Elecraft K3 Assembly Manual User Manual

Page 36

Place the VFO A encoder in the opening near the center of the front panel board so the shaft protrudes

through the opening under the LCD. Be careful to avoid dropping the lock washer into to the space between the
front panel board and the front panel. Normally, the lock washer hangs on the threads while you put the encoder
in place. Optionally, you can hold the encoder with the shaft upright and place the front-panel assembly over it
until the shaft is through the hole. Orient the encoder so the pins mate with connector J33 on the front panel
board as shown in Figure 43.

Figure 43. Mounting VFO Encoders.

Place a 1/2” (13mm) inside tooth lock washer and nut on the threaded shaft of the VFO A encoder and

tighten them against the front panel. Take care not to damage the front panel paint with your tools.

Prepare the remaining encoder for VFO B as shown in Figure 43. Be sure the nut is tight against the

shoulder of the ferrule. Cut only the five pins shown close to the back of the pc board so they do not extend
above the solder pads. Cutting them avoids the possibility of a short circuit to an adjacent pc board when the K3
is assembled.

Figure 44. VFO B Encoder Assembly Preparation for Installation.

Place the VFO B encoder in the opening near the end of the front panel board so the nut rests against the

inside of the front panel and the encoder pins mate with J34. The connectors may not mate fully, leaving a very
small area of the pins showing. That is normal.

Place a 1/2” (13mm) inside tooth lock washer and nut on the threaded shaft of the VFO B encoder and

tighten them against the front panel. Take care not to damage the front panel paint with your tools.

Place a second 1/2” (13mm) nut on the VFO A encoder shaft under the LCD and tighten it against the nut

you installed earlier (see Figure 45).

Locate the clear plastic LCD display cover and VFO A trim panel. They may have an adhesive paper

covering them for protection. If so remove it. If needed, wash the them in warm water with mild soap. To avoid
etching or scratching the surface, do not use harsh detergents or wipe them with paper towels.