[Elecraft] K3 - Intermittent FP switches

[Fred Jensen]

Related question:  My K3 [S/N 642] which I built from the kit has 
developed an "intermittent front panel problem," where tapping a switch 
doesn't always yield the action it should.  For example, tapping MODE UP 
might yield the same result as tapping AGC.  There is no guarantee that 
the next MODE UP will result in AGC however, and in fact, it may 
actually result in MODE UP or something else.  I have found that if I 
tap a switch strongly, requiring me to hold the K3 itself, it will 
usually result in the proper action.

Some switches seem to be better than others, and those that I use the 
most seem to be better than those I rarely use.  I began to notice this 
several years ago, occurring rarely.  Frequency of occurrence has 
increased slowly since then.

I know there is a mod to the FP connectors that involves gold pins, but 
I don't know if that would correct this problem.  The radio works just 
fine otherwise.  Maybe I'm just wearing out the switches?

73,

Fred ("Skip") K6DGW
Sparks NV USA
Washoe County DM09dn

On 3/16/2017 12:17 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Dwight,
>
> That is not necessary when removing the front panel assembly.
> It *is* necessary if you separate the DSP board from the Front Panel 
> board.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR