[Elecraft] [K3] Problem w/front panel switches

[Jessie Oberreuter]

      I had the same experience several months back.  Tracing it down, I 
found that one of the encoder push-buttons had internally semi-shorted to 
ground.  Each front-panel switch essentially acts as a divider tap, so the 
semi-short ended up shifting the effective tap point of every other switch 
on the panel.  I snipped the offending switch lead, and all was fine.  As 
a CW op, having that knob permanently set to cw speed hasn't been an 
issue, but I do intend to send the rig in for a full replacement of all 
four switch/encoders as soon as my KX3 arrives :).  (When I contacted 
Elecraft for a replacement part, I was told that I should just have all 
four replaced, as the switch/encoders they are using now have a much nicer 
feel than the first gen ones used in my #286 K3, and I would notice the 
difference in feel between a single new part and the old ones.)


On Sun, 26 Aug 2012, Phil & Debbie Salas wrote:

> Well - Thought I'd put this out here since it'll be tomorrow before I can
> contact Elecraft Support.
>
> This morning my K3 (SN308) started having problems with the front panel
> controls.  I can't change bands with the BAND button, pressing the MODE
> button changes antennas, pressing the M>V button plays my M1 CW message,
> etc.  I re-loaded all firmware, and I pulled the front panel loose and
> dabbed some DeOxit on the connector (I've heard of problems with the tin
> plated pins which I have).  Anyway, no joy.  Anyone see anything familiar,
> and know of a solution?
>
> BTW - I can switch bands using the buttons on my KPA500, and it transmits
> fine.  Just front panel button problems.
>
> Thanks,
> Phil - AD5X
>
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