[Elecraft] Problems with K3 firmware update

[Jim N7US]

I connected an A/B switchbox to switch the radio between the MKII and a
serial port on the computer (or an Edgeport US/serial box).  It has been
easy to switch the K3/P3 to the serial port for firmware updates.

73, Jim N7US



-----Original Message-----

Every microHAM Users Manual includes a specific warning *NOT* to upload
*any* transceiver firmware via the microHAM device.  The microHAM device
constantly polls the transceiver for frequency and mode.  Those polls are
not compatible with firmware uploads.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2014-08-14 7:30 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> 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.