[Elecraft] K2 sn 179 drop outs

[Geert Jan de Groot]

On 29/06/2022 17:29, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
> I used my K2, s/n 179, at FD with great success with one problem. During tuning on 40 and 20M the encoder would temporarily "drop out", causing the received signals to cut out.
> I bought the radio at an estate sale last September with the intent to use it for FD. It was a Rev A so I put in the Rev B upgrades for whatever options were installed (not much if any). I also added the noise blanker. I had noticed the drop out when I used the radio on occasion but assumed it was due to lack of use.
> Elecraft doesn't show an upgraded encoder assembly on their website. Is there one for such an old radio? I have an email in to the tech support there, as well as researching the reflector.

I am not aware of problems with the main K2 encoder, or with encoder 
problems causing audio to drop. Actually, I don't fully understand what 
you mean with "drop out" - does the radio suddenly change frequency, and 
if so, does that also happen if the main dial is locked?

If the encoder has an intermittent short then the frequency may jump but 
it should not cause an audio cut.

My first recommendation is to take apart the front panel and closely 
investigate the soldering between the main encoder and the frontpanel PCB.

There used to be a new encoder for the K2, see 
https://ftp.elecraft.com/K2/Manuals%20Downloads/E740177%20K2%20Encoder%20Installation%20Instructions,%20rev%20B.pdf 

THis encoder included a small PCB to make the new encoder behave like 
the old one. This used to be listed as K2 spare part but I don't see it 
listed anymore. Note that if you get a new encoder, you also get a 
different tuning know because the shaft diameter is different.

But, in all years I yet have to hear about "K2 main encoder doesn't work 
anymore". There have been issues with other encoders on newer radios but 
the main K2 one has been robust. You may want to check the soldering job 
done.

Geert Jan