[Elecraft] K3 appears to be bricked

[James Walker]

I have the same problem with my K-3 from time to time. It’s a major inconvenience but it’s not fatal. I’ve tried a couple of times to get help from this forum but no one seems to have a good answer. My best theory is that there is a defect with the firmware chip. It’s not a widespread defect, so my theory goes, since most K-3 users don’t suffer from the problem. I’m sure Elecraft would replace the chip but I can’t be sure that’s actually the problem. So I just live with it.

All you have to do is turn everything off including the computer. To turn off the the K-3 you have to remove the power connection. Next, turn on the computer. After the computer boots up, connect the power to the K-3 and turn it on. You will see the same MCU LD message and blinking transmit light, but the computer utility program should be able to find the K-3 and reload the firmware. 

Lastly, and sadly, if my experience is any guide, you’ll have the problem again from time to time. 

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

> On Sep 11, 2016, at 11:52 AM, Mike Murray <w0agmike at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I was in the process of updating my K3's firmware this morning when
> something apparently burped leaving the K3 bricked.  The radio is wired
> directly to a power supply  which also feeds a RigRunner for other stuff.
> At the time I was also using a small 12V air compressor on the RigRunner.
> I don't think it was involved, but can't say for sure.
> 
> The TX light is flashing, the display shows "MCU LD" and power button won't
> power it down.  I've tried forcing a firmware download several times,
> explicitly following the instructions in the K3 manual without success.
> The K3 Utility program can't find the rig on the prior COM port being used,
> nor on any other available COM port, so I suspect that's a major clue.
> True COM ports are not available on the PC so I'm using a StarTech 4 port
> USB converter that utilizes the FTDI chips.
> 
> Anyone have any ideas I can try???
> 
> Mike - W0AG
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