the speeds, and won't ever find the K3.  I have also
tried Hyperterm, and the only remnant of communication I get with it is when
the speed is matched up to the PC port speed (Device manager) = K3 RS-232
speed [Config menu], I see a triangle for each <CNTL> Q I type.  Nothing
else does anything.  If speed isn't matched, I don't even get that.

 

Any other ideas to try?  The port has worked in the past.  New computer +
latest HRD version since I last used the RS-232 port though, and with the
latest firmware changes, I am anxious to get things working again!!   I do
have an RS-232 9 port M-F with LEDs that should help diagnose any voltage
problem with the port, I hope.

 

Thanks for any help you guys can lend.  I did look through posts, but not
finding much applying to this situation.. 

 

73,

Paul N5PT