Who all has had a FlexControl Knob Seize Up (Will not rotate nor does the switch work)?

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Who all has had a FlexControl Knob Seize Up (Will not rotate nor does the switch work)? This happened all of the sudden during Field Day (of all times to fail). Just curious...

73, Dave K4EET
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Rev. David E. Hamm, K4EET

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  • Disappointed

Posted 3 years ago

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3 years ago
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Rob Blackie

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check this out https://community.flexradio.com/flexradio/topics/flex_control_knob_physically_siezed_up
3 years ago
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WBB

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Open device manager
Delete all com ports
Reboot machine
2016-06-26T03:51:19+00:00
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Rob Blackie

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how would deleting your com ports solve a seized knob ??
2016-06-26T09:52:04+00:00
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WBB

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Sorry
I thought seized meaning no response when rotating a free knob; since the person also said their buttons did not work either
My controller, when I fist got it had issues with the com port

Disregard for p
2016-06-27T18:07:56+00:00
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Rob Fissel

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Deleting all COM ports is probably a really bad idea, considering there are many virtual COM ports that we all have in place as a result of installing SmartCAT. 
3 years ago
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Ken - NM9P, Elmer

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Dave,
I blew through two different ones of these shortly after I got my 6500 almost three years ago. FRS was excellent with their response. It was within the warranty period and I had worked the heck out of it in several long contests within the first few months. Tim sent a replacement that I received in just a few days. Unfortunately, The replacement didn't last long either. The third time was charmed, because it has worked flawlessly since then...over two years, if memory serves me well. I never heard anything from a quality control review about them, (I wouldn't really expect them to report such an internal matter) but I suspect they were given some parts that were not up to the required specs. Luckily, I have heard of very few of these that have failed like this. I just happened to be the lucky guy who found two of them in a row. What are the odds of that?

No gripes against FRS, though. Their customer service was top notch both times. And I still wouldn't have a 6000 series rig without a FlexControl Knob. It is essential equipment in my book.

Ken - NM9P
3 years ago
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Bob Craig, K8RC

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Did you rule out someone spilled a beer beverage on it? ;)
3 years ago
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Rob Blackie

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looks like a clear quality control issue, I haven't used mine yet ( still waiting on my 6300 ) but this USB controller does not look very sturdy,  mine wasn't even t put together correctly,  I had to find a tiny Allen wrench to tighten the grub screw as the knob was lying loose in the box, consequently the brushed aluminium was scratched up, the retailer said it was an unopened box straight from the factory   ..  :(
(Edited)
3 years ago
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k3Tim

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A lot of users have been using these w/o issue. My own experience has been excellent with extensive used for over a year. The usage has dropped off with Maestro in the station.

Tim
2016-06-26T04:42:53+00:00
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Rob Blackie

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time will tell I suppose ..
3 years ago
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John AD6NR

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The rotary encoder in my "knob" mechanically failed about a month ago after light use for more than a year.  It felt like something was broken inside when a rotated it and the switch did not work.   I sent an inquiry to FRS asking if I could get a replacement part.  They said I could send it in for repair.   Since the minimum for the repair was about the same as a new knob - I just got used to using the scroll knob on my mouse.    
3 years ago
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Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager

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Official Response
David has done the right thing by submitting a HelpDesk ticket for his hardware issue, which will facilitate getting his issue resolved in the quickest manner.
3 years ago
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Rob Blackie

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got my 6300, very nice, but what do the buttons do on my usb controller ?  apart from light up when I press them ?

 it came with no manual etc

2016-06-27T15:30:51+00:00
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Chris DL5NAM

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i hate also to read manuals !
2016-06-27T15:59:52+00:00
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Rob Blackie

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" it came with no manual etc "

2016-06-27T16:24:17+00:00
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Rob Blackie

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but yes, your right, if it DID have a manual, I wouldn't read it LOL
3 years ago
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WW1SS - Steve

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You go into Smart SDR setup and select Flex Knob and set them for whatever you like. I have 1 set for volume,2 AGC threshold, 3 Slice select, knob is frequency. So select button 1 turn knob volume goes up and down. Push knob . . . change frequency
3 years ago
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Rob Blackie

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Thanks steven, much appreciated,.. but how do I disengage  a button ? as in all buttons ? re-pressing does no do it

cheers rob

(Edited)
3 years ago
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Rob Blackie

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WAIT .. I had to assign one of the buttons to tune active slice..

sorry, just finding my way through it

thanks Steven. :)

3 years ago
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Ken - NM9P, Elmer

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The SSDR users guide is available on the FlexRadio.com website.

http://www.flexradio.com/downloads/sm...

Ken - NM9P
2016-06-27T16:31:49+00:00
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Rob Blackie

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thanks Ken :)
2016-06-27T16:40:23+00:00
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Ken - NM9P, Elmer

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If you don't have it, you can find the FlexControlKnob quick start install guide here...

http://www.flexradio.com/downloads/ss...
(Edited)
3 years ago
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Dave - WB5NHL

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I just had my Flex Control seize up at Field Day this weekend.  I was able to get the freq change knob to rotate freely with contact cleaner but the knob push button reset no longer works. Opened a Help Desk ticket this morning. Sounds like a common problem with the rotary encoder!
2016-06-28T20:08:43+00:00
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Tim - W4TME, Customer Experience Manager

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It is not a common problem.  But being a moving mechanical device, they are subject to wear.

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