Re: [Elecraft] K3 Rotary encoder

[Kimo Chun]

I am no expert on this radio. However, I notice that the part Evert is
referring to is not the same or type of encoder/part that David mentioned.
I am only going by the visual representation in the manual.
The E850239 is one of two identical rotary encoders used for VFO A and B. I
purchased a spare of that particular part. There is no part number listed
in the Assembly Manual for the HI / WIDTH control first mentioned. It
appears that part is one of several that are preinstalled on the E850242
Front Panel PCB Assembly and is not normally available or installed as a
separate kit part.

However, contacting the factory is advised if not already done.

1. They would be able to say whether it is advisable for that part to be
replaced in the field (granted, many people have the expertise and
equipment to do so).

2. They have been open to me and others with offering any parts (for sale)
that can be and/or in lieu of that, giving the OEM part they sourced
themselves. Those, in my case, were from Digi-key for which they provided
their part number purchased. Though not likely applicable in this case, one
thing you might have to investigate is whether the part Elecraft sourced is
correct for small quantity purchase and packaging format (not on a reel of
SMD intended for automated feeding and insertion). I"m injecting this
though I don't know if Elecraft does this. I think their contracted board
assembly builders may.

The point is...ask the source. If you want me to phone them on your behalf
I'd be glad to do so (so no international phone call).

Good luck.
73, Kimo Chun KH7U



On Sun, May 21, 2023 at 12:07 AM David Pratt  wrote:

> Several years ago I had a problem with one of my K3 encoders and
> obtained a replacement E850239 from Elecraft under warranty. However, I
> noticed that the two halves of the encoder had started to separate. They
> were held together by small aluminium rivets. By carefully removing the
> rivets, one by one, and replacing them with small screws of a suitable
> size the encoder could be repaired.  If your problem is with the encoder
> halves separating, Evert, that might be worth a try.
>
> 73 de David G4DMP
>
> On 21/05/2023 10:46, ev...@pa2kw.com wrote:
> > I think I have a defect rotary encoder on a K3.
> > It is the one used for setting the bandwidth (Hi/Width).
> > Anyone out here who knows the manufacturer / type number of this rotary
> encoder?
> >
> > 73. Evert PA2KW
>
> --
> + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
> | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds, UK  |
> | Website: https://www.g4dmp.co.uk  |
> + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
>
> __
> 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 k...@lava.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] Now: communications; Was: KPA1500 Amplifiers are now shipping from Stock

[Kimo Chun]

I may be incorrect but I thought this was the last I heard.
I have several things on backorder incl. KIO3 upgrade from that "last buy".
Kimo Chun KH7U

Date: Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:00:53 -0700
From: Wayne Burdick 
To: Pete Smith N4ZR 
Cc: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Any progress on K3 modules?
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hi Pete,

I just rechecked status on these boards. It looks like the KSYN3 will be
the first one to be manufactured. I'm not sure about the KIO3.
Unfortunately all of these modules (like everything from toasters to
Teslas) are subject to supply chain issues, and in most cases just one or
two parts are holding things up.

As each board comes out of the queue we'll post updated status right away.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> Has there been any progress on the planned final production run of the
KIO3 Upgrade Kit?  I ordered one just before everything stopped in 2020,
and put my name on the "last chance" list in 2021, but have heard nothing
since.
>
> --
> 73, Pete N4ZR





--

Message: 18
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:27:22 -0400
From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
To: Wayne Burdick 
Cc: Elecraft List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Any progress on K3 modules?
Message-ID: <89be147c-2e2d-e073-9b60-df8152ad3...@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

That's fine, Wayne.? I understand the problem, but for a while it looked
like I might be in need of a KIO3 after a lightning hit.? Fortunately,
that was resolved, but given the known sensitivity of this board (which
would have been my third replacement) I was praying for a positive answer.

It turned out to be a Windows registry or Device Manager issue (whew)
which I was able to resolve (though I will never know exactly how hi).

