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noisy VFO's

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Natan Huffman

noisy VFO's

Hello All,

Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
"noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
do find that noise most objectionable.
Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
drag. No drag leaves me with a
surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.

Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
solution?

Thanks,

Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
Freeville, NY
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Ken Wagner K3IU

Re: noisy VFO's

If there is not a felt washer between the VFO knob and the
panel, then that is your problem. I have never experienced
the noise that you describe after operating about 6
different K3s.
73, Ken K3IU
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On 12/13/2011 11:03 AM, Natan Huffman wrote:

> Hello All,
>
> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
> do find that noise most objectionable.
> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
> drag. No drag leaves me with a
> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>
> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
> solution?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
> Freeville, NY
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Keith Heimbold

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Natan Huffman

My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It is only annoying when I have the headphones off.

Keith

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>
> Is there anything else there?
>
> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft (dot)
> com. You'll get a quick response.
>
> 73,
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>
> Hello All,
>
> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
> do find that noise most objectionable.
> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
> drag. No drag leaves me with a
> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>
> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
> solution?
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
> Freeville, NY
> ______________________________________________________________
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Guy, K2AV

Re: noisy VFO's

Is there felt behind the knobs? 73, Guy.

On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:40 AM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It
> is only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>
> Keith
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
> > between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
> > washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
> >
> > Is there anything else there?
> >
> > If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft
> (dot)
> > com. You'll get a quick response.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Ron AC7AC
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email]
> > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
> > Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
> > accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date
> is
> > "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or
> eliminate
> > the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and
> I
> > do find that noise most objectionable.
> > Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
> > left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or
> no
> > drag. No drag leaves me with a
> > surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
> > leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
> >
> > Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
> > solution?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> >
> > Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
> > Freeville, NY
> > ______________________________________________________________
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Keith Heimbold

Re: noisy VFO's

I will have to check it this weekend. I got the rig fully assembled.

Keith

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Dec 13, 2011, at 9:35 AM, "Guy Olinger K2AV" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Is there felt behind the knobs? 73, Guy.
>
> On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 11:40 AM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It is only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>
> Keith
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> > That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
> > between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
> > washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
> >
> > Is there anything else there?
> >
> > If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft (dot)
> > com. You'll get a quick response.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Ron AC7AC
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [hidden email]
> > [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
> > Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
> > To: [hidden email]
> > Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
> >
> > Hello All,
> >
> > Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
> > accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
> > "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
> > the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
> > do find that noise most objectionable.
> > Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
> > left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
> > drag. No drag leaves me with a
> > surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
> > leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
> >
> > Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
> > solution?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> >
> >
> > Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
> > Freeville, NY
> > ______________________________________________________________
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>

Pete Smith N4ZR

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

Recently, my VFOA knob got a little wobbly, and then it started dragging
heavily, only when turned clockwise. I took the knob off and discovered
that the top one of the two control nuts had worked loose entirely, and
the bottom one was loose. Tightened them back up and readjusted the
drag, and everything was fine again. Perhaps yours is another variation
on this theme.

73, Pete N4ZR

The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000 AND now
at arcluster.reversebeacon.net port 7000

On 12/13/2011 11:40 AM, Keith Heimbold wrote:

> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It is only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>
> Keith
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire"<[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
>> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
>> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>>
>> Is there anything else there?
>>
>> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft (dot)
>> com. You'll get a quick response.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>
>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>> solution?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>>
>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>> Freeville, NY
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
>

dmb@lightstream.net

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Natan Huffman

Hello Natan,

I can hear the same thing here. Decent high frequency hearing and a
reasonably quiet shack are prerequisites to hearing it though. It's a
'shhhhh' sound that occurs as a result of the surface of the knob
dragging against the felt as the VFO knob is spun. I've considered
applying a light coat of mineral oil to the felt washer to quiet it
down, but haven't tried it yet. NOTE: I am not recommending this; I was
just thinking about trying it...

73, Dale
WA8SRA

On 12/13/2011 11:03 AM, Natan Huffman wrote:

Keith Heimbold

Re: noisy VFO's

Dale,

That describes the noise I hear as well.

Let me know if the oil treatment works.

Regards,

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Dec 13, 2011, at 12:29 PM, "Dale Boresz" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Hello Natan,
>
> I can hear the same thing here. Decent high frequency hearing and a
> reasonably quiet shack are prerequisites to hearing it though. It's a
> 'shhhhh' sound that occurs as a result of the surface of the knob
> dragging against the felt as the VFO knob is spun. I've considered
> applying a light coat of mineral oil to the felt washer to quiet it
> down, but haven't tried it yet. NOTE: I am not recommending this; I was
> just thinking about trying it...
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
>
>
> On 12/13/2011 11:03 AM, Natan Huffman wrote:
>> Hello All,
>>
>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>
>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>> solution?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>>
>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>> Freeville, NY
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Benson

Re: noisy VFO's

You might try wrapping the felt, torroid-like, with Teflon pipe thread tape.

