Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message
Dick For it to lock your computer totally it is usually a problem in the driver area and I would suspect a problem with the USB to RS232 interface if that is what you are using. I know proper RS232 ports are rare these days but you may consider a PCI express type RS232 port. After some frustration with similar problems over the years I have made them go away by not using the USB to RS232 solutions, some of them just seem a little sensitive to RF despite common mode chokes. Not much help but just a thought. Regards. Roger VK3ADE. -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of r...@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, 1 May 2013 15:26 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message Hi Guys, Hoping someone can help me fix the following problem which is driving me crazy: For the past couple of years, on the top of the N1MM Logger screen, I often get the message K3 VFO A not responding. When I get this message my computer is locked up and I'm unable to log or transmit. A very bad problem to have when running stations during a contest. The problem seems to occur aprx. every 15 minutes when operating RTTY and aprx. every 30 minutes on CW. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message
I'd also wonder if there might be a background process (anti-virus app or such) that interrupts the communication flow between the Logger app and the K3, causing unpredictable data to be presented and then interpreted as a not responding situation. Also, is the control computer connected to the web? 73 de Ray K2ULR On May 1, 2013, at 1:56 AM, Tom H Childers wrote: Usually when a computer locks up it is not the fault of equipment that is connected to the computer. It is usually a problem with software that is running on the computer. Since you are controlling the K3 with a software application, the software is the first place you should look for the problem. Have you contacted the N1MM Logger folks to ask for help? That would be the first thing I would do. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message
This might be caused by Windows putting a USB port to sleep. Windows appears to be unable to detect when many programs, including N1MM Logger, are using a USB port, and if it is allowed to, it will shut the port down to save power after a period of assumed inactivity. This will cause programs using the USB port to lose contact with the hardware they are controlling. Try this: Open Device Manager, select Universal Serial Bus Controllers, and you will see a list of devices among which may be some Generic USB Hub entries and some USB Root Hub entries. For each of those Generic USB Hub and USB Root Hub entries in turn, right-click on the entry in the list, select Properties, select the Power Management tab, uncheck the check box that says Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power, and click on OK. In Windows 7, open Power Options from the Control Panel, click on Change plan settings, then click on Change advanced power settings, expand the USB settings entry in the list, select USB selective suspend setting, and make sure it is set to Disabled. If you sometimes take a break with N1MM Logger or similar software running, and you don't want the operation of the program to be interrupted while you are gone, you might also choose to change the Sleep settings to prevent the computer from automatically going into Sleep or Hibernate mode (Sleep after = Never and Hibernate after = Never). 73, Rich VE3KI K9OM wrote: For the past couple of years, on the top of the N1MM Logger screen, I often get the message K3 VFO A not responding. When I get this message my computer is locked up and I'm unable to log or transmit. A very bad problem to have when running stations during a contest. The problem seems to occur aprx. every 15 minutes when operating RTTY and aprx. every 30 minutes on CW. __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message
Hi Guys, Hoping someone can help me fix the following problem which is driving me crazy: For the past couple of years, on the top of the N1MM Logger screen, I often get the message K3 VFO A not responding. When I get this message my computer is locked up and I'm unable to log or transmit. A very bad problem to have when running stations during a contest. The problem seems to occur aprx. every 15 minutes when operating RTTY and aprx. every 30 minutes on CW. People have told me you have RF getting into your system. So for the past 2 years I've been putting double chokes on every cable connected to the K3 and logging computer. And I endlessly keep working on grounding all of my equipment better. When the problem didn't get fixed, I replaced all of the cables but that didn't help either. I've tried 4 different Windows XP computers, and 2 different Windows 7 computers. All computers have given me about the same number of K3 VFO A Not Responding error messages, except for my Office computer which runs Windows 7 and has a Quad Core processor, this computer will often operate a couple hours before giving me the dreaded K3 VFO A Not Responding message. (so that's much better than the other computers) A few other thoughts: -I've received these error messages whether running 100 watts or 1,500 watts so I'm not sure high power is the problem. -I've had the dreaded K3 VFO A Not Responding message occur while receiving, though it usually occurs while I'm transmitting. So I'm not sure transmitting causes the problem. So I'm wondering if the problem could be with the K3? Perhaps I should try a different brand radio to see if the problem goes away. Has anyone else frequently had this terrible K3 VFO A Not Responding message occur to you? Thank You in advance for your recommendations. 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A Not Responding message
