[Elecraft] K2 VFO encoder / control board close fit

[Robert G Strickland]

Mark...

All else aside, I'd suggest using good quality electrical tape, perhaps 
even two layers. It won't slip and has a better half life than paper.

...robert

On 5/6/2018 02:58, Mark Petrovic wrote:
> While performing the initial power on tests on my K2 S/N 7809, I noticed
> that the VFO knob/display tuning test produced a sluggish, intermittent, or
> no change in display when I turned the knob in either direction.
>
> I proceeded to remove the two chassis screws securing the control board to
> the front panel board.  This allowed the control board to relax and
> slightly fall away from the front panel board, toward the back of the
> radio, opening up the space between the front panel encoder board and the
> control board. The display was at once responsive to knob turning on all
> RATE settings.
>
> Next, I slipped a piece of paper between the encoder board and the control
> board, then reattached the control board to the front panel board with the
> chassis screws.  The display continued to be properly responsive to knob
> movement.  When I tugged on the paper to see how tight the fit was, it
> resisted being slipped from its position.  It was fairly pinned down.
>
> Here is a photo of the control board backside taken at a glancing angle,
> showing the joints for J1 in the foreground, and the pins of the U6 socket
> behind that.  The socket pins should probably be trimmed, which I did not
> anticipate.  The other joints, while not necessarily overly beautiful, I'll
> also check for height.  It's not clear to me which pins on the encoder
> board are shorting to which pins on the control board, but it seems clear
> that some are.
>
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/KDzlAixNghg2tmhy1
>
> If after trimming the U6 socket pins the problem persists, I'll leave the
> paper slip in, but I don't feel great about it.  The paper could fail on
> these sharp solder joints given vibration over long periods of time.
>
> Has anyone else had an experience like this where the front panel board
> meets the control board?  I believe the manual talks warns about this
> condition.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Mark
> AE6RT
>
>

-- 
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
rcrgs at verizon.net.usa
Syracuse, New York, USA