[Elecraft] K2 Main dial problem

[Don Brown]

Hi

I have not heard of anyone having this problem with the encoder shafts. H=
owever some months ago there was some discussion of a hard plastic cover =
that would snap over the front of the K2 to protect the controls. This se=
ems a better solution than redesigning the encoder with something that ma=
y not work well with the firmware. I don't know the status of this panel =
cover or when it will be available. Maybe Wayne or Eric could give us all=
 an update on this.

Don Brown
KD5NDB

----- Original Message -----
From: df5rf
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2002 4:22 PM
To: 'Elecraft'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Main dial problem

JFYI: Main dial in working condition again.
The axis of the encoder has been moved out of line, about 0.3 mm only.
The inner diameter of the axis is not as thick as the outer (visible) =20
part of it.
The encoder appears to be quite powerful, but because of the thinner inne=
r
axis any, even slight, mechanical shock coming sideways will bend the
axis. It happend to mine. I figured it out be first carefully listening =20
while
turning the dial. I could here it scratching faintly. To visually prove =20
the damage, I held
it against a neon light bulb. Once I recognized the angle of the bend, =20
it was
easy to put it back using a nose plier.
Now that I know of the fragile construction of the encoder I'm looking
for a replacement, because I'm using my K2 portable and that was one of
the top reasons to buy the kit. If anybody knows of an alternative =20
please let me know.
I've already colleced some ideas:
- replace with up/down buttons
- use a step motor which probably has a more rugged design
  ( there is an article in German FUNKAMATEUR issue Sept. 2002 =20
explaining how to
    use a step motor as a replacement for an optical encoder..)
- find another optical encoder with thicker axis

Any more ideas?
73
Gernot
DF5RF


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