Re: [Elecraft] K3S RF/SQL Adjustment
Brett, I am new to the K3S. I set mine according to the Fred Cady book. Mine are slightly different from yours. But I don't have a good understanding of how the settings affect the performance. Sometimes I think the rig is very noisy, even when connected to a dummy load. I am interested in the advice you get ! Mike NJ2OM -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S RF/SQL Adjustment
Mike . . . All rigs are "noisy" if you run the RF gain full bore. Experiment with backing off the RF gain and increasing the AF gain (if needed) until a good signal-to-noise ratio is attained by your ears. This applies to both CW and SSB. It will also be helpful if you put the AGC in "fast" mode. Finally, ignore the S-meter. It will only confuse you and is needed only when comparing two or more incoming signals. It has nothing to do with optimizing reception. 73, Kent K9ZTV On 2/17/2021 12:57 PM, NJMike wrote: Brett, I am new to the K3S. I set mine according to the Fred Cady book. Mine are slightly different from yours. But I don't have a good understanding of how the settings affect the performance. Sometimes I think the rig is very noisy, even when connected to a dummy load. I am interested in the advice you get ! Mike NJ2OM -- This email has been checked for viruses by AVG. https://www.avg.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S RF/SQL Adjustment
Mike and Brett, Go to my webpage www.w3fpr.com and scroll the left column to the "Noisy K3" article for assistance in adjusting the AGC Threshold and slope. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/17/2021 1:57 PM, NJMike wrote: Brett, I am new to the K3S. I set mine according to the Fred Cady book. Mine are slightly different from yours. But I don't have a good understanding of how the settings affect the performance. Sometimes I think the rig is very noisy, even when connected to a dummy load. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
Hank, He should email supp...@elecraft.com for the most certain response. In the meantime, the encoders for VFO A and VFO B are the same - so he should swap them to see if the problem follows the encoder. If it does, then a new encoder will fix it. If not, it is more involved and will require additional assistance from Elecraft support. If he does not know how to remove the Front Panel assembly and swap the encoders, he should download the assembly manual to see how it goes together and then reverse the procedure. 73, Don W3FPR On 2/17/2021 4:08 PM, Hank Garretson 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
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 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 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to mbaileyc...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3S RF/SQL Adjustment
Adjusting the AGC threshold and slope on my K3 to my liking made all the difference for me. I did the same on the KX3 and KX2, as well. Tim On Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 11:21 AM Don Wilhelm wrote: > Mike and Brett, > > Go to my webpage www.w3fpr.com and scroll the left column to the "Noisy > K3" article for assistance in adjusting the AGC Threshold and slope. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 2/17/2021 1:57 PM, NJMike wrote: > > Brett, I am new to the K3S. I set mine according to the Fred Cady book. > > Mine are slightly different from yours. But I don't have a good > > understanding of how the settings affect the performance. Sometimes I > think > > the rig is very noisy, even when connected to a dummy load. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to ae...@worldwidedx.com > -- Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
Kurt did talk with Elecraft support. He has replacement encoder on order. Thank you all. 73, Hank, W6SX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
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-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Morgan Bailey Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 4:38 PM To: Hank Garretson ; Elecraft@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 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 > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > mbaileyc...@gmail.com > __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to pin...@erols.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
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 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-boun...@mailman.qth.net > On > Behalf Of Morgan Bailey > Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 4:38 PM > To: Hank Garretson ; Elecraft@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 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 > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to > > mbaileyc...@gmail.com > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message > delivered to pin...@erols.com > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to jimk...@gmail.com > -- Jim K0XU j...@rhodesend.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
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 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-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Morgan Bailey Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 4:38 PM To: Hank Garretson ; Elecraft@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 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 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to mbaileyc...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to pin...@erols.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to jimk...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
K3 serial number 21 (kit no. 1) has carried the 73cnc weighted knobs on both the main and sub VFOs for more than 13 years of nearly nightly use. It has been the primary CW rig for 11 Field Days, numerous special events, and upwards of a dozen Boy Scout outings. The knobs have been twirled by club members with heavy fists and kids with youthful exuberance. Yet they continue to provide the smooth and silky feel characteristic of those weighted knobs used in high end receivers for nearly 100 years. If the tuning shafts and encoders are in imminent danger of “angular momentum and torque” leading to premature wear, my K3 didn’t get the memo. Such concerns about non-Elecraft accessories are usually conjectural in my opinion, if not plain nonsense. 73, Kent K9ZTV > On Feb 17, 2021, at 3:37 PM, someone wrote: > > One of the problems with the knobs is that sometimes people change out the > stock injected molded knob 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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail
Kent, I completely agree...I have had the CNC knobs on my K3 since purchased with no issue and tuning is a delight. I have the same knobs on all my S-Line equipment + my 75A4 and a custom knob made for my Racal RA6790GM which has the smoothest tuning of any receiver I have owned (and I've had quite a few). 73 Mike K7PI -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of K9ZTV Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2021 5:45 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Big Knob Fail K3 serial number 21 (kit no. 1) has carried the 73cnc weighted knobs on both the main and sub VFOs for more than 13 years of nearly nightly use. It has been the primary CW rig for 11 Field Days, numerous special events, and upwards of a dozen Boy Scout outings. The knobs have been twirled by club members with heavy fists and kids with youthful exuberance. Yet they continue to provide the smooth and silky feel characteristic of those weighted knobs used in high end receivers for nearly 100 years. If the tuning shafts and encoders are in imminent danger of “angular momentum and torque” leading to premature wear, my K3 didn’t get the memo. Such concerns about non-Elecraft accessories are usually conjectural in my opinion, if not plain nonsense. 73, Kent K9ZTV > On Feb 17, 2021, at 3:37 PM, someone wrote: > > One of the problems with the knobs is that sometimes people change out the > stock injected molded knob 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. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ex...@comcast.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