Usually when a computer locks up it is not the fault of equipment that is connected to the computer. It is usually a problem with software that is running on the computer. Since you are controlling the K3 with a software application, the software is the first place you should look for the problem. Have you contacted the N1MM Logger folks to ask for help? That would be the first thing I would do. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Wed, 1 May 2013 01:25:59 -0400 (EDT), r...@aol.com wrote: Hi Guys, Hoping someone can help me fix the following problem which is driving me crazy: For the past couple of years, on the top of the N1MM Logger screen, I often get the message K3 VFO A not responding. When I get this message my computer is locked up and I'm unable to log or transmit. A very bad problem to have when running stations during a contest. The problem seems to occur aprx. every 15 minutes when operating RTTY and aprx. every 30 minutes on CW. People have told me you have RF getting into your system. So for the past 2 years I've been putting double chokes on every cable connected to the K3 and logging computer. And I endlessly keep working on grounding all of my equipment better. When the problem didn't get fixed, I replaced all of the cables but that didn't help either. I've tried 4 different Windows XP computers, and 2 different Windows 7 computers. All computers have given me about the same number of K3 VFO A Not Responding error messages, except for my Office computer which runs Windows 7 and has a Quad Core processor, this computer will often operate a couple hours before giving me the dreaded K3 VFO A Not Responding message. (so that's much better than the other computers) A few other thoughts: -I've received these error messages whether running 100 watts or 1,500 watts so I'm not sure high power is the problem. -I've had the dreaded K3 VFO A Not Responding message occur while receiving, though it usually occurs while I'm transmitting. So I'm not sure transmitting causes the problem. So I'm wondering if the problem could be with the K3? Perhaps I should try a different brand radio to see if the problem goes away. Has anyone else frequently had this terrible K3 VFO A Not Responding message occur to you? Thank You in advance for your recommendations. 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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 __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 VFO A not responding message
Hi Guys, I've been a happy K3 owner for aprx. 3 years. Regardless which CPU I use, I've always had an occassional problem receiving the error message VFO A not responding. When this happens while running during a contest it presents a serious problem as the computer and radio lock up for aprx. 30 seconds. During this 3 year span, I've operated with a dozen different Windows XP and Windows 7 computers, always using N1MM Logging Software. I've operated from several different QTH's and have the same problem. I always connect via a Serial Port regardless of which CPU I use and have not tried a USB to Serial Adapter. During the past few months, this problem has really increased, such as: during last weekends CQWW Test, I got the dreaded VFO A not responding message and computer lock-up at least once every hour. By the way, I do not have a 2nd receiver in the K3 so I cannot say if I'd have the same problem with VFO B. I'd be grateful for ideas on how to eliminate the VFO A not responding problem. Thanks 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A not responding message
On 11/27/2012 12:09 AM, r...@aol.com wrote: Hi Guys, I've been a happy K3 owner for aprx. 3 years. Regardless which CPU I use, I've always had an occassional problem receiving the error message VFO A not responding. When this happens while running during a contest it presents a serious problem as the computer and radio lock up for aprx. 30 seconds. During this 3 year span, I've operated with a dozen different Windows XP and Windows 7 computers, always using N1MM Logging Software. I've operated from several different QTH's and have the same problem. I always connect via a Serial Port regardless of which CPU I use and have not tried a USB to Serial Adapter. During the past few months, this problem has really increased, such as: during last weekends CQWW Test, I got the dreaded VFO A not responding message and computer lock-up at least once every hour. By the way, I do not have a 2nd receiver in the K3 so I cannot say if I'd have the same problem with VFO B. I'd be grateful for ideas on how to eliminate the VFO A not responding problem. Thanks 73, Dick- K9OM Just a guess, and a poor one because you have used multiple computers, but what about RFI? Try reducing the baud rate down one interval and/or putting a RF choke on the serial cable. It's not likely that, but I can't think of anything else and it sure sounds like a communications problem. Are you driving an amp? 73, Paul VE1DX __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A not responding message
So what you're saying is that the N1MM software is the common thread with the multiple QTH and computer combos? I presume that it is up to date, along with any OS updates, drivers etc.? What bit rate are you using on the serial line? Maybe try other settings? I've been using HRD with good success and V6 will handle the K3 even better since they loaned on to the author. Juzz sayin' Rick wa6nhc -Original Message- From: r...@aol.com Hi Guys, I've been a happy K3 owner for aprx. 3 years. Regardless which CPU I use, I've always had an occassional problem receiving the error message VFO A not responding. When this happens while running during a contest it presents a serious problem as the computer and radio lock up for aprx. 30 seconds. During this 3 year span, I've operated with a dozen different Windows XP and Windows 7 computers, always using N1MM Logging Software. I've operated from several different QTH's and have the same problem. I always connect via a Serial Port regardless of which CPU I use and have not tried a USB to Serial Adapter. During the past few months, this problem has really increased, such as: during last weekends CQWW Test, I got the dreaded VFO A not responding message and computer lock-up at least once every hour. By the way, I do not have a 2nd receiver in the K3 so I cannot say if I'd have the same problem with VFO B. I'd be grateful for ideas on how to eliminate the VFO A not responding problem. Thanks 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A not responding message
Rick Is there a date for V6 yet? Can't wait. Hihi On Nov 26, 2012 10:25 PM, Rick Bates happymooseph...@gmail.com wrote: So what you're saying is that the N1MM software is the common thread with the multiple QTH and computer combos? I presume that it is up to date, along with any OS updates, drivers etc.? What bit rate are you using on the serial line? Maybe try other settings? I've been using HRD with good success and V6 will handle the K3 even better since they loaned on to the author. Juzz sayin' Rick wa6nhc -Original Message- From: r...@aol.com Hi Guys, I've been a happy K3 owner for aprx. 3 years. Regardless which CPU I use, I've always had an occassional problem receiving the error message VFO A not responding. When this happens while running during a contest it presents a serious problem as the computer and radio lock up for aprx. 30 seconds. During this 3 year span, I've operated with a dozen different Windows XP and Windows 7 computers, always using N1MM Logging Software. I've operated from several different QTH's and have the same problem. I always connect via a Serial Port regardless of which CPU I use and have not tried a USB to Serial Adapter. During the past few months, this problem has really increased, such as: during last weekends CQWW Test, I got the dreaded VFO A not responding message and computer lock-up at least once every hour. By the way, I do not have a 2nd receiver in the K3 so I cannot say if I'd have the same problem with VFO B. I'd be grateful for ideas on how to eliminate the VFO A not responding problem. Thanks 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 VFO A not responding message
That sounds like a serial port processing problem in the software and would indicate that the software can't keep up with the VFO and when it can't keep up it simply sends a message that the VFO isn't responding. That's just my guess. I could be wrong. Look at N1MM's manual and see it there is a setting that doesn't pole the VFO continuously. My home brew software doesn't attempt to keep up with the VFO, since usually when I am tuning quickly I'm looking at the rig and the P3's tracking of the VFO. The software gets a reading of the Both of the VFO's states only when the auto update that the K3 VFO sends arrives in the data stream from the K3. Disclaimer: I've never used N1MM and my statement is just one from a retired software developer. It is not intended to disparage the quality of the software. On Mon, 26 Nov 2012 23:09:07 -0500 (EST), r...@aol.com wrote: Hi Guys, I've been a happy K3 owner for aprx. 3 years. Regardless which CPU I use, I've always had an occassional problem receiving the error message VFO A not responding. When this happens while running during a contest it presents a serious problem as the computer and radio lock up for aprx. 30 seconds. During this 3 year span, I've operated with a dozen different Windows XP and Windows 7 computers, always using N1MM Logging Software. I've operated from several different QTH's and have the same problem. I always connect via a Serial Port regardless of which CPU I use and have not tried a USB to Serial Adapter. During the past few months, this problem has really increased, such as: during last weekends CQWW Test, I got the dreaded VFO A not responding message and computer lock-up at least once every hour. By the way, I do not have a 2nd receiver in the K3 so I cannot say if I'd have the same problem with VFO B. I'd be grateful for ideas on how to eliminate the VFO A not responding problem. Thanks 73, Dick- K9OM __ 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 Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member __ 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
