Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs

2014-05-20 Thread Mike Greenway
I have had a set for over a year with no problems. I would have never bought a set but once I felt the difference on one actually mounted on a K3 at Dayton I had to have one. I bought a second set this year. I’ll never go back to the originals. They just have a dead feel. Something hard to

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs

2014-05-20 Thread Mike Greenway
In regard to dipping the knobs, that would only make a slick rubber surface. All the radios that have the rubber tire have a hatch work pattern in the tire for grip. I don’t think the slick rubber would be any better than the metal surface I have. 73 Mike K4PI

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-19 Thread Harry Yingst via Elecraft
What is the reason for using an aftermarket knob? My Main VFO knob is metal straight from Elecraft. Yes it would be nice to have a matching one (in style) for VBO (the aftermarket ones I have seen don't appear to match the Elecraft style) Just curious why people are using them?

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-19 Thread Pete Smith N4ZR
I sorta think the issue ought to be why *not* to use them. Don't I recall reading on one of the reflectors that heavy knobs may cause premature failure of the decoders due to the sideways load? Or was that just theorizing? 73, Pete N4ZR Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-19 Thread Stephen Prior
There was an issue mentioned by Elecraft (Eric I think), that they had seen some failures of the encoders fitted with heavy knobs when the K3 had been in transit somewhere, UPS/USPS etc. Vibration and the greater weight of the knob can produce a damaging cantilever effect, much as is the case

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-19 Thread David Cole
Hi Pete, Here is a redux on the response to the question I got, both on list and off list: It should be OK to use them if: 1. They should be snugged onto the felt, and not left to free wheel. Reduces the downward load by providing a surface to rest against. 2. If you ship the radio anywhere,

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-19 Thread David Cole
Stephen, There is something I never expected... Seeing an Elecraft radio compared to a washing machine! You are of course correct, but the comparison gave me a good chuckle this morning, thank you! :) -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-18 Thread Don Wilhelm
David, The bearings in the encoder should be able to handle the added weight of the knob. However, there is one caviat - some users of that knob want to mount it with no drag on the knob so they can spin it. That means that there is no contact with the felt washer, and the weight of the knob

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-18 Thread Slava Baytalskiy
Thats exactly how i did it. I'm actually using both felt washers on the VFO A and one on VFO B. I have the regular (all black) knob set from 73cnc.com (couldn't wait till Dayton to get the deluxe). But they are great. Did you know these guys picked up the K8RA's keys business? I just got my P4

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-18 Thread David Cole
Slave et al., Thanks for the tip on the knobs. I have set mine to be a bit tighter than they were on the felt! -- 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

[Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread David Cole
Hi all, I have just purchased a set of those all metal knobs for my K3... I did not really realize just how heavy they were... The thought then occurred to me that the encoder shafts for both the main and the sub tuning may not be able to take the additional weight... Is this a valid worry?

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread David Sanders W4DES
I think you’ll find that Elecraft uses a premium ball bearing in their encoder and it is up to the task. 73, David W4DES On May 16, 2014, at 11:53 AM, David Cole d...@nk7z.net wrote: Hi all, I have just purchased a set of those all metal knobs for my K3... I did not really realize just

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread David Cole
Hello, I have received a large number of private replies indicating that the Elecraft encoders are up to the job. Thanks to all for the info... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see;

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread Doug Person via Elecraft
The extra weight is not a problem. I've been using them for years with no issues. They are wonderful. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 5/16/2014 9:53 AM, David Cole wrote: Hi all, I have just purchased a set of those all metal knobs for my K3... I did not really realize just how heavy they were...

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft
One important note: If you ship or your radio or check it as luggage, make sure to remove the heavy after-market knobs. We have seen damage to the encoder shafts from shocks encountered in shipment when these knobs were left installed. 73, Eric (Recovering from day one of Dayton..)

Re: [Elecraft] I got big heavy knobs...

2014-05-16 Thread David Cole
Hi Eric, Thank you for that... I would not have thought about that! -- 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: