failed encoders

[DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL]

As far as I am concerned, there have been a lot more "failed encoders"
than have been cited on the elecraft reflector.  I personally has
three guys call me to inquire about it (months ago now) and none of
them posted anything here.  The first guy got a "try swapping with VFO
A" approach and since VFO A then "failed," it confirmed a bad encoder
which was promptly replaced.  Since then, I think "failed encoders"
are simply replaced without asking the user to remove the FP and swap
encoders A<>B.

It's too bad that parts fail, but it is a great story that they are
replaced so quickly.  I think this is called "rescue service" in the
customer support field.

de Doug KR2Q
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[David Pratt-2]

In a recent message, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL <[hidden email]> wrote ...
>As far as I am concerned, there have been a lot more "failed encoders"
>than have been cited on the elecraft reflector.

The problem with the shaft encoders used in the K3 is with bad design.
The body of the encoder is held together with four long, tiny rivets
that rely on their tightness to hold the thing together. If hard
pressure is applied to the spindle, this can push the encoder apart.
Unlike some of the old-style potentiometers, there is no circlip fitted
to the spindle to prevent it pushing in.

The problem with my VFO A encoder occurred after receiving my K3 back
from Aptos after a repair. Sufficient pressure on the knob during
transit can cause the problem as could also the pressure applied when
fitting the rubber finger grip to the main tuning knob.

The design of the encoder could be improved by the use of a circlip on
the spindle and/or by the use of small threaded screws in place of the
existing rivets.

I have drawn this to the attention of Elecraft with a suggestion that a
word of caution be included in the Assembly Manual. I am unsure as to
whether this has yet happened.

--
David G4DMP
Leeds, England, UK
------


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