Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Rec'd today
John, Please be assured that all valid issues will be addressed by Elecraft. There have been some posts that speak to operator errors, but for those that address real failures, they will be addressed. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to post them here to the Elecraft reflector, you should receive a response - if that response is from someone like me who had been *associated* with Elecraft since 1999, it may reflect Elecraft operating policies that I have been accustomed to, but not necessarily an official response. Other items are fair game - including why does the K2 that I am currently working on fail the PLL Reference test that I will be attacking tomorrow. The lack of specifics in your post just causes the low level static to be increased. We can respond to specific questions, but the low level static must remain just that because it does not address any specific condition. 73, Don W3FPR 59 PM, ohn Strandberg wrote: Robert - I've been a little bit wondering same as you. It would appear my KX3 will ship some weeks from now. There have been over 1000 shipped now. I wonder if this is just low level reflector static or if the 'issues' are significant. Unlike you, I also want but don't own a K3. 73 John W4DX On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 9:36 PM, kp4y k...@yahoo.com wrote: I was notified today that my KX3 is on the way, yeah! I know that I will like it the same way I like my K3, but when I hear issues like this and the case vibration, I wonder if I made a good decision. Are these issues not getting worked out at factory as we speak? At near $1,400 for a QRP rig, this is an expensive toy as to be needing this type of home made fixes 73's Robert - KP4Y Sent from Samsung tabletAndrew Moore andrew.n...@gmail.com wrote:Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. Mike's post follows. 73, --Andrew, NV1B .. --- From: mikew5...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 encoder noise fixfor some Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:39:52 -0600 PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS FIX..unless you read this and think 'I have no problem doing this'. There is every chance you will loose parts or make things worse than they were (or may end up buying a new encoder). I found the scrapping/scratching stopped if you invert the radio and turned the knob. If you remove the knob you can see a C clip on the shaft over a washer resting on the body of the encoder. On mine the noise was coming from the surface finish between the washer and the clip. The washer rotates a little each turn and that is why the noise does not happen at the same spot in the rotation of the knob. Remove the washer and clip, make them flat and polish them, put them back on with a good silicone grease and it feels like a K3 VFO. If you think SM parts are small you will never see what needs to be done to the washer and clip. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stick a screwdriver in your had or ding up your very nice new KX3 that works *just fine* without this fix if this is not something that sounds easy for you to do. (I work at Lockheed where we make some REALLY NICE little gizmos - that's where I got the 'practice' for this kind work) --- On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM, pkhjr k...@yahoo.com wrote: Received my KX3 ordered 2/17 serial # 1040. Love the radio The only problem so far is the noise generated I guess generated by the encoder. I tried removing the felt pad between the knob and the chassis and the noise is still there...? 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-tp7560208.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 __ Elecraft mailing
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Rec'd today
Personally I don't think they're significant issues, especially when I consider what Elecraft was able to pack into this small, lightweight form. They also have a record of going back to address problems and improve features that can use it (CW+ mode, for example). The KX3 continues to amaze me. I love this rig. It's a blend of performance, simplicity, efficiency and packaging and UI that I've wanted for decades. And it will be even better when the battery charger, 2 meter module and 100 W amp are available. --Andrew, NV1B .. On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 10:59 PM, John Strandberg w...@arrl.net wrote: Robert - I've been a little bit wondering same as you. It would appear my KX3 will ship some weeks from now. There have been over 1000 shipped now. I wonder if this is just low level reflector static or if the 'issues' are significant. Unlike you, I also want but don't own a K3. 73 John W4DX __ 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] KX3 Rec'd today
Don Andrew, Thanks for taking the time to respond and for the much appreciated information. I have been following Elecraft and its product line since 2009 and developed a strong desire to own an Elecraft radio. I had pretty much settled on idea of building the K2 at the first of 2012. The K2 would provide me with a lot of new HF experiences including finally getting to own an Elecaft. The eventual goal is to have the K3 in the shack and the K2 for portable, other operating locations and backup. The release of the KX3 through a curve ball. I went back and forth K2 vs KX3 for the first 6 months of the year. Finally in June, the KX3 became the overwhelming choice and the order was placed. I am really looking forward to this radio and all the new capabilities I'll get to explore. In watching the reflector, I've gained more insight into the level of knowledge, experience and realtime Elecraft support. I certainly recognized many issues were quickly acknowledged/addressed and that build issues are quite often builder-related (I'm going try to make mental effort to slow myself down during the build). Instead of listing any questions I might have had (all