[Elecraft] 1/4" paddle jack rear panel of K3

Tue Jan 31 14:10:23 EST 2012

I'd be very careful about putting a nut and washer on the paddle jack 
outside the cabinet.  The jack is apparently loose or at least not very 
tightly attached to the circuit board.  I cannot remember if there is 
any mechanical fastener involved with these jacks but i don't think 
there is.

A nut might make things worse, as it might work as a 'jack' screw and 
pull the jack off the board by it's roots so to speak.

It really needs to be assessed to see exactly what is loose, not just 
guessing, and then do a proper repair.  this might mean completely 
removing the jack, and cleaning up the board, and re-attaching hte jack 
properly to the circuit board.

Be advised that this type of thing can happen if the radio is operated 
with the radio tilted, and a long plug or possibly a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter 
and then a long plug used so that the outboard end of the plug where the 
cable exits is resting on the table with some upward pressure.  This 
could put some upward strain on the connection that after time, begins 
to work loose.

It can also happen if the plug is yanked out of the jack by the cord.  
I've had the cables get tangled and while trying to unplug one item, 
something else gets unceremoniously unplugged.

Good luck, but don't jump the a quick fix, make sure you're fixing the 
correct problem.

...bill  nr4c

On Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:56:16 -0500, Linda and Bob wrote:
> Rick,
> I just checked the rear panel at the paddle jack area. There is no
> external lock washer or nut on this outside threaded jack. It may be
> possible to place a round or hexagonal nut on the outside of the jack
> on the rear panel. This may help to tighten the jack from the outside
> of the radio cabinet . I believe that there isn't an internal nut
> holding this jack. It must be soldered to one of the internal PCB's.
>
> If I knew the tread diameter of the paddle jack, I might be able to
> install a round nut over the threaded shaft of the paddle jack (on 
> the
> outside). Maybe Elecraft could send me this part. The 1/4" key jack
> next to the paddle jack is tight with no wiggle. It must also be
> located on the same PCB.
>
> I have to check the assembly manual for this illustration. I only
> have the operating manual. My K3 was factory built. The paddle jack
> has been loose since I purchased my K3/100.
>
> Perhaps, Don, W3FPR knows what to do? I will also contact Elecraft
> service as well as Eric.
>
> Only the rear portion of the bottom cover needs to be removed (figure
> 2; page 8 of the K3 manual). It looks like there are 7 screrws which
> are 3/16" long with no lock washers as well as 3 screws with tooth
> lock wahsers 1/4" long [10 screws in total]?
>
> Bob Wilderman, K3SRO
> dlrwild1 at verizon.net
>
>
> K3/100 SN# 4669
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: Rick Tavan
>   To: Linda and Bob
>   Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 01:11 PM
>   Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 1/4" paddle jack rear panel of K3
>
>
>   You could open the rear lower panel and check the soldering on its
> pins. Then contact support at elecraft.com.
>
>
>   GL & 73,
>
>   --
>   Rick Tavan
>
>   On Jan 31, 2012, at 9:58 AM, "Linda and Bob" <dlrwild1 at verizon.net> 
> wrote:
>
>
>     Rick,
>     Thanks for you reply. I will check to see if the nut surrounding
> the jack is tight. My K3/100 was factory built, but you never know if
> the builder was rushed, hi! Perhaps it became loose in transit.
>
>     If it is tight and still wiggles, what do you suggest?
>
>     Bob
>     K3SRO
>       ----- Original Message -----
>       From: Rick Tavan N6XI
>       To: Linda and Bob
>       Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 12:15 PM
>       Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 1/4" paddle jack rear panel of K3
>
>
>       It shouldn't wiggle at all. CHeck the nut around its shaft that
> holds it to the rear panel.
>
>       /Rick
>
>
>       On Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Linda and Bob
> <dlrwild1 at verizon.net> wrote:
>
>         The 1/4" paddle jack on the rear of my K3/100 wiggles much
> more than other
>         rear panel jacks. Is this normal? I am afraid that the paddle
> jack may
>         disconnect from the PCB that it is attached to inside the 
> rig.
>
>         BTW, the 1/4" key jack next to the paddle jack does not
> wiggle at all.
>
>         It only seems to be a problem when I remove the paddle cable
> and plug from
>         the jack (which is rarely done) and then plug it in again.
> Thanks for your
>         help and input.
>
>         Bob Wilderman, K3SRO

>         dlrwild1 at verizon.net
>
>
>         
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>       --
>       Rick Tavan N6XI
>       Truckee, CA
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