Re: [Elecraft] K3: Headphone Jack hardware?

2023-02-14 Thread Jim McDonald
I leave headphones and a microphone plugged into the front panel jacks and a 
headset plugged into the rear jacks.  I turn the speakers on and off with the 
macro:

MN097;UP;MN255;

No wear and tear on the jacks.

I have macros set up in my K-Pod, DXLab's Commander module, and VA2FSQ's 
Win4K3Suite, though only one would be sufficient!

Jim N7US


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Pete Smith N4ZR
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 10:19
To: Martin Schmiedel ; Elecraft List 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Headphone Jack hardware?

Hi Martin - My K3 is on its second headphone jack, due to symptoms like yours.  
Recently it started doing this again, but I was inside the radio for another 
issue and reseated some boards (including KIO3 if I remember
correctly) and it stopped happening.  You might look into that before you 
replace hardware.

73, Pete N4ZR

On 2/14/2023 10:43 AM, Martin Schmiedel wrote:
> Elecrafters,
>
> i think the headphone jack on my K3 #2878 is failing. Audio drops out 
> now and then, but returns when i plug in a headphone.
> When I set menu item SPKRS & PHONE YES I have no drop outs.
>
> There is no part number for the headphone jack in the assembly manual. 
> IIRC the front pcb came with the jack already installed.
>
> Any hint how to try a repair prior to fire up the soldering iron is 
> highly welcome.
> What to do if a repair fails?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Martin
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: Headphone Jack hardware?

2023-02-14 Thread Pete Smith N4ZR
Hi Martin - My K3 is on its second headphone jack, due to symptoms like 
yours.  Recently it started doing this again, but I was inside the radio 
for another issue and reseated some boards (including KIO3 if I remember 
correctly) and it stopped happening.  You might look into that before 
you replace hardware.


73, Pete N4ZR

On 2/14/2023 10:43 AM, Martin Schmiedel wrote:

Elecrafters,

i think the headphone jack on my K3 #2878 is failing. Audio drops out 
now and then, but returns when i plug in a headphone.

When I set menu item SPKRS & PHONE YES I have no drop outs.

There is no part number for the headphone jack in the assembly manual. 
IIRC the front pcb came with the jack already installed.


Any hint how to try a repair prior to fire up the soldering iron is 
highly welcome.

What to do if a repair fails?


Thanks,
Martin



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[Elecraft] K3: Headphone Jack hardware?

2023-02-14 Thread Martin Schmiedel

Elecrafters,

i think the headphone jack on my K3 #2878 is failing. Audio drops out 
now and then, but returns when i plug in a headphone.

When I set menu item SPKRS & PHONE YES I have no drop outs.

There is no part number for the headphone jack in the assembly manual. 
IIRC the front pcb came with the jack already installed.


Any hint how to try a repair prior to fire up the soldering iron is 
highly welcome.

What to do if a repair fails?


Thanks,
Martin



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[Elecraft] K3 Headphone Jack

2014-03-02 Thread John Kendra
I've been having a similar problem with my front headphone jack.  When I plug 
in my headphone sometimes there is an attenuated signal also coming out of my 
external speaker.  If I jiggle the headphone plug I get get the speaker to 
eventually go off.  I do have the K3 configured to disable the speaker with the 
head phone.

It looks like it would be tough to replace the headphone jack.

John N4LJS


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone Jack

2014-03-02 Thread Don Wilhelm

John,

While replacing the headphone jack might prove difficult, you may be 
able to form the contacts that disconnect the speaker a bit and get it 
working properly.
You will likely have to be able to decipher and follow the schematic to 
properly identify the correct contacts to properly accomplish that repair.
Removing the left side panel will give you access to the 'business' side 
of the headphone jack.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2014 4:54 PM, John Kendra wrote:

I've been having a similar problem with my front headphone jack.  When I plug 
in my headphone sometimes there is an attenuated signal also coming out of my 
external speaker.  If I jiggle the headphone plug I get get the speaker to 
eventually go off.  I do have the K3 configured to disable the speaker with the 
head phone.

It looks like it would be tough to replace the headphone jack.

