Mitch, I was afraid of that (the RTFM). A most recent observation is interesting to me. Maybe it will be to someone else who may be following this thread. As previously noted my two boxes will connect and indicate SIP transfer if the Control box "Auto Connect" option is selected. Once in that mode the remote Radio box interface does begin to show an option box labeled "Disconnect". Each and every time I click (from N.C.) on that Disconnect option (in Florida) my TS-480 control head (in N.C.) sounds off a short beep. It is the same short beep that the control head would express when the system actually worked properly about 3 weeks ago, and it was turned on. Because the Control box Auto Connect option remains "on", clicking on the remote Disconnect button results in only a brief disconnect. Then the system resumes transferring. Repeated clicking on Disconnect results in a corresponding series of beeps.
The same day I made the above described observations I also had the opportunity to set up my Control box, TS-480 head, and laptop, at a completely different QTH in another state (Tenn.). I was careful to make sure I had a useable connection. I also had a brand new TS-480 to RRC 6-wire phone cord. Because my system hasn't, in any normal fashion, tried to work since I left Florida 3+ weeks ago, I was not to surprised that it didn't work in Tennessee either.
When I get back home I'll be anxious to connect the TS-480 head and radio together again. If proper operation is observed I will begin to seriously doubt that I'll ever see this TS-480 work with RRC again. At least Elecraft has informed me that my lightning damaged K3/P3 has been fixed. Since RRC did work quite well with the K3 for almost two years I will have to be satisfied to believe that such operation will resume. I will also have a little used TS-480 for sale. Art