I have the same problem with my K-3 from time to time. It’s a major inconvenience but it’s not fatal. I’ve tried a couple of times to get help from this forum but no one seems to have a good answer. My best theory is that there is a defect with the firmware chip. It’s not a widespread defect, so my theory goes, since most K-3 users don’t suffer from the problem. I’m sure Elecraft would replace the chip but I can’t be sure that’s actually the problem. So I just live with it.
All you have to do is turn everything off including the computer. To turn off the the K-3 you have to remove the power connection. Next, turn on the computer. After the computer boots up, connect the power to the K-3 and turn it on. You will see the same MCU LD message and blinking transmit light, but the computer utility program should be able to find the K-3 and reload the firmware. Lastly, and sadly, if my experience is any guide, you’ll have the problem again from time to time. Jimmy Walker WA4ILO Macon, GA > On Sep 11, 2016, at 11:52 AM, Mike Murray <[email protected]> wrote: > > I was in the process of updating my K3's firmware this morning when > something apparently burped leaving the K3 bricked. The radio is wired > directly to a power supply which also feeds a RigRunner for other stuff. > At the time I was also using a small 12V air compressor on the RigRunner. > I don't think it was involved, but can't say for sure. > > The TX light is flashing, the display shows "MCU LD" and power button won't > power it down. I've tried forcing a firmware download several times, > explicitly following the instructions in the K3 manual without success. > The K3 Utility program can't find the rig on the prior COM port being used, > nor on any other available COM port, so I suspect that's a major clue. > True COM ports are not available on the PC so I'm using a StarTech 4 port > USB converter that utilizes the FTDI chips. > > Anyone have any ideas I can try??? > > Mike - W0AG > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [email protected] ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
