Elecraft

KX3 encoder dying?

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GeorgeP1111

KX3 encoder dying?

I noticed today that when I tried to fine adjust the mic level with the
mic/keyer/pwr encoder that it may display the mic level but won't change it
or if it does it's very erratic. The response is the same with the keyer
speed in CW mode and when attempting to adjust the power level. Turning the
knob fast usually does nothing, turning it slow may move it a bit and
wiggling the knob seems the best way to see results. I never had a problem
with it till today and I have made no changes to it or it's operation. I
have been running it on WSPR at 500mw with a 2 minute Tx and 8 minute Rx for
a few weeks now and always tweak the mic gain for the blinking ALC 5th bar
when I change bands. I'm assuming it's the encoder going bad and will have
to be sent to the Elecraft Hospital for a part replacement surgery but I
thought I'd check here first in case I'm missing something.

tnx
de George
WD0AKZ

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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: KX3 encoder dying?

Encoders can be cleaned. I've done it in several radios, several brands. It is usually necessary to open the radio, remove the encoder. Then carefully open the encoder, clean the wiper contacts and the stationary contacts with contact cleaner. These are simply a stepping switch. Only one moving part. Reassemble in the reverse process.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 16, 2018, at 4:39 PM, George Pasek <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I noticed today that when I tried to fine adjust the mic level with the mic/keyer/pwr encoder that it may display the mic level but won't change it or if it does it's very erratic. The response is the same with the keyer speed in CW mode and when attempting to adjust the power level. Turning the knob fast usually does nothing, turning it slow may move it a bit and wiggling the knob seems the best way to see results. I never had a problem with it till today and I have made no changes to it or it's operation. I have been running it on WSPR at 500mw with a 2 minute Tx and 8 minute Rx for a few weeks now and always tweak the mic gain for the blinking ALC 5th bar when I change bands. I'm assuming it's the encoder going bad and will have to be sent to the Elecraft Hospital for a part replacement surgery but I thought I'd check here first in case I'm missing something.
>
> tnx
> de George
> WD0AKZ
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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>
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______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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GeorgeP1111

Re: KX3 encoder dying?

I opted to get a RSA number from Elecraft and ship it out to them. I no
longer have my workbench (or keen eyesight/steady soldering hand for that
matter) so I really don't want taking a chance to do that type of work on
something as expensive as the KX3. I told them to replace all 4 of the
small encorders and I should be good-to-go for many more years.

George
WD0AKZ

-----Original Message-----
From: Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2018 4:49 PM
To: George Pasek
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 encoder dying?

Encoders can be cleaned. I've done it in several radios, several brands. It
is usually necessary to open the radio, remove the encoder. Then carefully
open the encoder, clean the wiper contacts and the stationary contacts with
contact cleaner. These are simply a stepping switch. Only one moving part.
Reassemble in the reverse process.

Bob, K4TAX

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 16, 2018, at 4:39 PM, George Pasek <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I noticed today that when I tried to fine adjust the mic level with the
> mic/keyer/pwr encoder that it may display the mic level but won't change
> it or if it does it's very erratic. The response is the same with the
> keyer speed in CW mode and when attempting to adjust the power level.
> Turning the knob fast usually does nothing, turning it slow may move it a
> bit and wiggling the knob seems the best way to see results. I never had
> a problem with it till today and I have made no changes to it or it's
> operation. I have been running it on WSPR at 500mw with a 2 minute Tx and
> 8 minute Rx for a few weeks now and always tweak the mic gain for the
> blinking ALC 5th bar when I change bands. I'm assuming it's the encoder
> going bad and will have to be sent to the Elecraft Hospital for a part
> replacement surgery but I thought I'd check here first in case I'm missing
> something.
>
> tnx
> de George
> WD0AKZ
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]
>