Encoders for T41 Radios

From the very beginning of the T41 project, Al and Jack recommended “Bourns” brand encoders. I agree that they are 100% correct on this.

I’ve also used the cheaper encoders from the usual sources like Amazon, eBay etcetera. They work, but not in the same way as the Bourns encoders.

What you get with the Bourns encoders is a smoother, more “analog” experience when tuning the radio. This is especially important for the frequency tuning. Nice smooth tuning with no backlash has always been a prized feature of any HF receiver.

I have used this particular Bourns encoder for fine frequency tuning with outstanding results. This is a Bourns PEC16 series encoder:

Bourns encoder with no detent

I put a junk-box spinner knob on the no detent fine tuning encoder and the tuning is silky smooth! With no detent, there is no clicky noise as the encoder is turned. I think this is desirable for precision, fine frequency tuning.

For the other three encoders, I use a Bourns from the same series only with detent:

Bourns encoder with detent

If you want a knob which works with this encoder, Digikey has a nice one, but you might find a better deal elsewhere:

Bourns PEC16 series encoder compatible knob

I solder wires direct to the pins of the encoders. This is a bit fragile, but it works and doesn’t require any sort of custom encoder board.

Note that the PEC16 series of encoders is physically larger than the typical encoder. These are panel mount style and the mounting hardware is included. The shaft diameter is 9mm. I had to ream out the holes in my 4SQRP radio to install them. If you 3D print your front panel, you will have to take this larger diameter into account.

73 Greg KF5N