in the past have been addressed and anything current I sure will be taken care of), I'm going the let my ambiguous 'low level static' comment drift away. I am really impressed with the support and information made readily available in the Elecraft community. A friend of mine had a recent problem with his K2 PA. With help from the reflector and Eleccraft tech support, he repaired it himself and a very short time. Don, I think you helped with that one. So, good luck with your K2 endeavor and have fun. Thanks and 73 John W4DX On Fri, Aug 3, 2012 at 2:18 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: John, Please be assured that all valid issues will be addressed by Elecraft. There have been some posts that speak to operator errors, but for those that address real failures, they will be addressed. If you have specific concerns, please feel free to post them here to the Elecraft reflector, you should receive a response - if that response is from someone like me who had been *associated* with Elecraft since 1999, it may reflect Elecraft operating policies that I have been accustomed to, but not necessarily an official response. Other items are fair game - including why does the K2 that I am currently working on fail the PLL Reference test that I will be attacking tomorrow. The lack of specifics in your post just causes the low level static to be increased. We can respond to specific questions, but the low level static must remain just that because it does not address any specific condition. 73, Don W3FPR 59 PM, ohn Strandberg wrote: Robert - I've been a little bit wondering same as you. It would appear my KX3 will ship some weeks from now. There have been over 1000 shipped now. I wonder if this is just low level reflector static or if the 'issues' are significant. Unlike you, I also want but don't own a K3. 73 John W4DX On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 9:36 PM, kp4y k...@yahoo.com wrote: I was notified today that my KX3 is on the way, yeah! I know that I will like it the same way I like my K3, but when I hear issues like this and the case vibration, I wonder if I made a good decision. Are these issues not getting worked out at factory as we speak? At near $1,400 for a QRP rig, this is an expensive toy as to be needing this type of home made fixes 73's Robert - KP4Y Sent from Samsung tabletAndrew Moore andrew.n...@gmail.com wrote:Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. Mike's post follows. 73, --Andrew, NV1B .. --- From: mikew5...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 encoder noise fixfor some Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:39:52 -0600 PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS FIX..unless you read this and think 'I have no problem doing this'. There is every chance you will loose parts or make things worse than they were (or may end up buying a new encoder). I found the
[Elecraft] KX3 Rec'd today
Received my KX3 ordered 2/17 serial # 1040. Love the radio The only problem so far is the noise generated I guess generated by the encoder. I tried removing the felt pad between the knob and the chassis and the noise is still there...? 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-tp7560208.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] KX3 Rec'd today
Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. Mike's post follows. 73, --Andrew, NV1B .. --- From: mikew5...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 encoder noise fixfor some Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:39:52 -0600 PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS FIX..unless you read this and think 'I have no problem doing this'. There is every chance you will loose parts or make things worse than they were (or may end up buying a new encoder). I found the scrapping/scratching stopped if you invert the radio and turned the knob. If you remove the knob you can see a C clip on the shaft over a washer resting on the body of the encoder. On mine the noise was coming from the surface finish between the washer and the clip. The washer rotates a little each turn and that is why the noise does not happen at the same spot in the rotation of the knob. Remove the washer and clip, make them flat and polish them, put them back on with a good silicone grease and it feels like a K3 VFO. If you think SM parts are small you will never see what needs to be done to the washer and clip. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stick a screwdriver in your had or ding up your very nice new KX3 that works *just fine* without this fix if this is not something that sounds easy for you to do. (I work at Lockheed where we make some REALLY NICE little gizmos - that's where I got the 'practice' for this kind work) --- On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM, pkhjr k...@yahoo.com wrote: Received my KX3 ordered 2/17 serial # 1040. Love the radio The only problem so far is the noise generated I guess generated by the encoder. I tried removing the felt pad between the knob and the chassis and the noise is still there...? 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-tp7560208.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 __ 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] KX3 Rec'd today
The other method is to just ignore it and use it for a week or two until it wears in I thought mine was stiff and quirky when I first got it, but it is not smooth as silk - there is still just sufficient drag to prevent the knob from turning accidentally in a mobile of portable situation - just a bit more drag than I use on my K2 or K3. 73, Don W3FPR On 8/2/2012 7:20 PM, Andrew Moore wrote: Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. __ 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] KX3 Rec'd today
