[Elecraft] KX3 2M module SMA connector loosening

[Mike Parkes]

Ryan,
I experienced the same issue on my kx3 also. I was able to tighten it down
enough with a wrench to keep it snug so far, but still keep an eye on it. I
also thought abt locktite but didn't like the idea of introducing non
conductive material between the case and the jack.
73's Mike AB7RU

On May 26, 2018 8:01 AM, "Ryan Noguchi via Elecraft" <
elecraft at mailman.qth.net> wrote:

I recently bought and installed the KX3-2M transverter module in one of my
KX3s and am enjoying a much better experience receiving the downlink from
the Mode B AMSAT birds, compared to the TH-F6A I was using previously.
Sensitivity and ergonomics are a huge improvement.
Unfortunately, I find that the SMA connector loosens very quickly. I've
already had to open the case and almost completely uninstall the
transverter once (undoing and redoing everything except the internal coax
connections) just to retighten the nut, and it's already worked itself
loose again. Does anyone have a trick they used to keep the nut from
loosening? I can't get a lot of leverage with needlenose pliers with such a
skinny nut in such close proximity to fragile components, and the thin
lockwasher doesn't seem to be very effective. I thought I had cranked it
down pretty tight, but apparently not tight enough.
I seems that it would have been better to have the separate nut on the
outside end of the connector (like the connectors on the PX3), since those
can be tightened up very easily from the outside.
One option might be to use Blue Loctite. I don't think I'd ever need to
remove it unless Elecraft comes up with a dual-band (2M and 70CM) internal
transverter to replace it, but this option would likely be  permanent since
I don't think I could get enough mechanical leverage to break the Loctite
and don't think heating up the connector to loosen the Loctite would be a
good idea.
Any better ideas?
Thanks and 73, Ryan AI6DO
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