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Re: K3 front panel encoders

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N5NA

Re: K3 front panel encoders

This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
$3.50 for shipping.

I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
<http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>.

73, Alan N5NA

On 11/11/2014 6:19 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> Olli,
>
> The SHIFT/LO control, etc., are mechanical encoders with a typical rotational life of 100,000 rotations. The are easily replaceable, and we can send you as many as you need. I believe the price is quite low. I don't believe is is possible to clean them, as they are sealed.
>
> In contrast, the VFO A and B encoders are optical, not mechanical, and they are specified at 10 million rotations. But the cost difference between optical and mechanical is huge (about 40:1). The mechanical encoders are very small, fitting in the available space, and are a pragmatic choice for the function controls.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Nov 11, 2014, at 8:57 AM, "Olli Tuppurainen"<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> >Has anyone figured out how to clean or fix front panel encoders (SHIFT/LO ,
>> >HI /WIDTH) ? These cheap ( ~ 0.5$ encoders ) in my K3 has always been
>> >quite " jumpy " i.e. value jumps up and down in random steps . Also the"
>> >feeling " is not what you would expect form rig in this price range.
>> >
>> >Similar issue was in FT-1000MP RIT encoder in 90s . Dust got inside the
>> >optical encoder and turning RIT knob jumped frequency steps quite randomly.
>> >
>> >Olli
>> >OH6CT
>> >

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SA2CIR

Re: K3 front panel encoders

Thanks for informative pictures and writing! Yesterday the SPEED/MIC control of my four months old K3 started acting like a scratchy potentiometer with intermittent contact. I got quick response from Elecraft’s support and am now preparing for a soldering operation similar to the one described.

What bothers me is that during the first 10 seconds or so after switching on the K3 the turning response of this encoder is perfectly ok, and then starts to degrade. This behavior repeats every time I boot it up. How come? The pushbutton function works all the time. Soldering on the circuit board of course involves some risk. Could the present encoder perhaps be resurrected in some way, avoiding replacement?

Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.

73, Rickard / SA2CIR

N5NA wrote

This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
$3.50 for shipping.

I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html

73, Alan N5NA

Olli Tuppurainen

Re: K3 front panel encoders

I replaced all four encoders ( with help from my friend ) couple of days ago. It was quite a job as the whole front panel has to be taken into pieces and DSP boards has to be taken off.
A good SMD rework station is recommended to clean through holes + experience in rework not to damage foils in PCB. New encoders are bit thicker so height difference has to be taken into account while assembling .

New encoders work smooth and great.

One notice, be careful when taking off the knobs as at least RIT encoder is not having nothing else than small soft metal clips holding it together ( Encoders metal nut has been left out as there is no room or thin enough nut was not available at the time mine was built )

BR

Olli
OH6CT

> -----Alkuperäinen viesti-----
> Lähettäjä: Elecraft [mailto:[hidden email]] Puolesta
> SA2CIR
> Lähetetty: 30. joulukuuta 2014 23:19
> Vastaanottaja: [hidden email]
> Aihe: Re: [Elecraft] K3 front panel encoders
>
> Thanks for informative pictures and writing! Yesterday the SPEED/MIC
> control of my four months old K3 started acting like a scratchy potentiometer
> with intermittent contact. I got quick response from Elecraft’s support and
> am now preparing for a soldering operation similar to the one described.
>
> What bothers me is that during the first 10 seconds or so after switching on
> the K3 the turning response of this encoder is perfectly ok, and then starts to
> degrade. This behavior repeats every time I boot it up. How come? The
> pushbutton function works all the time. Soldering on the circuit board of
> course involves some risk. Could the present encoder perhaps be
> resurrected in some way, avoiding replacement?
>
> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>
> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>
> N5NA wrote
> > This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has
> been a
> > problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
> > recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
> > $3.50 for shipping.
> >
> > I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
> > http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-P
> > ush-Button-Encoders.html
> > <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-
> > Push-Button-Encoders.html>
> >
> > 73, Alan N5NA
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Re-K3-
> front-panel-encoders-tp7594936p7596591.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
> __________________________________________________________
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Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by SA2CIR

I thought there was a way to have such warranty
work done in Italy.

73, Phil W7OX

On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:

> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>
> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>
> N5NA wrote
>> This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
>> problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
>> recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
>> $3.50 for shipping.
>>
>> I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
>> http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html
>> <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>
>>
>> 73, Alan N5NA

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by SA2CIR

Richard,

I don't know of any way to resurrect a failing encoder. The fact that
the switch works is entirely different - the switch function is not
related to the rotational function of the encoder.

I would simply replace the encoder.

