Elecraft

K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Classic

List

Threaded

30 messages Options

N2TK

K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

I believe this was addressed a while back but so far have not found it.

Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The second K3
is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".

And the USB port is no longer detected.

I sure hope I don't have to do a complete reset that will cause a loss of my
settings.

Tnx for any advice

N2TK, Tony

______________________________________________________________
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]

James Walker

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Tony,

I used to have this problem all the time. It was maddening. I never knew if the rig was going to turn on. It was always necessary to restart my computer to get my K3/100 to talk to the app that resets the firmware. I had several suggestions to fix the problem. The one that proved most helpful was to get a different power supply. I was using a big Astron supply feeding into a Johnson power strip. Several devices ran off the power supply. It should have been able to supply plenty of power for everything because the other devices were low wattage users like a keyer. Anyway, I had a smaller Anstron device that was once used with a 2-Meter radio. It was fully capable of 100 watts. I hooked it up and the rig as a dedicated supply and it has worked perfectly ever since. You may have a different problem than me but that’s my story.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

> On Jan 28, 2017, at 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I believe this was addressed a while back but so far have not found it.
>
>
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The second K3
> is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".
>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.
>
>
>
> I sure hope I don't have to do a complete reset that will cause a loss of my
> settings.
>
>
>
> Tnx for any advice
>
> N2TK, Tony
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by N2TK

Tony,

The usual reason for that is a glitch in the computer. The fact that
the USB port is no longer detected points more to the computer than the K3.

Re-boot the computer, and see if it detects the USB adapter - that has
to happen first. Even if the USB port is internal to a K3S, the same
thing applies, you must get the computer to recognize the USB adapter
and assign a COM port to it. If the port is internal to the K3S, power
cycling may help as well.

Then follow the instructions to "Force a firmware load" in either the
manual or in the K3 Utility Help file.

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/28/2017 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony wrote:
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The second K3
> is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".
>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.
______________________________________________________________
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]

N2TK

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Hi Don,
Tnx for the advice. Rebooted the K3 and the PC. But what I had to do
additionally was hit "Close Port" on the K3 Utility. Then hit "Test
Communications". That set things straight for me to load the firmware. Not
sure why that problem happened in the middle of an upload. But all is fine
again.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 1:55 PM
To: N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]>; [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Tony,

The usual reason for that is a glitch in the computer. The fact that the
USB port is no longer detected points more to the computer than the K3.

Re-boot the computer, and see if it detects the USB adapter - that has to
happen first. Even if the USB port is internal to a K3S, the same thing
applies, you must get the computer to recognize the USB adapter and assign a
COM port to it. If the port is internal to the K3S, power cycling may help
as well.

Then follow the instructions to "Force a firmware load" in either the manual
or in the K3 Utility Help file.

73,
Don W3FPR

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/28/2017 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony wrote:
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
> second K3 is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU
LD".
>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.

______________________________________________________________
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]

Lyle Johnson

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

You may need to use the RS232 adapter cable in this case.

Lyle KK7P

> Tony,
>
> The usual reason for that is a glitch in the computer. The fact that
> the USB port is no longer detected points more to the computer than
> the K3.
>
> Re-boot the computer, and see if it detects the USB adapter - that has
> to happen first. Even if the USB port is internal to a K3S, the same
> thing applies, you must get the computer to recognize the USB adapter
> and assign a COM port to it. If the port is internal to the K3S,
> power cycling may help as well.
>
> Then follow the instructions to "Force a firmware load" in either the
> manual or in the K3 Utility Help file.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/28/2017 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony wrote:
>>
>> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
>> second K3
>> is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".
>>
>> And the USB port is no longer detected.

N2TK

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by James Walker

Hi Jimmy,
Tnx for the info. I have a 35A switcher that loafs along. As I never have both K3's transmitting at the same time I am not taxing the supply.
W3FPR got me on the correct track.

