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I got big heavy knobs...

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NK7Z

I got big heavy knobs...

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? If you are using these knobs, how long have you
had them on?

Does anyone know if the encoder bearings are metal or is it just a
plastic encoder shaft bearing?

--
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

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David Sanders W4DES

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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 <[hidden email]> 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...
>
> 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? If you are using these knobs, how long have you
> had them on?
>
> Does anyone know if the encoder bearings are metal or is it just a
> plastic encoder shaft bearing?
>

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NK7Z

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

In reply to this post by NK7Z

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;
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

______________________________________________________________
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Elecraft mailing list

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

In reply to this post by NK7Z

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:

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

Administrator

In reply to this post by NK7Z

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..)
elecraft.com
_..._

> On May 16, 2014, at 1:32 PM, David Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> X-Scanned: 4PSA Clean Server on May 16 10:32:50
>
> 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;
> 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:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

NK7Z

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Fri, 2014-05-16 at 23:27 -0400, Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft wrote:

> 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..)
> elecraft.com
> _..._
>
>
>
> > On May 16, 2014, at 1:32 PM, David Cole <[hidden email]> wrote:
> >
> > Hello,
> > X-Scanned: 4PSA Clean Server on May 16 10:32:50
> >
> > 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;
> > 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:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

In reply to this post by NK7Z

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 is like a
heavy lever placed on the end of the encoder shaft which would have a
tendency to bend the shaft.

If the knob is mounted so there is adequate contact with the felt
washer, the knob will be supported and should not cause any problem.

Bottom line, position the knob so there is normal drag produced by the
felt washer.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/16/2014 11:53 AM, David Cole wrote:

W2RMS

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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 iambic from them on Saturday at Dayton.
__________________
Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
[hidden email]

On May 18, 2014, at 11:39 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:

> 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 is like a heavy lever placed on the end of the encoder shaft which would have a tendency to bend the shaft.
>
> If the knob is mounted so there is adequate contact with the felt washer, the knob will be supported and should not cause any problem.
>
> Bottom line, position the knob so there is normal drag produced by the felt washer.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/16/2014 11:53 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...
>>
>> 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? If you are using these knobs, how long have you
>> had them on?
>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

NK7Z

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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 see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Mon, 2014-05-19 at 00:19 -0400, Slava Baytalskiy wrote:

> 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 iambic from them on Saturday at Dayton.
> __________________
> Slava (Sal) B, W2RMS
> [hidden email]
>
> On May 18, 2014, at 11:39 PM, Don Wilhelm <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > 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 is like a heavy lever placed on the end of the encoder shaft which would have a tendency to bend the shaft.
> >
> > If the knob is mounted so there is adequate contact with the felt washer, the knob will be supported and should not cause any problem.
> >
> > Bottom line, position the knob so there is normal drag produced by the felt washer.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 5/16/2014 11:53 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...
> >>
> >> 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? If you are using these knobs, how long have you
> >> had them on?
> >>
> >>
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Elecraft mailing list

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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?
______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Pete Smith N4ZR

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 5/19/2014 9:21 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:

> 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?
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Stephen G4SJP

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

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 with
a front loading washing machine!

73 Stephen G4SJP

On 19 May 2014 14:44, Pete Smith N4ZR <[hidden email]> wrote:

> 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
> http://reversebeacon.net,
> blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
> For spots, please go to your favorite
> ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
>
> On 5/19/2014 9:21 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
>
>> 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?
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

NK7Z

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

In reply to this post by Pete Smith N4ZR

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, or subject it to shock, you should
remove the knobs. Again, same reason as #1.

3. Many people have stated that they have had the knobs on for years
with no issues.

As a result of the answers, I have mounted mine, slightly snugged to the
felt. This reduces the "spin" factor, but I was worried about the
encoders.

--
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 Mon, 2014-05-19 at 09:44 -0400, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote:

> 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
> http://reversebeacon.net,
> blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
> For spots, please go to your favorite
> ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.
>
> On 5/19/2014 9:21 AM, Harry Yingst via Elecraft wrote:
> > 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?
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:[hidden email]
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to [hidden email]
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

NK7Z

Re: I got big heavy knobs...

In reply to this post by Stephen G4SJP

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 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 Mon, 2014-05-19 at 15:11 +0100, Stephen Prior wrote:
> 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 with
> a front loading washing machine!
>
> 73 Stephen G4SJP
>
>

______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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