[Elecraft] K3 potentiometer dead spots?

[Gary Hinson]

I have James.  The Width encoder [not a pot as such] on K3#2887
doesn't always respond while turning.  Elecraft sent me a replacement
part though I haven't actually soldered it in yet - too busy using the
radio!  

FWIW I've just had another failure of the little AF knob.  All four
nested knobs were replaced already about 3 months ago due to the
originals cracking, but one of the new ones has also now cracked and
lost a chunk off the end.  I think I saw a rumor here that new
stronger knobs (with metal collets?) were being ordered - does anyone
know if they are available yet, please?

73,
Gary  ZL2iFB

> -----Original Message-----
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net 
> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of K2QI
> Sent: Thursday, 29 October 2009 7:36 AM
> To: Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 potentiometer dead spots?
> 
> No one has experienced anything similar? I'm surprised...
> 
> James K2QI
> 
> On Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 9:07 PM, James Sarte 
> <k2qi.nyc at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > My 4 knobs (filter shift, width, mic, and pwr) have 
> developed what seems
> > like dead spots where turning them doesn't affect a change. 
>  If I turn the
> > knobs slowly, sometimes the reading on the panel won't 
> adjust.  I've noticed
> > on a friends K3 that has a much newer serial number that 
> those 4 knobs no
> > longer have a detent feel when spinning them, and are much 
> harder to turn
> > but have more accuracy in adjustments.  Was there a change 
> over in terms of
> > component suppliers for those pots?  It seems this problem 
> on my K3 is
> > getting worse.  Should I send back to Aptos for replacement of
those
> > potentiometers?