There is a procedure in K3 Utility Help, Trouble shooting MCU load failure. Dick, K6KR

You need to install all the files that came with that firmware version. The FPF file and MCU file are coordinated. Try installing all firmware instead of just the MCU. 73 de Dick, K6KR

This might occur if the user you’re logged in as doesn’t have the needed Windows permissions to create a file in the folder for firmware files you’ve selected at the top of the Firmware dialog. 73 de

Perhaps the OS is putting the USB port asleep after a period of inactivity? Dick, K6KR

Hi, Dale. We separated the concepts of going to the Elecraft FTP server (copy new files from Elecraft) from the comparison of firmware versions on your computer with the version installed in the radio

I'd suggest RC; 73 de Dick, K6KR

The band lines are pull downs. Connect them thru a resistor to a low positive voltage. Dick, K6KR

I had this once when I had K3 configuration menu item PTT-KEY set to one of RTS and DTR and the computer program I was using polled the K3 and asserted RS-232 RTS and/or DTR during that poll. 73 de Di

PSK generation and decode is performed by K3 firmware, not the K3 utility. The K3 Utility doesn’t set data submodes, you must do that from the K3 panel. I’ve never tried PSK63, but give it a try! The

Key line? ACC cable screwed on? Dick, K6KR

These are in the K3 and KX3 Programmer’s Reference document, available at http://www.elecraft.com/K2_Manual_Download_Page.htm#K3 There is a link to this document and a number of command macro examples

There is a link in K3 Utility Help, at the bottom of the command macros discussion, that describes the technique. Essentially you use two command memories, one for split and another for unsplit, and a

The Windows K3 Utility supports COM1 thru COM255. Some have had trouble finding the right port #. I'd suggest observing the Windows device manager and plug the adapter in to see what new port # appear

K3 Utility Help, Troubleshooting, MCU Load Failure. 73 de Dick, K6KR

I am under the impression that one can add a KBFP3 general coverage receive option to a K3 at any time, at the time of initial purchase or sometime later. http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KBPF3_Option_I

Setting up a SPKR+PH toggle is easier without using a macro. Hold CONFIG and rotate VFO B to choose SPKR+PH. Hold PF1. Observe “PF1 set” in the VFO B area. Tap the MENU button to close the menu. There

Looks like the ones I have. But I paid less than $70. http://www.amazon.com/GearMo®-36inch-Windows-Certified-Drivers/dp/B004ETDC8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421407524&sr=8-2&keywords=Gearmo Dick, K6KR

Barry: I acquired a four port USB to serial adapter from Amazon.com. The mfgr is Gearmo. It has a USB A plug on the PC end and four DE9 connectors. Works great. I think they also manufacture a two por

I’d set the power setting to your preferred value and then “lock” a few controls (Power, microphone gain, compression). This was added for K3 owners who took their radios to Field Day and wanted to ma

I have a four-port USB to serial adapter cable (Gearmo brand, from Amazon) and also an eight-port EdgePort that takes one USB hub on the computer and offers 4 or 8 serial connections. I also use a KXS