In your case, di d you check the voltage on the K3? Maybe you had a problem with a connection in the power supply? Down in the Caribbean periodically we have to take apart the Astron linear power supplies and clean the contact surface on the two bolts feeding the 12V output. They develop a little bit of resistance that drops the voltage under a load.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: James Walker [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 12:58 PM
To: N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Tony,

I used to have this problem all the time. It was maddening. I never knew if the rig was going to turn on. It was always necessary to restart my computer to get my K3/100 to talk to the app that resets the firmware. I had several suggestions to fix the problem. The one that proved most helpful was to get a different power supply. I was using a big Astron supply feeding into a Johnson power strip. Several devices ran off the power supply. It should have been able to supply plenty of power for everything because the other devices were low wattage users like a keyer. Anyway, I had a smaller Anstron device that was once used with a 2-Meter radio. It was fully capable of 100 watts. I hooked it up and the rig as a dedicated supply and it has worked perfectly ever since. You may have a different problem than me but that’s my story.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

> On Jan 28, 2017, at 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I believe this was addressed a while back but so far have not found it.
>
>
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
> second K3 is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".
>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.
>
>
>
> I sure hope I don't have to do a complete reset that will cause a loss
> of my settings.
>
>
>
> Tnx for any advice
>
> N2TK, Tony
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

George Thornton

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

I have an old Astron 35A that I have been using for a number of years. I always take it with me to Field Day. Lately I have been having software issues with my K3 that the factory has suggested might be related to an erratic power supply.

From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of N2TK, Tony
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 11:27 AM
To: 'James Walker' <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Hi Jimmy,
Tnx for the info. I have a 35A switcher that loafs along. As I never have both K3's transmitting at the same time I am not taxing the supply.
W3FPR got me on the correct track.

In your case, di d you check the voltage on the K3? Maybe you had a problem with a connection in the power supply? Down in the Caribbean periodically we have to take apart the Astron linear power supplies and clean the contact surface on the two bolts feeding the 12V output. They develop a little bit of resistance that drops the voltage under a load.

73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: James Walker [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 12:58 PM
To: N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]><mailto:[hidden email]%3e>
Cc: [hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Tony,

I used to have this problem all the time. It was maddening. I never knew if the rig was going to turn on. It was always necessary to restart my computer to get my K3/100 to talk to the app that resets the firmware. I had several suggestions to fix the problem. The one that proved most helpful was to get a different power supply. I was using a big Astron supply feeding into a Johnson power strip. Several devices ran off the power supply. It should have been able to supply plenty of power for everything because the other devices were low wattage users like a keyer. Anyway, I had a smaller Anstron device that was once used with a 2-Meter radio. It was fully capable of 100 watts. I hooked it up and the rig as a dedicated supply and it has worked perfectly ever since. You may have a different problem than me but that’s my story.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

> On Jan 28, 2017, at 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]><mailto:[hidden email]%3e> wrote:
>
> I believe this was addressed a while back but so far have not found it.
>
>
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
> second K3 is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU LD".
>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.
>
>
>
> I sure hope I don't have to do a complete reset that will cause a loss
> of my settings.
>
>
>
> Tnx for any advice
>
> N2TK, Tony
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]<mailto:[hidden email]>

______________________________________________________________
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]<mailto:[hidden email]>

________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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]

N2TK

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by Lyle Johnson

Tnx Lyle,
I am back in business by turning off the port and turning the port back on
in the K3 Utility.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Lyle
Johnson
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 2:25 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

You may need to use the RS232 adapter cable in this case.

Lyle KK7P

> Tony,
>
> The usual reason for that is a glitch in the computer. The fact that
> the USB port is no longer detected points more to the computer than
> the K3.
>
> Re-boot the computer, and see if it detects the USB adapter - that has
> to happen first. Even if the USB port is internal to a K3S, the same
> thing applies, you must get the computer to recognize the USB adapter
> and assign a COM port to it. If the port is internal to the K3S,
> power cycling may help as well.
>
> Then follow the instructions to "Force a firmware load" in either the
> manual or in the K3 Utility Help file.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 1/28/2017 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony wrote:
>>
>> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
>> second K3 is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says
>> "MCU LD".
>>
>> And the USB port is no longer detected.

______________________________________________________________
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]

______________________________________________________________
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]

James Walker

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by N2TK

Yours is not the Astron power supply I was using. Mine was the 35A, transformer style, not switching, with dual meters. I’m still using it for other radios with no problem. And yes, I did check the voltage reading on the K3/100 and it did reduce severely under any load, even QRP. That’s a strange quirk in the equipment but I think that’s it.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

On Jan 28, 2017, at 2:26 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

Hi Jimmy,
Tnx for the info. I have a 35A switcher that loafs along. As I never have both K3's transmitting at the same time I am not taxing the supply.
W3FPR got me on the correct track.

In your case, di d you check the voltage on the K3? Maybe you had a problem with a connection in the power supply? Down in the Caribbean periodically we have to take apart the Astron linear power supplies and clean the contact surface on the two bolts feeding the 12V output. They develop a little bit of resistance that drops the voltage under a load.