NE4W

Sent from my Cap'n Crunch decoder ring

On Dec 13, 2011, at 5:13 PM, Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Dale,
>
> That describes the noise I hear as well.
>
> Let me know if the oil treatment works.
>
> Regards,
>
> Keith
> AG6AZ
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
> On Dec 13, 2011, at 12:29 PM, "Dale Boresz" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> Hello Natan,
>>
>> I can hear the same thing here. Decent high frequency hearing and a
>> reasonably quiet shack are prerequisites to hearing it though. It's a
>> 'shhhhh' sound that occurs as a result of the surface of the knob
>> dragging against the felt as the VFO knob is spun. I've considered
>> applying a light coat of mineral oil to the felt washer to quiet it
>> down, but haven't tried it yet. NOTE: I am not recommending this; I was
>> just thinking about trying it...
>>
>> 73, Dale
>> WA8SRA
>>
>>
>>
>> On 12/13/2011 11:03 AM, Natan Huffman wrote:
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
>>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
>>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
>>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
>>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>>
>>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>>> solution?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>>> Freeville, NY
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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Joe K2UF

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

I have only had my K3 since January but no noise. I have mine set pretty
loose. I wonder if you could turn the pad over. If that stops the noise
maybe just replacing the pad would work.

Joe K2UF

No trees were harmed in the sending of this e-mail; however, many electrons
were inconvenienced.

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Keith Heimbold
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 5:14 PM
To: Dale Boresz
Cc: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's

Dale,

That describes the noise I hear as well.

Let me know if the oil treatment works.

Regards,

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Dec 13, 2011, at 12:29 PM, "Dale Boresz" <[hidden email]> wrote:

is
>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or
eliminate
>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and
I
>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or
no

>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>
>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>> solution?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>>
>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>> Freeville, NY
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

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Jim

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Natan Huffman

When I got my K3 kit sn 3840 new just about two years ago, I noticed the same noise. I cannot hear that noise now, and the friction point is perfect for me, with about .5 to .75 extra rotation on a firm spin. I wouldn't suggest putting anything on that felt washer, it will break in. Jim WN8A
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Keith Heimbold

Re: noisy VFO's

This would validate the fact that the gentleman I purchased it from said he barely utilized the rig. Now an even bigger smile is on my face.

Keith
AG6AZ

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos

On Dec 14, 2011, at 12:06 PM, "Jim LeFevre" <[hidden email]> wrote:

> When I got my K3 kit sn 3840 new just about two years ago, I noticed the same noise. I cannot hear that noise now, and the friction point is perfect for me, with about .5 to .75 extra rotation on a firm spin. I wouldn't suggest putting anything on that felt washer, it will break in. Jim WN8A
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> 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
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Gary D Krause

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Keith Heimbold

My just built K3 also makes the same noise. It's the felt washer rubbing
against the back of the knob. I was tempted to push the washer down around
the nut against the front panel but, the manual isn't exactly clear as the
whether it should be applied this way. I laid the felt washer on top of the
nut since the hole is the middle of the washer isn't big enough to go over the
nut. Is the felt washer suppose to go around the nut?

Gary, N7HTS

On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:40:21 -0800
Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:

> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It is
>only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>
> Keith
>
> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>
> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
>> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
>> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>>
>> Is there anything else there?
>>
>> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft (dot)
>> com. You'll get a quick response.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: [hidden email]
>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
>> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
>> To: [hidden email]
>> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>>
>> Hello All,
>>
>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>
>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>> solution?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>>
>>
>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>> Freeville, NY
>> ______________________________________________________________
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> 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

Stewart@twinwood

Re: noisy VFO's

My wife provided me with some smoother felt which I cut into washers.
It is a lot quieter than the horse hair felt washers supplied.

73
Stewart G3RXQ
On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:55:54 -0700, Gary D Krause wrote:

> My just built K3 also makes the same noise. It's the felt washer rubbing
> against the back of the knob. I was tempted to push the washer down around
> the nut against the front panel but, the manual isn't exactly clear as the
> whether it should be applied this way. I laid the felt washer on top of the
> nut since the hole is the middle of the washer isn't big enough to go over the
> nut. Is the felt washer suppose to go around the nut?
>
> Gary, N7HTS
>
>
> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:40:21 -0800
> Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It is
>>only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>>
>> Keith
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>>
>> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
>>> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
>>> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>>>
>>> Is there anything else there?
>>>
>>> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft (dot)
>>> com. You'll get a quick response.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Ron AC7AC
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email]
>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date is
>>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or eliminate
>>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and I
>>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but I'm
>>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or no
>>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper drag
>>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply intolerable.
>>>
>>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper mitigation
>>> solution?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>>
>>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>>> Freeville, NY
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Tim Herrick

Re: noisy VFO's

Can you divulge the secret of this material or would your wife whip you into
an inch of doing dishes for not keeping it secret?

Tim Herrick, KQ8M
North Coast Contesters
[hidden email]

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Stewart
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2011 11:02 AM
To: Gary D Krause; Keith Heimbold; Elecraft
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's

My wife provided me with some smoother felt which I cut into washers.
It is a lot quieter than the horse hair felt washers supplied.

