[Elecraft] Questions from a Liberal Arts Major

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Hi Rich,

I've forwarded your comments to our test techs to make sure they look 
for this on each RF board as they test and align it.

73, Eric  WA6HHQ


Rich wrote:
> The factory installed PowerPole connector was misaligned on my K3.  After
> trying to make sure the connectors I made were correct, several times, I
> discovered that the “flat” (with a small dimple) connectors were to far back
> on the heavy piece of wire they are soldered to.  This prevents them from
> extending all the way out to the proper position as required by the mating
> PowerPole connector. Thus when connected the little humps had nor slide over
> each other and were not fully engaged.  I heated up each of these two
> factory installed connectors and slid them outward slightly – making sure
> that they are PERFECTLY even with each other. This took several attempts. 
> Once I had gotten perfect alignment with the PowerPole connector installed
> in the K3 I achieved a good connection. It now takes about 3-5 pounds of
> force to pull them apart.  Since the connector in the K3 is mounted on heavy
> wire if they are not soldered in the correct position they will not fit in
> the connector correctly.   AND since this wire has a 90 degree bend at the
> back, it can keep the connector case from going all the way back and
> preventing proper engagement of the mating connector.  The connector on the
> flexible wire is not a problem as there is give between the two wires and
> that can allow the connectors to be properly seated in the case for proper
> alignment and connection with the mating connector. 
>
> I believe that if the PowerPole on the K3 was installed on a short length of
> flexible wire we would not be reading about this problem as it would not
> exist.  Either Elecraft should test EVERY connector or mount the connector
> on a short length or wire.
>
> Rich,
> KE0X
>
>
>