John N4LJS



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone Jack

2014-03-02 Thread Jim N7US
I leave my headphones plugged into the rear jack and turn the speakers on
and off with a macro (actually a user-defined sequence in DXLab's
Commander), so no wear and tear on the jack.

73, Jim N7US



-Original Message-

John,

While replacing the headphone jack might prove difficult, you may be able to
form the contacts that disconnect the speaker a bit and get it working
properly.
You will likely have to be able to decipher and follow the schematic to
properly identify the correct contacts to properly accomplish that repair.
Removing the left side panel will give you access to the 'business' side of
the headphone jack.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2014 4:54 PM, John Kendra wrote:
 I've been having a similar problem with my front headphone jack.  When I
plug in my headphone sometimes there is an attenuated signal also coming out
of my external speaker.  If I jiggle the headphone plug I get get the
speaker to eventually go off.  I do have the K3 configured to disable the
speaker with the head phone.

 It looks like it would be tough to replace the headphone jack.

 John N4LJS



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[Elecraft] K3 Headphone Jack

2008-08-08 Thread Barry Simpson
I am progressing quite well with my assembly but I have just come across the
headphone jack loose washer issue. Is there a recognised cure. Can you leave
the washer out altogether or do you need another nut or washer to make it
tighter.

 

Any help would be appreciated before I move on to the next stage.

 

Thanks

 

Barry Simpson  VK2BJ

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone Jack

2008-08-08 Thread Chuck - AE4CW

Barry, I used a trim washer (very thin) from a spare headphone jack I had
laying around to fill the gap.  As I recall it was about 0.018 thick and
was perfect.  The knurled nut tightened down without deforming the front
panel at all.

Chuck, AE4CW


Barry Simpson wrote:
 
 I am progressing quite well with my assembly but I have just come across
 the
 headphone jack loose washer issue. Is there a recognised cure. Can you
 leave
 the washer out altogether or do you need another nut or washer to make it
 tighter.
 
  
 
 Any help would be appreciated before I move on to the next stage.
 
  
 
 Thanks
 
  
 
 Barry Simpson  VK2BJ
 
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RE: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-05-01 Thread AI1V

Ron:

Glad this is getting attention.  After reading your email I removed the
front panel and disassembled it enough to check those items.  The
lockwashers that you mentioned were properly in place, though it seems that
if they weren't the headphone washer would be tighter, not looser.  The mic
connector is not an issue at all as there is actually quite a bit of
clearance around it in my front panel (perhaps a recent design tweak?).

I used the squeeze it together and tighten approach to snug things down
and the washer is no longer loose.  There is however, a barely perceptable
inward bowing of the front panel now.  It is very minor and much less
annoying than the rattling washer, so I buttoned it back up that way.  I've
reported this to support at Elecraft.

73 and have fun!
Rick
AI1V
K3 SN728


Hi Windy:

I'm working on the assembly procedures, monitoring e-mails and talking with
Gary and the techs in Aptos who are working on returned gear and building
K3s to see where I need to provide more or better information in the
manuals. I'm in Oregon and cannot see for myself the returned gear or the
assembly of the new rigs. 

...

Given that those standoffs between the front panel board and the front panel
sheet metal are installed correctly, Aptos has found tightening the PHONES
jack knurled nut a bit more (squeezing the boards and front panel sheet
metal between thumb and fingers while turning the knurled nut) has always
cured the problem. Since I mentioned that, several builders wrote me
personally to report that worked for them too.  

If that doesn't work for you, post a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gary
will pick it up there and pursue the fix for you and we'll find out what is
happening to cause the problem for others. 

...
Ron AC7AC



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-04-30 Thread srife
   That's a good suggestion Chuck. I'm going to look and see if I have one 
of those. I was wondering what I was going to use for a shim.


Stan
W5EWA
Houston, TX

--
From: AE4CW [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 9:33 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap





Windy Dankoff KM5Q wrote:


Ron,

If I can find some fix for the loose PHONES jack, I'll be happy to
leave the encoder shaft as it is, unless you suggest I tighten it a
bit more (trusting my good judgement) but now that I recall from the
photo how slim the lock washers are, I'm more inclined to leave well
enough alone.