______________________________________________________________
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]

Bob N3MNT

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

If you did the upgrade one after the other, it is possible that the com port used in the first update was not released for the second unit until you closed it either manually or via reboot.

N2TK

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Bob,
I don't think that was it as I had not upgraded the K3's for a while. No
idea why it happened, but all is better now.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Bob
N3MNT
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 4:03 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

If you did the upgrade one after the other, it is possible that the com port
used in the first update was not released for the second unit until you
closed it either manually or via reboot.

--
View this message in context:
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-stuck-at-MCU-LD-we-upgrading-softwar
e-tp7626178p7626190.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
______________________________________________________________
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]

______________________________________________________________
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]

Elecraft mailing list

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by James Walker

Heavier gauge wire and a shorter run helps to reduce voltage sag.
And make sure all connections are tight

From: James Walker <[hidden email]>
To: "N2TK, Tony" <[hidden email]>
Cc: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 3:49 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Yours is not the Astron power supply I was using. Mine was the 35A, transformer style, not switching, with dual meters. I’m still using it for other radios with no problem. And yes, I did check the voltage reading on the K3/100 and it did reduce severely under any load, even QRP. That’s a strange quirk in the equipment but I think that’s it.

Jimmy Walker
WA4ILO
Macon, GA

On Jan 28, 2017, at 2:26 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

Hi Jimmy,
Tnx for the info. I have a 35A switcher that loafs along. As I never have both K3's transmitting at the same time I am not taxing the supply.
W3FPR got me on the correct track.

In your case, di d you check the voltage on the K3? Maybe you had a problem with a connection in the power supply? Down in the Caribbean periodically we have to take apart the Astron linear power supplies and clean the contact surface on the two bolts feeding the 12V output. They develop a little bit of resistance that drops the voltage under a load.

______________________________________________________________
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]

______________________________________________________________
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]

Bill Frantz

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by James Walker

On 1/28/17 at 12:49 PM, [hidden email] (James Walker) wrote:

>I did check the voltage reading on the K3/100 and it did reduce
>severely under any load, even QRP. That’s a strange quirk in
>the equipment but I think that’s it.

I would be concerned about any significant (> .5V or so) voltage
sag, particularly if operating at QRP power levels. It indicates
that there is a high resistance in the power supply or the
associated wiring, connectors etc.

73 Bill AE6JV
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | When it comes to the world | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506 | around us, is there any choice | 16345
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com | but to explore? - Lisa Randall | Los Gatos,
CA 95032

______________________________________________________________
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]

Clay Autery

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by Bob N3MNT

I'm new to Elecraft (1 year), but with almost 30 years in IS/IT...

I always do the best I can to minimize potential problems when flashing
firmware.

This includes using a laptop or computer running with a truly
uninterruptible power supply. A fresh COLD reboot of the computer and
radio for EACH flash.

Oh, and as suggested in the manual and/or the Cady book...

BACK UP YOUR FIRMWARE and SETTINGS!!

I save mine every time I make a change. Storage space is cheaper than
keeping a log of changes between downloads.

______________________
Clay Autery, KY5G
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 1/28/2017 3:02 PM, Bob N3MNT wrote:
> If you did the upgrade one after the other, it is possible that the com port
> used in the first update was not released for the second unit until you
> closed it either manually or via reboot.
>
______________________________________________________________
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]

Nr4c

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by N2TK

Unplug the radio from power. Unplug the USB cable

Re-boot computer plug in USB and then power up the radio. It should start the FW load.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

Don Wilhelm

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by James Walker

Jimmy,

You should see little voltage sag on transmit, especially at QRP levels.

Compare the voltage directly at your power supply terminals between
receive and transmit. If it stays up, then check your power cable to
the K3 for adequate size wire and good connections. If you have a DC
power distribution device like the RigRunner, remove the K3 from it and
connect direct from the power supply to the K3.

OTOH, if the voltage at the terminals droops during transmit, open the
power supply cover and remove the bolt terminals - clean the solder lugs
on the inside and the bolts, then reassemble making certain the bolts
are tight. If those bolts turn even a little bit when tightening the
external bolts, they are not tight. You must have tight connections at
the power supply.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/28/2017 3:49 PM, James Walker wrote:
> Yours is not the Astron power supply I was using. Mine was the 35A, transformer style, not switching, with dual meters. I’m still using it for other radios with no problem. And yes, I did check the voltage reading on the K3/100 and it did reduce severely under any load, even QRP. That’s a strange quirk in the equipment but I think that’s it.
>
> Jimmy Walker
> WA4ILO
> Macon, GA
>
______________________________________________________________
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]

