[Elecraft] KX3 has died

Sun Dec 9 22:15:07 EST 2018

I use a Mac, too. 

If the cable failed during a download, the firmware could be corrupted.

I would try forcing the firmware load as described in the manual. I could be wrong, but this smells like a problem somewhere between the KX3 Utility and the data port on the KX3.

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

> On Dec 9, 2018, at 7:11 PM, Dave Sublette <k4to.dave at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> OK -- time for a confession.  I'm updating using a MAC.  I don't think that has anything to do with the problem.  It has worked perfectly for four years.  Doesn't say that something couldn't have died.  But the MCU LD and flashing Tx LED on the KX3 says there is a firmware error and I don't think a failed interface cable or computer would cause that.
> 
> I'm not a computer guru.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out.  Thanks to all for helping.  This is a knowledgeable and friendly group to deal with.
> 
> Dave 
> 
> 
> 
> On Sun, Dec 9, 2018 at 10:04 PM Dick Dievendorff <dick at elecraft.com <mailto:dick at elecraft.com>> wrote:
> 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 <mailto: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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> >> 
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