[Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed

Mon Apr 15 11:10:23 EDT 2019

Ray...
I did not realize that!  I did RTFM - I promise.  I guessed I missed that one. It has worked under the 1st configuration ever since I bought the KX3.  One day it changed - I was blaming a Windows update.

My K3s is connected to a USB hub external to my desktop PC and works OK - Of course, the K3s is a USB device.

Mystery solved!!

Hank
K4HYJ

-----Original Message-----
From: "Raymond Sills" <raysills3 at verizon.net>
To: hbjr at optilink.us
Date: 04/15/19 08:22
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed

Hi Hank:

It's always been the case when using the Elecraft Utility, that you need to connect the rig directly to your computer, using the Elecraft cable.... with no other devices in line.  That's why you succeeded with case 3.

:)

73 de Ray
K2ULR
KX3 #211

-----Original Message-----
From: HB <hbjr at optilink.us>
To: Nr4c <nr4c at widomaker.com>; Andy McMullin <Andy at rickham.net>
Cc: Elecraft list <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sun, Apr 14, 2019 10:17 pm
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed

Okay…some weirdness, but I can get the software to work.  Here is what I have done (some help from you guys, some help from the IT guys where I work, and the internet).  It's a little complex…

Configuration 1: My laptop is connected via USB to a PK-232SC+ which has a 2 port USB hub built in - my KXUSB is plugged in there.  Under this configuration, no joy with the KX3 Utility recognizing the COM port.

Configuration 2: My laptop is connected to the KX3 directly via USB port.  Under this configuration, no joy with the KX3 Utility recognizing the COM port.

Configuration 3: My laptop is connected to the KX3 directly via USB port.  Under COM port settings for the KX3USB connected port,  I changed the latency timer to 8 ms from 16 ms.  Under this configuration, the KX3 Utility recognizes the COM port every time.

Returning to configuration one with the lower latency timer setting does not allow the KX3 utility to see the com port, so no joy there.

BUT - it's a weird BUT - If I connect the KXUSB directly to the laptop, open the utility and connect, disconnect the KX3USB from the laptop and connect it to the hub built in to the PK-232sc+, it works as long as I don't exit the KX3 utility software.  I can even close the serial port in the software, BUT as long as I don't exit the software, I can reopen the serial port and it works fine.  I can close the port and use other software that needs the KXUSB as long as I don't exit the KX3 utility program (just leave it minimized) it works when I need it.

How crazy is that?  Any gurus figure that one out??

Hank
K4HYJ

From: Nr4c
Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2019 3:31 PM
To: Andy McMullin
Cc: Elecraft list
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed

On the FTDI site there is a removal tool. Use it to wipe away com port drivers. Then re-install the FTDI drivers for your KUSB or KXUSB cable.

Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Apr 14, 2019, at 2:38 PM, Andy McMullin via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:
>
> Can I just add that at the stage that says reboot, you should really shut down the machine, wait a bit, then
> Restart. Sometimes a USB port is not physically but just logically reset by a reboot.
>
> I hope this helps
>
> Regards
> Andy, G8TQH
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On 14 Apr 2019, at 18:17, Tom <elecraft.list at videotron.ca> wrote:
>>
>> Hi,
>> Sometimes driver software can be a pain...
>> Try this.
>> 1) Open the device manager and select the comport by right clicking on it.
>> 2) Check the box to delete the driver software and uninstall.
>> 3) Unplug the USB cable.
>> 4) Reboot
>> 5) Next run the FTDI driver installation.  When prompted or when complete, plug the USB cable back in.
>> Sometimes, windows will keep reinstalling the same driver if the files have not been deleted.
>> 73 Tom
>> va2fsq.com
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of HB
>> Sent: April 14, 2019 12:47 PM
>> To: donwilh at embarqmail.com; 'Dick Dievendorff' <dick at elecraft.com>
>> Cc: 'Elecraft list' <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed
>>
>> I have done all of those things and no change.  As I said every other piece of software that needs the KXUSB grabs it and uses it fine - just not the utility software.
>>
>> There is something to the driver installation - it shows as incomplete, but reinstalling the FTDI drivers from the FTDI website still does not fix the problem.  There is still an event message saying that the installation did not complete.
>>
>> I realizer this is not an Elecraft issue, I'm just looking for help.
>>
>> Hank
>> K4HYJ
>>
>> From: Don Wilhelm
>> Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2019 11:09 AM
>> To: hbjr at optilink.us; 'Dick Dievendorff'
>> Cc: 'Elecraft list'
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Utility problem: serial port is closed
>>
>> Hank,
>>
>> Installing KX3 Utility will do nothing for changing what your computer does about COM Ports vs USB port assignment.  It is now apparent that your computer is not properly recognizing the FTDI USB to Serial adapter.
>>
>> Download and install the FTDI drivers from the FTDI website.
>> What you are trying to deal with is an FTDI USB to Serial adapter.  Just because the KXUSB cable is sold by Elecraft does not c

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