[Elecraft] Firmware Updates

[Don Wilhelm]

Bernie - and all,

I would suggest that you download and install the latest K3 Utility, 
then connect with your K3S and "Copy Files from Elecraft".

After that, look in the K3 Utility Help file for the Firmware Release Notes.

You will find information on the firmware updates between what you are 
now using and the latest.  If any are of interest to you, then update 
your K3S to the latest.  Simply click "Send All Firmware to the K3" and 
wait for it to complete (do not interrupt the process). It will take 
only 3 to 5 minutes.

I would encourage you to update the firmware as it is available.  It is 
much different than Windows Updates, and much less disruptive.  You have 
to initiate the update rather than having Microsoft, etc. deciding it 
"is good for you" and automatically installing.

In most all cases, the firmware updates are painless and take nothing 
away from your prior operation, but only add new features that may 
enhance your operating experience.

Should the very worst happen and your computer has a glitch during the 
update process, recovery is easy.  Just follow the instructions in the 
K3 Utility Help File for "Force a Firmware Download", and all will be 
well after that.
That problem rarely happens - computer power glitch, user interruption 
and other similar situations.  If it should occur for you, recovery is 
easy - just follow the directions.  I have only encountered it once in 
the 10 years I have had my K3 when I did "fumble fingers" to interrupt 
the total download.

73,
Don W3FPR



On 6/25/2019 7:51 PM, Bernie and Cheryl wrote:
> I got my K3s (#10323) back in October, 2015, and got my KPA 500 (#2664) 
> a few months later (I have the full K line including the KAT 500).
> 
> When I built them, I promptly updated the firmware, and haven't done it 
> since.  I checked and my K3s has Firmware Version 5.35 and the KPA 500 
> has Version 1.38.
> 
> Am I missing anything by not having updated?  I haven't done it because 
> I am maddened by the constant crazy updates forced on us by Microsoft, 
> Firefox, etc. (when I turn on my computer, I want to USE it - when I 
> turn it off, I want it to shut off, rather than update for another 10-15 
> minutes), and just hate updates in principal.  However, I noticed that 
> the interface between the K3s and my Ham Radio Deluxe software is 
> getting a little glitchy (sometimes, the software insists the radio 
> isn't there, even though I've checked the cable), and I wonder if that 
> is a function of needing to update things (and yes, I should probably 
> update the Ham Radio Deluxe software).  This glitchyness is the only 
> problem I experience, and otherwise, my setup works great.
>