N2TK

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by Nr4c

Hi Bill,
I did that. Also had to go into K3 Utility and turn off the port then turn
it back on. Then things loaded fine.
No idea why it happened. First time I had a problem changing firmware with
either K3. All my Ham stuff is tied into a work station that has battery
backup so that should not have been the issue. But who knows.
Back in business.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-----Original Message-----
From: Nr4c [mailto:[hidden email]]
Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2017 8:03 PM
To: N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]>
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

Unplug the radio from power. Unplug the USB cable

Re-boot computer plug in USB and then power up the radio. It should start
the FW load.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Jan 28, 2017, at 12:27 PM, N2TK, Tony <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I believe this was addressed a while back but so far have not found it.
>
>
>
> Upgraded firmware from 5.54 to 5.56. The one K3 did it fine. The
> second K3 is hung up with the TX light flashing and the screen says "MCU
LD".

>
> And the USB port is no longer detected.
>
>
>
> I sure hope I don't have to do a complete reset that will cause a loss
> of my settings.
>
>
>
> Tnx for any advice
>
> N2TK, Tony
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

James Walker

Re: K3 - stuck at MCU LD we upgrading software

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

I tried the direct wiring fix first. It didn’t change anything. And the voltage drop was radical. It would go down sometimes from 13 to 11 volts. The voltage drop was not indicated on the power supply volt meter. And remember, the big Astron power supply works fine with my IC-7300 and IC-746 off the Rig Runner strip. Maybe those rigs work better with the voltage variation. But something is going on here with either the power supple or the K3. I paid about $200 for the big power supply back in the 90’s. I think the little Astron supply (switching type) was less than $100. Maybe the difference is between transformers and switching technology. Anyway, my nightmare is over with a happy ending.

Jimmy

On Jan 28, 2017, at 10:27 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

Compare the voltage directly at your power supply terminals between receive and transmit. If it stays up, then check your power cable to the K3 for adequate size wire and good connections. If you have a DC power distribution device like the RigRunner, remove the K3 from it and connect direct from the power supply to the K3.

______________________________________________________________
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: Power supply voltage sag during transmit

Jimmy,

I did not make any reference to any switching supply. I have the same
supply, sans meters.
The meter on the power supply is reading internal to the supply. Check
on the outside with your DMM.

The terminals on that supply are bolts with the heads on the inside.
Those bolt heads apply pressure to the solder lugs on the inside. If
the nuts on the outside (the ones closest to the enclosure) are not
tight, there will be considerable voltage drop during transmit. The
connections made on the outside must also be tight to assure a low
resistance.

It is a simple matter to connect your DMM and monitor the voltage as you
transmit.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 1/29/2017 9:57 AM, James Walker wrote:

> I tried the direct wiring fix first. It didn’t change anything. And
> the voltage drop was radical. It would go down sometimes from 13 to 11
> volts. The voltage drop was not indicated on the power supply volt
> meter. And remember, the big Astron power supply works fine with my
> IC-7300 and IC-746 off the Rig Runner strip. Maybe those rigs work
> better with the voltage variation. But something is going on here with
> either the power supple or the K3. I paid about $200 for the big power
> supply back in the 90’s. I think the little Astron supply (switching
> type) was less than $100. Maybe the difference is between transformers
> and switching technology. Anyway, my nightmare is over with a happy
> ending.
>
> Jimmy
>
>> On Jan 28, 2017, at 10:27 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]
>> <mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:
>>
>> Compare the voltage directly at your power supply terminals between
>> receive and transmit. If it stays up, then check your power cable to
>> the K3 for adequate size wire and good connections. If you have a DC
>> power distribution device like the RigRunner, remove the K3 from it
>> and connect direct from the power supply to the K3.
>

James Walker

Re: Power supply voltage sag during transmit

I understand. My mention of a switching supply was simply to point out that smaller switching power supply solved my problem. I’m not arguing for a conclusion as to a defect in the K3. I’m simply sharing information. The same connection to my big supply using the Power Pole strip works fine with my other rigs. Direct connection between my K3 and the big power supply doesn’t solve the problem. That’s just data, not an argument. It’s not a problem for me any more. I thank you for your always generous and capable assistance with Elecraft issues. We met once at the Elecraft booth in Dayton. You provide a much appreciated service to our community.

Jimmy

On Jan 29, 2017, at 10:20 AM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]<mailto:[hidden email]>> wrote:

I did not make any reference to any switching supply.

______________________________________________________________
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]