[Elecraft] K3: Knob Question
Hi, I have a new K3, well, maybe 4 months old now... I noticed that the CW Speed knob, and the Filter Width knob have become noticeably sloppy in their mounting holes, as compared to the other knobs of the same type. There is perhaps 1/8 inch of play at the end of both knobs. This is as measured by grasping one of the knobs gently pulling it left or right. The shaft feels like it is becoming loose in the encoder. The power and shift knobs on the face do not have this level of play in them, they have about 1/2 the amount. Originally these knobs all felt the same. Is this a sign of impending failure, or just a sign of use? I am assuming from the feel and look of the failure, that it is not the knob that is the issue, but the encoder shaft. The knobs feel exactly as new if I press them in to change functions, they just seem loose in the encoder mounting while handling them. If I turn the filter width too fast, it skips, is this normal? These are the two knobs I use the most. I am quite careful in handling the radio, so it is not caused by my over stressing the knobs in their mounts. I treat them gently all the time. Any thoughts? -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info __ 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] K3: Knob Question
I had to replace two of those that got bunged, plus the dual AF/SUB pot, a drop to the face of the K3. While it was straightforward, it is a good bit of work, and it's careful soldering. The same thing would apply if your encoders quit working due to wear or ... I wouldn't take it on unless you lose operation. Mine have always had a bit of play. I've gotten used to it and don't think about it any more. Every now and then a slow knob turn on one of the encoders doesn't move the setting, but I think that's an internal time out thing waiting for the other half of the state change to come across the line into the CPU. Don't expect people to be creeping with the adjustment. On Thu, Dec 18, 2014 at 10:32 PM, David Cole d...@nk7z.net wrote: Hi, I have a new K3, well, maybe 4 months old now... I noticed that the CW Speed knob, and the Filter Width knob have become noticeably sloppy in their mounting holes, as compared to the other knobs of the same type. There is perhaps 1/8 inch of play at the end of both knobs. This is as measured by grasping one of the knobs gently pulling it left or right. The shaft feels like it is becoming loose in the encoder. The power and shift knobs on the face do not have this level of play in them, they have about 1/2 the amount. Originally these knobs all felt the same. Is this a sign of impending failure, or just a sign of use? I am assuming from the feel and look of the failure, that it is not the knob that is the issue, but the encoder shaft. The knobs feel exactly as new if I press them in to change functions, they just seem loose in the encoder mounting while handling them. If I turn the filter width too fast, it skips, is this normal? These are the two knobs I use the most. I am quite careful in handling the radio, so it is not caused by my over stressing the knobs in their mounts. I treat them gently all the time. Any thoughts? -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info __ 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 k2av@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] K3: Knob Question
David, The shaft of the encoders used does have a bit of lateral play. That is not normally a sign of impending failure, just an indication of use. I would not be concerned about it unless there are signs of rotational encoder problems. If the encoders do fail, they can be replaced yourself if you have good de-soldering equipment. Since your K3 is less than 1 year old, Elecraft will supply the encoders at no cost should you wish to replace them. As I said, I would not bother unless there is an indication of failure to respond when they are rotated. If the encoders are turned quite fast, it is possible that the firmware cycles cannot keep up with that speed. A bad encoder will appear erratic rather then slow responding. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2014 10:32 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a new K3, well, maybe 4 months old now... I noticed that the CW Speed knob, and the Filter Width knob have become noticeably sloppy in their mounting holes, as compared to the other knobs of the same type. There is perhaps 1/8 inch of play at the end of both knobs. This is as measured by grasping one of the knobs gently pulling it left or right. The shaft feels like it is becoming loose in the encoder. The power and shift knobs on the face do not have this level of play in them, they have about 1/2 the amount. Originally these knobs all felt the same. Is this a sign of impending failure, or just a sign of use? I am assuming from the feel and look of the failure, that it is not the knob that is the issue, but the encoder shaft. The knobs feel exactly as new if I press them in to change functions, they just seem loose in the encoder mounting while handling them. If I turn the filter width too fast, it skips, is this normal? __ 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] K3: Knob Question