As far as the fact that it works for the first 10 seconds after a power
up is not really significant, that depends on the starting position of
the encoder. If the output from the encoder does not cycle in the A to
B (or B to A) sequence, the control will not be smooth, even though
subsequent (through frustration) rotation of the encoder will produce
some results.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/30/2014 4:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:

> Thanks for informative pictures and writing! Yesterday the SPEED/MIC control
> of my four months old K3 started acting like a scratchy potentiometer with
> intermittent contact. I got quick response from Elecraft’s support and am
> now preparing for a soldering operation similar to the one described.
>
> What bothers me is that during the first 10 seconds or so after switching on
> the K3 the turning response of this encoder is perfectly ok, and then starts
> to degrade. This behavior repeats every time I boot it up. How come? The
> pushbutton function works all the time. Soldering on the circuit board of
> course involves some risk. Could the present encoder perhaps be resurrected
> in some way, avoiding replacement?
>
> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>
>

Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA)-2

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

Be aware that for warranty work in Italy you will have to pay shipping both forth and back.

73, Paul OZ4UN
Sendt fra min iPad

> Den 30/12/2014 kl. 22.54 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>
> I thought there was a way to have such warranty work done in Italy.
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
>> On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:
>> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
>> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>>
>> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>>
>> N5NA wrote
>>> This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
>>> problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
>>> recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
>>> $3.50 for shipping.
>>>
>>> I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
>>> http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html
>>> <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>
>>>
>>> 73, Alan N5NA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Phil Wheeler-2

Re: K3 front panel encoders

But how does that compare to shipping back and
forth across the Atlantic, Poul? Being 300 miles
from Elecraft that's a comparison I've not had to
make -- but Rickard did mention that factor in his
message, so I thought perhaps he was not aware of
the Italy option (and I don't really know if it
would apply to his situation).

73, Phil W7OX

On 12/31/14 3:50 AM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:

> Be aware that for warranty work in Italy you will have to pay shipping both forth and back.
>
> 73, Paul OZ4UN
> Sendt fra min iPad
>
>> Den 30/12/2014 kl. 22.54 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>>
>> I thought there was a way to have such warranty work done in Italy.
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>
>>> On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:
>>> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
>>> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>>>
>>> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>>>
>>> N5NA wrote
>>>> This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
>>>> problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
>>>> recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
>>>> $3.50 for shipping.
>>>>
>>>> I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
>>>> http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html
>>>> <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>
>>>>
>>>> 73, Alan N5NA

Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA)-2

Re: K3 front panel encoders

For a Danish ham warranty repair shipping would be
repair in Italy
5kg parcel (K3) 2*46 = 92 USD
repair in USA
5kg parcel (K3) 2*85 = 170 USD

repair in Italy
15kg parcel (KPA500) 2*92= 184 USD
repair in USA
15kg parcel (KPA500) 2*206= 412 USD

So its about half Price shipping for repair in Italy, probably something similar from Sweden.
But it is still quite expensive in my view.

What are the shipping cost for warranty repair for a (Con)US ham?

Sendt fra min iPad

> Den 31/12/2014 kl. 16.40 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>
> But how does that compare to shipping back and forth across the Atlantic, Poul? Being 300 miles from Elecraft that's a comparison I've not had to make -- but Rickard did mention that factor in his message, so I thought perhaps he was not aware of the Italy option (and I don't really know if it would apply to his situation).
>
> 73, Phil W7OX
>
>> On 12/31/14 3:50 AM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:
>> Be aware that for warranty work in Italy you will have to pay shipping both forth and back.
>>
>> 73, Paul OZ4UN
>> Sendt fra min iPad
>>
>>> Den 30/12/2014 kl. 22.54 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>>>
>>> I thought there was a way to have such warranty work done in Italy.
>>>
>>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>>
>>>> On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:
>>>> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
>>>> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>>>>
>>>> N5NA wrote
>>>>> This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
>>>>> problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
>>>>> recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
>>>>> $3.50 for shipping.
>>>>>
>>>>> I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
>>>>> http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html
>>>>> <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>
>>>>>
>>>>> 73, Alan N5NA
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Mike Reublin NF4L

Re: K3 front panel encoders

It cost $63.34 to ship my K3 from Florida to California and $56.00 to ship it back. UPS + insurance.

