[Elecraft] K3 Audio I/O Module Physical Mounting

[Don Wilhelm]

  Roger,

A bit more information for those interested in the "logic of it all".

If one applies a little bit of the study of high school physics about 
levers and related movements along with a realization of the mechanics 
in the K3 board mounting, one should find that there is no problem.

The board is not secured at the panel end, and the limits of movement 
are constrained by the size of the holes in the panel.  There is the 
possibility of less than 1/8 inch of movement at the panel.  Now, 
applying the rules of levers, and translating that 1/8 inch of movement 
at the panel to the connector on the other side of the board, one should 
conclude that the movement at the connector (the pivot point) is 
minuscule.  The connector pins will not be bent by that amount of 
movement and the sockets will not loose their grip with that amount of 
angular mis-alignment.  For those with a bit more "Mechanics of 
materials" course study behind them, there is no way that the socket nor 
the connector pins will reach their limits of elasticity.

Bottom-line, no harm done, no problem.

For those who report no movement at all, yes, there are some instances 
where the panel does produce pressure on the board edge, and will render 
it unmovable with normal forces.  The differences are due to normal 
manufacturing tolerances in the board size.  Again, as long as the board 
fits and the panel is able to be mounted without bowing, the necessary 
conditions are met.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/27/2010 6:25 PM, Roger Gagos wrote:
> A couple of days ago I reported and asked the list about my Audio I/O Module
> had some vertical play from the earphone and mic plugs.  This isn't causing
> any problem, but I was curious if it was normal.
>
> Had a quick email exchange with Dale Farmer at Elecraft this afternoon and
> verified it is, in fact, normal and shouldn't be a concern.  Hasn't caused
> any problems here anyway; nothing moves when the mic and phones are in place
> and being used.
>
> I did get an email from AE6IC who lives near me saying his doesn't move at
> all.  My guess is that it varies by tolerances of rear panel holes or date
> of manufacture.  Anyway, not to worry....
>
> Isn't getting equipment with such great support a pleasure?
>