[Elecraft] K3: Knob Question

[David Cole]

Hi,

I have a new K3, well, maybe 4 months old now...  I noticed that the CW
Speed knob, and the Filter Width knob have become noticeably sloppy in
their mounting holes, as compared to the other knobs of the same type.  

There is perhaps 1/8 inch of play at the end of both knobs.  This is as
measured by grasping one of the knobs gently pulling it left or right.
The shaft feels like it is becoming loose in the encoder.  

The power and shift knobs on the face do not have this level of play in
them, they have about 1/2 the amount.  Originally these knobs all felt
the same.  

Is this a sign of impending failure, or just a sign of use?  I am
assuming from the feel and look of the failure, that it is not the knob
that is the issue, but the encoder shaft.  The knobs feel exactly as new
if I press them in to change functions, they just seem loose in the
encoder mounting while handling them.  If I turn the filter width too
fast, it skips, is this normal?

These are the two knobs I use the most.  I am quite careful in handling
the radio, so it is not caused by my over stressing the knobs in their
mounts.  I treat them gently all the time.  Any thoughts?

-- 

Thanks and 73's,
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