[Elecraft] K3 Tuning Knob - one more thought...

[Joe Stofko]

I was not going to add to all the “one washer or two” comments
 but
 
here’s my two washers
 er, cents worth.

I replied over the weekend, off list, to Barry, N1EU. I had the same
difficulty that he described
 an uneven tension on the main tuning knob
through the 360 degree rotation.  It was impossible to use the indent on
the knob because of this. As I told Barry, I could not remember where I
saw it.. but, I remembered reading somewhere that two washers should be 
used behind the main knob. Three washers came with my kit. I had
figured that one was just an “extra”.  Adding the second washer was
just what the doctor ordered. No more binding
 rotation is smooth with
the drag set just the way I like it. 

I got an off list reply from Barry that adding the second washer solved his
knob woes as well.  I guess it’s just a matter of preference
 or the fact
that some folks are more skilled at a “one washer solution” !!   Before
adding the second washer on my K3, I did try to re-position the single
washer
 and, although I was able to improve the situation somewhat

adding the second made a huge difference.  

Anyway
 if you’ve only used one washer and the rotation is smooth, I would
say, “leave well enough alone !”  Same, if you’ve got two installed. I mean,
why mess with the mojo ?!!

73, 
Joe – W1AIU





It's entirely a matter of personal preference, David. It all depends upon
the "feel" you like. I had two originally, but now have one. Perhaps I'm not
as critical (and I have not had any tendency for the knob to rub on the
bezel). Then again, I still have at best maybe five or six hours of
operating my K3! It's always in bits documenting the latest look at a better
way to handle some part of the build. 

Ron 

-----Original Message-----

Ok, so would you advise removing one?

And no problem on ack of mail, didn't expect on.


On 18/02/2008 17:05, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <ron at cobi.biz> sent:

> Yes, dropping the second washer was intentional, David. I forgot about 
> that brief period last year as we were making a number of changes. 
> There was some discussion back and forth about whether one or two felt 
> washers should be used, and I was asked to include two in the manual 
> at one time, but that was dropped almost immediately.
> 
> It certainly sounds like there's some interest in having that option.
> 
> Sorry you didn't get an acknowledgement of your e-mail. I can assure 
> you that all the suggestions are reviewed and very much appreciated! 
> Those that don't come directly to me are forwarded by Wayne and Eric.
> 
> Ron AC7AC