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at<https://reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On Fri, Oct 7, 2022 at 4:17 PM Rick NK7I  wrote:

> It would be in the archives.
>
> Search for Eric, I'm pretty sure he was the one to write the post, no
> clue what the header (topic) was.  He's not a prolific writer (of email,
> hi hi) so the search shouldn't take long.
>
> 73,
> Rick NK7I
>
>
> On 10/7/2022 6:53 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote:
> > I guess I have not been paying attention to the list and I missed this
> > official update. Do you have a link to this post? I just searched the
> > archives and can only find the May 2, 2022 post by WA6HHQ that was in my
> > link below.
> >
> > John KK9A
> >
> >
> > Rick NK7I wrote:
> >
> > Then you haven't paid attention to this list.  The last comment from
> > Elecraft was a couple weeks ago on this very topic.  Some parts are in,
> > others are not; it's SLOWLY coming together for the build.
> >
> > Although in fairness, it might have been under a header that didn't show
> > the actual content, like this one, now changed.
> >
> > 73,
> > Rick nk7i
> >
> >
> > On 10/7/2022 11:35 AM, john at kk9a.com wrote:
> >> The last update was 21 1/2 weeks ago:
> >> http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2022-May/289523.html
> According
> > to
> >> that post everyone in groups 1 through 4 should have received their
> > product
> >> by now.  I am still waiting.
> >>
> >> John KK9A
> > __
> > 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 rick.n...@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 k...@lava.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 

[Elecraft] K3/K3S options and upgrades

[Kimo Chun]

I read the message (in Digest form) 15 minutes before the closeout period.
I phoned Elecraft with a question. I'd already ordered parts on their "wish
list" a long time ago.

Apparently, Elecraft delayed the closing of the order period as some people
had trouble determining what they needed or to prevent giving them that
opportunity.

This is my take.

Now that it is closed the final tallies can be factored into parts orders
to produce the products ordered. Though they've been in contact with
suppliers on this it is subject to current conditions. I was told it would
be a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks before they would be shipping. Of course,
this is a generalized statement. Some parts are possibly already in stock.
Parts receipt may vary wildly but, obviously, you don't build anything
until all the parts are in house or at a sub-contracted board builder.
Otherwise, all you'd be doing is delaying production of other
products...like, possibly, K4's? hi.

I shall wait, patiently, for my order. I'm just happy I had the
opportunity.

73's
Kimo KH7U
__
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] QSO Today Expo - Estimated K4 related shipping schedule

[Kimo Chun]

Presentation from the Expo.
Elecraft K4 High Performance Direct-Sampling SDR Transceiver, Eric Swartz
WA6HHQ 

Perhaps more recent announcements by Elecraft have superseded this.
I realize others have already mentioned some of this. But I thought I'd go
back (for the 3rd time) to try to itemize some of Eric's statements. Note:
I don't take dictation and didn't spend a lot of time replaying it over and
over to get everything verbatim. Nor replaying the whole thing.
These are my interpretations and words. Please pardon any omissions or
errors. Go listen for yourself. The delivery time frames are based on the
Expo date: March 13, 2021.

Check minutes 17:00 to about 20:00 and around 1:22:00 on. There are other
segments.
-He discusses the supply problems they had due to COVID and how they have
now amassed an inventory of the long lead time items in the last 3 to 4
weeks. A local chassis supplier was one of the most recent hang ups. Plus
parts stuck in shipments the COVID-restricted Longshoremen haven't handled
yet. They are now smoothing things out and production will be ramping up.

Kit versions are at least 4 to 5 months out.
-They are still learning and modifying production techniques which will
make it easier to build. Then how-to documentation must be updated.
-The first day orders 16th (2019?) at Dayton, may be fulfilled soon.
-The second day orders 17th will be 3 to 4 weeks or longer after Group A is
done.
-Group B is even larger than Group A.
-Orders kept coming in all summer after Dayton and have dropped to a
consistent medium rate. Some spikes like when it was announced they started
shipping.
-When asked, "If I were to order a K4 right now, how long would I have to
wait?", he answered, "Over 3 to 4 months".
- I asked the very last question - When will the K4HD be finalized? He
said, "Conservatively... by the end of the year". So production comes
sometime thereafter. Plug in upgrades to the K4D, presumably, first for
those who ordered K4HD but took the K4D first.
- Testimonials from K4 owners would be found on the Elecraft-K4 GroupsIO
list.

