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K3: Knob Question

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NK7Z

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

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Guy Olinger K2AV

Re: 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 <[hidden email]> 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:[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]
>

______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3: Knob Question

In reply to this post by NK7Z

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?
>

NK7Z

Re: 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?
> >
>