[Elecraft] KAT500 utility works -- then doesn't

[John Shadle]

Hi all,
After finishing up my K3S build with only one incident (the 400Hz filters
mysteriously not working in the new rig -- they are now at Elecraft for
testing, FYI), I am reconnecting my K3S and the rest of my station.
Finally, I got motivated to finally get my KAT500 connected to my computer!

I installed the latest version of the utility and all was good. I was able
to view the SWR and FWD/REF power as the unit trained itself (after
clearing the memories, first). Then, without warning, the utility stopped
recognizing the KAT500. The COM port is still there and it hasn't changed,
but the KAT500 is no longer found. Many options are now grayed out.

I've tried changing the COM port assignment for the KXUSB adapter, but that
does nothing. I tried removing then reinstalling the adapter, which also
results in no change.

Any ideas what is going on? Could RF have somehow gotten into the
controller in the KAT500 to make it not respond to the KXUSB polling?

The KAT500 still tunes as usual, but I'm just not able to access the unit
at all via the computer interface.

Thanks for your help.
-john NE4U