Thanks!
Windy___




Windy, as I recall, the gap between the headphone jack washer and front
panel was about 0.017.  If you just want to close the gap and get rid of
the rattle, you might try what I did: a trim washer from a spare 1/4 jack
was 0.018 and added just the right amount of spacer to eliminate the 
rattle

and fit the front panel w/o any discernible flex +/-.

-
Chuck, AE4CW
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RE: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-04-30 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
Hi Windy:

I'm working on the assembly procedures, monitoring e-mails and talking with
Gary and the techs in Aptos who are working on returned gear and building
K3s to see where I need to provide more or better information in the
manuals. I'm in Oregon and cannot see for myself the returned gear or the
assembly of the new rigs. 

What I've related about tightening the nuts is what the techs in Aptos said
they have done successfully on the units they've built or fixed. They are
the ones who told me that a common mistake builders make is to leave off the
split lock washers that go between the standoff and the front panel board.
Apparently a number of builders have put them under the screw heads where
one would normally put lock washers, not realizing they are used as spacers
to make the standoffs a bit longer, not lock washers. Note I'm speaking
about the standoffs between the front panel board and the front panel sheet
metal, not the standoffs between the front panel and DSP boards (the correct
spacing there becomes critical if you install the KRX3 subreceiver when they
become available). 

If the spacer-washers are missing, that should not cause the VFO A encoder
shaft to be canted but it will cause the PHONES jack washer to rattle. That
apparently is **not** the only reason the PHONES jack washer is loose on
some K3s, but it is **one** reason for it happening. That's a dangerous
situation because the screws holding the LCD cover can then hit the LCD
front glass itself, breaking it.

Given that those standoffs between the front panel board and the front panel
sheet metal are installed correctly, Aptos has found tightening the PHONES
jack knurled nut a bit more (squeezing the boards and front panel sheet
metal between thumb and fingers while turning the knurled nut) has always
cured the problem. Since I mentioned that, several builders wrote me
personally to report that worked for them too.  

If that doesn't work for you, post a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Gary
will pick it up there and pursue the fix for you and we'll find out what is
happening to cause the problem for others. 

The canted VFO A shaft has, again according to Aptos, always yielded to
adequate tightening of the nut on the encoder. Again, if that doesn't do it,
please send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Oh the three front panel
assemblies I've worked with, tightening the VFO A encoder using nominal
pressure with a wrench produced a well-aligned encoder shaft. So what's
nominal pressure? That's the problem. I have a socket wrench and used it
without a handle, just giving it a very firm twist holding the socket in my
hand. Perhaps more torque is needed for others. 

As Gary, the techs in Aptos (and occasionally myself) come up with a better
understanding of the problem, we share the information and suggested fixes
with Wayne, as the Elecraft Chief of Technology and other sundry activities,
for final approval or course of action.

So be sure you've informed [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include any fixes
you've used or tried. 

Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-

Windy Dankoff KM5Q wrote:
 
 Ron,
 
 If I can find some fix for the loose PHONES jack, I'll be happy to
 leave the encoder shaft as it is, unless you suggest I tighten it a  
 bit more (trusting my good judgement) but now that I recall from the  
 photo how slim the lock washers are, I'm more inclined to leave well  
 enough alone.
 
 Thanks!
 Windy___
 

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[Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-04-29 Thread Terry Schieler
Chuck, AE4CW, posted:

 Ron, I too had the headphone jack problem.  After talking with tech
support I reveisited the assembly and am certain it's perfect, but there is
still a gap between the shoulder of the headphone jack and the front panel.
I measured it with a shim guage but, unfortunately have forgotten the
number. 
In any case I found a thin washer (from another 1/4 jack) that filled the
gap perfectly and intalled it over the jack threads behind the panel. 
Perhaps there was as parts variation from the vendor that could account for
the gap.


Chuck et al

I had the exact same issue with the headphone jack and the thick washer
used to space it from the front panel.  Everything has been checked and
double checked and the thick spacing washer still rattles between the board
mounted headphone jack and the front panel.

