[Elecraft] KX3 has died

[Dick Dievendorff]

It might be the KXUSB.  Try different a USB hub on the computer if you have a choice, or another computer if available.  

Sometimes windows updates change the COM port number, try the steps in Kx3 utility help for finding the right COM port. It might have been a while since you last used the utility. 


73 de Dick, K6KR

> On Dec 9, 2018, at 18:52, 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>
> 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/ (my blog)
>> 
>>> On Dec 9, 2018, at 4:58 PM, Dave Sublette <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> 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 <
>> 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>
>>>> 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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