[Elecraft] Loss of VFO B encoder control

[Rick and Theresa Low]

(separate weekend mail sent to K3support)

I'm in the middle of "Test and Calibration", which begins on page 64 of the Assembly manual.

Initial power Checks: satisfactory
Synthesizer Calibration: completed satisfactorily
Filter setup: made it through Filter Bandwidth Setup and Filter Center Frequency Setup...but it appears the settings may not have been accepted...and I've lost control of the ability to change anything using the VFO B encoder.

Symptoms:
tap MENU only brings up the LCD BRT, and I can turn the VFO A and see the display brighten and dim.
hold CONFIG only brings up FW REVS. Again, I can turn VFO A and cycle through uC, d1, FL and dr.

I took apart the front panel and re-checked assembly and fit, with no apparent problems (but obviously I'm missing something). So everything is back together again. I've thought about trying to hook up to a computer to attempt configuration using K3 Untility, but I can't access the rig's menus to set up for RS232 communications.

So, any ideas out there for what I might be able to try this weekend, before the company opens up for business on Monday?

thanks 73, Rick N6CY

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[Jerry Flanders]

I had a bad encoder assembly in the K3 I assembled recently - I
proved it by swapping A and B encoders and observing the problem
switch with it. Elecraft shipped me a new one which fixed it (after
much sweat replacing it - that front panel removal is a PITA).

I suspect Elecraft is not checking the encoders before shipping them to us.

Jerry W4UK

[Don Wilhelm]

Rick,

Does the VFO B knob change the frequency of VFO B? If it does, there is
nothing wrong with the encoder, and you should send a note to
K3su...@elecraft.com.

If not, swap the encoder between VFO B and RIT (or VFO A and VFO B
whichever is easiest for you) - if the problem follows the encoder
position, ask for a replacement encoder.
If the problem stays with VFO B, then there is a front panel problem and
you should ask K3su...@elecraft.com for additional assistance.

73,
Don W3FPR

Rick and Theresa Low wrote:

> (separate weekend mail sent to K3support)
>
> I'm in the middle of "Test and Calibration", which begins on page 64 of the Assembly manual.
>
> Initial power Checks: satisfactory
> Synthesizer Calibration: completed satisfactorily
> Filter setup: made it through Filter Bandwidth Setup and Filter Center Frequency Setup...but it appears the settings may not have been accepted...and I've lost control of the ability to change anything using the VFO B encoder.
>
>

[Rick and Theresa Low]

Hello Don,

The encoder in the VFO B spot does not change VFO B displayed frequency (and does not change any of the menu items, either.

Thanks for the reply.

73 Rick N6CY
Reston, VA

[Don Wilhelm]

I have been reminded that the RIT uses a different encoder - sorry for
the confusion. Maybe I can write it off as a 'senior moment' - please
excuse me for not checking the parts list first.

73,
Don W3FPR

[Rick Low]

After swapping the VFO A and B encoders on my K3 work-in-progress, the "no encoder control" problem moved from VFO B to VFO A. So separately I've email K3support asking for a replacement encoder.

Now, has anyone come up with a better solution for separating the front panel from the main radio, being kind to the paint job? I haven't ding'ed it yet after four attach/remove cycles, but the two "insert screwdriver here" slots just aren't cutting it for me!

73 Rick N6CY

-----Original Message-----
From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:w3...@embarqmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 18:53
To: Rick and Theresa Low
Cc: elec...@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Loss of VFO B encoder control

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Rick, N6CY, asked:

"...has anyone come up with a better solution for separating the front panel

from the main radio, being kind to the paint job? I haven't ding'ed it yet
after four attach/remove cycles, but the two "insert screwdriver here" slots
just aren't cutting it for me!"

--------------------

What's the problem is with the screwdriver slots, Rick?

Ron AC7AC