Friendly Everyday Mad Scientist wrote in message ...
2. Still using DDS for the LO? Make sure the encoder knob "feels" like a
good old variable capacitor (or variable inductor). I have been
universally disappointed by the shaft encoders used on current
synthesized radios.
US Digital has a line of optical encoders that spin freely
and with no hint of inbalance or friction, let alone actual
detents.
I just checked out their web site. Their encoders seem heavily biased
towards the industrial positioner market, and I see how friction is
very undesirable there. But some of their lower end ones look very
amenable to putting a knob on (preferably a nice big heavy knob with a
spinner...)
But friction on the tuning knob isn't necessarily a bad thing... a certain
amount of friction is a good thing, and I think most of the better government-
aimed receivers even have adjustable knob tension.
One thing I don't miss at all about the "good old days" is backlash in
the tuning mechanism! Here direct-drive optical encoders are a clear
winner.
I played with one and was as impressed by its performance as
I was shocked by its price. 
Then again, $50 for an
optical encoder that lasts forever is probably a lot better
than $25 for one that feels "clicky" and mechanically wears
out after a short time, especially in the "Craft" end of
production volumes.
I wore out a few TenTec PTO's in my younger days - not all the
"old" VFO's were mechanically robust either. And a lot of Heathkit
equipment used a shaft reducer that seemed to depend on some kind of
vaseline-like grease for operation.
The prices on the US Digital encoders do seem very good.
I still am rather annoyed at Drake for putting such a
lousy encoder on the R8B. For that kind of money, I'd
expect something with a lot better longevity and feel. I'd
have gladly paid an extra $50 for the radio for the
"optical" option, if Drake had offered it. I bet a lot of
you would too, given how much better they work.
I don't like detents at all either. I want it to feel like good old
VFO.
Tim.