[Elecraft] K3: Knob Question

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

The shaft of the encoders used does have a bit of lateral play. That is 
not normally a sign of impending failure, just an indication of use.  I 
would not be concerned about it unless there are signs of rotational 
encoder problems.

If the encoders do fail, they can be replaced yourself if you have good 
de-soldering equipment.  Since your K3 is less than 1 year old, Elecraft 
will supply the encoders at no cost should you wish to replace them.  As 
I said, I would not bother unless there is an indication of failure to 
respond when they are rotated.

If the encoders are turned quite fast, it is possible that the firmware 
cycles cannot keep up with that speed.  A bad encoder will appear 
erratic rather then slow responding.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/18/2014 10:32 PM, David Cole 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?
>