[Elecraft] Problems with K3 firmware update

[Don Wilhelm]

Kurt,

Both Microham and Elecraft warn that one should not attempt firmware 
downloads through the MicroHam device.  Other K3Utility functions work 
fine through the Microham device.

If you have a real serial port on the computer, that is the preferred 
connection, otherwise a good USB to serial adapter is the best answer.  
The preferred adapter is one using an FTDI chip. Others may work (and I 
can also recommend EdgePort).

BTW - there are counterfeit FTDI and Prolific USB to serial adapters on 
the market.  Both Prolific and FTDI have created new drivers for Windows 
7 and above that detect those counterfeits and render them unusable - so 
steer clear of bargain priced adapters whose instructions tell you to 
turn off Windows updates and run their 'special' drivers.

The Elecraft KUSB cable uses an authentic FTDI chip.  I have also had 
success with a Keyspan adapter that was supplied for testing by a customer.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 8/14/2014 7:02 PM, Kurt Wiksten wrote:
> Thanks to everybody for your advice.
> But my problem still not solved, because I am communicating with the 
> K3 via my Microkeyer2.
> Reading the K3 Utility Helpfiles shows that it might be a problem that 
> my USB to serial connection is
> via my Microkeyer2 and the recommendation is to change the cabling so 
> that the PC is
> connected directly to the K3 and that cable does not fit the K3 RS232 
> port.
> I suppose I will have to order the KUSB-cable from Elecraft.