Hi Don, Thank you for the information... I was wondering if the K3 was getting overrun with fast turning, it does feel like that to me... But it could also be encoder failure... We will see... In any case, it is good to know the replacement is not a huge issue... Thank you! -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Fri, 2014-12-19 at 00:02 -0500, Don Wilhelm wrote: David, The shaft of the encoders used does have a bit of lateral play. That is not normally a sign of impending failure, just an indication of use. I would not be concerned about it unless there are signs of rotational encoder problems. If the encoders do fail, they can be replaced yourself if you have good de-soldering equipment. Since your K3 is less than 1 year old, Elecraft will supply the encoders at no cost should you wish to replace them. As I said, I would not bother unless there is an indication of failure to respond when they are rotated. If the encoders are turned quite fast, it is possible that the firmware cycles cannot keep up with that speed. A bad encoder will appear erratic rather then slow responding. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/18/2014 10:32 PM, David Cole wrote: Hi, I have a new K3, well, maybe 4 months old now... I noticed that the CW Speed knob, and the Filter Width knob have become noticeably sloppy in their mounting holes, as compared to the other knobs of the same type. There is perhaps 1/8 inch of play at the end of both knobs. This is as measured by grasping one of the knobs gently pulling it left or right. The shaft feels like it is becoming loose in the encoder. The power and shift knobs on the face do not have this level of play in them, they have about 1/2 the amount. Originally these knobs all felt the same. Is this a sign of impending failure, or just a sign of use? I am assuming from the feel and look of the failure, that it is not the knob that is the issue, but the encoder shaft. The knobs feel exactly as new if I press them in to change functions, they just seem loose in the encoder mounting while handling them. If I turn the filter width too fast, it skips, is this normal? __ 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 knob play
Anybody else noticing that there is considerable knob play in the four shift/width/speed and cmp controls. The same for the RIT knob. By knob play, I mean if you grasp the knobs and move them up/down or side to side, they move that way. Not expected. Odd, I never noticed it until not using the K3 for a few weeks and then starting to use it again. No, the knobs are not loose. They function just fine. No flames please. 73 de Brian/K3KO __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob play
Mine do the same. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-knob-play-tp5279699p5279765.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob play
Brian, Elecraft has switched to a tighter encoder for both the K3 and the KX1 so that condition is not present on newer K3s. What you describe is 'normal' for the older K3s. Yes, they seem to function just fine even with the shaft which has some sideplay. 73, Don W3FPR Brian Alsop wrote: Anybody else noticing that there is considerable knob play in the four shift/width/speed and cmp controls. The same for the RIT knob. By knob play, I mean if you grasp the knobs and move them up/down or side to side, they move that way. Not expected. Odd, I never noticed it until not using the K3 for a few weeks and then starting to use it again. No, the knobs are not loose. They function just fine. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob play
All of the encoders mentioned below also have a push in switch (to select hi-lo cut vs shift-width etc.) As a result, it is normal for there to be a small amount of additional left/right play in the encoder knob due to the action of the switch. Don is incorrect, we did not change anything that effects the push button encoder play. 73, Eric WA6HHQ _..._ On 7/11/2010 5:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Brian, Elecraft has switched to a tighter encoder for both the K3 and the KX1 so that condition is not present on newer K3s. What you describe is 'normal' for the older K3s. Yes, they seem to function just fine even with the shaft which has some sideplay. 73, Don W3FPR Brian Alsop wrote: Anybody else noticing that there is considerable knob play in the four shift/width/speed and cmp controls. The same for the RIT knob. By knob play, I mean if you grasp the knobs and move them up/down or side to side, they move that way. Not expected. Odd, I never noticed it until not using the K3 for a few weeks and then starting to use it again. No, the knobs are not loose. They function just fine. __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob on a K2
