[Elecraft] Big Knob Fail

[Dave Cole]

I think the issue is in shipping...  When, (not if), the shipper drops 
your K3 to the ground from 4 or 5 feet up, and the rig stops with a 20G 
or 30G, (or more), pulse at end to motion, the weighted knob then 
becomes a rather good looking hammer hitting the encoder shaft...  Never 
a good idea...

If someone has a definitive answer to this, I would love to see it...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 2/17/21 3:32 PM, Jim Rhodes wrote:
> Wayne and Eric have stated numerous times here on the reflector that
> weighted knobs should not be an issue on the encoders, I have been using
> them for years (although not heavily or even daily due to travel for work)
> and have never had an issue,
> 
> On Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 4:14 PM Charlie T <pincon at erols.com> wrote:
> 
>> I fully agree.  I would NOT put a weighted knob on any electronic tuning
>> mechanism, unless of course it was designed for it.
>>
>> Lots of Collins guys like to install those weighted tuning * knobs on their
>> S-Lines, which were NOT made to take excessive extra wear caused by the
>> very
>> heavy knob.
>>
>> 73, Charlie k3ICH
>>
>> * The "weighted" Collins knob actually has the outer skirt replaced with
>> one
>> made of solid brass which is painted satin black to match the standard
>> Bakelite knobs.
>> It was never intended to be used on the regular 200 kHz tuning via pinch
>> roller, S-Line but was designed to smooth-out the klunky tuning in their
>> 51S-1 receiver.
>> It does great for that.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net>
>> On
>> Behalf Of Morgan Bailey
>> Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 4:38 PM
>> To: Hank Garretson <w6sx at arrl.net>; Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
>>
>> One of the problems with the knobs is that sometimes, people change the
>> injected molded knob out for a HEAVY machined knob. The mechanism inside
>> the
>> radio is not built for this type of installation. A rapid spin with the
>> angular momentum and torque of the heavy knob will wear out the device.
>> This will require taking the front panel off and replacing the component.
>> This has been discussed many times in the past on this forum. It sounds
>> like
>> his main frequency control device is worn out/damaged and will need
>> replacement. I would continue to call Elecraft until I get through to a
>> technician and most likely have it sent in and fixed.
>>
>> I wish your friend well in getting his rig fixed. Withdrawal is a bummer.
>>
>> 73, Morgan NJ8M
>>
>> On Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 3:10 PM Hank Garretson <w6sx at arrl.net> wrote:
>>
>>> My buddy Kurt, W6PH, who is not on the list, has a K3S. Recently the
>>> VFO knob has been intermittent and it is now total fail. Does not
>>> change frequency. When he goes to CONFIG or MENU, VFO knob does not
>>> change anything. All other knobs and buttons work including VFO B.
>>>
>>> Kurt called Elecraft support and was directed to voice mail.
>>>
>>> Any ideas?
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Hank, W6SX
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> 
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