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Firmware Updates

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Bernie KF0QS

Firmware Updates

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.

Thoughts? What am I missing?

73 de Bernie, KF0QS

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Firmware Updates

If you run the K3 Utility and the KPA500 Utility, download the latest
from Elecraft and install same. Also while you have those utilities up
and running, do a back-up of each. The current version for the
KPA500 is 1.54 and for the K3S is 5.67 for the MCU. I'd say both of
your items are needing updated.

I get about 1 update per week from Microsoft and I have that installed
at my choice.......when I'm asleep. Although I don't use it, I'd also
say that HRD is likely in need of updating as well. I try to keep all
of my software and systems updated. Things run much smoother in that regard.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 6/25/2019 6:51 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.
>
> Thoughts? What am I missing?
>
> 73 de Bernie, KF0QS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Josh Fiden

Re: Firmware Updates

In reply to this post by Bernie KF0QS

I tend to go a couple+ years between updating my K3 P3 KPA. Unlike MS, updating has never broken anything. I would do it without hesitation. And of course backup first. But I’ve never needed a backup.

73
Josh W6XU

Sent from my mobile device

> On Jun 25, 2019, at 4:51 PM, Bernie and Cheryl <[hidden email]> 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.
>
> Thoughts? What am I missing?
>
> 73 de Bernie, KF0QS
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm

Re: Firmware Updates

In reply to this post by Bernie KF0QS

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.
>