Side bar: somewhere else in the presentation he said Group A
will, hopefully, be completed in the next month or so (did I get this
right? I didn't find that section). Group B (even larger) comes after that.
I haven't re-checked the definition of Group A and B sorry.

I hope this helps some of you with delivery anxiety.
73,
Kimo KH7U
(Happy with my almost new K3S s/n 11727, so the K4 is but a dream down the
road. I tend to be the opposite of bleeding edge).
__
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] QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo this weekend

[Kimo Chun]

I cannot vouch if I have this all correct. A local ham contacted one of the
vendors who provided this link. It is the sign-in page for AirMeet.com.

https://www.airmeet.com/event/da5bfe00-5f01-11eb-9af0-f5e009e37ce1

The QSO Today Expo lets you visit vendors but I could find no way to get to
any sessions, only the advertised listings for them.

The QSO Today Expo site allows you to create your own e-ticket based on the
receipt ID you received for your payment. It's weird. When you hit Submit
it seems like nothing happens but the top entry field should change to
E-ticket (in blue and is a link). Click on it.

You enter that 5 digit code when you sign up at the Airmeet site and create
your online meeting ID/avatar, whereupon the emailed Airmeet confirmation
gives you the 6 digit verification code. With that you can get into the
online presentations. However, I can't vouch for the times posted. The LIVE
ones are at the top. Pending (who knows really when maybe they were earlier
-as scheduled but never happened so they weren't technically completed) are
listed in the middle and those Completed are moved to the bottom of the
list of events.

I just monitored/re-scrolled through LIVE ones, so-marked, each hour and
joined them if they were of interest. This included Eric's (added?)
afternoon session. He mentioned tomorrow's. (check early as it will become
Daylight Savings in Pacific Time by then).

I give up keeping track and will look towards viewing others later on
playback. Only if you have specific questions for Eric or others is it
critical to attend. Some ended early and some went long. It's up to the
moderator if meeting attendees stop asking questions...

I hope I got this procedure correct. Apologies if it isn't. I'm not going
through that again... maybe you can see Eric's presentation tomorrow if you
get this in time. Someone will correct me I'm sure.

Good luck,
Kimo Chun KH7U
__
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] Year vs serial number

[Kimo Chun]

Just as an exercise, since my K3S s/ 11727 shipped 9/24/2018 (though I
purchased it later from the original buyer), I estimate they were averaging
somewhere around 1 K3S shipped per day from November 2016 and September
2018.

11712 + 15 = 11727  (20 days later). So maybe 25 or more per month?

11712 - 11029 = 683 units between Nov 2016 and Sept 4, 2018 (669 days).
This assumes 11029 was shipped Nov 4, 2016.
So it is possible the 1 per day or a bit more is within the realm of
possibility between those dates.

So 11029 - 10599 = 430.  430 days before is Sept 1, 2015. Naturally, their
production and shipping would be in spurts and would ramp up from early
release to full production (minus stoppages and weekends/holidays, etc.).
So it just gives you a very rough idea on how many they may have sold. When
were the first K3S's shipped?

Besides, I imagine you could call Elecraft with your serial number and they
could tell you when it first shipped.

Regarding shipping to HI/AK/PR: What irks me is how people get free
shipping in the upper 48 but almost never do we in Hawaii get offered a
discount on the shipping of the difference between the two. We pay full
pop. I've pointed it out to some vendors but never get a reply.
Discrimination? Lazy? Stupid marketers along with incompetent site POS
programmers? Or, likely, our business volume just doesn't merit any
consideration (see previous descriptions).

Vendors who promote that on their sites would get my business and
recommendation.

