[Elecraft] K3 front panel encoders

[Alan Sewell N5NA]

This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a 
problem for several years.  When I ordered the encoder Elecraft 
recommended replacing all four.  The encoders are only $3.34 each plus 
$3.50 for shipping.

I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at 
<http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>.

73, Alan N5NA


On 11/11/2014 6:19 PM, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> Olli,
>
> The SHIFT/LO control, etc., are mechanical encoders with a typical rotational life of 100,000 rotations. The are easily replaceable, and we can send you as many as you need. I believe the price is quite low. I don't believe is is possible to clean them, as they are sealed.
>
> In contrast, the VFO A and B encoders are optical, not mechanical, and they are specified at 10 million rotations. But the cost difference between optical and mechanical is huge (about 40:1). The mechanical encoders are very small, fitting in the available space, and are a pragmatic choice for the function controls.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Nov 11, 2014, at 8:57 AM, "Olli Tuppurainen"<oh6ct at sral.fi>  wrote:
>
>> >Has anyone figured out how to clean or fix front panel encoders  (SHIFT/LO ,
>> >HI /WIDTH) ?  These cheap ( ~ 0.5$  encoders ) in my K3 has always been
>> >quite " jumpy " i.e.  value jumps up and down in random steps . Also the"
>> >feeling " is not what you would expect form rig in this price range.
>> >
>> >Similar issue was in FT-1000MP RIT encoder in 90s . Dust got inside the
>> >optical encoder and turning RIT knob jumped frequency steps quite randomly.
>> >
>> >Olli
>> >OH6CT
>> >