Hi Al, This issue has been resolved for a number of months. See my list posting addressing this in the thread you referred to.
73, Eric [email protected] wrote: >After 2+ years of operation K-3 SN31 has just succumbed to a compound failure >of the smaller Main control AF and RF knobs. >I thought I was pretty lucky when I first saw list notes about the knobs >failing and figured maybe a bad batch, etc. The rig SN 31 was originally >placed in service in late October 2007. Last week during CQWW I lost AF >control, determined the knob ws slipping and took a closer look. One of the >set screws was at the face of a fracture that ran across the entire half of >the shaft recess. For a quick fix, I decided to swap knobs with RF control. I >no sooner slipped the other knob on the AF shaft and it split lengthwise. >Quick trip to the junk box and an old Heathkit all metal knob saved the day. > >Today I take a look at the list and WOW what do I see, 3 days of knobitis has >hit the fan. So, maybe the problem is not going to go away that soon. I >figure if Elecraft hasn't been real responsive about the problem, they are at >a loss for answers and need a few days to regroup. It does happen now and >then. So, I haven't called for or requested any replacement pars right now. >What I have done is take a look at some of the vast number of oscilloscopes I >have piled up around my classroom. I have Leader, Heath, Phillips, Toshiba, >Hitachi, Tek, ad HPs - several dozen. The only one that doesn't have a mini >shaft control onit anywhere is a 60 year old DuMont. At least 75% of these >scopes are over 25 years old and have had pretty rough handling in school >room. Some I even brought to the classroom after 20 years use in my >engineering Labs. Not one has ever had to have a knob replaced for breakage. > >So what's the difference? As far as I can tell the main difference, besides >color, is the old well used knobs are made of a platic that is more compliant, >and most have a metal collar inserted in them, but not all. The Heatkits from >early days - up til about 1970 used metal knobs in most ham rig applications. >My 54 year old Hallicrafters use plain plastic knobs - no inserts but larger >shaft size. > >I have always used a very light touch when tightening the set screws, so I >have no fear I overdid it. > >Right now the plan here is to get the operation stabilized with the best thing >I can find, then, if I like the feel and appearance, stick with it til >Elecraft gets a handle on things and can supply good replacements. Some of >the Heath metal knobs are an almost perfect match and could be anodized black >for a durable finish. > >Al, WA6VNN >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:[email protected] > >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:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