73, Mike NF4L

> On Jan 1, 2015, at 7:44 AM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> For a Danish ham warranty repair shipping would be
> repair in Italy
> 5kg parcel (K3) 2*46 = 92 USD
> repair in USA
> 5kg parcel (K3) 2*85 = 170 USD
>
> repair in Italy
> 15kg parcel (KPA500) 2*92= 184 USD
> repair in USA
> 15kg parcel (KPA500) 2*206= 412 USD
>
> So its about half Price shipping for repair in Italy, probably something similar from Sweden.
> But it is still quite expensive in my view.
>
> What are the shipping cost for warranty repair for a (Con)US ham?
>
>
> Sendt fra min iPad
>
>> Den 31/12/2014 kl. 16.40 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>>
>> But how does that compare to shipping back and forth across the Atlantic, Poul? Being 300 miles from Elecraft that's a comparison I've not had to make -- but Rickard did mention that factor in his message, so I thought perhaps he was not aware of the Italy option (and I don't really know if it would apply to his situation).
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>
>>> On 12/31/14 3:50 AM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:
>>> Be aware that for warranty work in Italy you will have to pay shipping both forth and back.
>>>
>>> 73, Paul OZ4UN
>>> Sendt fra min iPad
>>>
>>>> Den 30/12/2014 kl. 22.54 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>>>>
>>>> I thought there was a way to have such warranty work done in Italy.
>>>>
>>>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>>>
>>>>> On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:
>>>>> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
>>>>> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.
>>>>>
>>>>> 73, Rickard / SA2CIR
>>>>>
>>>>> N5NA wrote
>>>>>> This thread prompted me to replace my CMP/PWR encoder which has been a
>>>>>> problem for several years. When I ordered the encoder Elecraft
>>>>>> recommended replacing all four. The encoders are only $3.34 each plus
>>>>>> $3.50 for shipping.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I took a few pictures and wrote up what I did at
>>>>>> http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html
>>>>>> <http://www.n5na.net/s9y/index.php?/archives/26-Replacing-Elecraft-K3-Push-Button-Encoders.html>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> 73, Alan N5NA
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
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> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
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SA2CIR

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by Phil Wheeler-2

I was not aware of the Italian option, thank you for enlighten me! After some pondering I have decided to do the repair myself this time, but an authorized repair shop on ones continent is of course a big plus to have.

73, Rickard SA2CIR

Phil Wheeler-2 wrote

But how does that compare to shipping back and
forth across the Atlantic, Poul? Being 300 miles
from Elecraft that's a comparison I've not had to
make -- but Rickard did mention that factor in his
message, so I thought perhaps he was not aware of
the Italy option (and I don't really know if it
would apply to his situation).

73, Phil W7OX

On 12/31/14 3:50 AM, Poul Erik Karlshøj (PKA) wrote:
> Be aware that for warranty work in Italy you will have to pay shipping both forth and back.
>
> 73, Paul OZ4UN
>
>> Den 30/12/2014 kl. 22.54 skrev "Phil Wheeler" <[hidden email]>:
>> I thought there was a way to have such warranty work done in Italy.
>>
>> 73, Phil W7OX
>>
>>> On 12/30/14 1:18 PM, SA2CIR wrote:
>>> Yes, I could send in the rig for warranty repairs but time and costs for
>>> shipping back and forth over the Atlantic are not insignificant.

SA2CIR

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

Don,

Thank you for the reply! I will follow your advice, a new encoder is now on the way from Elecraft.

73, Rickard SA2CIR

Don Wilhelm-4 wrote

Richard,

I don't know of any way to resurrect a failing encoder. The fact that
the switch works is entirely different - the switch function is not
related to the rotational function of the encoder.

I would simply replace the encoder.

As far as the fact that it works for the first 10 seconds after a power
up is not really significant, that depends on the starting position of
the encoder. If the output from the encoder does not cycle in the A to
B (or B to A) sequence, the control will not be smooth, even though
subsequent (through frustration) rotation of the encoder will produce
some results.

73,
Don W3FPR

SA2CIR

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by Olli Tuppurainen

Olli,

Thank you! I will try to be careful and ESD safe.

73, Rickard SA2CIR

Olli Tuppurainen wrote

I replaced all four encoders ( with help from my friend ) couple of days ago. It was quite a job as the whole front panel has to be taken into pieces and DSP boards has to be taken off.
A good SMD rework station is recommended to clean through holes + experience in rework not to damage foils in PCB. New encoders are bit thicker so height difference has to be taken into account while assembling .

New encoders work smooth and great.

One notice, be careful when taking off the knobs as at least RIT encoder is not having nothing else than small soft metal clips holding it together ( Encoders metal nut has been left out as there is no room or thin enough nut was not available at the time mine was built )

BR

Olli
OH6CT

Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS

Re: K3 front panel encoders

Hi

does anybody know the type of those four encoders in order to find them on
DigiKey or so please?

Thanks

-----
73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to [hidden email]

73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt

Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS

Re: K3 front panel encoders

Thanks to Elecraft excellent support and unbelievable effort from them I got
it...
E640018 PEC11R-4015F-S0018 (PEC11R-4015F-S0018-ND by Digi-Key)

-----
73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt
--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
______________________________________________________________
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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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73 - Petr, OK1RP
"Apple & Elecraft freak"
B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt

Nr4c

Re: K3 front panel encoders

In reply to this post by Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS

Call Elecraft , that have them and will sell to you.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Oct 1, 2019, at 4:48 PM, Petr, OK1RP/M0SIS <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> does anybody know the type of those four encoders in order to find them on
> DigiKey or so please?
>
> Thanks
>
>
>
> -----
> 73 - Petr, OK1RP
> "Apple & Elecraft freak"
> B:http://ok1rp.blogspot.com
> MeWe: https://bit.ly/2HGPoDx
> MeWe: https://bit.ly/2FmwvDt
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]