[Elecraft] New tuning knob for the KX2

[Mike Morrow]

Joe wrote:

>I love my KX2 but the main tuning knob has always been a problem for me.
>
>It’s just a tad too small and not easy to spin rapidly.
>
>I found a very nice aluminum knob for the KX2 being sold on eBay by a gentleman in Winterport,ME.
>
>The tracking item nr. is:  264113321673.
>
>The knob costs $24.95 shipped, is CNC machined aluminum and is  black in color….not exactly cheap but worth every penny IMHO.
>
>I just put it on my KX2 and tuning is now a dream…it feels like a much larger knob and the finger dimple is larger than the stock KX2 knob which allows for a nice fit.
>
>It also fits the KX1 for all of the KX1 users out there.
>
>A very nice addition to my KX2.
>
>Now, if only Wayne can find a ball bearing rotary encoder for the KX2  all would be well in the world (grin).
>
>Enjoy those Elecraft radios.
>
>			73, Joe W2KJ
>			I QRP, therefore I am

Better is "I QRP, therefore I HAM"?

To your point, this is what Wayne/N6KR wrote about the KX2 knob, 30 March 2017, on the Elecraft list:

----Start quote----------
In response to various comments on the KX2 knob (today and earlier): 

Our goal for the KX2 was to make it really lightweight. Light enough to be used as an HT. Goat-optional on longer hikes. 

Even 1 ounce of additional weight can increase fatigue when holding a device (try, for example, carrying around an iPhone 7 vs. an iPhone 7+). So we designed a low-profile plastic VFO A knob that is big enough to get the job done. 

Another reason not to use a heavier knob is that the KX2’s VFO encoder is itself a compact unit that has a sleeve bearing. Weighted knobs should in general be used only with heavier, ball-bearing style encoders. On this encoder, a heavy knob would shorten the rotational life. 

Regarding adding a dimple: I’ve tried knobs this size with dimples and found that they were hard to use. A matter of taste and fingertip size, I guess. Meanwhile, the present knob can be “spun” to a certain degree by putting light finger pressure on the rim. 

73, 
Wayne 
N6KR
----End quote------

Mike / KK5F