[Elecraft] KX3 tuning knob friction

[Don Wilhelm]

Joe,

There is no "grinding" involved, just use the allen wrench supplied to 
loosen the VFO knob setscrews and adjust for more or less drag between 
the knob and the felt washer.  The optical encoder is quite 
"free-spinning", and if there is not enough friction, unexpected 
frequency changes can occur while with too much friction, tuning becomes 
cumbersome.  The balance point in the middle is an individual decision, 
but I believe a totally free-wheeling encoder shaft will give you 
problem with unexpected frequency changes.

In other words, put a bit of drag on it, but just how much is an 
individual decision - now that you know the pros and cons, accept the 
consequences of your decision point.

This is *not* a problem to be fixed, it is an individual decision about 
how much drag should be on the VFO knob - as I have said, that is an 
individual decision.  Use your best judgement.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 6/9/2012 8:56 PM, Joseph Trombino, Jr wrote:
> My take on this is that there will be probably more home/portable users of the KX3 than those using it mobile in a car...in any event why not make the degree of friction adjustable by the user?
>
> I hate to have to grind away trying to turn a main tuning knob when operating...my K2 knob is adjustable along with the K3...is this friction a function of the optical encoder used???
>