I was notified today that my KX3 is on the way, yeah! I know that I will like it the same way I like my K3, but when I hear issues like this and the case vibration, I wonder if I made a good decision. Are these issues not getting worked out at factory as we speak? At near $1,400 for a QRP rig, this is an expensive toy as to be needing this type of home made fixes 73's Robert - KP4Y Sent from Samsung tabletAndrew Moore andrew.n...@gmail.com wrote:Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. Mike's post follows. 73, --Andrew, NV1B .. --- From: mikew5...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 encoder noise fixfor some Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:39:52 -0600 PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS FIX..unless you read this and think 'I have no problem doing this'. There is every chance you will loose parts or make things worse than they were (or may end up buying a new encoder). I found the scrapping/scratching stopped if you invert the radio and turned the knob. If you remove the knob you can see a C clip on the shaft over a washer resting on the body of the encoder. On mine the noise was coming from the surface finish between the washer and the clip. The washer rotates a little each turn and that is why the noise does not happen at the same spot in the rotation of the knob. Remove the washer and clip, make them flat and polish them, put them back on with a good silicone grease and it feels like a K3 VFO. If you think SM parts are small you will never see what needs to be done to the washer and clip. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stick a screwdriver in your had or ding up your very nice new KX3 that works *just fine* without this fix if this is not something that sounds easy for you to do. (I work at Lockheed where we make some REALLY NICE little gizmos - that's where I got the 'practice' for this kind work) --- On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM, pkhjr k...@yahoo.com wrote: Received my KX3 ordered 2/17 serial # 1040. Love the radio The only problem so far is the noise generated I guess generated by the encoder. I tried removing the felt pad between the knob and the chassis and the noise is still there...? 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-tp7560208.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 __ 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 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] KX3 Rec'd today
Robert - I've been a little bit wondering same as you. It would appear my KX3 will ship some weeks from now. There have been over 1000 shipped now. I wonder if this is just low level reflector static or if the 'issues' are significant. Unlike you, I also want but don't own a K3. 73 John W4DX On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 9:36 PM, kp4y k...@yahoo.com wrote: I was notified today that my KX3 is on the way, yeah! I know that I will like it the same way I like my K3, but when I hear issues like this and the case vibration, I wonder if I made a good decision. Are these issues not getting worked out at factory as we speak? At near $1,400 for a QRP rig, this is an expensive toy as to be needing this type of home made fixes 73's Robert - KP4Y Sent from Samsung tabletAndrew Moore andrew.n...@gmail.com wrote:Tex - if you're referring to the scratchy mechanical noise that occurs when you rotate the encoder even when the KX3 is powered off, it seems that can be solved by carefully removing the main tuning knob (remove rubber sleeve to access the hex screw opening), carefully removing the circlip and washer from the shaft, and polishing/greasing them. There is no need to remove the nut that secures the encoder. Here's a post on the subject by Mike / W5EEA. I went through this process myself and it cured the scratchy. I did not polish the circlip or attempt to flatten the washer - I only applied some fine polishing creme for all metals to each side of the washer and polished that with a Dremel tool, then applied some white lithium grease to both sides and put it all back together. Scratchy is about 95 percent gone. Please be careful.. and obviously this is not an Elecraft-endorsed mod. Mike's post follows. 73, --Andrew, NV1B .. --- From: mikew5...@hotmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 encoder noise fixfor some Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2012 08:39:52 -0600 PLEASE DO NOT TRY THIS FIX..unless you read this and think 'I have no problem doing this'. There is every chance you will loose parts or make things worse than they were (or may end up buying a new encoder). I found the scrapping/scratching stopped if you invert the radio and turned the knob. If you remove the knob you can see a C clip on the shaft over a washer resting on the body of the encoder. On mine the noise was coming from the surface finish between the washer and the clip. The washer rotates a little each turn and that is why the noise does not happen at the same spot in the rotation of the knob. Remove the washer and clip, make them flat and polish them, put them back on with a good silicone grease and it feels like a K3 VFO. If you think SM parts are small you will never see what needs to be done to the washer and clip. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not stick a screwdriver in your had or ding up your very nice new KX3 that works *just fine* without this fix if this is not something that sounds easy for you to do. (I work at Lockheed where we make some REALLY NICE little gizmos - that's where I got the 'practice' for this kind work) --- On Thu, Aug 2, 2012 at 6:55 PM, pkhjr k...@yahoo.com wrote: Received my KX3 ordered 2/17 serial # 1040. Love the radio The only problem so far is the noise generated I guess generated by the encoder. I tried removing the felt pad between the knob and the chassis and the noise is still there...? 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Rec-d-today-tp7560208.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 __ 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 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 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
