Spinning the VFO knob on the Maestro

David Marotti

I have a Maestro attached to my 6500, and I love using the VFO A knob on the Maestro.  It is so well balanced that it makes spinning it very easy; especially when you are in a rush to get up or down the band collecting contacts.  However I noticed that when I do this (spin the knob), I hear the radio clicking inside the unit.  My question is: am I potentially doing damage to the radio by spinning the knob like this?  I know I can double tap the screen and accomplish the same thing, but I prefer the knob.  However I won't spin it any longer if this could potentially have a damaging effect.  Does anyone know for sure?

Ria

No damage at all. The relay clicks are just ATU or preselectors.

Ria

David Decoons, wo2x

When the radio panadapter gets to the point where it is showing out of band signals the bandpass filters are bypassed, hence the relay clicks.

Dave wo2x

David Marotti

Thank you Ria and Dave!  Good to know.   Just wanted to be sure I didn't damage anything.

John - K3MA

Is anyone making a aftermarket know for the Maestro?

KC2QMA_John

I bet 73cnc.com will have something in the future if demand is there. The knob can not be too heavy or it will damage the VFO encoder.

David Decoons, wo2x

John, the two vfo knobs on the Maestro are weighted. Not as heavy as a larger knob you would find on an FT10000D but decent for their size. I give mine a good spin at 1 kHz stepping and it will go quite a bit. Do tou have the Maestro and if so, what do you not like about the knobs? Haven’t heard you on the air. 73 Dave wo2x