I've seen a number of posts about using K3 knobs on K2s or K2 knobs on K1s to get finger dimples. People seem to be trying to go through a lot of complicated stuff to get the dimples. Elecraft sells stick-on dimples for the K1 and K2 tuning knobs. They're $6 per, and they are part number FDIMP http://www.elecraft.com/accessories/fingerdimple.htm I bought one with my K2 and I also retrofitted one onto my K1. They work beautifully. Just make sure you follow the directions and clean the knob with rubbing alcohol before sticking the dimple onto the knob (let the rubbing alcohol dry). Mine have been sticking without problem for just under a year now. Jon, KB1QBZ __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob on a K2
On 17 Jul 2009 at 12:17, Jon Perelstein wrote: I've seen a number of posts about using K3 knobs on K2s or K2 knobs on K1s to get finger dimples. People seem to be trying to go through a lot of complicated stuff to get the dimples. Another little tip on the K2 knob (which I remember posting on here a long time ago but worth repeating). I had a continual problem with my K2 knob in that the black paint on it rubbed off leaving the silver metal showing through, making it look horrible. I had various tries with car touch-up paint, which made it look even worse. One day I was looking through a box of old electrolytic capacitors, of the mains smoothing type. I noticed some which had a circular black piece of plastic on their top about the size of the K2 knob. I cut it out from the capacitor and stuck it on the face of the knob with double sided tape. Superb, and still doing the job a couple of years later. I suppose I could also add one of the dimples, but personally I have never found the lack of one a problem. 73 Dave G3YMC K2 #2498 http://www.davesergeant.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
[Elecraft] K3 knob on a K2
Sorry if this is a double post - I checked the archive and didn't see it there... Does the K3 knob work/fit on the K2? It is pretty slick looking and would be an easier option than the Yaesu knobs I've seen people getting... Tom W0EA __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 knob on a K2
Tom, I found the K2's knob wouldn't fit the VFO B shaft as it was too small. Thus I'd conclude that the K3's knob would be a loose fit on the K2's shaft. You could probably shim the shaft with some thin metal - like that you'd get from a drinks can. Unless shimmed, I would guess it might not sit quite straight on the K2 encoder shaft, but with a little work, it should come right. I have the Yaesu knob on my K2 and it's a very nice fit and has a better feel to it. Hope that helps. 73 DaveL, G3TJP Tom wrote: Does the K3 knob work/fit on the K2? It is pretty slick looking and would be an easier option than the Yaesu knobs I've seen people getting... __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 knob on K2?
Does the K3 knob fit on the K2? Just curious, seems like it'd be an easy alternative to the Yaesu knobs many of you are using... Tom W0EA __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 knob hole threads
Ron, others ... If the holes in the knobs were tapped with a normal (tapered) tap, the threaded hole will be of slightly less diameter near the bottom (shaft) end of the hole. This would tend to increase the likelihood of forcing the knob to split. There isn't enough room for a tapered tap to go far enough through the set-screw hole to produce a straight thread. A bottom tap produces a straight-sided hole even when there's not room for full travel of a tapered tap.. Not that any of this would be useful information unless one was installing a replacement knob and used a bottom tap before installing. One poster suggested using controls with shafts with flats and push-on knobs. Unless care is used or the depth of the hole in the knob and the length of the control shaft is carefully controlled, the knob is likely to end up rubbing the panel and creating rings of worn-away paint. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP elecraftcov...@rfwave.net http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5 __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 Knob Enhancement
The Ten Tec replacement rubber trim rings fit the K3 main VFO knob perfectly. Just slip it over the knob. http://store.tentec.com/accessories/They are near the bottom of the page. Available in black, charcoal grey, light blue, dark blue, orange, red, and glow-in-the-dark. Red looks pretty cool on my K3 :-) I wonder if glow-in-the-dark is for Field Day? 73 de K1ESE John __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 Knob
Lyle, thanks for taking the time out with all the interesting answers to fb questions. Many of the questions I had have pretty much been covered. One is itching me. Is the K3 Main VFO Knob better than the K2's? :) Thanks john-n4dsp ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Knob
n4dsp wrote: One is itching me. Is the K3 Main VFO Knob better than the K2's? :) I'm not a member of the 'design team', but having seen the radio and touched the knob, I feel that I am competent to answer this question: *YES!* -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Knob
...Is the K3 Main VFO Knob better than the K2's? :) I think so, and also lots better than the FT-100 knob on a K2! john-n4dsp I like that call, John! 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