73, Kimo KH7U  (on vacation so I can waste time on things like this)

Date: Tue, 22 Dec 2020 19:23:24 -0500
From: Steve Boles 
To: "kc8wh.mh" 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net, cx...@4email.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Year vs serial number
Message-ID:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Very interesting...
My serial number is 11,712 and I purchased my K3s  September 4th, 2018 -
factory assembled... Steve
ARS: W4SB   //

On Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 7:54 AM kc8wh.mh  wrote:

> TomMy K3s is serial number 11029. Factory built. I bought it in November
> of 2016.Hope that helps.73Mike KC8WHSent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy
> smartphone
>  Original message From: cx...@4email.net Date: 12/21/20
> 1:23 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft]
> Year vs serial number My K3s serial number is 10599 (somebody at Elecraft
> must have known the only signal reports I get in contests) HA!Would the
> number correspond to manufacture in 2016 or 2017? Factory assembled.73 y
> Merry
> ChristmasTomHP1XTK2GO___
___Elecraft
> mailing listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp:
__
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] K3S - Alpha 87a combo - loss of keying amp

[Kimo Chun]

In a K3S tested with two Alpha 87a amps using RF sensing to change band and
tuning the K3S appears to easily trip the amp into Fault mode. When amp is
cycled between Operate and Standby to clear the Fault, K3s can no longer
key the amp unless you cycle power to the radio. Then it works properly
again.

1. Manually change bands on the radio, with amp still sitting on prior band
and with the drive turned down to 5 to 8 W to try to ensure we won't trip
the amp while possibly transmitting into a momentarily high SWR of the
wrong band input circuitry? When keyed on the new band to have the amp
auto-tune it trips into Fault.
2. After cycling the amp from Standby back to Operate the K3S can no longer
key the amp. It is transmitting in apparent bypass mode as indicated by the
low RF level still indicating on the built in Watt meter of the amp.
3. This was tested with two 87a amps. Same issue.
4. Pulling the key line and shorting RCA plug at radio end does
successfully key the amp.
5. Another K3 radio with updated syn) doesn't do this.
6. I believe the pertinent default settings of the two radios were set to
be the same, though perhaps the band by band default drive setting or limit
may not have been mapped (If I understand correctly).

I am the new owner of the K3S and I have zero experience with the radio or
type. I've not set up my station yet (working on rebuilding tower and
antennas) since buying the radio.  It is about 3 years old but only used
for 6 months by the prior owner and once by my group at last year's Field
Day. The radio and P3 are being loaned to a friend to use in an SO2R entry
in a contest.

Has anyone experienced this? Any ideas on what may be wrong?
Can my K3S be sending a spike of power, anyway, to cause the trip? We
haven't gotten further into verifying this or other things as we only
started this today.Thank you for any help you may provide.

Kimo Chun, KH7U
k...@lava.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 

[Elecraft] New boxes and packing for Elecraft equipment

[Kimo Chun]

Just as a reference. Over the years I've sent equipment to Yaesu USA for
repair. I sent them in the original sales box surrounded by a form-fitting
shipping box as I received it from the dealer. When I received it back both
boxes were within a new form-fitting box so I ended up with the equivalent
of a 3 wall thickness box.

It would be nice if Elecraft and others could do the same plus send back
equipment with new custom foam and in custom boxes (if they don't already)
if received without them. However, I do believe Yaesu did charge for the
overpacking. I don't recall if it was an option but I believe they may have
warned you of that fact and practice before you sent it in. I, for one,
welcome the safe practice to protect my equipment.

Of course, Yaesu and others build their higher end radios with a larger and
much heavier cast aluminum chassis which makes custom foam and boxes more
critical.

73, Kimo KH7U
__
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] anyone recommend where to buy a SERIAL to USB cable for a k3

[Kimo Chun]

I have used USB to Serial adapters made by FTDI, itself, for years. These
are of the highest quality. I have also  used, successfully,  Sabrent and
others including ones with multiple ports using their chip. You can
purchase sub-assemblies and complete cables directly from FTDI through
their USA or EU distribution points. You can also purchase them through
authorized distributors such as Digi-Key. I didn't buy their cheapest model
but the one with the two blue lensed LEDs (one on each side of the housing)
that indicate serial activity.

https://www.ftdichip.com/Products/Cables.htm

You can't do much better than getting it from the source.

73, Kimo Chun  KH7U


Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:51:03 -0800
From: Richard Donner 
To: "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net" >
Subject: [Elecraft] anyone recommend where to buy a SERIAL to USB
cable for   a k3
__
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