[Elecraft] [KX3] Errors in cold conditions

[Chris]

Rotary Encoders (mechanical ones) can have their contacts temporarily 
lose connection to the connection on the wiring board. It is possible 
that the low temperatures cause the grease lubricating the contacts 
increased viscosity enough to lift the contacts off the board, so the 
circuit did not detect the rotation of the knob. As you noted it should 
resolve when it warms up. It may be a good tip to Elecraft to choose 
suppliers with lighter lubricants. The KX2 in particular is used in lots 
of POTA and SOTA expeditions where low temperatures are more common. The 
temperature spec on the encoder may be worth examining, but the tradeoff 
might be shorter lifespan on the encoders if the lubricant is changed....

73,

Chris K0PF

On 2/26/2026 10:14 AM, Ingo DK3RED via Elecraft wrote:
> Hello Elecrafters,
>
> I used my KX3 (#09479) outdoors last week during a winter holiday 
> (about -8 °C, snow, nearly 100% humidity). I noticed that the audio 
> knob wasn't responding to rotations as usual. Sometimes the volume 
> didn't change during a full rotation, and sometimes the value even 
> jumped backwards when turning it forwards. The error disappeared in 
> the warm hotel, but reappeared when I worked outdoors with the KX3 the 
> next day. Are there any clues as to where I should start troubleshooting?
>
> 73/72 de Ingo, DK3RED - Don't forget: the fun is the power!
> www.qrp4fun.de - dk3red at qrp4fun.de
>
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