[Elecraft] KX3 tuning knob friction

[Matt Zilmer]

The K3's VFO encoder shaft has bearings that allow it to freewheel.
The KX3's doesn't have these.  I doubt this will change.

With a portable transceiver, it's better if the VFO stays where it's
put.  This attribute also assists in mobile ops with a lot more lumps
and bumps to the VFO.

73,
matt W6NIA
KX3 #6 FT

On Sat, 09 Jun 2012 19:59:02 -0700, you wrote:

>I'm OK with it, but my encoder shaft does not appear to be free spinning.
>Keeping the knob away from the felt washer still shows drag.  I'll give it
>some time.  Probably OK as it is.
>
>73,
>Phil, NS7P
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
>[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm
>Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2012 7:15 PM
>To: Joseph Trombino, Jr
>Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 tuning knob friction
>
>
>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???
>>
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