[Elecraft] KX3 encoder: mechanical noise?

[Andrew Moore]

Dennis:

Disclaimer: this is not an official "fix" from Elecraft, nor is the
scratchy encoder necessarily a "problem" and it will likely smooth out with
use. Proceed at your own risk.

Similar scratchy on mine. Per someone else's suggestion, I removed the
encoder's washer (you don't need to remove the nut), polished both sides
using a Dremel tool (use a polishing bit with a little dab of polishing
compound) -- not a sanding or grinding bit! -- and applied a small bit of
white lithium grease. Great improvement, I'd say 98% smooth.

For more info see this previous post:

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-td7560208.html

73,
--Andrew, NV1B
..

On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 6:13 PM, K4THE <dnns0227 at embarqmail.com> wrote:

> Newbie here with KX3-K #3049. My encoder shaft had 2 very tight spots as I
> turned the shaft - even without the knob attached. I hoped it would go away
> but after a week of use it was still very tight. I removed encoder and
> could
> see the C-clip and the washer underneath rotating on the threaded shaft. I
> applied a drop of 3-in-1 oil to washer & clip and worked it in well:
> turning
> shaft while pushing it in and pulling out, more oil - repeat. Reinstalled
> encoder and knob. It now turns smoothly and is 95% better. 73 Dennis K4THE