[Elecraft] KX3 has died

[Walter Underwood]

That seems like a bad cable or the PC is not talking to the right port.

You might also want to look at the section “Forcing a Firmware Download” on page 25 of the KX3 manual.

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Dec 9, 2018, at 6:52 PM, Dave Sublette <k4to.dave at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> It is not looking good, folks.  The RS232 adapter which drives the KX3 is not flashing any more as it usually does.  The KX3 Utility returns "KX3 not responding" when I test the link.  All cables are properly connected.  It's been working perfectly until earlier this evening.
> 
> I think it is due for a trip back to Elecraft.  I will call them tomorrow.
> 
> Thanks for the help.  I did find the Help column and the troubleshooting , etc....
> 
> I had already done all of those steps and got nothing but the "not responding" error.
> 
> I'll let everyone know what happens.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Dave, K4TO
> 
> On Sun, Dec 9, 2018 at 8:32 PM Walter Underwood <wunder at wunderwood.org <mailto:wunder at wunderwood.org>> wrote:
> I’m sure you have checked, but I would open it up and make sure the ribbon cables are fully seated. Then I’d check the cables to the PC. Probably restart the PC, too.
> 
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ <http://observer.wunderwood.org/> (my blog)
> 
> > On Dec 9, 2018, at 4:58 PM, Dave Sublette <k4to.dave at gmail.com <mailto:k4to.dave at gmail.com>> wrote:
> > 
> > When I bring up the KX3 utility, there is no tab labeled Help or
> > Troubleshooting or MCU.  I now get a "KX3 is not responding" message.
> > 
> > Dave
> > 
> > On Sun, Dec 9, 2018 at 6:57 PM <dick at elecraft.com <mailto:dick at elecraft.com>> wrote:
> > 
> >> I'd recommend the steps described in KX3 Utility Help, Troubleshooting, MCU
> >> Boot Loader.
> >> 
> >> 73 & Good Luck!
> >> Dick, K6KR
> >> 
> >> 
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net>>
> >> On
> >> Behalf Of Dave Sublette
> >> Sent: Sunday, December 9, 2018 15:04
> >> To: Elecraft Discussion List <elecraft at mailman.qth.net <mailto:elecraft at mailman.qth.net>>
> >> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 has died
> >> 
> >> I believe my KX3 has died in the past 30 minutes.  It was operating with
> >> N1MM prior to that.
> >> 
> >> I went to the support page at Elecraft.com.
> >> 
> >> I downloaded the latest KX3 Utility.
> >> 
> >> I started the Firmware upgrade process.
> >> 
> >> Initially the message said my KX3 was missing some files and to download
> >> the
> >> latest firmware.  I did that without any trouble.
> >> 
> >> When I went to transfer the firmware to the KX3, I got a message that said
> >> "KX3 failed to enter firmware load mode" (or something like that).  Further
> >> instructions said to remove power, power back up and try again.
> >> 
> >> Same result.
> >> 
> >> Tried the "force firmware upgrade"  by holding the Band- and ATU Tune
> >> buttons down for 10 seconds.  The firmware load failed again -- same error
> >> "KX3 failed to enter Firmware load mode".
> >> 
> >> Meanwhile the front panel of the KX3 showed " MCU LD" during the entire
> >> time.
> >> 
> >> The com port tested good, using the KX3 utility.
> >> 
> >> I don't know what else to try.
> >> 
> >> Looks like the next step is to contact Elecraft support.
> >> 
> >> Any thoughts?
> >> 
> >> Dave, K4TO
> >> 
> >> ps -- I think the KX3 is just pouting because I have ordered a new K3s  :-)
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> >> 
> >> 
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