73
Stewart G3RXQ
On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:55:54 -0700, Gary D Krause wrote:
> My just built K3 also makes the same noise. It's the felt washer rubbing
> against the back of the knob. I was tempted to push the washer down
around
> the nut against the front panel but, the manual isn't exactly clear as the
> whether it should be applied this way. I laid the felt washer on top of
the
> nut since the hole is the middle of the washer isn't big enough to go over
the
> nut. Is the felt washer suppose to go around the nut?
>
> Gary, N7HTS
>
>
> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:40:21 -0800
> Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
>> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It
is

>>only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>>
>> Keith
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>>
>> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
>>> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
>>> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>>>
>>> Is there anything else there?
>>>
>>> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft

(dot)

>>> com. You'll get a quick response.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>>
>>> Ron AC7AC
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [hidden email]
>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
>>> To: [hidden email]
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>>>
>>> Hello All,
>>>
>>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date

is
>>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or
eliminate
>>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and
I
>>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but
I'm
>>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or
no
>>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper
drag
>>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply
intolerable.
>>>
>>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper
mitigation

>>> solution?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>>
>>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>>> Freeville, NY
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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

Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Gary D Krause

Gary,
I pressed the washer around the nut and placed the knob over it.
It has ben working fine ever since.
You can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD8QNVkIirc
(just after the 3 minute mark)

73
Arie PA3A
K3 #1255

Op 15-12-2011 16:55, Gary D Krause schreef:
> My just built K3 also makes the same noise. It's the felt washer rubbing
> against the back of the knob. I was tempted to push the washer down around
> the nut against the front panel but, the manual isn't exactly clear as the
> whether it should be applied this way. I laid the felt washer on top of the
> nut since the hole is the middle of the washer isn't big enough to go over the
> nut. Is the felt washer suppose to go around the nut?
>
> Gary, N7HTS
>
______________________________________________________________
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

Stewart@twinwood

Re: noisy VFO's

In reply to this post by Tim Herrick

What goes on in the "sewing room" is just as much a black art as AR is to her.

The material is the sort of felt that you would find on the top of billiard or pool table.
However none were sacrificed as far as I know...

73
Stewart G3RXQ

BTTD (back to the dishes)
On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:27:47 -0500, KQ8M wrote:

> Can you divulge the secret of this material or would your wife whip you into
> an inch of doing dishes for not keeping it secret?
>
>
> Tim Herrick, KQ8M
> North Coast Contesters
> [hidden email]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [hidden email]
> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Stewart
> Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2011 11:02 AM
> To: Gary D Krause; Keith Heimbold; Elecraft
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>
> My wife provided me with some smoother felt which I cut into washers.
> It is a lot quieter than the horse hair felt washers supplied.
>
> 73
> Stewart G3RXQ
> On Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:55:54 -0700, Gary D Krause wrote:
>> My just built K3 also makes the same noise. It's the felt washer rubbing
>> against the back of the knob. I was tempted to push the washer down
> around
>> the nut against the front panel but, the manual isn't exactly clear as the
>> whether it should be applied this way. I laid the felt washer on top of
> the
>> nut since the hole is the middle of the washer isn't big enough to go over
> the
>> nut. Is the felt washer suppose to go around the nut?
>>
>> Gary, N7HTS
>>
>>
>> On Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:40:21 -0800
>> Keith Heimbold <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>> My newly acquired K3 makes this VFO noise as well for the VFO A knob. It
> is
>>>only annoying when I have the headphones off.
>>>
>>> Keith
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos
>>>
>>> On Dec 13, 2011, at 8:28 AM, "Ron D'Eau Claire" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> That's something entirely new, Natan, and not normal for a K3. The pad
>>>> between the knob and the front panel should be nothing but a soft felt
>>>> washer, virtually noiseless as the knob turns.
>>>>
>>>> Is there anything else there?
>>>>
>>>> If not, recommend that you drop an e-mail to K3support (at) Elecraft
> (dot)
>>>> com. You'll get a quick response.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>>
>>>> Ron AC7AC
>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: [hidden email]
>>>> [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Natan Huffman
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 8:03 AM
>>>> To: [hidden email]
>>>> Subject: [Elecraft] noisy VFO's
>>>>
>>>> Hello All,
>>>>
>>>> Last Friday I took delivery of a new K3 along with a P3 and lots of
>>>> accessories including Fred Cady's book on the K3. Only problem to date
> is
>>>> "noisy" VFO knobs. The technique to lessen drag does decrease or
> eliminate
>>>> the noise which sounds like fingernails dragged across a chalk board and
> I
>>>> do find that noise most objectionable.
>>>> Of course I can free myself of the noise by backing off the knobs but
> I'm
>>>> left with no noise, and no drag at all. So my choices are no noise, or
> no
>>>> drag. No drag leaves me with a
>>>> surprisingly free turning VFO knobs that is problematical and proper
> drag
>>>> leaves me with that horrible scraping which for me is simply
> intolerable.
>>>>
>>>> Has anyone come up with this same problem and has found proper
> mitigation
>>>> solution?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Natan W6XR, C6AXR, VS6KR
>>>> Freeville, NY
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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