[Elecraft] K3: machined concentric knobs from Mouser

[James Sarte]

(Sorry for the duplicate reply; email problems...)

Wayne,

My intentions certainly weren't to insult the designers.  However, there's
only so much that can be done quality-wise at a certain price point - I
understand that.  It's true that Elecraft has stepped up to the plate and
replaced all broken knobs which I commend.  The problem in my case however,
is that both sets of replacement knobs which I paid for and received had
off-centered holes.  They didn't crack this time around, but because of the
off-centered holes, were incredibly difficult to adjust.  The top knob would
rub against the bottom no matter what because of the cam effect.

Anyway, to answer your question... if Elecraft designed and released a
complete set of machined aluminum knobs and sold it as an upgrade for $200,
I'd order it.  In my opinion, the current plastic knobs are the weak-point
in an otherwise perfect package.

73 de James K2QI

-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Burdick [mailto:n6kr at elecraft.com] 
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2009 1:08 AM
To: k2qi.nyc at gmail.com
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: re: K3: machined concentric knobs from Mouser

Hi John,

The K3's knobs were custom-designed (by me). They match, too :)  So  
the thought of using knobs from another vendor on a K3 is a bit  
painful....

It's true that our knob manufacturer used the wrong material for one  
early batch of the dual concentrics. But we caught most of them,  
rejected the rest of the stock, and we've been replacing them in the  
field as quickly as possible. The correct material is very strong, as  
you'd expect.

If anyone feels their K3 knobs are substandard in any way, they can  
request new ones at no charge.

I suppose some operators might prefer a full set of machined knobs,  
but you can imagine how the cost of K3 would have to increase given  
$14 per small knob, and more for the larger ones. Like most other  
manufacturers, we've tried to keep our rigs cost-effective, yet still  
aesthetically pleasing.

(That said, would you pay $200 for those knobs if we designed them for  
you? Just asking....)

73,
Wayne
N6KR