[Elecraft] K3 appears to be bricked

[Mike Murray]

Once again, thanks to everyone on the list for input.  I was finally
successful in getting everything reloaded only after disconnecting
everything but the serial cable to the PC.  Thanks to Don and Bill for
pointing that step out as a solution.  Thanks also to Dick for pointing out
the help files in the Utility - just never thought to look there as well,
but will if it ever happens again.

Mike - W0AG


> Remove the K3 power cord and wait at least 2 minutes.
> While waiting, reboot the computer and after it comes up, power on the K3.
> Check to see if K3 Utility can find the K3.
> Try the Force Firmware Download again.
> If that still does not work, disconnect everything except the RS-232 cable
> from the K3 and try the sequence again.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> On 9/11/2016 11:52 AM, Mike Murray 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.
>>
>>
>>
>