[Elecraft] [K3] K3 memory question

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

Whether that is a problem or not depends on what is happening when the 
power plug is pulled.
It is akin to "pulling the plug" on a computer.  In many cases, no harm 
to the data is done.

BUT if the K3 is in the middle of writing something to memory, things 
can become corrupted.

The memory in the K3 (that which needs to be protected) is EEPROM, so it 
is already a "stay alive" type of memory - it does not need power to 
retain the data.  Once it is written, the data will stay intact until 
changed regardless of power to the memory ICs.

Again, if a 'write to memory' cycle is interrupted by a loss of power, 
corruption can occur.
Bottom line, use the front panel switch or the "power down" command (see 
the Programmer's Reference) to power down the K3 before "pulling the plug".

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/15/2013 8:49 PM, Jim Wiley wrote:
> My apologies if this has been asked before.
>
> When reading various posts concerning the operation of the K3 
> transceiver, I get the impression that if the radio is powered off by 
> simply removing the 12 volt source, as opposed to using the K3 front 
> panel switch, there is the possibility of scrambling the memory that 
> manages the configuration of the set.  Is this true?
>
> If not, then no problem.
>
> But, if this is true, are there any plans to implement some sort of 
> memory protection scheme, such as including a memory "keep alive" 
> system powered from an internal or external source?   Your comments 
> please.
>