I see posts like these often here, and (knock on wood) I have *never* experienced any problem whatsoever in loading firmware into my K3 (#3192) since I have owned it. I dont understand why there is so much angst regarding firmware updates!
The computer I use is a Dell GX280 mini desktop. It has one "real" serial port, and a whole bunch of USB ports. Since I have a MicroKeyer2 and microHAM STRONGLY SUGGESTS folks *not* try to upload software through the MK, I have a simple, stupid, manual $3 RS232 switch set up between the computer, the MK and the radio (see the picture on my QRZ page. It makes a nice stand for my wattmeter). One side of the switch puts the MicroKeyer into the radio. The other side of the switch puts the "real" serial port into the radio. I switch the rig's input between serial devices that way, and have never had a problem with EITHER device. I have also uploaded firmware from my older Dell Lattitude C400 into #3192 (and several other K3's) using a Saelig "industrial" USB to Serial adaptor. I believe the Saelig unit has FTDI USB chips. The neat thing about the Saelig unit is that it has two red LED's inside a little window that give you visual feedback that the device is communicating. If the LED's are flashing, its talking! It also has a really long USB cable, so no extension serial cable is needed. Just plug it right in to the radio's serial port and go. I use over 40 of these Salelig adaptors at work to connect things like printers and bar code scanners to computers and have never had an issue with them controlling absolutely any device I throw at them under Win2k, Win XP and Win7. Two control a custom robotic arm in our museum and have been working reliably since 2005. OTOH, I have had lots of problems with Belkin, Radio Shack and "EBay special" USB adaptors in the same applications. The Saelig ones cost $20 delivered. YGWYPF. I find the method of updating the K3 just fine. As far as adding sophistication, I always refer back to my childhood idol, Lt Cmdr. Montgomery Scott of Starfleet: "The more complex they make the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain". -lu- W4LT K3 #3192 -------------------------------- Message: 3 Date: Sun, 06 Feb 2011 07:49:15 -0600 From: Jack Brabham <k...@att.net> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: K3 Failed DSP Firmware Download To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: <4d4ea6db.3060...@att.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Craig, The last few times I have attempted downloads to my K3 they failed and it took a few days to get it running again. I've ended up having to remove the K3 from my station setup, and put it on my work bench where I have a "Vintage PC" with a native serial port. Baring the remote possibility that Elecraft comes up with a more sophisticated system for doing these down loads, my plan is to limit doing these in the future to about once a year, due to their being such a PITA. The problem seems to be a general lack of robustness and intelligence in the K3's bootstrap loader. For my money, a less simple minded method of doing these updates would be a welcomed new feature. 73 Jack KZ5A K3 #4165 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