I posted my concern here months ago and received responses like Chuck did
above.  On the other hand, I received half a dozen direct emails from other
K3 owners who experienced the loose spacing washer.  All seemed to feel that
their fitting of the front panel was correct in every other area.

I think it's an issue other than a poorly fitted front panel or binding mic
connector.

My 2 cents.

Terry, WØFM
K3/100 #474




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RE: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-04-29 Thread Ron D'Eau Claire
I've only received sporadic reports of this happening, and *nothing* after
suggesting checking the fit of the mic connector, which led me to believe
the problem was fixed as suggested. I appreciate those who are taking the
time to say otherwise! 

I did a little research today with people building K3s in Aptos and handling
some that were returned for various reasons. 

As Terry noted, it's possible there is a variation in the thickness of the
washers supplied that is getting past the folks doing receiving inspection.
So far, while building K3s, they have yet to encounter a single unit that
didn't fit correctly. However, they are seeing several things that might
cause the problem.

Among the returns they have noticed several that did not have the split ring
lock washer between the standoff and the pc board as shown in Figure 34 of
the assembly manual. Instead the builder put the washer under the head of
the screw because that’s where one might expect to put a lock washer, but
that is *not* where it goes. In this case it is part of the total spacer
provided by the standoff and must go between the standoff and the pc board.
That mistake actually helps the PHONES washer fit more tightly by moving
everything forward toward the sheet metal, but can result in a skewed VFO A
shaft since the connector 'bottoms out' in the jack on the front panel PC
board before it sits squarely behind the front panel. Adding the nut inside
the front panel will move the VFO A encoder back and solve that problem, but
it can cause fit issues in the future as you add options. 

Another problem that mistake causes are occasional broken LCD glass because
the display is moved forward with the front panel board where the screws
holding the LCD cover can strike it.

So far, they have found they can fix loose PHONES jack washers and crooked
VFO A encoders by tightening the nuts sufficiently. As one builder
mentioned, the knurled nut defies too much tightening with a tool unless one
risks scratching the front panel. What the folks in Aptos have done is to
squeeze the front panel sheet metal back against the PC boards in one hand,
pressing *between* the jack and the red and yellow LEDs just above it (but
not ON the LEDs) with a thumb while supporting the PC boards with their
fingers from behind. That flexes the sheet metal just slightly but enough to
allow them to tighten the PHONES knurled nut with the fingers of the other
hand to trap the washer securely. So far, that has cured all the loose
washers they have encountered assembling rigs. 

They also reported getting a few K3s back with complaints about a crooked
VFO A encoder that was fixed simply by tightening the nut against the front
panel. It was finger tight, but not tight enough. A little extra leverage on
the nut straightened up the shaft. 

Of course, both of those fixes can cause serious damage if the front panel
is not properly spaced from the front panel board using the 5/16 standoffs
and split lock washers as shown in the manual. 

An obvious question is how tight is too tight so that it might break
something. I have assembled two front panels, and both times nominal
pressure with pliers (or a socket wrench held in my hand - no handle
attached) was plenty. But two is a tiny sample. It would be good to hear
from those who have the loose Phones washer and crooked VFO A encoder
problems and whether any of the above helped, should you be inclined to take
another look.

Feel free to drop me a note if you're experiencing these problems and let me
know if the above help. 

Ron
[EMAIL PROTECTED] 



-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Terry Schieler
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 8:37 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap


Chuck, AE4CW, posted:

 Ron, I too had the headphone jack problem.  After talking with tech
support I reveisited the assembly and am certain it's perfect, but there is
still a gap between the shoulder of the headphone jack and the front panel.
I measured it with a shim guage but, unfortunately have forgotten the
number. 
In any case I found a thin washer (from another 1/4 jack) that filled the
gap perfectly and intalled it over the jack threads behind the panel. 
Perhaps there was as parts variation from the vendor that could account for
the gap.


Chuck et al

I had the exact same issue with the headphone jack and the thick washer
used to space it from the front panel.  Everything has been checked and
double checked and the thick spacing washer still rattles between the board
mounted headphone jack and the front panel.

