broken AF knob

[Edwin Johnson]

> It was?a common problem and it happened to me twice already but Elecraft took
> care of me and sent me two knobs,the last ones they sent me look like they
> are better,I have been using them for 6 months and no broken anymore,I ~ AD4C

> I've only had my K3 #2626 5 months. The AF knob loosened today. When I
> finally found an alan small enough to tighten it the knob split before it was
> even snugged up. Not cranked. Wasn't there a thread about this about the
> ~K9IL

Good to know. I thought I was careful in tightening the setscrews, as they
recommended, but the RF knob broke completely and the AF has a crack. If you
notice (at least mine), the setscrew is simply threaded into the plastic of the
knob and has no threaded metal insert, which would help prevent this.
Since there is always pressure, once tightened, on the threads, any fissure
beginning at the threads will eventually lead to a crack.

I epoxyed mine back together, but may call or email Elecraft with an inquiry.
Perhaps they have gone to a better grade of knob by now.

...Edwin, KD5ZLB
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[P.B. Christensen]

> I epoxyed mine back together, but may call or email Elecraft with an
> inquiry.
> Perhaps they have gone to a better grade of knob by now.

Elecraft has been great about getting knob replacements out very quickly.  I
first noticed a crack in my knobs after using the K3 in ~ 40 degree
temperatures.   Going forward, knobs with a brass collar would be a good
choice.  Contesters and those who take their K3s out on DXpeditions may want
to consider keeping a spare set available in the event the knobs crack in
the heat of the moment.

Paul, W9AC

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[W5CEM]

  Contesters and those who take their K3s out on DXpeditions may want
to consider keeping a spare set available in the event the knobs crack in
the heat of the moment.

Which is exactly what mine did during FD!  But a call to Aptos on Monday morning and two knobs were in my POB by the time I got home.  And yes, they do seem to be a bit sturdier.  But the extra knob idea is a good one.  We took the one off the SUB pot, as I don't have the second receiver, moved it up to the AF and went on with our Q's.

cleve/W5CEM

[K2QI]

I ordered a set of machined concentric knobs from Mouser.  You should check
those out.

James K2QI

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of W5CEM
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 2:08 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] broken AF knob


  Contesters and those who take their K3s out on DXpeditions may want
to consider keeping a spare set available in the event the knobs crack in
the heat of the moment.

Which is exactly what mine did during FD!  But a call to Aptos on Monday
morning and two knobs were in my POB by the time I got home.  And yes, they
do seem to be a bit sturdier.  But the extra knob idea is a good one.  We
took the one off the SUB pot, as I don't have the second receiver, moved it
up to the AF and went on with our Q's.

cleve/W5CEM
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[KM5Q]

Regarding my cracked knobs, here's the factory reply:

> On Jul 20, 2009, at 8:52 AM, Richard AD7FZ wrote:
>
>> Hello Windy, yes we did get a batch of poor quality small knobs. I  
>> think most of them have been replaced but we are getting a new more  
>> reinforced batch of knobs in a month or 2. If one of your small  
>> knobs broke, you got one of the bad ones (problem is they look like  
>> the good knobs). I will be glad to send out a replacement knob or 2  
>> if the ones you have now break. Just let me know. Yes waiting is  
>> your best bet, but if one breaks please let me know and we'll send  
>> you a replacement. Thanks 73 Richard
>

Since my superglue is holding for now, I'm going to wait.

Contact:
[hidden email]

Windy KM5Q
K3 #764
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[.k8dd.-2]

James Sarte wrote:
> I ordered a set of machined concentric knobs from Mouser.  You should check
> those out.
>
> James K2QI
>

That sounds like a good idea ..... What was the part number?

Thanks
Hank    K8DD

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