[Elecraft] K3 I/O Caution

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Did you install that DB9 Gil? I ask because a common mistake when assembling
the connector is to put the shoulders of the jack screws in the wrong place
inside the housing. I became aware of it when some builders had that problem
assembling the connectors supplied with their transverter kits no mating
properly and making intermittent contact. 

Probably the best way to describe it is to refer you to Figure 10 on page 10
in the XV Owner's manual available here:

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/XV%20Transverter%20Owner's%20Manual-D.pdf

If the jack screws are positioned too far forward (toward the contacts) they
will "bottom out" before the connectors are fully mated.

Ron AC7AC



-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gil Cross
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 3:21 PM
To: Bob Patten; Elecraft Reflector; k3support at elecraft.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 I/O Caution


        This missive caused me to look at my installation also. I found that

the situation was not good. The contacts in the db9m connector made very 
minimal contact. In fact the retaining screws would not draw the connectors 
together fully and if the connectors were forced together as far as they 
would go ,you could then pull on the connector attached to the cable and the

result was you were able to pull the connectors apart by .03 or more but 
still evidently making contact but in my mind not a good situation at 
all....Also the cable connector could be wiggled somewhat.
        I have made a couple of wire washers from #18 wire and placed them 
between the shoulder of the retaining screws and the connector housing, also

I removed the lock washers from under the jack screw nuts. This gave me 
another.07 of engagement when the screws were tightened to hold the 
connectors together and there is no longer any wiggle of the cable 
connector. Works for me until something better comes along.

                        Gil  K8EAG   K3 99