I posted my concern here months ago and received responses like Chuck did
above.  On the other hand, I received half a dozen direct emails from other
K3 owners who experienced the loose spacing washer.  All seemed to feel that
their fitting of the front panel was correct in every other area.

I think it's an issue other than a poorly fitted front

RE: [Elecraft] K3 Headphone jack/front panel gap

2008-04-29 Thread KM5Q

Ron,

Thank you for the detailed reply. I have shortened your response  
below, and inserted my comments.


Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:28:14 -0700

I've only received sporadic reports of this happening, and *nothing*  
after
suggesting checking the fit of the mic connector, which led me to  
believe

the problem was fixed as suggested


My mic connector does clear the hole, as in Fig. 37.

... Among the returns they have noticed several that did not have  
the split ring
lock washer between the standoff and the pc board as shown in Figure  
34 of
the assembly manual. Instead the builder put the washer under the  
head of
the screw because that’s where one might expect to put a lock  
washer, but

that is *not* where it goes. ...


I'm certain I did it as described.


In this case it is part of the total spacer
provided by the standoff and must go between the standoff and the pc  
board.
That mistake actually helps the PHONES washer fit more tightly by  
moving
everything forward toward the sheet metal, but can result in a  
skewed VFO A
shaft since the connector 'bottoms out' in the jack on the front  
panel PC

board before it sits squarely behind the front panel.


In that case, I suppose I would have seen the threaded shaft draw  
outward as I snugged the nut. I used a box-end wrench and watched, and  
didn't see that happening. I think the toothed lockwasher on the  
inside crushed more on one side. Since I had 6 wrench leverage, I  
followed temptation and made it pretty tight, maybe more than  
intended? - but not extreme. I do have some finesse. I suppose I could  
try tightening it more, to see if it straightens out.



Adding the nut inside
the front panel will move the VFO A encoder back and solve that  
problem, but

it can cause fit issues in the future as you add options.

Another problem that mistake causes are occasional broken LCD glass  
because
the display is moved forward with the front panel board where the  
screws

holding the LCD cover can strike it.

So far, they have found they can fix loose PHONES jack washers and  
crooked

VFO A encoders by tightening the nuts sufficiently. As one builder
mentioned, the knurled nut defies too much tightening with a tool  
unless one
risks scratching the front panel. What the folks in Aptos have done  
is to
squeeze the front panel sheet metal back against the PC boards in  
one hand,
pressing *between* the jack and the red and yellow LEDs just above  
it (but
not ON the LEDs) with a thumb while supporting the PC boards with  
their
fingers from behind. That flexes the sheet metal just slightly but  
enough to
allow them to tighten the PHONES knurled nut with the fingers of the  
other

hand to trap the washer securely. So far, that has cured all the loose
washers they have encountered assembling rigs.


That's what I did when I assembled it, since I didn't think just  
finger-tight would do. I got it tighter that way, but still, it  
loosened as soon as I plugged headphones in a couple times.


They also reported getting a few K3s back with complaints about a  
crooked
VFO A encoder that was fixed simply by tightening the nut against  
the front
panel. It was finger tight, but not tight enough. A little extra  
leverage on

the nut straightened up the shaft.


See above. Mine IS pretty tight.

Of course, both of those fixes can cause serious damage if the  
front panel
is not properly spaced from the front panel board using the 5/16  
standoffs

and split lock washers as shown in the manual.


I guess I'm safe there.


An obvious question is how tight is too tight so that it might break
something. I have assembled two front panels, and both times nominal
pressure with pliers (or a socket wrench held in my hand - no handle
attached) was plenty. But two is a tiny sample. It would be good to  
hear
from those who have the loose Phones washer and crooked VFO A  
encoder
problems and whether any of the above helped, should you be inclined  
to take

another look.

Feel free to drop me a note if you're experiencing these problems  
and let me

know if the above help.

Ron


If I can find some fix for the loose PHONES jack, I'll be happy to  
leave the encoder shaft as it is, unless you suggest I tighten it a  
bit more (trusting my good judgement) but now that I recall from the  
photo how slim the lock washers are, I'm more inclined to leave well  
enough alone.


Thanks!
Windy___
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