[Elecraft] K3: Knob Question

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

I had to replace two of those that got bunged, plus the dual AF/SUB pot, a
drop to the face of the K3. While it was straightforward, it is a good bit
of work, and it's careful soldering. The same thing would apply if your
encoders quit working due to wear or ...  I wouldn't take it on unless you
lose operation.

Mine have always had a bit of play. I've gotten used to it and don't think
about it any more. Every now and then a slow knob turn on one of the
encoders doesn't move the setting, but I think that's an internal time out
thing waiting for the other half of the state change to come across the
line into the CPU. Don't expect people to be creeping with the adjustment.

On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 10:32 PM, David Cole <dave at nk7z.net> wrote:
>
> 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,
> For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
> www.nk7z.net
> for MixW support see;
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>
>
>
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