Roses for Elecraft

[K5LAD]

Just a note to reinforce what so many of us know about the
quality (and quantity) of the customer service provided by
Elecraft.  It's not the first time they've helped me and I'm sure it
won't be the last......... certainly won't be the last time I'll need
their help.

My K3 developed a problem in the main tuning encoder and/or
knob of VFO A as I was preparing my station for operation in this
weekend's CQ WWDX Contest.  The tuning has always been
smooth and easy to do but a couple of days ago, the tuning
became more difficult.  Instead of easily spinning the knob with a
finger, it took a pretty good grip on the knob to move it, although
the encoder was still working properly for the operation.  I sure did
not look forward to the contest operation with such a hindrance.  I
could have used the VFO B knob with the second receiver but
that's just not the same, especially for multiple hours.

I searched through reflector messages spanning a couple of
years and found lots of notes about split tandem knobs and
expensive replacement knobs from others but nothing to match
the problem I was having.

I sent the following message to [hidden email]:
-------------------------
My K3 is S/N 1068 and within the last several days the primary
encoder on the VFO A knob has become difficult to turn. When it
does turn, it tunes the transceiver correctly but it is just hard to
move and it seems to be getting even more difficult, the more I try
to move it. I was planning to make a major effort in the coming
CQ WWDX Contest this weekend but if there's not an easy and
quick fix, I'll have to go back to my IC-756PRO and I didn't want to
do that.

I've always been very careful in tuning to not place any weight on
the knob since I know that could eventually cause a problem.
Previously, this encoder has been very free and easily turned but
it just got difficult overnight.

I also can move the encoder shaft up and down and side to side a
small bit and I don't believe it did that previously. The B VFO
encoder certainly doesn't.

Is there something I can do, short of disassembly?

Anxious,
Jim - K5LAD
----------------------

Within the hour, I had two answers back, within a few minutes of
each other........ one from Gary - AB7MY in Arizona and the other
from Dale - K6ZP in California.  Both offered excellent
suggestions of possible quick repairs and/or workarounds.

I removed the finger guard around the knob to access the set
screw and removed the large knob.  What I found was, the
second (outer) nut was completely unscrewed and the other was
quite loose. (My wife asked me how that could happen and I told
her, "Overuse."  She was not amused.)

Once I got the main control nut re-tightened and the second one
snugged back up tight, the felt washer fit right back on, the knob
went back on, tightened up the set screw and replaced the finger
grip................. smoooooooooth as silk and turns effortlessly
like before.

I thought of all the things that made this activity into a "knock your
socks off" customer service example.
1. Immediate response
2. Expert and knowledgeable help
3. Willingness to help and help immediately
4. An ability and willingness to supply needed parts quickly if
       
necessary

Then I thought about the competition and wondered how many of
this list I would have seen from them if my transceiver had
displayed a different name on it other than Elecraft.  I'm pretty
sure I could easily answer that and so could hundreds (or
thousands) of satisfied Elecraft users.

Thanks Elecraft
Thanks Gary
Thanks Dale

I'll see all you DX operators in the contest this weekend.

73,
Jim - K5LAD






===============================
Life is like a football ---
It ain't round ... It'll bounce funny on ya.

http://www.hayseed.net/~jpk5lad/

______________________________________________________________
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

[Dale - K7DNH]

K5LAD wrote

I thought of all the things that made this activity into a "knock your
socks off" customer service example.

Then I thought about the competition and wondered how many of
this list I would have seen from them if my transceiver had
displayed a different name on it other than Elecraft.  I'm pretty
sure I could easily answer that and so could hundreds (or
thousands) of satisfied Elecraft users.

I’ll give you another example of the quality of Elecraft and the care and concern of the owners of the company for their customers.

I had a couple of component failures under the warranty period of my K3, which were professionally addressed by the service team. One problem was very intermittent that gave the guys fits… they even put the radio in the refrigerator and then warmed it back up to get the thing to rear it’s ugly head. But they stuck with it and conquered the beast.

Later, not too long AFTER the warranty had expired my radio had another failure.  I was heartbroken to say the least. I emailed Wayne and explained the situation. He felt that the concerns I had experienced were “unprecedented” and should have never occurred with any Elecraft product…

and he sent me A BRAND NEW RADIO!    What other manufacturer would have done that!  

I have read on this reflector about a few folks that have mentioned about many of us here have been drinking “Elecraft Kool-Aid”. Well  - all I have to say about that is

“PASS ME ANOTHER PITCHER!"

Needless to say I will always be a loyal customer, fan and promoter of Elecraft!  

Dale
K7DNH

[Chris W7CTH]

This is what sold me on the K3. The customer service..

Chris W7CTH

[Doug Faunt N6TQS [phone]]

I'm sold- after I installed the KSYN stiffeners before my upcoming trip
to ZK2 and VK9, my radio didn't put out any power.  Gary gave me a bit
of information that was pointed in the right direction, but didn't
take care of the problem, so I got a return authorization and then
hand carried it to Watsonville on Monday.  Today, I got a call telling
me that the problem was a crushed SMT cap on a KSYN board, it was all
fixed and checked out, and it'll be sent out tomorrow.  I expect it on
Monday, since even regular UPS, Watsonville to here, is essentially
overnight.  Fast service and a PHONE CALL telling me what was
wrong!!!!

BTW, this is the first change that's been a problem (and I usually do
the SMT change)- I must have been clumsy with the board, somehow.

73, doug
______________________________________________________________
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